Solo travellers to city destinations: an exploratory study in Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeid Abbasian
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Tourism ◽  
The People ◽  
City Tourism ◽  
Travel Agencies ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain more insight into the phenomenon of solo travel to city destinations and attain more knowledge on the topic.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a questionnaire consisting of qualitative and quantitative items. In all, 21 individuals (12 women, 9 men) responded.FindingsThe most important reason for solo travel was their own free choice and in some cases, difficulty finding companions. Their activities at the destinations were mostly visiting attractions followed by visiting friends, shopping, walking, eating at restaurants, learning the language, working, etc. They mostly mentioned advantages but also some disadvantages with solo travelling. Their experiences, especially with the people in the host destinations, have been positive and they show overall satisfaction with their visit. A predominant share of the interviewees showed a kind of loyalty to one or more specific city destinations and wished to revisit them again and again.Practical implicationsThe current study might have some implications for city tourism developers/destination developers, travel agencies, national or regional tourism boards and tour operators in major urban areas and cities. Especially, this study has a practical contribution to the city tourism practitioners and gives them more insight in what values, attitudes, perceptions, expectations and motivations the solo travellers might have before or while they visit their cities. The study also has implications for potential solo travellers seeking more knowledge and information on the issue.Originality/valueThe phenomenon of solo travel to city destinations is an unresearched topic in Sweden. This exploratory study is the first in Sweden to focus on solo travellers visiting city destinations.

scholarly journals Exploring inbound tourists experience in Beijing, China: an online deductive approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-450
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Bingjie Liu-Lastres ◽  
Qiuju Wang ◽  
Yao-Yi Fu
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Tourism ◽  
Transportation Service ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The City ◽  
Beijing China ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Beijing is becoming one of the top global destinations but the number of international tourists to the city has been declining recently. By analyzing inbound tourists experience in Beijing and identifying the relationship between the destination attributes and satisfaction, the purpose of this paper is to provide important insights into city tourism research and city destination development. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online deductive approach and collected 1,254 reviews on TripAdvisor referencing major attractions in Beijing. This study used the Leximancer software to analyze the content of the reviews and to identify the underlying relationships. Findings The results showed that international tourists’ experience in Beijing can be reflected via five aspects: attractions, city, transportation, service and people. The results further indicated that the major concern of international tourists visiting Beijing related to the service quality on site. Originality/value This study explored inbound tourists experience in Beijing using an online deductive approach. Practical implications were provided with respect to improving international tourists experience in Beijing and enhancing their satisfaction and revisiting intentions.

Can Lean eliminate waste in urban logistics? A field study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matias Escuder ◽  
Martin Tanco ◽  
Andres Muñoz-Villamizar ◽  
Javier Santos
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
The People ◽  
Transportation Process ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUrban logistics presents a series of challenges, as the interests of the different stakeholders are not always aligned. The aim of this research is to explore the potential of applying Lean principles to reduce waste in urban logistics.Design/methodology/approachAs a structure for “going to gemba,” the authors implemented the shadowing technique to better understand the perspective of companies distributing products in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay. Then, meetings were conducted to validate the observations by the people shadowed.FindingsThe results show that most of shipper's time is dedicated to waiting (59%), which is followed by driving (22%), and only a small section of time was dedicated to unloading and verification activities (19%). Although collaborative solutions are needed along with the different stakeholders, this research highlights how deploying Lean thinking can improve significantly urban logistics achieving up to 25% improvement in the number of stores served per shift.Practical implicationsFrom an academic point of view, this study emphasizes the importance of continue applying and evaluating the Lean practices into transportation contexts. From a company's perspective, the authors have presented a list of propositions that can be implemented for carriers in order to reduce waste and/or improve the efficiency of the urban transportation process.Originality/valueBased on the literature review carried out, the subject study of Lean and its application to urban logistics remains mostly unexplored in the scientific literature.

A content analysis of influential wine blogs

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Beninger ◽  
Michael Parent ◽  
Leyland Pitt ◽  
Anthony Chan
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Analysis Software ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Study ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze the content of influential wine blogs. Design/methodology/approach – The study used content analysis software, Leximancer, to analyze the entire contents of five influential amateur wine blogs. Findings – A key finding is that these blogs all balance self-promotion with the content of their blogs, namely, wine and wine-related topics. The wine blogs, though evaluating wines in different ways, review not only the product attributes but also the experience surrounding wine. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of this study include that the analysis only included five wine blogs and the content analysis was conducted by a sole researcher using a computerized approach. Practical implications – Wine blogs have increasing influence in the wine industry, especially those written by amateur wine bloggers. As such, understanding the tactics used by wine bloggers is of interest to practitioners who aim to market their wines using such channels as well as providing insight into this contemporary platform for current and aspiring wine critics. Originality/value – This is the first content analysis study that analyzes the content of wine blogs as the readers themselves see it. It provides insights of value not only to those involved in marketing in the wine industry but also to those interested in the developments of amateur blogs in marketing.

Building and evolving a culture of excellence: a conceptual exploration

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis W. Provance ◽  
Suresh Babu Ramisetty ◽  
Michael Joseph Urick ◽  
Kelly A. Wieczorkowski
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
A Current

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conceptually explore building a culture of excellence from the ground up as well as evolving a current culture to one more focused on excellence. Design/methodology/approach This study reviewed extant research related to organizational cultures and cultures of excellence that have implications for building or evolving into these types of cultures. Findings The findings of this study suggest that the “people side” of organizations is crucial to forming a culture of excellence. Specific people-oriented considerations to forming such a culture include leveraging leaders and understanding other influences including diversity as well as external aspects. Changing culture must occur at the assumptions (and not just artifacts) level. Furthermore, there are many barriers to building a culture of excellence, many of which are also related to an organization’s people. Research limitations/implications A qualitative grounded theory approach whereby researchers asked organizational members to define “culture of excellence” could help build a clearer model for the formation of cultures of excellence. Quantitative approaches should also test how successful the influencers, noted in this study are in creating cultures of excellence. This study’s conceptual links between cultures of excellence and performance should also be tested empirically. Practical implications This paper provides practitioners insight into the importance of culture and considerations for how to change an organizational culture. Social implications This paper advocates for the importance of social considerations in the workplace regarding creating a culture of excellence. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first that discusses creating a culture of excellence. Furthermore, it is one of only a handful of articles that links people to excellence.

The Danish SSP model – prevention through support and co-operation

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jørgen Pedersen ◽  
Blaine Stothard
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Career Structure ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline of the origins, rationale and ways of working of the Danish schools, social services, police (SSP) system. Design/methodology/approach – Narrative account of origins and contexts and discussion of implications for other nations and contribution to knowledge of prevention work. Findings – The SSP system represents an involvement by Danish state institutions in the welfare and development of young people. Practice indicates its broad acceptance by parents, young people and professionals. Recent extension of SSP work is demonstrating some of the limitations of the approach in working with alienated young people. Research limitations/implications – The present SSP system relies on local evaluation and assessment. Wider national and longitudinal evaluation needs further consideration. Practical implications – The need for a career structure and continuing and nationally consistent professional development opportunities was identified in a previous evaluation. Social implications – SSP enjoys broad acceptance amongst parents, young people and professionals in that it provides a universal input into young people’s well-being and social integration. It is proving less successful in work in some urban areas with high levels of alienation amongst older young people. There is also a need for re-statement of confidentiality aspects. Originality/value – The paper provides an insight into and overview of a cross-disciplinary approach to young people’s development and well-being where the state plays a key and accepted role. The rationale is equally relevant to the UK and other countries.

Seasonal variation in urban tourist satisfaction

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Soldić Frleta ◽  
Dora Smolčić Jurdana
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction ◽  
City Tourism ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to detect the differences in satisfaction levels with regard to different elements of the city tourism offering during the season and off-season. Furthermore, the aim is to find out what factors determine the satisfaction of season and off-season tourists. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the results of a survey conducted during 2016 in Opatija and Rijeka (Croatia). The analyses were conducted on a sample of 1,249 respondents. Data analysis included principal component analyses, ANOVA and series of regression analyses. Findings Results confirmed that there is a significant difference in overall satisfaction, as well as in all five satisfaction dimensions, between tourists visiting the cities during the season and those visiting in the pre- and post-season. In addition, simple regression analyses revealed that tourists staying in those cities during the peak season expressed a statistically significant higher level of satisfaction than those visiting in the pre- and post-season. However, no statistically significant difference was found in overall satisfaction and in four out of five satisfaction dimensions, between pre- and post-season tourists. Practical implications The findings have relevant implications for destination managers in their further decisions aimed at developing a more satisfactory tourism offering in the season and off-season. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper lies in the connection between tourist satisfaction and the season of their visit, as previous studies have rarely considered the season when analysing tourist satisfaction with the destination offering.

Mainland Chinese cruise passengers’ perceptions of Western service

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Sheranne Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mainland Chinese ◽  
Cruise Ships ◽  
Travel Agencies ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
High Quality Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the service perceptions of mainland Chinese passengers on three international cruise ships. Design/methodology/approach Participant observation and casual conversations were conducted on three international cruise ships departing from Shanghai. Additionally, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 76 mainland Chinese cruise passengers over the three cruise trips. Findings The results suggest that mainland Chinese cruise passengers continually made cultural comparisons between Eastern and Western service. A preference for Western service was expressed, which passengers likened to luxury service that one would receive in China. In contrast to what they would expect to experience in China, passengers viewed cruise staff as polite and attentive, egalitarian, sincere and patient, interactive and engaged with the passengers, and committed to cleanliness. Although some passengers believed that the provision of more Chinese-speaking staff would improve the experience, most passengers did not perceive the ratio of Chinese-speaking staff to passengers to be an issue and were satisfied with the efforts of non-Chinese-speaking staff to provide high-quality service. Practical implications Understanding the service perceptions of mainland Chinese cruise passengers provides insights to cruise companies and travel agencies that service Chinese passengers. Originality/value Limited research has examined how mainland Chinese cruise passengers perceive Western service on cruise ships. This study provides insight into how to improve the service experience and enhance satisfaction of cruise passengers from mainland China.

What makes court-referred mediation effective?

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Galin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process And Outcome ◽  
Refusal To Participate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Theoretical Insight ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Low Rate

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to obtain insight into court-referred mediation in the Israeli Labor Courts, by analyzing its processes and outcomes, as a function of tactics used by both the disputants and the mediator. Design/methodology/approach – Observation of 103 court-referred mediations, for each of which a detailed process and outcome were documented. Data on disputants' refusal to participate in the mediation was also collected. At the end of each mediation case, disputants were given a questionnaire in which they expressed their satisfaction with the outcome and their evaluation of the mediator's contribution. Findings – A low rate of refusal to participate in court-referred mediation was found. Also, the higher the ratio of soft tactics to pressure tactics employed (by all parties involved) during the process, the higher the rate of agreements. Mediators use significantly more soft tactics than disputants, and are more active in using tactics. The two significant variables that predict the mediation's agreement are the ratio between soft tactics to pressure tactics used by all parties, and mediator contribution to the process. Practical implications – The significant role of soft tactics in the process, outcome, and satisfaction of court-referred mediation may serve as a guideline for disputants and mediators. Originality/value – This unique research, which examines the impact of tactics on court-referred mediation, may provide added and significant theoretical insight into its process and outcome, as well as a better understanding of other “hybrid” (compulsory at the beginning, voluntary at the end) mediations.

Design and topological optimization of rear pressure bulkhead for a typical aircraft

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshal Thakran ◽  
Meenakshi ◽  
Jitender Sharma ◽  
Charles Gilbert Martin
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Topological Optimization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Iterative Design ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the model of a rear pressure bulkhead with different design optimizations to meet the pressurized cabin requirements of an aircraft. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of the static analysis of a dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead model designed in Catia-v5. Numerical analysis of model meshed in hyper-mesh and solved using Opti-Struct for iterative design optimizations. Findings All the iterative models are analyzed at 9 Psi. Rear pressure bulkhead designed with L-section stringer shows better results than the model optimized with T-section stringer for the same thickness. The model optimized with L-shaped stinger also reduces the weight of the bulkhead without affecting the structural integrity. Practical implications It has been concluded in this paper that the selection of specific shapes of the stringers shows a significant influence on weight reduction. Originality/value This paper provides a topical, technical insight into the design and development of a rear pressure bulkhead. It also outlines the future development of dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead.

Contrasting profiles of product returners and keepers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hwan Lee
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Demographic Profiles ◽  
Post Purchase ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Study Offer

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether the consumers who return a product and those who end up keeping a product after experiencing post-purchase dissonance (PPD) possess distinct underlying characteristics. Design/methodology/approach Field survey study consisting of two separate surveys conducted with consumers of New York City and neighboring areas of New York and New Jersey. Findings Product returners and keepers exhibited disparate demographic profiles regarding gender and household income, along with ethnicity to some extent. The two groups also exhibited different predispositions with regard to confidence in the purchase decision and expectations about their purchase. Finally, returners and keepers were engaged in divergent thoughts, feelings and activities to cope with PPD. Practical implications The findings of this study offer marketing practitioners new knowledge and insight into understanding product returners and keepers and will assist them in developing strategies to reduce and manage increasing product returns by consumers more effectively. Originality/value This study is the first to present empirical evidence that product returners and keepers have distinct profiles of demographic characteristics and predispositions toward purchase. The study also has found divergent PPD coping strategies used by the two types of consumers, which exposes an obsolete understanding of PPD in the marketing literature.

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