bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Humidity Variation in Crawl Spaces of Japanese Houses
Authors: Iwamae Atsushi , Matsumoto Mamoru
Published: June 2007

We found that many houses experience summer condensation in the crawl spaces. These houses are constructed in compliance with the Japanese Building Code requirements for crawl space ventilation and contain ground covers. The humidity in the crawl space affects durability of the house. We have monitored the temperature and humidity variations of 36 houses in Japan over two years and confirmed the annual variations of hygro-thermal conditions in the crawl spaces by the numerical analysis. Numerical calculations using a one-dimensional heat transfer model agreed well with the measured results.

These results show that during the summer, houses in this region of Japan have extremely high humidity in crawl spaces. The daily average of crawl space vapor pressure is nearly equal to that of the outdoors. The effects of floor thermal resistance and ground moisture are also estimated in this paper.
Male Violence, Stress, and Neuroendocrine Parameters in Pregnancy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Talley Pam , Heitkemper Margaret , Chicz-Demet Alexandra , Sandman Curt A.
Published: June 2007

Stress during pregnancy has been associated with a number of adverse outcomes. This study compared and correlated neuroendocrine parameters in women (n = 8) who self-reported battering during their pregnancy to those in women who did not (n = 8). Women who identified themselves as having a violent relationship with an intimate partner were recruited from a rural midwestern community. They were matched on age, self-reported ethnicity, parity, gestational age, and personal and family income with nonbattered controls. Midgestational measures of self-reported stress levels showed that battered women reported markedly higher levels of anxiety and depression. Neuroendocrine levels were not different between groups (battered vs. nonbattered); however, the relationships among hormones were different between groups. In nonbattered women, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were correlated but not in battered women. Beta endorphin and ACTH levels in battered women showed a significant linear relationship but not in nonbattered women. These results suggest that the maternal experience of stress alters the relationship of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-placental axis hormones despite the lack of absolute differences in blood levels.
Effect of Early Low-Intensity Exercise on Rat Hind-Limb Muscles Following Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Choe Myoung-Ae , An Gyeong Ju , Lee Yoon-Kyong , Im Ji Hye , Choi-Kwon Smi , Heitkemper Margaret
Published: June 2007

This study examined the effects of daily low-intensity exercise following acute stroke on mass, Type I and II fiber cross-sectional area, and myofibrillar protein content of hind-limb muscles in a rat model. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (n = 7-9 per group): stroke (occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery [RMCA]), control (sham RMCA procedure), exercise, and stroke-exercise. Beginning 48 hours post-stroke induction/sham operation, rats in the exercise group had 6 sessions of exercise in which they ran on a treadmill at grade 10 for 20 min/day at 10 m/min. At 8 days poststroke, all rats were anesthetized and soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles were dissected from both the affected and unaffected sides. After 6 sessions of exercise following acute ischemic stroke, the stroke-exercise group showed the following significant (p < .05) increases compared to the stroke-only group: body weight and dietary intake, muscle weight of affected soleus and both affected and unaffected gastrocnemius muscle, Type I fiber cross-sectional area of affected soleus and both affected and unaffected gastrocnemius muscle, Type II fiber cross-sectional area of the unaffected soleus, both affected and unaffected plantaris and gastrocnemius muscle, Type II fiber distribution of affected gastrocnemius muscle, and myofibrillar protein content of both affected and unaffected soleus muscle. Daily low-intensity exercise following acute stroke attenuates hind-limb muscle atrophy in both affected and unaffected sides. The effects of exercise are more pronounced in the soleus and gastrocnemius as compared to the plantaris muscle.
Organizational Time: a Dialectical View
Authors: e Cunha Miguel Pina
Published: June 2007

I develop 12 propositions, constituting a contribution to a dialectical view of time in organizations that synthesizes apparently opposite perspectives. To articulate them, the ‘planning’, ‘action’ and ‘improvisation’ strategic orientations to the ‘dependent’, ‘independent’ and ‘interdependent’ perspectives of the environment are related. Then these strategic orientations are related to approaches to the problems of scheduling, synchronization and time allocation. ‘Action’ strategies rely on event time to handle scheduling, use entrainment to synchronize with their environment and view time as linear. ‘Planning’ strategies use even time to handle scheduling, impose their internal pacing upon the environment and view time as cyclic. Improvisational strategies use ‘even–event’ time to handle scheduling, synchronize via ‘internal– external’ pacing and hold a spiral view of time. The argument strengthens the case for a more deliberate approach to time in organizations and favours a dialectical view of organizational phenomena.
Chinese travellers to the United States — An emerging market
Authors: Cai Liping A. , O’Leary Joseph , Boger Carl
Published: June 2007

The study was designed to achieve a twofold objective. It examined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and trip-related attributes of outbound Chinese travellers to the United States. This particular market was then compared with Chinese visitors bound for nine Asia-Pacific countries and regions designated by the Chinese government as leisure travel destinations, and Chinese visitors to Japan and Western Europe. The purpose was to provide a profile of the US-bound Chinese market and identify a number of characteristics and attributes that significantly differentiated it from the other markets.
Political risk and other barriers to tourism promotion in Africa: Perceptions of US-based travel intermediaries
Authors: Brown Desmond Omotayo
Published: June 2007

This paper uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches to delineate empirically US-based travel intermediaries’ perceived barriers to tourism promotion in Africa. Two types of political risk factors were delineated in Africa: regionalised and globalised political risk. Regionalised political risk was perceived to have higher negative effects on profits than globalised risk. Although no statistically significant differences in perception regarding both risk factors were found to exist between eastern, western, southern and northern African region promoters, tourism promoters to multiple destination regions perceived a slightly lower globalised risk than those who promote tourism to single regions. Using an open-ended format, ‘other factors’ constituting barriers and threats to tourism promotion in Africa were delineated using content analysis. Suggestions for further improvements are discussed.
The UK tour-operating industry: A competitive analysis
Authors: Dale Crispin
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the growth and structure of the UK tour-operating industry using competitive analysis models as developed by Porter and more latterly Thurlby. It argues that after a period of aggressive consolidation through acquisitions and mergers, a situation has arisen whereby the major tour operators maintain power over buyers and suppliers and have concurrently formed barriers to entry for new entrants. However, with the emergence of new forces, the major players face fresh challenges from virtual and niche entrants who are gaining a competitive position with the tour-operating environment.
Wellness tourism: Market analysis of a special health tourism segment and implications for the hotel industry
Authors: Mueller Hansruedi , Kaufmann Eveline Lanz
Published: June 2007

The term ‘wellness’ is widely used in European tourism. The principal observations regarding the wellness industry concern an expanding supply of and an insufficiently researched demand for wellness programmes. The quality dimension of wellness services is increasingly becoming the decisive competitive factor. For this reason quality management plays an important role. Market research shows that average three- to five-star hotels provide fairly comprehensive wellness facilities. Wellness hotels should therefore specialise in health information, individual care and a wide range of cultural and relaxation programmes. Although the same hotel can host cure and wellness guests at the same time, these two segments have to be considered separately when deciding on the marketing strategy. It is therefore assumed that wellness is pursued solely by ‘healthy’ people, the prime aim being prevention. ‘Normal cure’ guests aim to heal their illness.
Research on tourist satisfaction and dissatisfaction: Overcoming the limitations of a positivist and quantitative approach
Authors: Bowen David
Published: June 2007

The study of satisfaction and dissatisfaction on long-haul tours leads to a methodological appraisal regarding the strengths of a phenomenological, qualitative research approach and, in particular, the technique of participant observation. This is contrasted with the potential limitations of a positivist quantitative approach centred on customer service questionnaires (CSQs). The participant observation is illustrated with reference to a case study of tourists on a long-haul tour to Malaysia and Singapore from Britain.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games: How the Australian Tourist Commission leveraged The Games for tourism
Authors: Morse John
Published: June 2007

This paper outlines the key strategies used by the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) in leveraging the Olympic Games to boost tourism to Australia. In 1995, the ATC established its Olympic Games Business Unit. The key elements of the pre-Games strategy were in developing joint-promotions, the establishment of a major media programme, working with TV broadcasters, and the setting up the Business Development Programme. Following the success of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, a twelve month post-Games strategy was operationalised. It has included tactical advertising in key markets, the use of direct marketing, working with key market segments such as the business tourism sector, and developing research to monitor the success of the strategy and tactics. The ATC strategy has also been recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a benchmark on how to maximise the benefits for both the Games and the host country.
Destination avoidance and inept destination sets
Authors: Lawson Rob , Thyne Maree
Published: June 2007

This research investigates how different destination choice sets are defined, particularly with respect to the reasons for choosing not to visit a destination. The paper discusses the idea of limited sets which consumers may hold when making decisions to travel, and outlines the inept sets of destinations held by a sample of New Zealanders for both domestic and international travel. Inept sets of destinations are those consciously rejected by the respondent as a destination to visit. The dimensions which the current sample indicate as reasons for including destinations in their inept set are outlined; examples for domestic locations include perceived expense and crowding, and examples for international destinations include perceived expense, danger and cultural differences.
Inverclyde ferry services: A passenger segmentation analysis
Authors: Graham Margaret , Russell Victoria
Published: June 2007

This research project was funded jointly by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and the Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University. The rationale was to identify the existing passenger mix on two Scottish ferry routes and to what extent the ferry service relied on leisure visitors and tourists. The study was undertaken in three seasonal phases that served to segment passengers into specific purpose of travel groups, identify accommodation and leisure activity choices and monitor spending behaviour.

The main aim of this paper is to provide ferry passenger profiles that reflect passenger types using two Scottish ferry routes exiting from Gourock and Wemyss Bay ports during regular and holiday periods. Existing passenger use and quality ratings of goods and services are assessed. The objective is to provide marketing recommendations that will stimulate economic benefit for the ferry company and local businesses and services. In 1999 ferry passenger intercept surveys were conducted during three seasonal phases. Phase 1, undertaken in an off-peak period during winter, identified that almost half of all traffic was related to business commuting. Over 60 per cent of surveyed passengers were residents of Argyll who began their journey from home, which tended to be less than 20 miles from the ferry terminal. During Phase 2, carried out over the Easter break, traffic was more diverse with only 28 per cent of Argyll residents travelling on both routes. However, over 40 per cent began their journey from Argyll and a high leisure market segment was identified, originating predominantly from central Scotland. Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) and day trips were the most popular reason for travel from both destinations. During Phase 3, conducted in the summer, nearly half of all passengers originated from Argyll, including a large proportion of day trippers. Visitors from England and overseas were more pronounced during this phase. English visitors were more likely to stay in hotels while overseas visitors chose guesthouse or bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Promoting urban green tourism: The development of the other map of Toronto
Authors: Dodds Rachel , Joppe Marion
Published: June 2007

While the focus of ecotourism has largely been on rural or sensitive areas, the vast majority of tourists visit an urban environment. This paper examines how the Green Tourist Association in Toronto, Canada, developed the concept of urban green tourism — a concept that promotes environmental responsibility, local economic vitality, cultural diversity and experiential richness. In looking at promoting greener practices, the association developed the ‘Other Map of Toronto’. This map highlights eco-businesses, green spaces, galleries and heritage sites, natural food stores, and sustainable transportation options among other features. The development and launch of the map is discussed and some of the problems encountered are examined. Key strategies for launching green tourism products are presented in the recommendations.
Targeting the young at heart: Seeing senior vacationers the way they see themselves
Authors: Muller Thomas E. , O’Cass Aron
Published: June 2007

Should senior vacationers be segmented according to how old the person feels, in order to develop and position new tourism products that match the senior’s self-perceived age? In this study, 356 people in the 55-plus age group revealed how old they felt, how healthy they felt, and their personal values, travel motives, travel risk perceptions, travel patterns and holiday destination preferences. Upon dividing the seniors into two groups — the young at heart and the not so young at heart — it was discovered that the subjectively younger senior felt in better health, sought fun and enjoyment in life, travelled for physical stimulation and a sense of accomplishment, and had higher expectations of the holiday — and was thereby more prone to disappointment if the holiday turned out not to be satisfying.
Tripography: Can destination use patterns enhance understanding of the VFR market?
Authors: Hu Bo , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: June 2007

Although almost half of US pleasure travellers are visiting friends and relatives (VFR), this market was marginalised and forgotten until the late 1980s. This study was designed to analyse sociodemographic and trip characteristic (‘tripographic’) differences between VFR and non-VFR travellers and between single- and multi-destination VFR travellers. Using data from a national travel survey, significant differences were found in the socio-demographic and trip characteristics of VFR and non-VFR travellers. Approximately 9 per cent of VFR travellers had multiple destinations, and multidestination VFRs had different characteristics than single-destination VFRs. Several important recommendations are provided for marketers interested in pursuing VFRs as a niche market.
Understanding the domestic market using cluster analysis: A case study of the marketing efforts of Travel Alberta
Authors: Hudson Simon , Ritchie Brent
Published: June 2007

Domestic tourism is one of the most neglected and under-researched categories in tourism analysis. This paper reports on a consumer behaviour study by Travel Alberta, which used cluster analysis to segment domestic tourists based on their decision-making behaviour. Discriminant analysis showed that a five-cluster solution correctly classified 93.1 per cent of respondents into the right cluster, and that a statistically significant difference existed between the clusters. The key characteristics making them uniquely different as a group are discussed. The paper then shows how segmentation research can be used to develop a successful promotional campaign by describing the ‘Travel Alberta Made To Order’ campaign launched as a result of this behavioural study.
Targeting tourists: An exploratory study of a proposed online grocery delivery service
Authors: Geissler Gary L.
Published: June 2007

While the Internet and the Web continue to grow in importance, marketers are becoming more realistic about the difficulties associated with generating profits online. The online grocery market is a prime example of such struggles. There is a need to examine the viability of online grocers targeting their marketing efforts to specific consumer segments and to smaller niche markets. A concept test among 141 target consumers is used here to provide a preliminary evaluation of a proposed online grocery delivery service designed exclusively for Alabama Gulf Coast tourists. The findings indicate that the service concept is appealing only to a small subsegment of consumers. Concept refinement may broaden its appeal. Nevertheless, niche marketing may be an appropriate strategy for the proposed service, as well as for many online businesses.
Marketing to the Welsh diaspora: The appeal to hiraeth and homecoming
Authors: Morgan Nigel , Pritchard Annette , Pride Roger
Published: June 2007

Diaspora tourism is now a significant market niche and many destinations design and market tourism products to hyphenated communities around the globe. This paper describes and analyses the marketing activities underpinning the Wales Tourist Board’s ‘Homecoming 2000 — Hiraeth 2000’ initiative, focusing on the target market, the marketing objectives, the campaign appeals and the implementation and evaluation of the marketing programme. The first campaign of this kind targeting the Welsh diaspora, the initiative was launched to exploit the millennium celebrations and can be seen as an integral element of the newly established Welsh Assembly’s political and cultural agenda. The paper concludes that diaspora tourism is a viable and highly reachable market segment for niche travel destinations, especially as such consumers are already emotionally drawn to such destinations (the home country) and can be cost-effectively identified and reached via non-traditional marketing communications such as database marketing, public relations and word of mouth. It also cautions destination marketers of the need to maintain momentum in relationship marketing and to regard their diasporas as long-term stakeholders in the home country — as ambassadors and repeat visitors.
The competitive networks of tourism e-mediaries: New strategies, new advantages
Authors: Dale Crispin
Published: June 2007

Using strategic network theory, this paper discusses the relationships between tourism e-mediaries within the competitive environment. It argues that strategic networks have been used by tourism e-mediaries as a means for gaining sustainable strategic advantage. Though there is a body of knowledge concerning strategic networks and alliances, there is minimal research investigating the formation of these within e-business, and yet strategic networks are prevalent among tourism e-mediaries. The paper initially reviews strategic network theory and subsequently proposes a framework upon which the strategic networks of tourism e-mediaries can be analysed. Future directions for tourism e-mediaries in gaining a ‘network advantage’ are also discussed.
Perception differences among visitor groups: The case of horse-attraction versus other-attraction tourist markets in Lexington, Kentucky
Authors: Brown Desmond O.
Published: June 2007

This study segments a tourist market by horse-related visitors and non-horse-related visitors versus in-state and out-of-state visitors. It further tests the utility of various visitor characteristics in differentiating visitor markets for a destination. The results indicate that demographic characteristics were not substantially different for all visitor groups. However, most travel-related aspects of visitors’ trips differed between horse-related-attraction versus non-horse-related-attraction visitor groups.
How Charleston got her groove back: A Convention and Visitors Bureau’s response to 9/11
Authors: Litvin Stephen W. , Alderson Laurie Lynn
Published: June 2007

The events of 11th September, 2001 had immediate impact on the tourism industry of the world. For domestic US tourism, overall demand fell by 15 per cent overnight, with hotel rates simultaneously softening by 10 per cent. The industry faced an uncertain future. This paper looks at post-9/11 tourism in Charleston, SC. The city, which suffered an immediate decline following 9/11 steeper than the national average, has since enjoyed a remarkably robust recovery. In reviewing this recovery, the crisis management actions of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau are discussed and analysed.
Ethical and responsible tourism: Consumer trends in the UK
Authors: Goodwin Harold , Francis Justin
Published: June 2007

Responsible tourism is emerging as a significant market trend in the UK as wider consumer market trends towards lifestyle marketing and ethical consumption spread to tourism. This paper reviews recent survey evidence about consumer attitudes towards the responsible and ethical aspects of the tourism they consume, and places this in the context of campaigns by Voluntary Service Overseas and Tearfund. Between 1999 and 2001 the percentage of UK holidaymakers aspiring to be willing to pay more for an ethical holiday increased by 7 per cent from 45 per cent to 52 per cent. The evidence for increasing consumer demand for responsible tourism is reported and the paper concludes with a discussion of the implications.
Destination branding and the role of the stakeholders: The case of New Zealand
Authors: Morgan Nigel J. , Pritchard Annette , Piggott Rachel
Published: June 2007

Managing a destination brand presents many challenges, and this paper opens by briefly reviewing the destination brand management context. It focuses particularly on the political processes involved in successful brand management and on the vital role of public and private sector stakeholders. Critical to the creation of a durable destination brand is the identification of the brand’s values, the translation of those into a suitably emotionally appealing personality and the targeted and efficient delivery of that message. While this is difficult to achieve in destination marketing, it is not impossible and, having reviewed some of the key issues in brand management, the paper explores the context and creation of the New Zealand brand. It identifies the stakeholders crucial to the delivery of this destination brand and examines the positioning process and the creation of its largely web-driven strategy. The paper suggests that through stakeholder partnerships and the harnessing of non-traditional media, Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has been able to create a powerful travel destination brand, positioned as an appealing niche player in the global tourism industry. Finally, the paper concludes by suggesting an agenda for future research on destination brand management.
Tourism themed routes: A Queensland perspective
Authors: Olsen Mark
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the potential role of tourism themed routes, not only as drive tourism products to increase visitation to regional Australia, but also as potential contributors to road network efficiency and improving road safety. The paper is based on extensive research undertaken by Tourism Queensland since the late 1990s into the potential role of themed routes within the tourism framework. These interactive visitor road corridors have demonstrated their ability to affect visitor dispersion, but rely heavily on cross-sector (tourism and transport) cooperation. This paper explores the market for themed routes, examines the potential contribution of tourism themed routes to ‘win-win’ tourism and transport outcomes and highlights the need for greater national coordination.
The Drive Tourism Program 2000-2002: Project partners in the fast lane
Authors: Sivijs Andrew
Published: June 2007

The Drive Tourism Program 2000-2002 is a partnership project between the Department of Main Roads (DMR), Tourism Queensland (TQ) and the Queensland Heritage Trails Network (QHTN) of Arts Queensland. It is entirely funded by the Queensland government in an effort to stimulate regional and rural tourism growth and enhance the experience of the drive tourist. The development of the QHTN projects is a primary stimulus to this exercise. This paper provides an overview of the Drive Tourism Program (DTP) with a specific focus on the development of corridor management plans (CMPs) as an important element of the DTP. With the drive tourism market fundamental to the success of Queensland tourism, the paper identifies how the CMPs have been developed to cater better for the drive market through the evolution of themed routes and integrated information systems.
The effects of SARS on the Chinese tourism industry
Authors: Dombey Olivier
Published: June 2007

This paper discusses the SARS issue in China in relation to the tourism and hotel industry. The paper has some significance, as the tourism and hotel industry was greatly affected by the SARS problem worldwide. Yet the overall SARS impact on the Chinese economy has been rather minimal; the main lessons were both social and political.
The travel behaviour of international students: The relationship between studying abroad and their choice of tourist destinations
Authors: Michael Ian , Armstrong Anona , King Brian
Published: June 2007

This paper examines why international students opt for their chosen study destination. It also investigates their behaviour as tourists while studying, whether they hosted visits from friends or relatives and their overall economic contribution. The sample consisted of 600 international students studying in higher education institutions in Melbourne, Australia of which 219 responded. A stratified random sampling method was used with the key variables identified as country of origin, gender and university attended. Key questions included: What were the factors that prompted students to study in Australia? How did they become familiar with destinations and tourist attractions during the course of their studies? What tourist attractions and activities were most popular? It was discovered that word-of-mouth was the most significant medium of communication in the selection of educational destination. Most travel undertaken during the period of enrolment was for private purposes. The most popular Melbourne attraction was the Queen Victoria Market and The Great Ocean Road was the most popular attraction statewide. The study also found that tourism related activities undertaken by overseas students contributed approximately A$8.2m to the economy of the state of Victoria. The figure more than doubles to approximately A$17.2m if the expenditures of visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) are included.
Tourist purchase decision involvement and information preferences
Authors: Cai Liping A. , Feng Ruomei , Breiter Deborah
Published: June 2007

This study examines the relationships between tourists’ purchase decision involvement and their information search behaviours. The behaviours include their information preferences as measured by perceived value of different types of information contents, and their use of the internet as an information channel. The relationships are presented in a proposed conceptual framework of the tourist information search process, and tested through two hypotheses using a survey sample. The findings reveal that tourist information preferences significantly differed from one level of purchase decision involvement to another in seven out of 13 instances. It is also found that there are significant differences in using the internet as a destination information channel from one level of purchase decision involvement to another. The findings are discussed in the context of developing effective destination marketing strategies.
Tourist shopping preferences and expenditure behaviours: The case of the Taiwanese outbound market
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y. , Cai Liping A. , O’Leary Joseph T. , Huan Tzung-Cheng
Published: June 2007

Using data from the 1999 Survey of Taiwanese Outbound Travellers, this research quantitatively examined tourists’ shopping preferences and behaviours in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics and trip attributes. Results indicated that travel purpose, travel style, age and gender were significant factors influencing the amount of money travellers spent on shopping and the items that they preferred to buy. Such understanding affords destinations and retail businesses practical knowledge useful for destination marketing, product development, retail merchandising and customer service. Basic questions can be addressed more confidently, such as what the most popular items for a well-defined demographic group are, and what factors can be used to predict the spending level of tourist shoppers.
Canadian domestic travel behaviour: A market segmentation study of rural shoppers
Authors: Carmichael Barbara A. , Smith Wayne W.
Published: June 2007

Rural shopping is emerging as a tourism market that is under-researched and offers potential for the economic development of rural regions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and importance of the domestic rural shopping market in Canada as a ‘niche’ market in rural tourism, and to provide a description of the characteristics of rural shoppers. Secondary data analysis of the domestic Canadian Travel Survey (1998-2001) reveals that there are many rural visitors who also participate in shopping, and that rural shoppers display different characteristics from average Canadian domestic travellers. Market segmentation using cluster analysis identifies five activity-based groups that differ on the basis of demographics and trip characteristics.
Older, single female holidaymakers in the United Kingdom — Who needs them?
Authors: Stone Graham J. , Nichol Sandra
Published: June 2007

The research analyses the growth in single households in the UK over the last 20 years. Within this market segment, the holiday needs and motivations of a particular group — single, middle-aged women, are evaluated. The methodology utilises the experiences of a mystery shopper, interviews with holiday providers and a focus group representing experienced middle-aged female holidaymakers. The conclusions suggest that this market segment is increasing and that the individuals within it perceived that the products and services currently offered by the tourist industry are insensitive to their specific requirements. Recommendations are offered as to how the tourist industry could better subserve these particular customers in the future.
Attributes of destination choice: British skiing in Canada
Authors: Godfrey Kerry B.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the findings of a preliminary investigation into factors affecting the destination choice of British skiers travelling to Canada. Various ‘decision’ elements have been discussed in the literature, including income, family size, cost, accessibility, skill level, snow conditions and terrain diversity. The results of this research suggest snow quality and diversity of the skiing terrain are two of the most important features of a destination for skiers with (respectively) an intermediate or advanced ability. While holiday cost was still a feature, as British skiers (in Canada at least), tend to come from Britain’s higher socio-economic groups, this aspect was not considered significant by respondents. This suggests ski destinations and holiday providers might be better placed putting more emphasis on the ‘ski experience’ and snow quality in British-based promotions, particularly given a significant growth of this market in recent years.
Are high taxes damaging British tourism?
Authors: Nevin Michael
Published: June 2007

British tourism taxation policy clings to five central tenets, whose lack of credibility is examined carefully in this paper. The Council for Travel and Tourism and the British Tourist Authority have commissioned two major studies concerning the impact of taxes upon the industry. In his position as Project Manager for these studies, the author has been able to clarify some of the major issues below.
Branding the package holiday—The role and significance of brands for UK air tour operators
Authors: Westwood Sheena , Morgan Nigel J. , Pritchard Annette , Ineson Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

Despite the size, economic importance and interest value of the tourism industry with its multifaceted nature, there is a dearth of brandingrelated research on the sector. Taking a qualitative approach (based on interviews and focus groups), this paper explores the role and significance of brands in the UK air tour operating market, with the focus on the process of consumer choice and decision making. Its aim is to extend the scope of existing research and pave the way for further study in this important and underaddressed area. The paper argues that the special characteristics of the tour operating industry add an extra dimension to any marketing strategy involving the building of a strong, identifiable brand. After contextualising branding by briefly reviewing its development, general application, and its emotional and symbolic associations, it looks at some specific characteristics of the inclusive air tour within the framework of the consumer ‘holiday experience’. The paper concludes that — despite their clear recognition of branding as a potent marketing weapon — UK tour operators are currently failing to build a meaningful and lasting brand-based relationship with their customers.
Brand Western Australia: A totally integrated approach to destination branding
Authors: Crockett Shane R. , Wood Leiza J.
Published: June 2007

This paper outlines the Western Australian Tourism Commission’s1 (WATC) approach to destination branding. Based on intensive consumer research, Brand Western Australia (Brand WA) resulted in an entire organisational shift and has repositioned Western Australia as a premier nature-based tourism destination in the global market. The cornerstone of the strategy was a partnership between government and industry and this philosophy forms the platform for the future policy direction of the WATC, paving the way for tourism growth in Western Australia. To ensure delivery of the marketing promise, infrastructure development and partnerships with other key government agencies are a fundamental part of the Brand WA strategy. The WATC has adopted a totally integrated and inclusive approach to destination branding tht encompasses marketing and development strategies and, in the process, is crafting a unique identity for Western Australia.
Travel and tourism companies: Global brands
Authors: Anholt Simon
Published: June 2007

Companies in the travel and tourism sector are often obliged to market themselves internationally, and consequently to compete for consumer atttention with the largest multinational corporations, even though their advertising budgets are generally far smaller. Given this dilemma, the author questions the wisdom of using the same global advertising agencies adn practices as these ‘superbrands’. Chosen carefully, a smaller international resource can achieve results which are equally creative and equally sensitive to the cultures of the company’s overseas consumers, and free up more budget for increased media spend.
Expert nurse decision-making: Telephone triage in an ophthalmic accident and emergency department
Authors: Marsden Janet
Published: June 2007

The accident and emergency (A&E) service at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital uses triage as a method of prioritising patients to ensure that those whose needs are urgent receive immediate attention. This service has been extended to include formalised telephone triage. This is a fairly new concept in the A&E service although it has been an informal strategy in other areas of practice for many years. The study reported here investigates the way that telephone triage decisions are made by nurse practitioners in the A&E service. Although the sample is small (n=7), interviews with the nurse practitioners reinforce previous theories about expert knowledge and decision-making (Elstein and Bordage, 1979; Tanner et al., 1987; Edwards, 1994). The study shows that the nurse practitioners use a process of hypothesis testing, a systematic and complex framework for decision-making and demonstrate a reflective process of knowing. Although the findings are grounded within this particular area of practice, they could be of use in many other areas to assist nurses in their transition to the practice of expert decision-making.
Challenges in updating a systematic review
Authors: McInnes Elizabeth , Duf Lesley , McClarey Mary
Published: June 2007

Some of the problems encountered when updating a systematic review are outlined, with discussion of possible solutions. The major problems were: using a different reviewer; literature searching and sifting; study appraisal and lack of pre-determined 'acceptable' designs. The main lessons learned are that inclusion criteria may need to be revised, and that deviations from 'gold standard' systematic review methods should be documented. The paper concludes by noting that the updating of a systematic review is not straightforward, despite the application of recommended methodological safeguards. Yet, updating of systematic reviews is a process which will be undertaken increasingly, particularly by those involved in the development of evidence-linked clinical guidelines.
The influence of user involvement on the learning of mental health nursing students
Authors: Wood Janet , Wilson-Barnett Jenifer
Published: June 2007

This comparative study investigates the effect of user involvement in classroom work on mental health students' learning while undertaking the Diploma in Higher Education and Nursing programme. Recent policy recommendations suggest there should be user involvement in all aspects of the nursing curriculum. However, there appears to be a dearth of literature evaluating the outcomes of this on student learning. In this study, triangulation of methods was utilised; this consisted of classroom observation, student questionnaires and focus group discussion to evaluate the user involvement. A user-centred measurement tool was developed from earlier work that provided a measure on three dimensions: the use of terminology and jargon, empathetic understanding, and an individualised approach when identifying and responding to clients' needs. The outcomes indicated that students who were given an experience of user involvement in classroom work differed from those in the same cohort who had not been exposed to similar user input - they were less likely to rely on the use of professional terminology and jargon, more able to empathise with clients' distressing experiences, less likely to use defensive 'distancing' and more likely to take an individualised approach to assessment and intervention. This supported the intended aims of the project: that user involvement would enable students to take a more user-centred approach to mental health assessment.
No longer a burning social issue? Employment assistance policy and the closure of the unemployment debate in New Zealand
Authors: Higgins Jane
Published: June 2007

Two major public consultations on unemployment in New Zealand in recent years have produced markedly different national responses in terms of the breadth and intensity of debate on the issue of unemployment. This article uses Nancy Fraser's (1989) model of the politics of need to argue that employment assistance policy was instrumental, in the 1970s and early 1980s, in encouraging the development of oppositional groups who fuelled the debate with their own politicised interpretation of the needs of unemployed people. A shift in policy in 1985, however, contributed to the closure of this debate by privileging an alternative interpretation of unemployed needs such that by the mid-1990s unemployment was no longer the burning issue it had been a decade previously.
Securing health and happiness: a note on possibilities and limits
Authors: Harris Patricia
Published: June 2007

This paper argues that the expansion of modern governance into the realm of interpersonal relations, healthy living and personal growth is at odds with the determinate languages which make the social knowable and governance possible. After exploring the genesis and characteristics of this tension, the paper identifies some of the ways the dissonance is accommodated within contemporary professional thought. Attention is given to the means by which the social is rendered governable through simplification, codification and deconstruction, and to the significant part which notions of 'system' and 'motive' play in providing a sense of order. The paper ends by considering some of the social and political implications of these accommodations.
The dimensionality of stratification-related cultural practices in Australia
Authors: Crook Christopher J.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines whether a model distinguishing two domains of cultural practices better characterises social reproduction mechanisms in Australian society than a unitary culture model. Factor analyses using three-year panel (N = 557) and cross-sectional (N = 2203) data from the Australian National Social Science Survey show that scholastic reading activity and beaux arts consumption are separate domains within the cultural sphere. The panel indicates that this representation is robust, and highly stable across the life-course. On the basis of these results I construct highly reliable scales measuring both types of cultural practices for respondents' parents, respondents during adolescence, and respondents at time of interview. These results clarify some of the inconsistent findings of existing research and suggest new hypotheses about the role of cultural practices in socioeconomic attainment.
In search of the videogame player
Authors: Newman James
Published: June 2007

Videogames represent what may be the current apotheosis, and certainly most widely available implementation, of high-level human-computer interaction. As such, they must be viewed as a paradigmatic emblem of the new media. This article presents findings from two longitudinal studies that highlight the analytical and methodological weaknesses of the (sparse) extant scholarly studies of the medium, and calls for a more sensitive approach to investigating and interpreting the composition of the interactive experience of videogame play. The article offers an integrative model describing the complex of dialectical relationships and interactions between previously discrete concepts and constructs of player, system and gameworld.
Computer-Mediated Communication: From a Cognitive to a Discursive Model
Authors: Lamerichs Joyce , Molder Hedwig F.M. Te
Published: June 2007

In this article, we evaluate the ways in which computer-mediated communication (CMC) has thus far been conceptualized, proposing an alternative approach. It is argued that traditional perspectives ignore participants’ everyday understanding of media use and media characteristics by relying on an individualistic and cognitive framework. The SIDE model, while improving on the definition of what may count as ‘social’ in CMC, still disregards the way in which identity is constructed and managed in everyday talk and text. To fill this gap, we offer a discursive psychological approach to online interaction. Presented here are the materials from an online discussion forum on depression. It is shown that participants’ identities do not so much mirror their inner worlds but are discourse practices in their own right. More specifically, we demonstrate how participants attend to ‘contradictory’ normative requirements when requesting support, thus performing the kind of identity work typically obscured in cognitive models.
Second Thoughts: Toward a Critique of the Digital Divide
Authors: Gunkel David J.
Published: June 2007

This article introduces critical perspective into the discussion of the digital divide, which is commonly defined as the gap separating those individuals who have access to new forms of information technology from those who do not. The analysis is distinguished from other undertakings addressing this matter, insofar as it does not document the empirical problems of unequal access but considers the terminology, logical structure, and form that define and direct work on this important social and ethical issue. The investigation employs the tools of critical theory and targets extant texts, reports, and studies. In this way, the analysis does not dispute the basic facts gathered in recent empirical studies of computer usage and internet access. On the contrary, its purpose is to assist these and other endeavors by making evident their common starting point, stakes, and consequences.
Ambi-Diegetic Music in Films as a Product Design and -Placement Strategy: The Sweet Smell of Success
Authors: Holbrook Morris B.
Published: June 2007

As an important element in the product design of motion pictures, ambidiegetic music in films – appearing on-screen (diegetically) but helping to advance a film’s dramatic development (non-diegetically) – plays a key role in shaping the consumption experience of a movie audience. Further, ambi-diegetic music in films is a kind of product placement in which the individuals who create a motion picture insert a particular offering – namely, a musical performance – in a manner intended to structure a movie’s meaning and to shape its appreciation. As one illustration, this article examines the role of ambi-diegetic music inSweet Smell of Success (1957). This film attracts the interest of those concerned with marketing theory partly because it represents the battle of artistic integrity against the forces of commercialism and especially because the movie’s design hinges on the manner in which ambi-diegetic cinemusical moments work to develop the characterization of a leading protagonist. Specifically, the identity of the guitarist who performs the source music that this character mimes on-camera turns out to carry considerable significance for our interpretation of his personality, disposition, and capabilities. Thus ambi-diegetic music plays a key role in the product design that creates a viable work of art.