bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customer profitability analysis with time‐driven activity‐based costing: a case study in a hotel
Authors: Dalci Ilhan , Tanis Veyis , Kosan Levent 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the implementation of customer profitability analysis (CPA) using time‐driven activity‐based costing (TDABC), in a Turkish hotel.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted in a four‐star hotel with 100‐room capacity in the Çukurova region of Turkey. Interviews, direct observations, and documentation collection were used to collect the data.FindingsThe results showed that some of the customer segments which were found unprofitable under the conventional ABC method were determined profitable using TDABC. The case study also revealed the cost of idle resources devoted for front office, housekeeping, food preparation, and marketing activities.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a single hotel operating in Turkey is examined in this paper. Further research should focus on implementing CPA using TDABC in other hotels in Turkey and abroad.Practical implicationsBased on the results of the study, the hotel management is better able to understand profitability of different customer segments and implement appropriate strategies. Moreover, the time equations of TDABC are considered to provide hotel management with an opportunity to better balance the capacities supplied in departments.Originality/valueThere is limited research relating to profitability analysis in service companies in general and in the hotel industry in particular. Therefore, this paper is unique in the sense that it analyzes the use of TDABC systems for CPA within a real case hotel.
The impact of hotel management contracting on IHRM practices
Authors: Gannon Judie , Roper Angela , Doherty Liz 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe international hotel industry's growth has been achieved via the simultaneous divestment of real estate portfolios and adoption of low risk or “asset light” market entry modes such as management contracting. The management implications of these market entry mode decisions have however been poorly explored in the literature and the purpose of this paper is to address these omissions.Design/methodology/approachResearch was undertaken with senior human resource executives and their teams across eight international hotel companies (IHCs). Data were collected by means of semi‐structured interviews, observations and the collection of company documentation.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that management contracts as “asset light” options for international market entry not only provide valuable equity and strategic opportunities but also limit IHCs' chances of developing and sustaining human resource competitive advantage. Only where companies leverage their specific market entry expertise and develop mutually supportive relationships with their property‐owning partners can the challenges of managing human resources in these complex and diversely owned arrangements be surmounted.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this paper is the focus on the human resource specialists' perspectives of the impact of internationalization through asset light market entry modes.Originality/valueThis paper presents important insights into the tensions, practices and implications of management contracts as market entry modes which create complex inter‐organisational relationships subsequently shaping international human resource management strategies, practices and competitive advantage.
Job satisfaction and organizational commitment of hotel managers in Turkey
Authors: Gunlu Ebru , Aksarayli Mehmet , Şahin Perçin Nilüfer 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify the effects of job satisfaction on organizational commitment for managers in large‐scale hotels in the Aegean region of Turkey and, in addition, to examine whether there is a significant relationship between the characteristics of the sample, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachTwo structured questionnaires were administered to large‐scale hotel managers in the tourism industry. The survey instruments were adopted from the validated Minnesota Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire of Meyer‐Allen. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 13.0.FindingsThe findings indicate that extrinsic, intrinsic, and general job satisfaction have a significant effect on normative commitment and affective commitment. In addition, the findings suggest that the dimensions of job satisfaction do not have a significant effect on continuance commitment among the managers of large‐scale hotels. When the characteristics of the sample are regarded, age, income level, and education have a significant relationship with extrinsic job satisfaction whereas income level indirectly affect affective commitment.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants are limited to the managers of large‐scale hotels in Aegean region of Turkey so the results could not be generalized to the whole country; however, the number of respondents is assumed to be sufficient to provide comprehensive results.Practical implicationsAlthough job satisfaction is found to affect organizational commitment, practitioners should not disregard the fact that there is an interactive relationship between the two factors; otherwise, the organizations might be at risk. In addition, the governmental support is very important in minimizing the effects of seasonality problem in tourism.Originality/valueThe previous research studies in Turkey generally have focused on the organizational commitment and job satisfaction correlation among the employees in different sectors of Turkey but usually within one organization. Upper level managers' views and the tourism sector have sometimes been neglected. This research was conducted to address this deficit in Turkey in terms of reaching various hotels in a region, trying to measure the viewpoints of the upper level managers, and conducting the research in a labor‐intensive sector such as tourism.
Examining the tourism distribution channel: evolution and transformation
Authors: Kracht John , Wang Youcheng 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution and transformation of tourism distribution channels, focusing on the role the internet has played in such a process. It attempts to graphically illustrate, in a temporal manner, the evolving complexity of the tourism distribution systems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides insights into the change of the structure of tourism distribution that has not been extensively explored. Indeed, the complexity of the tourism distribution structure has been diagrammatically depicted multiple times by previous researchers and each depiction has contributed to a fuller understanding of the body of knowledge by focusing on different aspects of that structure. This paper builds upon those valuable knowledge contributions by focusing on the evolution of the structure over time, systematically and diagrammatically revealing the progressively larger number of intermediation layers, in spite of concurrent disintermediation and reintermediation activity. This paper does not focus on every action of every participant in detail, but rather focuses on categories of intermediaries, looking at pioneering examples of each. Likewise, the comparative rates of technology adoption in different regions of the world are not investigated.FindingsThe complex network proposed in this paper indicates that the advance of information and communication technology has not reduced the number of intermediaries in the distribution channel, but rather resulted in an increasingly complex array of intermediaries. The structure of the tourism industry has taken the form of a complex global network. In the struggle to prosper in this environment, participants at various levels will continue to compete, cooperate, merge, form partnerships, and change relationships on a regular basis.Originality/valueThe extant literature has covered many aspects of intermediation, disintermediation, and reintermediation, albeit with differing terminologies. Most of these studies have adopted a static and cross‐sectional approach in examining the structure and use of tourism distribution channels. This paper examines the historical evolution and progression of tourism distribution channels which is not only important in understanding where we are now as an industry, but also where we came from and where we are heading to.
Destination image and choice intention of university student travellers to Mauritius
Authors: Phau Ian , Shanka Tekle , Dhayan Neema 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influences of information sources, namely organic sources and induced sources, on perceived destination image and destination choice intention of university student travellers to Mauritius.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a convenience sample in a large university in Western Australia. A self‐administered questionnaire was designed using established scales. In total, 388 usable responses were collected and analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques.FindingsThe perceived attractiveness of Mauritius as a vacation destination is based on the fact that tourists picture the island as one which offers good value for money and cheap travel. Both information sources are found to have an influence on perceived destination image and destination choice intention. Perceived destination image is found to predict destination choice intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is limited to potential tourists in Western Australia. Larger or national sample can be used for future studies. Qualitative methods could be explored in future.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that destination marketers should use multiple sources of information to target tourists. In particular, the internet seems to be the highest incidence of information source.Originality/valueThe paper has redressed some deficits in the literature. Prior studies have not examined Mauritius as a tourist destination. Neither have Australians been studied as potential tourists. It has also tested the conceptual determinants of perceived destination image and destination choice intention and has proved that destination image is a multidimensional concept.
Is there value in personal‐development training for women?
Authors: Khilay Snéha 
Published: July 2010

PurposeDescribes the benefits women can gain from attending a personal‐development course.Design/methodology/approachProvides examples of two women whose personal and professional lives have been transformed by such training.FindingsArgues that the programs can give women the space and time to reflect on their goals (and dreams) and establish new strategies in pursuing these. Highlights the supportive atmosphere that can develop in the programs. Argues that, at a practical level, an organization can reap benefits not only through the reduced costs of fewer grievances, but also by a greater number of women applying for promotion or seeking further professional qualifications.Practical implicationsAdvances the view that women often feel better able to discuss their difficulties away from the workplace, in all‐female groups.Social implicationsHighlights a way of increasing the number of women confident enough to reach the highest levels of their organizations.Originality/valueClaims that women who have attended personal‐development programs often feel more confident in confronting sexist comments from colleagues, and in dealing with bullying and harassment.
Making improvements stick
Authors: Eaton Mark 
Published: July 2010

PurposeExplains how to make organizational reforms last.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the actions needed to move an organization from implementation to the point where improvements are fully embedded.FindingsHighlights the importance of having a top‐level champion who supports and advocates change, gaining and maintaining stakeholder engagement, ensuring honest and timely communication, encouraging a long‐term focus on changing the behavior of the organization, supporting individuals with the capability to lead the improvement process, continuing to invest in building the internal capability of the organization and introducing robust financial and non‐financial incentives.Practical implicationsStresses the need to allow people to comment constructively on reform.Social implicationsDetails the impact of such social factors as ignorance, lethargy, committees and inflexibility in holding back improvements.Originality/valueEmphasizes that improvement is more about people than about process.
Interview with Eugene Sadler‐Smith, author of The Intuitive Mind
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Eugene Sadler‐Smith, Professor of Management Development and Organizational Behaviour, at the University of Surrey's School of Management and author of The Intuitive Mind.Design/methodology/approach:This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewerFindingsEugene Sadler‐Smith's research interests are centered upon the role of intuitive judgment in management decision making and management development. His research has been published widely in peer‐reviewed journals such as the Academy of Management Executive, Academy of Management Learning and Education, British Journal of Psychology, Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Management Learning, and Organisation Studies. He has researched and published widely in the field of learning and development (L&D) and is author of several books, including Inside Intuition (Routledge, 2008) and The Intuitive Mind (John Wiley and Sons, 2010). His intuition research has featured on BBC Radio 4 and in The Times.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThis interview give some insight into the underlying scientific principles that explain the intuitive mind, offering tools and techniques for developing and deploying informed intuition in leadership and management.
Delivering higher education to meet local needs in a developing context: the quality dilemmas?
Authors: Abukari Abdulai , Corner Trevor 
Published: July 2010

PurposeHigher education is increasingly being scrutinised and discourse centred on its usefulness to stakeholders. In 1992, the University for Development Studies (UDS) was established in Northern Ghana with a mission to engage with local communities to develop the area. This paper aims to understand the quality perspective of the university within the contexts of the needs of its catchment community and quality requirements of other stakeholders guided by issues arising from the questions of who really should define quality, in what context, for whose benefit, and with whose resources.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews, documentary and artefacts to generate data from the UDS.FindingsAlthough donors play a crucial role in ensuring quality, the findings suggest that the basis for any effective quality should move beyond the traditional precepts to make it reflect local needs and realities within an international context guided by effective quality monitory and evaluation mechanisms.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practical suggestions of appropriate quality assurance models for higher education institutions in the developing world.Originality/valueThe paper identifies some quality dilemmas in higher education in developing contexts.
Evaluating quality in associate degree culinary arts programs
Authors: Hertzman Jean , Ackerman Robert 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine which categories and indicators of quality are best suited to evaluating associate degree culinary arts programs (ADCAP).Design/methodology/approachThe researchers surveyed a national sample of culinary educators and industry chefs in the USA. The instrument asked the participants to rate the importance levels of 50 potential quality indicators for ADCAP. The data were analyzed to determine the most important indicators as well as categories of indicators.FindingsData analysis revealed the five most important indicators of quality, based on mean scores, to be: sanitation of kitchen laboratories; industry experience of faculty; subject experience of faculty; required internship; and job placement rates. From these data, the researchers developed a list of 20 suggested quality indicators. The indicators were originally divided into eight categories. The majority of the suggested indicators came from the faculty, organization and administration, and facilities categories. However, factor analysis revealed that the list of indicators could more appropriately be divided into 13 categories.Research limitations/implicationsThe members of the American Culinary Federation surveyed may not be representative of all chefs in the USA.Practical implicationsThe results provide a basis for educators, students, employers and other stakeholders of ADCAP to evaluate these programs and suggest future research to further evaluate ADCAP quality.Originality/valueThis paper applies multiple theories of evaluating quality in higher education to a type of program that has been under‐researched in the academic literature.
The role of teams, culture, and capacity in the transfer of organizational practices
Authors: Lucas Leyland M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeTransferring organizational practices requires an understanding not only of what is being transferred but also of what is needed to ensure that the transfer is successful. In line with this thinking, the purpose of this study is to examine three factors that are crucial parts of this mechanism: use of teams, culture, and capacity.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a quantitative approach of a Fortune 500 company involved in energy supply. Data are gathered using survey methodology with items drawn from previous research. Hierarchical ordinary least squares are the methodology employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe study highlights how using teams, employing a collaborative culture, and possessing capacity after accounting for the control variables affected the knowledge transfer process and provides some insights into ways in which the process can be better managed.Research limitations/implicationsUsing this framework, it becomes problematic to separate individual and collective learning.Practical implicationsThe paper reinforces the idea that building a collaborative environment in which sharing and seeing knowledge as an organizational asset are essential to success.Originality/valueThe study reinforces the notion that individuals are being asked to make a major change in their approach to the management of knowledge: rather than as an individual asset to be exploited, it should be seen as an organizational asset. This requires that employees change the way they do things. Furthermore, knowledge is not an asset that can be easily discarded and replaced. As a consequence, organizations need to recognize that knowledge management can only be successful if a collaborative environment is created and the organization builds on what it already knows.
Simulating the effect of risks on equity return for concession‐based public‐private partnership projects
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Xie Jingzhu , Kumaraswamy Mohan M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeUnlike other project delivery options, a much larger proportion of risks is borne by the private partner in public‐private partnerships, since a large amount of equity is needed to finance the scheme. As a result, it is of paramount importance for the franchisee to analyse the possible project outcomes with due reference to potential risks affecting cash inflow and outflow. The purpose of this paper is to address the shortcomings of deterministic estimations by developing a proposal for a simulation model that aims to unveil the probability distributions of the equity amount and return on equity.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a simulation model is developed to establish the probability distributions of these two indicators under the influence of risks. A simple case study is also presented to illustrate the concept and application of this model.FindingsThe simulation model can generate the probability distributions related to the net present value of the equity component as well as the rate of return on equity.Practical implicationsThe method proposed in this paper should help the private investors analyse the amount of equity to be injected to the project and its corresponding return rate.Originality/valueBy referring to the probability distribution, an equity investor can establish whether they can recover their investment and gain a desired return rate. Based upon the risk attitude of the investor, decision‐makers can then decide whether the scheme should be pursued or not.
The survival strategies of Singapore contractors in prolonged recession
Authors: Teck Heng Lim Benson , Lan Oo Bee , Ling Florence 
Published: July 2010

PurposeContractors adopt various strategies to achieve their firms' objectives of continued existence and further development, and to guide the relationship between the firms and the business environment within which they operate. An economic recession drives firms to undertake unusual steps to survive within an environmental context. The purpose of this paper is to examine the survival strategies of Singapore contractors in the eight years of unprecedented recession in the industry from 1997 to 2005 are examined.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 34 interviews were conducted with senior executives of large and medium‐sized construction firms in Singapore to identify their survival strategies during the recession period.FindingsThree categories of strategies are identified: contracting‐related actions, cost‐control related actions, and financial‐related actions. The results show that most contractors opted to bid for more projects that are within their firms' resources and capabilities in contracting for jobs. To control cost, all contractors implemented stricter site management on material wastage, stricter financial management on firms' cash flow, stricter and procurement procedures. The majority of them froze salaries and stopped hiring. In order to remain solvent, most contractors set aside a sum of money from their reserves for unforeseen circumstances.Practical implicationsContractors should learn how to stay adequately lean in managing their business in order to be flexible and responsive to changes within the business environment. The findings highlight the importance of effective cost, risk, relationship and resource management.Originality/valueThe findings provide valuable lessons to construction firms in preparing for volatile market conditions during a recession.