scholarly journals Urban tourist motivations: why visit Ljubljana?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Bozic ◽  
James Kennell ◽  
Miroslav D. Vujicic ◽  
Tamara Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
Capital City ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pull Factors ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ahp Model ◽  
Pull Factor ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a new perspective on urban tourist motivations by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to help to understand how tourists make decisions about which destinations to visit. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on 30 one-hour-long structured interviews with visitors to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. Respondents were asked to express their preferences between different pull-factor motives for their visit, using Saaty’s scale, and further qualitative data were collected to examine these preferences in more depth. Findings The results of this study indicate that the most relevant criteria and thus predominant factors in motivation for visits to Ljubljana are the Cultural and Nightlife pull factors, while religious and business motives are the lowest ranked factors. The paper argues that the results show the value of applying the AHP model to understand the role of pull factors in urban tourism destination choice. Research limitations/implications As a single-destination case study, it is important that the findings of this research are evaluated against similar studies in other cities. A limitation of this research is the fact that sub motives within major groups of pull-factor motives have not been explored in this study and this should be the subject of future, more detailed research. Originality/value This research shows the value of applying an under-used methodology to understand urban tourist motivations and knowledge gained through applying this method will be of value to destination marketing organisations as well as to researchers conducting future studies.

An analytic hierarchy process for school quality and inspection

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Al Qubaisi ◽  
Masood Badri ◽  
Jihad Mohaidat ◽  
Hamad Al Dhaheri ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
School Quality ◽  
Distinct Advantage ◽  
School Inspection ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ahp Model ◽  
Evaluation Measures ◽  
School Inspections ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytic hierarchy planning-based framework to establish criteria weights and to develop a school performance system commonly called school inspections. Design/methodology/approach – The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model uses pairwise comparisons and a measurement scale to generate the weights for the criteria. The validity of the approach is confirmed by comparing the outputs of school inspection and the outputs of the model in a sample of schools. Findings – The framework proposed enables school management to address several issues pertaining to its competitive advantage with other schools, the two most important being establishing its performance ranking in the marketplace and identifying the service elements that most require improvement. This study develops a cohesive approach to identify which quality attributes or dimensions require attention. Research limitations/implications – For school inspections, the data collection and computational problems would increase with the increase in the number of criteria and sub-criteria, as well as the number of schools considered in the selection. Although the range of reported AHP applications is extensive in many disciplines, examples in school quality and inspection remain still rare; as a result, this study could not compare its results with other AHP applications in school inspection or assessment. Practical implications – The AHP method has the distinct advantage that it decomposes a decision problem into its constituent parts and builds hierarchies of criteria. AHP enables assessors to capture both subjective and objective evaluation measures of school quality. By providing a useful mechanism for assessing the consistency of the evaluation measures and alternatives, the AHP reduces bias in decision making. Social implications – The AHP model also provides a more systematic evaluation of a given school’s qualitative performance criteria. The proposed AHP model is attractive to assessors and decision makers because its pairwise comparison procedure enables them to offer a relative (rather than absolute) individual criterion assessment on those qualitative factors. Originality/value – The AHP model could become a sustainable component of overall school system quality improvement by maturing over time. The AHP annual scores could be used as realistic and measureable gauges for measuring school improvement.

BIM in the operations stage: bottlenecks and implications for owners

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Bosch ◽  
Leentje Volker ◽  
Alexander Koutamanis
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose – The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Netherlands is increasing. Studies show that BIM is mainly used in the lifecycle stages of initiation, development and realisation. Owners and operators are presumably yet to discover the added value of BIM for maintenance and information management within their organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate information management during the operations stage from the viewpoint of owners and determines the added value of BIM within this growing field of construction. Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on a literature review, explorative interviews and process modelling. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted among public real estate and infrastructure owners and operators, software companies, service providers and contractors. Findings – This paper provides empirical insights into the sources of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the activities of Dutch semi-public and public clients. It finds that the current added value of BIM in the operations stage is marginal. The main reasons for this are a lack of alignment between the supply of and demand for information and the context-dependent role of information. Practical implications – The authors propose a structured approach that supports client organisations in establishing greater alignment between the supply of and demand for information, and a less context-dependent role for information during the operations stage. Originality/value – In contrast to previous studies, this paper offers a new perspective on BIM in the operations stage, a growing field of interest in practice and science.

An overall index of intellectual capital

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 880-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Livio Cricelli ◽  
Marco Greco ◽  
Michele Grimaldi
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Weighted Sums ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Value Drivers ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Index Components ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – The aim of this article is to expound a holistic intellectual capital index. Moreover, the paper presents its implementation within a real estate organization. Design/methodology/approach – The index is calculated on the basis of 14 structured interviews synthesized through the analytic hierarchy process, min–max normalizations and weighted sums. Findings – The authors estimate a holistic intellectual capital index and show that an analysis of its components may allow identifying discordances within the organization about the contributions of its value drivers. Research limitations/implications – The proposed index may be used in a medium-/long-term research to measure the evolution in the organizational intellectual capital and its relation with the top management’s initiatives and the competitive environment changes. Practical implications – The proposed methodology may integrate the reports prepared for shareholders and stakeholders and provide the top management, with an in-depth understanding of the different perceptions of the organizational human resources. Originality/value – The authors discuss a holistic index of intellectual capital that allows considering both the performances of the intellectual capital components and the interdependencies among them and also their strategic contribution to the value-creation process. In addition, they propose a novel descriptive statistical analysis of the assessment and management of IC-index components to draw indications for the top management.

Planning for the redevelopment after a fire event

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew MacKenzie
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Fire Event ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Influences

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of planners and designers in supporting residents to negotiate the challenges of rebuilding after wildfire on the urban fringe. The research seeks to understand how planning and design professionals, in providing professional services, comprehend the changing expectations of residents transitioning from emergency to the slow process of achieving a post fire normal state through the project of redesigning their homes. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses semi-structured interviews to examine the role of planners and designers employed to facilitate and assess, or provide design services for residents who rebuilt houses after the 2003 bushfires in Canberra, Australia’s Capital City. Narrative analysis was used to identify emerging themes based on their professional experiences during the redevelopment of the suburb. Findings Case analysis shows that external influences were significant contributing factors in determining the design of houses rebuilt after the fires. The goal for both the designers and residents was to design a more sustainable built form; however, this was not achieved as external social and cultural influences came into the decision-making process. Practical implications The paper provides a different perspective on the competing goals planners and designers face in supporting residents to rebuild after disasters such as wild fires. It highlights the changing nature of the relationship between professionals and community. In particular, the research suggests planners can play an important role as observers and facilitators of long-term change occurring in the years after wildfire. The research provides insights into how planners and building designers may better serve the community by gaining a better understanding of the changing nature of redevelopment over time. Originality/value The research provides a novel approach to understanding the challenges facing planners and building designers working with residents to rebuild houses after wildfire. The paper makes the case for a better understanding of the temporal dynamics and external influences affecting decision making in post disaster redevelopment of homes.

Assessing and ranking HALMAS parks in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafikul Islam ◽  
Fatima El Madkouri
Keyword(s):  
Absolute Measurement ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Ranking Criteria ◽  
Remedial Actions ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Level Of Importance

Purpose This paper aims to measure the level of importance and satisfaction on a number of items in the day-to-day running of the halal parks in Malaysia and to rank a selected halal parks on the basis of a number of performance criteria. Design/methodology/approach An importance-performance analysis (IPA) approach was adopted to focus on the areas requiring remedial actions for the halal parks. Further, the HALMAS (the accredited halal parks) parks ranking criteria have been identified and the absolute measurement process of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been applied to complete the ranking exercise. Findings IPA surfaced 16 items that require remedial actions for successful operations of HALMAS parks; these are related to infrastructure, facilities, logistics, local support authorities and the role of halal develop corporation. On the other hand, there were seven criteria to rank the HALMAS parks. Research limitations/implications Because of limited availability of data, the researchers could not rank all the 13 HALMAS parks in Malaysia rather only eight parks were evaluated. Practical implications The findings of the research were presented before the management of the parks and they shared their views that the findings gave them the clear road map of implementing improvement activities that will bring higher effectiveness in running the parks. Originality/value This is the pioneering attempt to rank HALMAS parks in Malaysia by applying a scientific method such as AHP. The type of application of a hybrid method (IPA and AHP) that is presented in the paper can also be extended to similar situations.

Identification of best reverse value chain alternatives

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar Paras ◽  
Antonela Curteza ◽  
Geetika Varshneya
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Clothing Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose Undesired changes in the environment and reduction of natural resources have necessitated the need for environmental protection and resource conservation. Textile and clothing industry is the second largest (after food) industry. Therefore, there is a need to protect the environment by reducing the use of natural resources. The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the best reverse value chain alternatives for the clothing industry. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory study is undertaken at six organizations working in the area of used clothes. The data were collected with the help of semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire, for the analytical hierarchy process analysis. The information from other sources such documents, websites, and reports was also gathered to strengthen the findings. Findings There are different reverse value chain methods to minimize the use of natural resources such as direct reuse, upcycling and downcycling. Incineration and landfill can be considered as the last options. The selection of best reverse value chain method is a multi-criteria value decision-making problem, as this involves complex decision parameters. Practical implications The industry practitioners can use the above model and results to make end-of-life decisions. Originality/value This paper develops a model on the basis of the analytic hierarchy process to determine the best method to close the loop of the clothing value chain. On the basis of the result and analysis, upcycling emerged to be the best alternative to close the loop of the clothing industry.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

Identification and prioritization of corporate sustainability practices using analytical hierarchy process

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Goyal ◽  
Zillur Rahman ◽  
Absar Ahmad Kazmi
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Corporate Sustainability Performance ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the corporate sustainability practices to improve the corporate sustainability performance in the manufacturing sector. Further, these practices are being prioritized to find out the essential practices to ensure logical allocation of limited resources. Design/methodology/approach – It examines the corporate sustainability practices which have been shortlisted from both the literature review and experts judgment. Then, analytic hierarchy process has been used to assess the identified 12 practices of corporate sustainability and to find their priorities for improvement of the corporate sustainability performance. Findings – Based on the hierarchical model developed in this study, the analysis reveals market value, environment management and strategy, research and development, pollution prevention, corporate governance and investor responsibility, which have been found to be the most important practices in improving the corporate sustainability performance. Practical implications – The findings of the study would be useful to the practitioners in the proper allocation of scarce resources to optimize the corporate sustainability performance of firms, especially the manufacturing entities. Originality/value – It is a fact that multi-faceted nature of corporate sustainability includes both subjective and objective dimensions. Therefore, prioritization of corporate sustainability at the factor level is one of the important contributions to the literature that has been addressed in the present study. The results of this paper may be generalized to the other sectors.

Beyond social capital: a capability approach to understanding Refugee Community Organisations and other providers for “hard to reach” groups

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Capability Approach ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Refugee Community ◽  
Community Organisations ◽  
Purposive Sample ◽  
The Capability Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of the “capability approach” as an alternative framework for understanding and conceptualising the role of Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) and other providers for groups conventionally considered “hard to reach”. Design/methodology/approach – A study of the education services of RCOs, drawing primarily on semi-structured interviews with 71 users, is put forward as a case study for how the capability approach can be operationalised. Findings – The capability approach is found to offer various valuable insights, relating to its appreciation of the multi-dimensional nature of human wellbeing, the significance of individual diversity, and the importance of human agency. Research limitations/implications – The case study is based on a relatively small purposive sample, and may have limited external validity. As the research design proved strong for exploring how RCOs develop their users’ capabilities but weak for exploring if and how they may also constrict them, further research in this area is required. Practical implications – A number of valuable attributes of the capability approach are highlighted for broadening the understanding, the role of RCOs and other service providers. Social implications – The paper outlines the potential of the capability approach to contribute to policymaking related to RCOs and other providers, and to debates relating to social exclusion, cohesion and integration. Originality/value – The paper draws attention to the value of the capability approach within the field of migration research.

scholarly journals Adaptations in traditional courtyard houses in Baghdad, Iraq

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rand H.M. Agha ◽  
John M. Kamara
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
Adaptation Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adaptations that have been made to traditional courtyard houses (TCHs) in Baghdad, Iraq. The aim is to develop an understanding of various factors in the adaptation of these buildings to suit contemporary lifestyles, which will contribute to the wider field of building adaptability. Design/methodology/approach Empirical evidence was collected through case studies of 12 TCHs in the Al-Kadhimiya area of Baghdad, which involved a physical survey of buildings and semi-structured interviews with 24 occupants. Findings Case study analysis show that building adaptability involves both a change to physical spaces and also to lifestyles; with the latter being more likely when there are limitations in how much change can be made to the physical structure. Research limitations/implications The focus of this research is mainly on users’ adaptation of spaces and therefore does not consider the full range of stakeholders involved in the adaptation process. The findings also only apply to the cases considered and may not be applicable to other house types or locations. Originality/value Studies on building adaptability mostly focus on the ease of change to the building fabric, although the role of users is acknowledged. This study provides insights into the complexity and variety of changes that users can make, which are influenced by lifestyles and driven by the need for comfort. These insights are represented in an adaptation model, which can serve as a basis for further research.

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