Mapping the concepts evoked by a destination: an approach to the study of a holistic destination image

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 324-340
Author(s):  
Vanesa F. Guzman-Parra ◽  
Juan Trespalacios Gutierrez ◽  
José Roberto Vila-Oblitas
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Target Segment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the application of computer-aided text analysis (CATA) software in identifying primary associations and impressions of a specified tourist destination. Design/methodology/approach The Leximancer software is applied on primary information to analyze the concepts evoked by a destination. Because no specific planning has been done for destination image marketing strategies for rural tourism in Andalusia, this study visualizes and determines clusters of the main attributes associated with this destination. Findings The analysis identifies the main clusters among associations and impressions of the destination that can be useful in developing strategies. Research limitations/implications Only a target segment is studied, with a relatively small sample size. Practical implications Leximancer can not only be applied to online user-generated content, but primary information can also be mapped to generate a holistic destination image. Furthermore, identification of the relevant attributes and impressions can serve to identify unique assets to help tourism organizations develop a destination. Social implications Several implications concerning destination marketing are outlined. Originality/value Although previous studies have applied Leximancer and other CATA software, the present research uses a new approach. Deriving the primary information on destination image using an unstructured methodology, the concepts evoked by a destination are mapped. Because there is a lack of research on rural tourism in Andalusia and its destination image, its associated attributes are studied.

Exploring digital servitization trajectories within product–service–software space

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Marin Jovanovic ◽  
Diego Honorato Clemente
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeThis study shows various pathways manufacturers can take when embarking on digital servitization (DS) journeys. It builds on the DS and modularity literature to map the strategic trajectories of product–service–software (PSSw) configurations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and based on the inductive theory building method. The empirical data were gathered through a workshop with focus groups of 15 servitization manufacturers (with 22 respondents), an on-site workshop (in-depth case study), semi-structured interviews, observations and document study of archival data.FindingsThe DS trajectories are idiosyncratic and dependent on design architectures of PSSw modules, balancing choices between standardization and innovation. The adoption of software systems depends on the maturity of the industry-specific digital ecosystem. Decomposition and integration of PSSw modules facilitate DS transition through business model modularity. Seven testable propositions are presented.Research limitations/implicationsWith the small sample size from different industries and one in-depth case study, generalizing the findings was not possible.Practical implicationsThe mapping exercise is powerful when top management from different functional departments can participate together to share their expertise and achieve consensus. It logs the “states” that the manufacturer undergoes over time.Originality/valueThe Digital Servitization Cube serves as a conceptual framework for manufacturers to systematically map and categorize their current and future PSSw strategies. It bridges the cross-disciplinary theoretical discussion in DS.

Reluctant managers: Methodist ministers and management

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Guerrier ◽  
Christopher Bond
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research from a study undertaken with Methodist circuit ministers in the UK and those that work closely with them. It considers in what way and to what extent ministers think of themselves as managers and to what extent and in what way they are expected to perform as managers by those they work with. Design/methodology/approach – The research that informs this paper was gathered through a qualitative study which involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 participants both Methodist ministers and those who worked closely with them. Findings – The study shows that, whilst those who work with ministers typically do not problematize management and expect managers to be able to perform management tasks, the ministers themselves are ambiguous about or rejecting of the discourse of management. Research limitations/implications – The relatively small sample size limits generalizability. Practical implications – The study challenges trainers in this context and in other contexts where the “language” of management is contested or rejected to find a discourse of management which is acceptable. Originality/value – The study contributes to the small body of literature on management and the development of managers within religious organizations. It contributes to the literature on managerial identity and the importance of management language in becoming a manager by presenting an example where this language and identity is contested or rejected.

scholarly journals Competing paradigms of flood management in the Scottish/English borderlands

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Cook ◽  
John Forrester ◽  
Louise Bracken ◽  
Christopher Spray ◽  
Elizabeth Oughton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Flood Management ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
The Government ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how flood management practitioners rationalise the emergence of sustainable flood management. Key to this analysis are differences rooted in assumptions over what flood management is and should do. Design/methodology/approach – The popularity of natural flood management offers a case with which to explore how a dominant framing persists and how individuals at the government-public interface negotiate different visions of future flood management. The authors draw on the perceptions of flood experts, elucidating a deep hold amongst a professional community “grounded” in science and economics, but also their desire to innovate and become more open to innovative practices. Findings – The authors show how the idea of “sustainable” and “natural” flood management are understood by those doing flood management, which is with reference to pre-existing technical practices. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores the views of expert decision making, which suffers from challenges associated with small sample size. As such, the findings must be tempered, but with recognition for the influence of a small group of individuals who determine the nature of flood management in Scotland. Practical implications – The authors conclude that, in the context of this study, a technical framing persists by predetermining the criteria by which innovative techniques are judged. Originality/value – Broadly, these findings contribute to debates over the evolution of flood management regimes. This recognises the importance of events while also emphasising the preparations that shape the context and norms of the flood management community between events.

The role of familiarity in consumer destination image formation

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soyeon Kim ◽  
Xinran Lehto ◽  
Jay Kandampully
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to examine the effects of destination familiarity on consumers’ evaluations (cognitive image) and feelings (affective image) about the destination, leading to their intention to visit. Design/methodology/approach The data for this study were collected through a Web-based survey. Based on a sample of 460 respondents, structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results showed that familiarity with a destination not only influences consumers’ cognitive evaluations of the destination but also affects their feelings about it, which translates into their intentions in travelling to the destination. The findings indicate that destination familiarity can enhance consumers’ knowledge about the destination, but more importantly, their affective perceptions can lead to a higher likelihood of visiting a destination. Practical implications The findings provide useful guidance for efficient marketing programs to attract more visitors to a certain tourist destination. Destination marketers must assess the level of familiarity of potential travelers in the development, design and promotion of a destination. This understanding will enable the marketers to more effectively communicate with their target markets and allow them to tailor advertising to different segments of their customers based on their familiarity. Originality/value The majority of previous studies regarding destination familiarity tend to measure the overall familiarity or experiential familiarity (e.g. a comparison between visitors vs non-visitors) without considering consumers’ indirect familiarity with a destination. This study attempts to conceptualize and empirically test the role of destination familiarity on consumers’ cognitive and affective images and intentions.

Market segmentation for penetrating deeper into the contact lens market

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 34-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tajinder Toor
Keyword(s):  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Contact Lens ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Target Segment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to present the importance of market segmentation and how it can be used to strategize effectively to penetrate deeper into the contact lens market. Design/methodology/approach – Market segment is a group of consumers with common needs, priorities or characteristics. Each market segment is different, and a business must target these different market segments with different marketing strategies. This paper highlights the role of market segmentation in creating an ideal target segment for contact lens market and designing a unique strategy to reach the targeted segment. Findings – Adolescents or teenagers seem to be an ideal segment to penetrate deeper into the contact lens market and to realize immediate gains. A unique or different marketing strategy is required to target and occupy adolescents. Practical implications – Targeting adolescents, who form the most promising category to penetrate the market, with a unique marketing mix will likely increase profit, revenue and return of investment.

scholarly journals Contemporary young motherhood: experiences of hostility

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Fearnley
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Young Mothers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the hostility many young women who are also mothers experience within their everyday lives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper will draw on qualitative research, incorporating a narrative approach, to illustrate the hostility many young mothers experience on a daily basis. The research design included a focus group, semi-structure interviews and participant observations.FindingsThe paper reports the findings of a study that explored the experiences of young women who are also mothers. The author presents the findings that indicate that many young women, who are also young mothers, experience hostile reactions and interactions as part of their everyday lives.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size means that this study cannot be generalised, but it does contribute to the growing body of qualitative evidence in relation to young mothers.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that there needs to be more recognition and acknowledgement of the hostility young women experience. Such hostility could have deleterious consequences on the young women, their parenting ability and also on the children.Originality/valueThis paper documents the experiences of young women who are also mothers and how they experience hostility as a daily occurrence. The hostility ranged from verbal to non-verbal and how they felt they were being treated, inferences about their sexuality to stereotyping.

scholarly journals Luxury fashion retailers' localised marketing strategies in practice – evidence from China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifeng Bai ◽  
Julie McColl ◽  
Christopher Moore
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
International Retailing ◽  
Post Entry ◽  
Product Strategies

PurposeFrom an international retailing perspective, this empirical study aims to examine luxury fashion retailers' changing marketing strategies in China.Design/methodology/approachUsing case studies of 14 luxury fashion retailers, qualitative data were collected via 31 semi-structured executive interviews.FindingsBoth standardised global and localised multinational marketing strategies were found to have initially been employed by luxury fashion retailers entering into China. Subsequently, localised multinational strategies became increasingly important for their post-entry operations and business development, particularly in terms of their product strategies. More specifically, as well as the introduction of Chinese brand names, product design has been adapted according to Chinese market conditions, and product portfolios have been adapted to satisfy regional differences. However, localised product sourcing in China is far less common.Research limitations/implicationsAs the findings are generated from China, they may not explain luxury fashion retailers' marketing strategies in other markets. Despite the relatively small sample size, the 14 luxury fashion retailer case studies originate from across a wide range of countries, retail formats and ownership structures and are therefore considered to be varied enough to represent the market.Practical implicationsThe study offers practitioners insights into the success that can be generated by the manipulation of marketing strategies, particularly product strategies, within the world's second biggest luxury market.Originality/valueThis paper extends the current international retailing literature by examining and comparing the motives and practices of luxury fashion retailers and the increasing localisation of their marketing strategies in China as they move from initial market entry into their post-entry operations.

scholarly journals The conundrum of professionalising building surveying in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 621-634
Author(s):  
Abdul-Rashid Abdul-Aziz ◽  
Subashini Suresh ◽  
Suresh Renukappa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Demand ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Elite Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Auxiliary Role

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to track the series of setbacks by a few like-minded persons since the early 1990s to entrench building surveying as a profession in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachData were sourced from elite interviews with authoritative individuals who have been championing building surveying as a profession and supplemented by secondary sources.FindingsEstablished professional bodies became hostile to what they perceived as attempts to encroach on their professional jurisdictions. There was even a move to subjugate building surveyors to the auxiliary role. The ultimate aim to obtain statutory “ring fence” around the proposed building surveying profession did not find favour with lawmakers.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of small sample size was compensated by referral to past publications.Practical implicationsLatecomers face an uphill challenge in negotiating for legitimacy from established professions and lawmakers alike in a situation when no new work demand avails. Building surveyors in Malaysia have to either wait for external changes which would allow their traditional role to be formally recognised or take up new specialisations.Originality/valueAdditional empirical findings were uncovered to complement past studies. The main contribution lies in demonstrating the explanatory powers of the sociological lens for future studies on professions in the construction industry.

Global HRM standards as boundary objects: a device to enhance legitimacy and status

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1103
Author(s):  
Ylva Ulfsdotter Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Standards ◽  
Specific Occupation ◽  
The Given ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Legitimacy Status ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In 2016, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced new standards for human resource management (HRM). The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the significance that human resource (HR) professionals attribute to global HRM standards, what outcomes they envisage for the profession and organizations, and what influences engagement in the standardization project. Design/methodology/approach The analyses interpret the relationship between standards, professions, and organizations by combining theories of professions with concepts from institutional theory. The study is ethnographic and consists of observations of meetings and interviews with eight participants from the Swedish committee participating in the ISO project. Findings HR professionals consider HRM standards positive for the profession’s legitimacy, status, and development, which are also considered beneficial for organizations. However, difficulties in recruiting participants and organizations to the standardization project may prevent positive exchanges for the profession, and point to a weak interest in HRM issues from the HR professionals themselves. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of the results is somewhat limited due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, the study provides insights into how HR professionals reason about their profession and professionalization. Practical implications Gaining insights into the forthcoming global standards for HRM is important for HR professionals. These standards may be implemented in organizations worldwide and affect how HRM is conducted, and therefore also have a profound effect on the profession. Originality/value The ISO’s targeting of a specific occupation is unique. The paper contributes with the knowledge on how professionals relates to standardization of the given field.

Value-based selling: a multi-component exploration

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Kienzler ◽  
Daniel Kindström ◽  
Thomas Brashear-Alejandro
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Sales Performance ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Support ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate factors that affect the use of value-based selling and the subsequent influences on salespeople’s sales performance.Design/methodology/approachIndustrial salespeople from five steel manufacturers were surveyed. Scales measure three components of value-based selling: comprehension, crafting and confirmation. Partial least squares path analysis tested the conceptual model.FindingsSalespeople’s learning orientation has the greatest impact on the use of value-based selling. Managerial support exerts a positive effect on crafting. Salespeople’s experience has a positive impact on comprehension and confirmation. The implementation of value-based selling has a positive effect on sales performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is cross-sectional, with a small sample size (n= 60). The data were collected from a single source (i.e. salespeople).Practical implicationsThe results suggest that value-based selling is a multi-component sales process that requires balancing managerial actions among individual and organizational factors.Originality/valueThis paper presents a broad evaluation of measures and assessments of value-based selling in business-to-business sales settings. The findings provide new elaborations on the theoretical and practical implications of value-based selling and reveal which individual and organizational factors affect the usage of value-based selling.

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