Stakeholder views on sustainability in an urban destination context: an inclusive path to destination competitiveness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Panse ◽  
Alan Fyall ◽  
Sergio Alvarez
Keyword(s):  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Urban Settings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Sustainability ◽  
Mass Tourism ◽  
Destination Competitiveness ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose Mass tourism in urban settings has proven to be economically significant in many parts of the world. To date, however, the academic debate on sustainable tourism has focused primarily on the ecological and socio-cultural sustainability of tourism in rural and coastal, rather than urban, settings. This paper aims to review the emerging debate on sustainable urban tourism, its complexities and challenges, and questions how urban destinations that are striving to become sustainable cities, can leverage benefit from the implementation of sustainable policies and practices to achieve tourism ‘destination’ competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a qualitative, exploratory research approach using in-depth interviews to seek responses from key stakeholders on their views and experiences of sustainability in the context of an urban destination. Thematic analysis is used to analyze and present the findings. Findings This study concludes that destinations need to be viewed in their broader regional context. Rather than be viewed solely as destinations that are ‘kind to the environment,’ sustainable urban destinations need to demonstrate a deeper commitment to all stakeholder groups, and especially local residents, to provide a fair and desirable ecosystem for achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value This paper reflects on the potential relationship between ‘urban sustainability’ and the ‘destination competitiveness’ of an urban tourism destination. This then will provide the platform for sustainability to truly contribute to future destination competitiveness.

Challenges and opportunities for social entrepreneurs in civil engineering in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Ferreira Vasconcellos ◽  
Bernardo Henrique Leso ◽  
Marcelo Nogueira Cortimiglia
Keyword(s):  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper aims to identify challenges and opportunities for social enterprises (SE) in civil engineering in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach Starting from the transformative social innovation theory and inspired by grounded theory principles, this paper conducts three-stage exploratory research. First, this paper mapped the Brazilian SE civil engineering ecosystem. Next, this paper classified the SE initiatives along with an organizing framework. Finally, this paper conducted 11 interviews with key ecosystem actors and analyzed data through iterative, parallel and interrelated content analysis procedures. Findings The 37 SE found were classified along “Sustainability,” “Housing,” “Transportation” and “Sanitation” pillars, which are aligned with the United Nations’ social development goals. This paper found 50 challenges and opportunities, which were aggregated along seven dimensions. Three elements are particularly relevant as opportunities: opportunities for SE with ecosystem supporters, specialized investors and partnership with major companies; while government and early investment are the most relevant challenges. Research limitations/implications Research findings and conclusions cannot be extended to other sectors and countries. Usual limitations associated with exploratory qualitative research must also be highlighted. Practical implications The government should offer financial and technical support for civil engineering in working in partnership with ecosystem supporters. Academy could use SE content and ecosystem for its students and should offer diverse resources for network creation. Originality/value Focusing on civil engineering SE in Brazil, this study sheds light on a high-impact sector that has not been studied yet.

Can return on investment in knowledge management initiatives in organizations be measured?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maayan Nakash ◽  
Dan Bouhnik
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
High Status ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis paper focuses on the meanings attributed to the measurement of return on investment (ROI) in knowledge management (KM) initiatives in knowledge-intensive organizations. At the heart of this exploratory research is the introduction of a unique coherent perspective of discipline experts regarding the ROI metric, as part of their perception of assessing effectiveness in this field.Design/methodology/approachThe research begins with in-depth semi-structured personal interviews and continues with focus groups, as part of a qualitative research paradigm. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory approach.FindingsThe findings provide empirical evidence regarding the significant challenges associated with the objective assessment of KM performance, which is deeply rooted in numerical-financial values. Despite the high status of ROI in the business environment, the authors find that decision-makers surprisingly avoid evaluating ROI for the most important resource of the organization, notwithstanding the immeasurable hopes that depend on this performance measure and the expectation of establishing the profitability of investment in organizational KM.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this research is the adoption of the skeptical-critical research approach. For the first time, the authors interrogate the suitability and relevance of the general model of the ROI metric as a means of proving the value and contribution of well-managed knowledge to organizations. The authors call for adoption of a new integrative perspective for evaluating effectiveness, which will reflect the holistic set of KM in organizations.

scholarly journals The implications of “miniaturism” for urban tourism destination futures – from micropubs to microbars

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Claire Haynes ◽  
David Egan
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Hybrid Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Historic Development ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how the continued interest in the concept of “miniaturism” has seen the micropub develop into the new format of the microbar and examines the drivers of this trend. It then reflects on the possible implications of the rise of the microbar concept on the future of the urban tourism destination landscape. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that is built on the natural curiosity of future studies to use an understanding of the present to predict what will happen next and what the implications of those developments will be. Findings The paper provides a clear definition of the microbar and identifies four distinctive drivers behind its conception, linked to changes in consumer behaviour. These cover the rise of the micro-break, the need for responsible urban regeneration, consumers desire for immediate and unique experiences and increasingly diverse populations. The paper predicts that these trends will drive an increase in microbars leading to greater tourist mobility in the urban tourism destination, more fragmentation and heterogeneity of products and services as well as an intensification in the need for authentic experiences and opportunity driven development giving rise to a hybrid form of guerrilla hospitality. Ultimately the authors predict that the venue will become more important than the specific location when consumers view the landscape of the urban tourism destination. Originality/value The focus of previous academic research has been on the historic development of the micropub and its impact on regeneration and communities, but very little literature has examined the rise of the microbar and the potential implications for the urban tourism destination.

Tourism destination competitiveness and tourism performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah ◽  
Muhammad Izzat Zulkifly
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Destination Competitiveness

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationships between tourism destination competitiveness (TDC) determinants and tourism performance. This study specifically assessed the soundness of the TDC attributes and evaluated their ability in explaining tourism performance. Design/methodology/approach The Dwyer and Kim’s (2003) destination competitiveness integrated model (IM) was used. Secondary data of 115 nations available from the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) and other international reports were also used. The hypothesised relationships were tested via partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings This study confirms that the core resources, complementary condition, globalisation and tourism price significantly explain tourism performance. Results have shown differences in the competitiveness level and actual performance among nations, highlighting specific limitations of the current TDC model and TTCI report reliability. Research limitations/implications Future study could segment the sample base on destinations characteristic and then analyse it based on smaller sub-samples of similar destinations. Moreover, drivers of destination performance in developed and less develop destinations are quite diverse. Practical implications The incorrect competitiveness ranking evaluation will affect inward investment decisions. This study framework enables policymakers to arrive at more informed decisions than merely relying on the original competitiveness rankings. Originality/value The widespread acknowledgment of the importance of competitiveness for a tourism destination's success suggests that there is a crucial need for sound benchmarking of countries’ competitive capabilities. The proposed competitiveness determinants aid the policymakers in identifying the best competitiveness and tourism performance predictors, as well as how to identify crucial factors affecting the rankings.

Triggers and motivators of privacy protection behavior on Facebook

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Alkire ◽  
Johannes Pohlmann ◽  
Willy Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Privacy Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
User Privacy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Internet user privacy risks have been a topical subject with respect to consumers, corporations and governments. In line with the recent privacy scandals linked to social media, the aim of this study is to explore users’ privacy protection behaviors (PPB) on Facebook through the actions they take to protect their privacy, their underlying motives and the values behind these protective actions. Moreover, this study aims to address an unintended consequence of Facebook usage. Despite Facebook’s positive and uplifting goal of connecting people, consumers are forced to resort to specific behaviors to protect their privacy and well-being. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an exploratory research approach by using a well-established qualitative technique: structured laddering interviews. In total, 20 in-depth personal interviews were conducted with the Millennials. Findings Results show that the process of privacy protection is initiated by experiences, uncertainty and literacy, rather than threats, which leads to concerns that trigger PPBs. The most common PPBs include: “Reflection,” “Avoidance,” “Intervention,” “Restriction,” “Control,” and “Restraint.” The underlying motives for the adoption of these strategies include: “Success,” “Security,” “Social Recognition,” “A World of Peace,” “Exclusivity of Self,” “Being in Control,” “Meaning” and “True Friendship”. Originality/value The present research adopts a transdisciplinary framework to help fill the gap regarding the interplay of PPBs on Facebook, the triggers of those behaviors and their underlying motives. It contributes to the service literature and practice as it provides insights into a growing area of interest, whereas more social media channels are being created and more services are using social media strategies to engage and interact with their customers. Finally, it addresses the growing need to consider the impact of technological services, including internet and social media, on consumers’ and societies’ well-being.

M-Tour: A new socio-technological design application for destination competitiveness in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseck Nyaboro ◽  
Kwangsoo Park ◽  
Jaehyun Park
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Technical Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Destination Competitiveness ◽  
Flow Of Information ◽  
Smart Tourism

PurposeThe study explores how the comparative tourism destination could incorporate the merits of the competitive tourism destination by implementing a socio-technical design application for smart tourism.Design/methodology/approachTo address this issue researchers have conducted a case study in Egypt, because Egypt is one of the most popular tourism comparative destination. It includes two field studies and qualitative interviews conducted in Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt.FindingsEgypt has diverse comparative advantages in terms of touristic features; however, the dysfunctional flow of information among the stakeholders was a hindrance to be a competitive destination. Based on this problem statement, the researchers synthesized “M-Tour” as a new socio-technical design application, moving toward the competitive destination from the comparative ones.Originality/valueThe present study makes two contributions. First, it theoretically conceptualizes an integrated model of how a tourism comparative destination can incorporate the competitive advantages by a socio-technical design application called M-Tour. Second, it empirically explores the tourists' latent requirements in Egypt by two field studies in order to develop a smart tourism design application as a new socio-technology.

Strengths, weaknesses and challenges of municipalities in North Cyprus aspiring to be a sustainable Cittaslow tourism destination

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ecem Ince ◽  
Ali Ozturen
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
Mass Tourism ◽  
North Cyprus ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Local government has a significant role to play in securing sustainable destination development. This paper aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of municipalities in North Cyprus as they aspire to become sustainable Cittaslow tourism destinations. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used to observe the perceptions of municipalities as they transition to become sustainable Cittaslow tourism destinations. The data have been obtained through in-depth interviews with the mayors of the municipalities that are members of the international Cittaslow network. Findings The results of the study show how alternative forms of tourism could help to improve the local economy. Also, the reasons for challenges and weaknesses are explained by the limited economic conditions of countries, high demand for mass tourism and lack of awareness about the importance of being a Cittaslow member. Practical implications This study reflects on the critical points in relation to the destination’s management at the local level. It also provides empirical indicators for achieving sustainable tourism development in North Cyprus. Originality/value This study contributes to the tourism literature by addressing municipalities' roles in the sustainability of tourism destinations in developing countries, more specifically in North Cyprus. A review of the literature reveals that there are very few prior studies of the role of municipalities in sustainable Cittaslow tourism.

Does the perception of halal tourism destination matter for non-Muslim tourists’ WOM? The moderating role of religious faith

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Khalilur Rahman ◽  
Md Sohel Rana ◽  
Mohd Nazari Ismail ◽  
Mohd Zulkifli Muhammad ◽  
Muhammad Nazmul Hoque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Influence ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Destinations

Purpose Tourists often travel to different tourism destinations in advancing the knowledge of diverse cultures, environments, history and social aspects. The purpose of this study is to explore tourists’ perception of halal tourism and its impact on word-of-mouth towards halal tourism destinations. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. Data were collected via 375 survey questionnaires and were analysed using partial least square method. Data were collected from Malaysia’s capital city and tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital city in Putrajaya, and several cities in Selangor, the richest state in the country. Findings The findings revealed that trip quality has a higher significant impact on satisfaction and trip value. The perception of a halal tourism destination is found to have a significant influence on satisfaction and trip value. Trip value is significantly related to satisfaction but not associated with word-of-mouth (WOM). Satisfaction of tourists has a significant impact on WOM towards travel destinations. Research limitations/implications This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists’ perception and its significant influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism. The results of this study provide useful insights for Malaysia’s tourism industry, particularly for the tourism marketing in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya cities as tourist destinations. Practical implications This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists’ perception and the influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism. Originality/value This study examined the potential impact of non-Muslim tourists’ perception of halal tourism destinations and their WOM for halal tourism destinations.

What do you know about me? Digital privacy and online data sharing in the UK insurance sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian R. Blakesley ◽  
Anca C. Yallop
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
The Uk

Purpose In addition to data transforming the insurance sector from within, insurance consumers and their behaviour has transformed significantly over the past 20 years from traditional retail to, predominantly, online trading. Data are a fundamental part of how the sector operates, and the use of data in insurance is constantly evolving. This paper aims to explore consumer perceptions about digital privacy and their subsequent motivations to disclose personal data for insurance purposes. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an exploratory research approach based on in-depth interviews to generate metathemes to provide an understanding of consumer perceptions about digital privacy and data sharing in the insurance sector. Findings Consumers were extrinsically motivated to disclose data by financial reward and convenience; however, subsequent intrinsic motivations may be an influence on the initial motivations. Consumers perceived transactions as “fair” if they received the expected rewards, retained control of the data, and the data was not unilaterally used to their detriment. Concern for privacy was generally low, provided antecedent conditions were met. Research limitations/implications As the study uses an exploration for discovery approach, the main limitation of this study is its small sample. However, this research aimed to identify metathemes and issues that may be the focus of future research in this area and is, therefore, not proposing to suggest strong conclusions and definitive answers. Originality/value This paper presents the first empirical research to examine data privacy issues in the UK insurance context. It contributes to knowledge in the areas of motivation, applied ethics and online consumer behaviour in general.

Discovering perceptions of Muslim consumers toward the ICRIC Halal logo

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Borzooei ◽  
Maryam Asgari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Muslim Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
Arabic Characters ◽  
Graphical Design ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of Muslim consumers on the Islamic Chamber Research & Information Center (ICRIC) Halal logo. In particular, the paper evaluates the main messages of the logo and describes the organization’s characteristics behind this logo. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory research conducts a semi-structured interview with visual aids method to identify the Malay Muslim’s perceptions toward the ICRIC Halal logo. Findings Results of the study indicate that the word “Halal” in Arabic characters is a very strong visual and emotional element of the logo because it is eye-catching and projects a strong image of credibility and trustworthiness. Using Islamic graphical design in a Halal logo can assist businesses to succeed in the marketplace. Simplicity, appropriate font type and size, suitable colors and total harmony of all elements make a Halal logo attractive and meaningful; the logo signals trust and mirrors the values of the organization. Research limitations/implications This research used a qualitative research approach to analyze the perceptions of 25 Malay Muslim students. Practical implications Practical implications of this study provide a new window for all Halal certification bodies to realize the importance of the different elements of the Halal logo. Social implications This research attempts to introduce a unique Halal logo that is approved by 57 Muslim countries. This unity assists religious consumers with various mathahib to purchase Halal products with confidence. Originality/value This pioneer study explores the Muslim consumers’ perceptions of a specific Halal logo in the marketplace.

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