bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Region of origin as choice factor: wine knowledge and wine tourism involvement influence
Authors: Famularo Biagio , Bruwer Johan , Li Elton
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine key areas of the wine consumer's interaction with region of origin, specifically through access to wine information, wine knowledge, the auxiliary relationship with wine tourism involvement and the impact this has on the wine buying decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual research “model” was developed to set the direction for the development of the research hypotheses and questions. A highly structured questionnaire was administered at a high‐end independent wine retail shop in Sydney, Australia using a convenience sample of 100 randomly selected respondents, all of whom were in the basic wine drinker category or higher. A series of quantitative and qualitative datasets were collected during timeslots spanning 8‐15 minutes per questionnaire.

Findings

The results confirm that as wine knowledge increases together with wine involvement, it develops into a greater understanding of a wine's region of origin, impacting positively on the consumer's wine decision‐making process. A consumer's willingness to interact with wine‐related motivations through wine tourism visitation has a profound effect on the importance of a wine's region of origin, therefore attributing to greater recall of wine region in the wine buying decision‐making process.

Research limitations/implications

Wine education and access to wine information have a strong relationship with increasing a consumer's awareness of wines' region of origin and offer scope to further investigate the importance of in‐store assistance and cellar door staff interaction with consumers. Although both these aspects are considered positively by a statistically significant percentage of the sample study, a relationship does not coexist with the importance of wine region as an aid or attribute for consumers when purchasing wine.

Originality/value

Wine marketing strategies in Australia are beginning to incorporate a complementary product brand relationship with region of origin and the use of regional branding, not only as a point of difference, but as an extension of a wine product's attributes. This study aids in further identifying information regarding regional branding and its relative importance, which could lead to subsequent comprehensive research studies. The research findings may be utilized to provide small‐ to medium‐sized wineries an overview of how they may consider closer interaction between their individual brand and regional branding.
Auditing the identity of regional wine brands: the case of Swiss Merlot Ticino
Authors: Zamparini Alessandra , Lurati Francesco , Illia Laura G.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method by which to audit winemakers' communication of regional wine brands and to illustrate the method's conceptual basis through its empirical application to the Swiss wine Merlot Ticino.

Design/methodology/approach

The audit is comprised of two parts: one captures producers' intentions regarding the communication of the regional wine brand while the other determines what wineries actually convey through their formal communications. Data about intentions were collected through qualitative interviews and a survey of producers, while data on what wineries convey was based on a content analysis of wineries' communication materials.

Findings

The application of the audit to the brand Merlot Ticino shows that the proposed method provides several insights into the brand's personality, possible gaps between producers' intentions and actual communications, the potential target of the communication, the level of consistency of communication content and style, and the expressiveness of wineries in communicating the regional wine brands.

Research limitations/implications

The content analysis adopted in this research focuses on formal communications issued by wineries. Adding oral contents and consumer perceptions would considerably improve the audit tool.

Originality/value

This paper provides winemaking regions with a useful tool with which to determine the effectiveness of their brand projections in the collective promotion of their regional wine brands. The paper is of value for academic research because it illustrates that results may be obtained in the wine brand field using methods traditionally used in corporate communication research, like projective techniques and communications audits.
Wine brands or branded wines? The specificity of the French market in terms of the brand
Authors: Viot Catherine , Passebois‐Ducros Juliette
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the branded wine concept refers to a very heterogeneous category as regards wine made in France, but this sort of wine can appeal to certain types of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial qualitative study was carried out to explore consumer representation as regards branded wine. A second, quantitative, study enabled us, through a cluster analysis, to identify brand‐sensitive consumer segments in the wine field.

Findings

There is a divergence in consumer representation between novices and experts. The former considers A.O.C.s (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, a French official label of protected geographical indication) and regions as brands while the latter have a narrower vision of what a branded wine means. The “discoverers”, the youngest consumers (18‐29 years old), who are interested in wine and have little knowledge of it are most liable to be influenced by wine brands. The novices and routine consumers are also brand sensitive but to a lesser degree. The experts, on the other hand, are not influenced by brands.

Research limitations/implications

The influence of the brand derives from the declarative. A more indirect measure which mixes the brand with other wine attributes would be preferable. The use of a sample of convenience means results can only be generalized with caution.

Practical implications

There indeed exists a place for branded wines on the French market but an association is needed with other attributes such as the origin and/or the grape variety.

Originality/value

Little research has been devoted to the French consumer's acceptance of branded wines.
“Green” wine packaging: targeting environmental consumers
Authors: Barber Nelson
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile consumers who expressed an intention to pay more for environmentally friendly wine packaging and to elaborate marketing strategies that arise from this consumer profiling.

Design/methodology/approach

The population under study was the general adult population of the USA. The sample was randomly selected from a consumer database and provided a link to an anonymous on‐line survey. Reliability and factor analyses were performed to identify whether the measurement items reflected the constructs of attitudes, behavior, values, and intention to pay more. To determine significant differences,t‐tests on each construct were performed, along with stepwise discriminant analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that importance of being environmentally friendly, considering environmental issues when making a purchase, and collectivism were all very good predictors of consumers' intention to pay more for green wine packaging.

Research limitations/implications

The intention to purchase does not always translate into actual purchase behavior when consumers are confronted with a purchase situation.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the understanding of environmental wine purchase intention by investigating relationships of consumer characteristics to environmental behavior. By segmenting consumers in this manner, it is possible to better understand the importance of environmentally friendly wine packaging, thus aiding wine producers, retailers, and packaging companies in directing their marketing and advertising efforts.

Originality/value

This paper examines the significance of personality variables in detail using measurement scales that consider customers' perceptions and intention to purchase.
Co‐evolution and reconcilability of Islam and the West: the context of global banking
Authors: Tlemsani Issam
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that if reconcilability between Islam and the West exists in the field of finance and if the two systems can co‐evolve in a mutually productive way, then we can be optimistic about the ability of the two systems to co‐exist. Clearly they involve different attitudes, but this paper argues, on the basis of significant compatibility issues, these are resolvable under the tradition of tolerance that has existed in Western and Islamic societies. This paper also examines Islamic finance as an alternative financial system and a potential long‐term solution to financial instability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents descriptive, analytical and comparative analyses.

Findings

The paper provides insights into the Islamic and international financial system. It highlights an alternative and a solution to this dilemma in the form of Islamic finance and stresses the stability of the Islamic finance system.

Practical implications

The findings presented in this paper can be used by policy makers, regulators and practitioners in both the Islamic and conventional financial sector as it provides an understanding to Islamic Finance. However, to expect a wholesale transformation to an Islamic financial system is idealistic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of Islamic finance principles and its value as revolutionary departure from the current global financial system and a solution to the current and any future financial crises. The findings of this research will be of interest to Western and Islamic financial practitioners, policy makers and academicians.
Access to fieldwork: “strange” work in a Middle East setting
Authors: Kemp Linzi J.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stress the importance of effectively gaining access to organizations for fieldwork, an essential element of work for a qualitative researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the cold calling and networking involved when 29 prospective organizations were contacted to gain permission to undertake research involving fieldwork, including observation and interview. The approach taken is a quantitative analysis of communicative media involved; e‐mails; telephone calls; and face‐to‐face meetings.

Findings

Four organizations granted permission to research, a 7:1 prospect to success ratio. It was found that a great deal of time was spent in attempting to contact and follow up with gatekeepers. Three important barriers to gaining access were found, and ways to “lift” those barriers were attempted. Detailed record keeping of communication was vital, and specific documentation, invitation; a proposal; a protocol, created to negotiate access.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations of sample size, a suggestion for future research is to expand on this sample.

Practical implications

The practical implication is for qualitative research involving fieldwork. Three barriers to gaining access for fieldwork are cited, and methods to “raise” such barriers are considered. Changes to research practice are identified by following these insights into raising barriers to organizational access.

Social implications

The research influences corporate social responsibility and informs industry policy through the idea of partnering with academic institutions for future research. The research findings can have practical value for the industries concerned.

Originality/value

Through analysis and evaluation of the access process, methods of contact can be adapted to smooth the research journey. The value of the findings and insight is to new researchers, and can be useful for existing researchers.
The influence of technology acceptance model (TAM) factors on students' e‐satisfaction and e‐retention within the context of UAE e‐learning
Authors: Al‐hawari Mohammad Ahmad , Mouakket Samar
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of TAM factors in the light of some external factors on students' e‐retention and the mediating role of e‐satisfaction within United Arab Emirates (UAE) e‐learning context.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative importance of TAM factors was examined, as well as enjoyment and blackboard design on students' e‐satisfaction and e‐retention. The survey was designed and administrated using face‐to‐face method. Data were collected from a convenient sample of students who use blackboard system. AMOS 6 was used to test for the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Perceived usefulness has a direct and positive relationship with students' e‐satisfaction and e‐retention while perceived ease of use has only a direct relationship with students' e‐retention. Design features and enjoyment have only a significant relationship with students' e‐satisfaction without any direct relationship with students' e‐retention. Finally, students' e‐satisfaction has a direct relationship with students' e‐retention.

Research limitations/implications

This research has only surveyed students from one university in UAE. Further testing of the proposed conceptual model across different industries and countries is needed to determine the generalisability and consistency of this study's findings.

Practical implications

The proposed model of students' e‐retention prediction has the potential to help UAE university managers to understand some of the factors influencing students' behaviours and attitudes toward e‐learning systems. This will lead to improving the education quality within the context of UAE.

Originality/value

This paper is a significant trial in how TAM factors and other external factors might influence students' e‐satisfaction and e‐retention within UAE e‐learning context.
“I made it”: Israeli‐Palestinian women principals as leaders
Authors: Arar Khalid
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the construction of the meaning of leadership by two Arab women school principals in Israel who are “pavers of the way”.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews in which the women exposed their life stories were subjected to discourse analysis in light of a three‐layered functional approach and leadership theories. The study investigated: characteristics of the leadership development of two Arab women principals and expressions of leadership at different life stages.

Findings

Analysis showed that these women have strong motivation, and from an early age dared to swim against the stream, achieving their goals with family support after serious battles. As the first women principals in their communities, they continued to develop, under pressure to prove their ability as leaders in Arab patriarchal society.

Research limitations/implications

This is a qualitative study with a non‐representative sample, providing rich insights into the lives of two Arab women principals.

Practical implications

This study shows that life stories can serve as tools to diagnose future leaders and their specific patterns of behavior.

Originality/value

Analysis of figurative positioning that was manifested consistently in these women's narratives provides new understanding regarding women's leadership in patriarchal societies, indicating that childhood experiences of leadership exposed in personal stories can serve as predictors for narrators' adult leadership patterns.
An investigation of female and male constructs of leadership and empowerment
Authors: Alimo‐Metcalfe Beverly
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate female and male constructs of leadership and empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the findings from two recent UK studies which investigated female and male constructs of leadership qualities.

Findings

Very different models emerged. The women's descriptors related directly to notions of transformational leadership, and the men's to transactional leadership. The implications for assessment practices are considered, as is the concept of empowerment, which is central to the notion of transformational leadership and fast becoming the organizational “buzz” word. Less obvious, and of particular concern are the observations that empowerment, like so many other values, is a gendered concept, and that beneath its attractive humanistic guise may be hidden a more sinister interpretation.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into female and male constructs of leadership and empowerment.
“A testing time, full of potential?”
Authors: Swan Elaine
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look back since the first edition of what was thenWomen in Management Reviewas a way of looking forward to suggest a future potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on some historical work on issues central to the literature and practices associated with women/gender in management. It also draws on feminist theories to outline what the author calls “testings” – theoretical, conceptual and activist challenges – to some of that early thinking.

Findings

The paper emphasises the importance of differentiating women in order to understand the complexity of inequalities, and white middle class women's part in reproducing inequality. In addition, the different theoretical turns have emphasised the multiple and intersecting sources of discrimination – economic, cultural, psychosocial, social, linguistic and ideological.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into gender in management, histories and futures.
Does gender matter? A review of work‐related gender commonalities
Authors: Gilbert G. Ronald , Burnett Meredith F. , Phau Ian , Haar Jerry
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which differences and similarities exist between female and male business professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,164 students from three English‐speaking countries completed a 75‐item multi‐dimensional tool that consists of 17 empirically independent work preference constructs associated with psychological learning styles, work values, work interests, and personality temperament.

Findings

There are few notable or significant differences between the work preferences of female and male business professionals within each country. Differences between the work preferences of female and male business professionals are not consistent from nation to nation.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research on gender differences of work preferences needs to include larger samples of college students majoring in non‐business subjects as well as working adults drawn from related occupational fields.

Practical implications

Managers need to understand that biological sex may be irrelevant when it comes to the selection, placement, training, development, and appraisal of employees.

Originality/value

Contrary to prior research, the results refute the existence of work‐related differences between females and males.
Individual shareholder rights provisions and cost of capital
Authors: He Huang Henry , Wu Shengwu
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of individual provisions of firm‐level shareholder rights on the cost of equity capital in the USA setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior literature has shown that strong shareholder rights, as measured by aggregated shareholder rights indices, could mitigate the agency costs and reduce the cost of equity capital. Stepwise regression method with control variables for financial risks and corporate governance risks is used to empirically test whether individual shareholder rights provisions have varying degrees of impacts on a firm's cost of equity capital.

Findings

Of the 24 shareholder rights provisions in the shareholder rights index, four provisions are found to be the most significant determinants of cost of equity capital with the absence of three provisions (poison pill, golden parachute, and control share cash out) and the presence of fair value provision reducing the firm's cost of equity capital.

Research limitations/implications

First, the results suggest that a few individual provisions are major determinants of firm value. Hence, investors and regulators should pay the most attention to these provisions. Second, the result that some provisions that limit shareholders' rights actually reduce cost of equity capital suggests that investors and regulators should not view all aspects of weak shareholder rights negatively.

Originality/value

This paper tests the impact of shareholder rights on cost of equity capital from an individual provision basis.
Employee misconduct and UK unfair dismissal law
Authors: Brodtkorb Tor
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expose practical and theoretical problems with the range of reasonable responses (RORR) test as applied in UK unfair dismissal law, and to propose an alternative interpretation of the test that would resolve these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a close analysis of the purpose and structure of UK unfair dismissal law, and a careful reading of the leading cases in the area, the paper questions whether the law as it is currently interpreted achieves the goals of the underlying legislation. The current interpretation of the law being found lacking, alternatives are considered and evaluated.

Findings

The RORR test, as delineated in the most recent Court of Appeal cases, holds that dismissals are fair unless they are based on a reason for which no reasonable employer would dismiss. This interpretation of the test is internally incoherent; moreover, it fails adequately to promote the goals of unfair dismissal law, which are to protect the dignity and autonomy of employees. An alternative and superior interpretation of the test would hold a dismissal to be outside the RORR if no rational theory of management would condone dismissal on the grounds given by the employer.

Social implications

The paper draws attention to fundamental incoherence in the current interpretation and application of unfair dismissal law, and suggests a new and better approach. If the new approach were accepted by the courts or by Parliament, it could lead to reform in unfair dismissal law.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed analysis of the RORR test, a long‐standing and well‐recognized problem in UK unfair dismissal law, and suggests a novel solution that would improve the coherence and function of unfair dismissal law.
The challenges of private antitrust enforcement in transition economies
Authors: Kirkbride James , Letza Steve , Yuan Dujuan
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the practical and legal challenges and barriers to the development of a private action in antitrust controls and to project those onto a consideration of the development of such rights of action through a case study of Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a critical review of both the theoretical and practical barriers to the development of private rights of action, drawing upon the history of development in both the USA and in Europe and the regular considerations of policy and law making, through debate at the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development. This comparative and historical analysis is projected into models of design and delivery for consideration by law makers.

Findings

Despite the different legal traditions and policy considerations of the different jurisdictions, the fundamental design of a common action pan‐jurisdictions and outwith conflict of law principles might be possible. The paper proposes a design framework to facilitate and achieve this. The case‐study of Brazil presents an interesting and recent context, and illustration, of this process.

Practical implications

The paper provides an historical and comparative account of the development of private rights actions in this area and provides, to the law maker, a framework and set of legal principles and practical enforcement and design guidelines. This framework and its guidelines should assist those countries seeking to introduce such rights of action in the policy area of antitrust control.

Originality/value

The historical and comparative approach draws together in one paper a contemporary global position in this area of law development.
State Audit Institution in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ibrahim Mukdad
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the fundamental properties of the State Audit Institution (SAI) and the legitimacy behind the forming of such an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a descriptive account of the background of the SAI and presents an analytical explanation of the topics covered by the Federal Law No. 7 of 1976.

Findings

The description shows the main principles of SAI, within an increased emphasis on how the SAI attempts to fulfil its legal duties and obligations to achieve its objectives. As a result, the SAI plays an important oversight role when it comes to federal and local government operations in the UAE.

Originality/value

The study looks at the advancement of government transparency in the UAE and reveals how the UAE government has become more proactive over the years in informing state laws to promote the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of UAE programs and operations.
The UK Companies Act of 2006, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, and important reviews of 2009
Authors: Paulo S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the fact that the certainty equivalent coefficient net present value criterion, CEC(NPV), in disregarding a fundamental requirement for the calculation of cash flows for purposes of discounted cash flow analysis, invalidates this capital budgeting criterion from the perspective of sound research methodology. The paper also investigates the impact of the UK Companies Act of 2006, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, and important reviews such as the Turner Review of 2009, the Walker Review of 2009, and the Review of the Combined Code of 2009 on this operationally invalid capital budgeting criterion, as well as its impact on the process of financial managerial decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The CEC(NPV) as a discounted cash flow capital budgeting criterion was examined from the perspective of the axioms of cash flow estimation as well as from the definition of the cost of capital in order to ascertain the contribution of this criterion to financial management. The relevant sections of the UK Companies Act of 2006, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, the Turner Review of 2009, the Walker Review of 2009, and the Review of the Combined Code of 2009 were studied in order to establish whether the CEC(NPV) was able to satisfy the requirements of this legislation and these important reviews.

Findings

The CEC(NPV) is construct invalid and does not measure what it purports to measure: it over‐states financial viability. As a consequence, it does not meet the requirements of sound research methodology and therefore is at odds with the UK Companies Act of 2006, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, and falls foul of the Turner Review of 2009, the Walker Review of 2009, the 2009 Review of the Combined Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council. As such it cannot be endorsed by the Financial Services Authority.

Originality/value

The paper usefully shows that the CEC(NPV) denies financial managers application of Fisherian analysis for resolving conflicts in the rankings of mutually exclusive projects, and, the comparison of project cost of capital with their respective internal rates of return. Comparisons of the internal rate of return, not with the risk‐free rate (that is assumed to be a constant and which exhibits minimal variability in comparison with the cost of capital), but with the cost of capital cost of capital, are a sine qua non for managerial decision making, especially capital budgeting.
Managing customer experience for spiritual and cultural tourism: an overview
Authors: Jauhari Vinnie , Sanjeev Gunjan M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a background on developments in hospitality and tourism in India and its contribution to economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the importance of customer experience and provides insights on destination management approaches. It reviews the factors beyond the control of a specific service provider which impact the consumer experience. The paper also discusses the tourism potential for selected spiritual and cultural sites and gives an overview of the approach followed to assess consumer experience at each of these locations.

Findings

The paper focuses on elements that contribute to consumer experience at selected spiritual and cultural places. It also focuses on technology and its impact on creating a superior experience. Further, aspects of infrastructure and hygiene are also reviewed.

Originality/value

The paper explores spiritual and cultural tourism in the context of India where there is very little formal research in this area.
Enhancing Buddhist tourism in India: an exploratory study
Authors: Agrawal Madhu , Choudhary Himanshu , Tripathi Gaurav
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the key reasons of lack of promotion of Buddhist tourist sites in India and compare the awareness of foreign and Indian tourists towards India as a destination for Buddhist sites vis‐à‐vis other countries such as Japan, Thailand and China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory research design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to Indian and foreign tourists, interviews of officials in the tourism department and through internet sources.

Findings

Findings show a low level of awareness among both Indian and foreign tourists about India as a destination for Buddhist sites as compared to countries such as Japan, Thailand and China. Further, the findings to show a low level of engagement in promoting India as a destination for Buddhist tourism on part of tourist officials.

Practical implications

The paper develops insights into better promotion of Buddhist tourist sites in India.

Originality/value

The paper serves as a stepping stone towards future research on overlooked religious sites and their promotion.
What do the tourists want? The case of the Golden Temple, Amritsar
Authors: Tripathi Gaurav , Choudhary Himanshu , Agrawal Madhu
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that could contribute towards the enhancement of the tourist experience at the Golden Temple site in Amritsar. The paper also seeks to explore if there is any difference in the above mentioned factors based on the religion and the nationality of the respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory research design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with open‐ended and close‐ended questions administered to the various tourist groups visiting the Golden Temple.

Findings

Significant differences between the factors contributing to the enhancement of the experience of the various tourist groups are expected.

Practical implications

The research findings will help the tourism industry to identify the factors that are important for various groups of tourists. This will help to improve the customer experience and thereby attract more tourists.

Originality/value

The study will add to better understanding of the factors contributing to enhancement of the tourist experience at religious sites.
Internet deployment in the spiritual tourism industry: the case of Vaishno Devi Shrine
Authors: Gupta Kanika , Gulla Anju
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the role of internet/web services in spiritual tourism and the challenges faced in internet deployment and how they could be overcome.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried via structured questionnaires/interviews with open‐ended and closed‐ended questions with Indian pilgrims and the shrine board members. Also the web site/portals of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and other religious places were analyzed.

Findings

Findings show the level of awareness amongst the pilgrims about how internet can play a major role in providing ease of information.

Practical implications

The use of information and communication technology provides greater convenience and comfort to pilgrims by providing access to information. The technology element facilitates hassle free darshan to tourists, encourages the rate of repeat visits by managing the long wait hours and also information about other services.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the growing needs of internet in spiritual tourism in India.
Does self‐service technology impact destination image and customer delight?
Authors: Lakshmi R. , Ganesan P.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study customer delight in tourism as influenced by destination image and perceived value, in the context of Tirupati Thirumala Balaji Devasthanam, the most visited temple in the world. Further, the role of self‐service technology in enhancing destination image is also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a causal research design and convenient sampling techniques. The target population of this study is the visitors who visited Thirumala temple during the past year. A self‐administered questionnaire including both structured and open‐ended questions and interviews schedules were employed. Factor and regression analysis have been used to explore the tourist's attitude towards self‐service technology interfaces, in the context of Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam (TTD).

Findings

The self‐service technology channels such as the web site and the television channel had an impact on the customer delight element and these online channels need to be explored and utilized to create a superior experience.

Practical implications

The information obtained will help policy makers to design a more comprehensive marketing mix, to enhance tourist experience. Moreover, the role of technology in the field of tourism will provide valuable insights as to how best to reach the target audience.

Originality/value

Very few studies have explored destination image, customer delight, value dimensionality as well as SST interventions‐destination image in a tourism context.
Confluence of technology and commercial factors at ISKCON temple
Authors: Rishi Meghna , Singh Anjana , Shukla Rati
Published: November 2010

Purpose

As there has been no research about specific Indian temples, the aim of this paper is to explore the role of technology and commercial factors at ISKCON temple in the National Capital Region, in enhancing the tourists' experience. ISKCON temple, New Delhi, has been the pioneer in implementing technology as a tool for augmenting spirituality and Krishna consciousness amongst visitors but it has been unable to excel in the same. Along with technology, various commercial aspects are also exclusively operative at the temple. This paper highlights the confluence of technology and commercial elements at the temple and their role in creating a satisfying visitor experience. The paper recommends changes that will help the temple's policy makers/management in developing superlative tourist experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores a strategic question by interacting with the key stakeholders. More specifically, interviews with policy makers, temple committee members and devotees, have been conducted along with a questionnaire which has led to data collection from the customers.

Findings

Identified gaps in the technology and commercial factors that are currently in place at the ISKCON temple. A customer survey highlights key expectations of visitors, bringing out the satisfaction level of the visitors with their integrated experience at the ISKCON temple, New Delhi.

Practical implications

ISKCON temple attracts global tourists giving it a cosmopolitan nature. This research paper creates awareness amongst all the policy makers and temple management about ways to craft an outstanding as well as magnetizing experience for the visitors.

Originality/value

India has a legacy of spiritual destinations that have been attracting international and domestic tourists. In the light of this fact, it becomes critical to identify the factors and elements that enhance the cultural, spiritual as well as overall customer experience at these religious destinations.
How can the visitor experience be enhanced for spiritual and cultural tourism in India?
Authors: Jauhari Vinnie
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the question: how can the consumer experience be enhanced for spiritual and cultural tourism in India?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper consolidates the main findings and conclusions arising from the various studies featured in this theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes. It addresses the concerns around consumer experience as well as taking into account perspectives from some of the board members managing these shrines.

Findings

There are many factors affecting infrastructure as well as service‐related elements which should be addressed to attain better levels of service. The boards' managing these places or specific temples/shrines must listen to customer concerns to ensure repeat visits.

Practical implications

There are many lessons for the various stakeholders operating in these areas and for other intermediaries and bodies managing these places.

Originality/value

The paper links the objectives highlighted in the editorial and provides specific insights into areas where actions could contribute to a superior consumer experience.
The history of marketing thought: a teaching reflection
Authors: Domegan Christine
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon teaching the history of marketing thought.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the role of the history of marketing thought within a marketing theory seminar at masters level. It presents how the history of thought aspect changed as the theory course evolved.

Findings

It is possible to feature a historical component within a masters programme. Adaptations and limitations exist when teaching a historical perspective at a masters versus doctoral level.

Originality/value

The history of marketing thought provides a means of connecting marketing academic study to marketing's lineage and genealogy with the intention of promoting historically versed graduates. It can differentiate between the evolution of marketing thought and the development of marketing practice. From a pedagogical perspective, it facilitates informed discussion, critical reflection and analytical thinking in newcomers to the subject.
Teaching the history of marketing theory
Authors: Wooliscroft Ben , Lawson Rob
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on an unusual course, a historically focused course on marketing theory taught to a range of students from their fourth year of study through to the doctoral level.

Design/methodology/approach

The staff, who have taught the course since before 2000 to date, reflect on its purpose, the curriculum and the student experience.

Findings

Studying the history of marketing theory has considerable value for able and engaged students, especially those wishing to proceed to masters or doctoral level study. Students who are exposed to the history of marketing thought are also likely to be better prepared for the business of the future.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is centered on the uniqueness of the course being taught; insights are provided into this unusual curriculum.
The substitution effect of cigarette excise tax for tobacco leaf tax in China
Authors: Cai Hailong , Wang Xiuqing
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the increase in the cigarette excise tax needed to keep tax revenue constant in the face of the cancellation of the tobacco leaf tax.

Design/methodology/approach

Equilibrium‐displacement model was employed to simulate the substitution effect.

Findings

The results suggest the “substitution effect elasticity (SEE)” is between −0.127 and −0.063. This means a 100 per cent cut in the tobacco leaf tax rate would necessitate an increase in the cigarette excise tax rate of between 6.3 and 12.7 per cent. Sensitivity analysis indicates SEE is most sensitive to the retail demand elasticity and oligopoly power and least sensitive to input substitution elasticity and returns to scale.

Originality/value

This paper provides a framework to analyze the policy effects of the Chinese tobacco industry. The findings in this study are very important for government to make policies in the future.
Institutional credit and rice productivity: a case study of District Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Bashir Muhammad , Mehmood Yasir
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how institutional credit affected the productivity of rice crop in District Lahore, Punjab Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select the sample respondents. The district was divided into three strata; from each stratum two villages were randomly selected and from each village ten loanee farmers were randomly selected from the given list of borrowers. An equal number of non‐loanee farmers were also selected. Cobb Douglas function was used to calculate the impact of credit on rice productivity.

Findings

The coefficient of credit was significant, which indicated that credit has a positive impact on the productivity of rice, providing a clue that credit is an important tool for improving and increasing the agricultural productivity in general and that of rice in particular.

Originality/value

The paper will be an important addition to the literature in the current credit impact studies and will help especially the agricultural planners who are responsible for allocating funds for the agricultural sector in general and for the rice sector in particular. The paper's recommendations will help mitigate the problems of the farming community, especially of the small farmers in securing the institutional credit.
Bank marketing investments and bank performance
Authors: Mullineaux Donald J. , Pyles Mark K.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the effects of investments by US banks in advertising and promotion on their performance in the areas of profits and market share.

Design/methodology/approach

The model presented in the paper is motivated by the theory of the profit function. We estimate a base model with a fixed‐effects panel including an AR(1) disturbance over the period 2002‐2006. To test for selection bias, we also estimate a Heckman model.

Findings

It is found that bank profits and market share increase significantly with increased spending on advertising and promotion. Also, significant evidence is found of increasing returns to scale in this type of marketing expenditure. It is also found that increased expenditures on branching result in higher profits and increased market share, but without scale effects. The results are robust, the inclusion of variables is not suggested by profit function theory and corrected for prospective selection bias.

Originality/value

The extant literature does not include research on the effectiveness of bank marketing from the viewpoint of its impact on profit performance. The findings should be of interest to academics in finance and marketing and to banking practitioners.
Centralized clearing for over‐the‐counter derivatives
Authors: Rausser Gordon , Balson William , Stevens Reid
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Systemic risk propagated through over‐the‐counter (OTC) derivatives can best be managed by a public‐private central counterparty clearing house. The purpose of this paper is to outline the market microstructure necessary for such a clearing house.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes using an request for quote platform with an active permissioning system that uses analytic approximations based on Monte Carlo simulation to estimate default risk and a two‐part pricing scheme to efficiently price that risk.

Findings

It is found that comprehensive clearing for complex and standardized derivatives is feasible using the clearing framework.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the authors' ability to give empirical examples. The paper gives a short example with data, but given the constraints on length, cannot go into more detail.

Practical implications

This comprehensive clearing structure, in contrast to current proposed government regulations, will not drive out the “good” with the “bad” OTC derivative instruments.

Originality/value

This is the only paper the authors are aware of that outlines a detailed framework for clearing all OTC derivatives.
Survey‐based spreadsheet model on lean implementation
Authors: Shetty Devdas , Ali Ahad , Cummings Robert
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This research was conducted to study benefits of a concept, known as lean manufacturing, which elicits organizations to do more with less effort, time, space, and equipment by eliminating waste. Because lean implementation involves finances, dedication, and cultural change in business, there is a need to assess a company's lean initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive lean assessment tool is designed targeted for use by manufacturing companies. Research of lean principles and practices was conducted through lean organizations, trade publications, manufacturing web sites, professional articles, textbooks, lean exhibitions, and non‐profit lean organizations.

Findings

This led to the development of a lean survey questionnaire delivered to 143 lean companies and lean consultants for authentic input. Based on the response, survey participation met a goal of 95 percent accuracy with 15 percent error. Completed surveys were compiled and analyzed for fundamental practices of lean organizations. Answers to the survey were assigned numerical values based on lean significance, and a lean assessment model was developed based on Excel. The lean assessment model was fine‐tuned and programmed to output a numerical and descriptive lean assessment grade. It was tested for soundness by inputting mock lean and traditional company answers into the model. Output results from the model correlated with the input.

Originality/value

Lean thinking philosophy and lean manufacturing methods and principles were exhaustively researched to make a successful lean organization. The research led to the development of a visual indicator, the Lean Thinking Management Wheel. This model to assess lean thinking manufacturing initiatives unique and has a great potential to use industry wide.