Destination selection for education tourism

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Aahad M. Osman-Gani ◽  
Murali Raman
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Destination Selection ◽  
Learning Institutions ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this research is to empirically examine the critical factors that are influencing international students’ perception in the selection of a destination for education tourism. Design/methodology/approach This research seeks to develop a comprehensive framework embedded with service quality, destination image and spirituality behavior. The data were collected by administering a self-administered questionnaire to a sample of 220 respondents who were studying at the universities in Peninsular Malaysia. The constructs and items used in the questionnaire were adapted from the literature review. This research applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The outcome of this research indicated that there is a substantial relationship between service quality and the choice of a destination for education tourism. This research also explored that destination brand image significantly relates to the selection of a destination for education, tourism when the destination loyalty variable plays a strong mediation role. Interestingly, the direct relationship between spirituality behavior and selection of destination was not significant. On the other hand, a significant relationship was discovered between spirituality behavior and choice of destination when the tourists’ intention plays as a mediating function. Research limitations/implications First, the limitation is in the scope of this study, as only five constructs were examined. Future research may include other types of variables in exploring the antecedents of destination selection for education tourism. Second, the sample size was only 220 and respondents were restricted to only a few universities. Future research should be done on a bigger sample size and on more diverse sample. Practical implications Managers of the respective higher learning institutions need to focus on tourists’ satisfaction by providing a memorable experience. International students who have satisfactory experience with the respective higher learning institutions will spread a positive word of mouth about the destinations to other prospective foreign students. Today, tourists have a strong urge to see the spiritual side of their liveliness. Policymakers need to offer services with the comportment of the spiritual settings in their respective educational environment to extend the spiritual experience toward international students. Social implications There is a need for more research on how to build a comprehensive model for selection of a destination in educational tourism. The results of this empirical research are of particular significance to policymakers, as it better informs them as to how best to use the antecedents in designing the destination choice for education tourism to establish it as more practical regardless of the diverse spiritual beliefs. Originality/value This research is one of the initial attempts on part of the researchers in Malaysian education tourism context where spirituality has been taken into consideration.

Application of COSO framework in whistle-blowing activities of public higher-learning institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211
Author(s):  
Mohamad Ridhuan Mat Dangi ◽  
Anuar Nawawi ◽  
Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Internal Controls ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Learning Institutions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether higher-learning institutions have sufficient internal controls to manage whistle-blowing or similar means when encountering repetitive complaints requiring similar corrective actions. This study attempts to classify complaints as per categories, criteria and components of the COSO framework using a checklist called self-assessment checklist of internal control kits so that complaint activities can be efficiently and effectively managed. Design/methodology/approach As a case study, one public university in Malaysia was selected, and 740 complaints were examined over a four-year period. Two methods of data collection, namely, document analysis and interviews, were used. Findings This study found no internal controls established to oversee the complaints that were received. Hence, repetitive complaints were received for similar areas and functions over a period. The application of COSO framework on complaints and whistle-blowing activities, however, led to more organised and visible problems; therefore, effective corrective and preventive action may be conducted. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on only one organisation with several series of interviews and limited period of document analysis because of privacy and confidentiality of the information. Future research should collect and analyze data from a higher number of organisations with more respondents for interviews and a longer period for document analysis to obtain more accurate results. Practical implications This study provides further evidence on the suitability of COSO framework for different types of organisations, either public or private, and has been successfully adopted globally. It is effective not only to manage the operation and financial matters but also to manage complaints and whistle-blowing activities in organisations. Originality/value This study is original because it focuses on the current practices of internal control in government entities, particularly for organisations that operate as higher-learning institutions, which is scarce in the literature. In addition, this study analysed the drawbacks of internal control systems, especially in dealing with whistle-blower reports and complaints by referring to the list of complaints made by their stakeholders.

scholarly journals Awareness of occupational hazards in learning organizations

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 17-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Mahafuz Mannan ◽  
Md. Afnan Hossain ◽  
AAhad M. Osman Gani
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Institutions

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the significant antecedents that influence students’ awareness of occupational hazards (AOHs) in their respective institutions. The researchers proposed a theoretical model consisting of three dimensions: knowledge sharing behavior (KSB), sense of spirituality (SS) and awareness of occupational hazards (AOHs).Design/methodology/approachThis study targets students of different public and private higher learning institutions in Bangladesh with a total of 260 respondents, utilizing a survey questionnaire as the data collection instrument to test the proposed conceptual model. The structural equation modeling approach was used to test the proposed model.FindingsThe results show that SS has a mediating effect on KSB and AOHs at higher learning institutions.Originality/valueThe study contributes for first time to the theoretical novelty of the body of the existing literature in the domains of students’ KSB, SS and AOHs. The study also provides insight on future research directions by helping in identifying gaps in literature in this field and higher learning institutions in Bangladesh.

Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Hasliza Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Institutions ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employee motivation and intention for knowledge sharing behaviour. Inter-generational differences (generations X and Y only) were assumed to moderate in the relationship between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research also aims to test the role of behavioural intention as mediation between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This research tested a conceptual framework derived from widely accepted theories. This study was carried out on non-academic staff working at the different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Respondents from private and public higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry. Findings Results indicate that non-academic staff knowledge sharing behaviour was significantly mediated by intention between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour relationship. More specifically, inter-generational differences (generations X and Y) play a significant moderation role between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of this cross-sectional study can be strengthened by adopting a longitudinal approach in the next phase of the study. Practical implications The results of this research highlighted that the higher learning institutions need to institutionalize knowledge sharing behaviour among their non-academic staff (executive and non-executive) by facilitating knowledge sharing-oriented work environment. Originality/value This paper has attempted to furnish a comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.

Persons with disability perception of facilities management service quality: hospital buildings in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuratiqah Aisyah Awang ◽  
Shirley Jin Lin Chua ◽  
Azlan Shah Ali ◽  
Cheong Peng Au-Yong ◽  
Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Management Activity ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Aspect ◽  
The Right

PurposeThis study aims to discover the perception of persons with disabilities (PWDs) towards facilities management (FM) service quality at hospital buildings in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted with 99 respondents in selected hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia.FindingsThis study aims to discover the perception of PWDs towards FM service quality, and it has found a gap for improvement. The area that requires the highest attention includes the importance of (1) assurance on accessibility despite maintenance activity being conducted (2) criticality of facilities maintenance itself, (3) assurance on comfort and safety, (4) reliable medium to ask for assistance or giving feedback, (5) signage that is clearly seen and easily understood and (6) staff responsiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThis instrument is validated by PWDs under the physical disability category only, specifically in the hospital context. Future research is recommended to identify the FM service quality aspect for different categories of disability (sensory, mental or intellectual impairment).Practical implicationsThe findings provide evidence for FM to consider PWDs' perceptions in FM strategy development. Even FM provides a healthcare support system. FM service quality partly reflects healthcare service quality.Social implicationsAccommodating the need of PWDs through the improvement of FM service quality aspect will partly fulfil the right of PWDs for equality of access to healthcare.Originality/valueThis SERVQUAL tools can be improvised and used to measure the perception of PWDs on FM service quality systematically and holistically. Understanding the service quality aspect is important for a facility manager to precisely measure and prioritise what is truly important to the building users with special needs and try to accommodate this need in the management activity.

scholarly journals Facing disruptive technologies: aligning purchasing maturity to contingencies

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britta Søgaard ◽  
Heather Dawn Skipworth ◽  
Michael Bourlakis ◽  
Carlos Mena ◽  
Richard Wilding
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alignment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Company Strategy ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disruptive Technologies ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Exploratory Case Studies ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how purchasing could respond to disruptive technologies by examining the assumptions underlying purchasing strategic alignment and purchasing maturity through a contingency lens.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a systematic review across purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment literature. This is supplemented with exploratory case studies to include practitioners’ views.FindingsThis research demonstrates that neither purchasing maturity nor purchasing strategic alignment are suitable approaches to respond to disruptive technologies. Purchasing maturity does not allow purchasing managers to select relevant practices. It also shows no consideration of any contingencies, which practitioners highlight as important for the selection of practices. Purchasing strategic alignment includes the company strategy as a contingency but does not provide any practices to choose from. It does not include any other contextual contingencies considered important by practitioners. The findings indicate that linking the two research streams may provide a more suitable approach to responding to disruptive technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis research demonstrates the requirement to develop a new approach to responding to disruptive technologies, by linking purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment to contextual contingencies. This is a currently unexplored approach in academic literature, which refutes the generally accepted premise that higher maturity unilaterally supports a better positioning towards technological disruption. This research also highlights a requirement for practitioners to shift their approach to “best practices”.Originality/valueThis is the first research to systematically review the relationships between purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment. It adds to contingency theory by suggesting that purchasing maturity models can support the achievement of strategic alignment. Also, future research directions are suggested to explore these relationships.

scholarly journals Article Review: Internship Satisfaction Determinants Among Undergraduates in the Service Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Syafinaz Ruslan ◽  
Siti Fatimah Mohamad ◽  
Nurul Hanisah Juhari ◽  
Muhammad Shahrim Abdul Karim
Keyword(s):  
Service Industry ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sports Management ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Service Oriented ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Learning Institutions

An internship program is integrated into higher learning institutions curriculum. It is aimed to cultivate students ability in applying knowledge from classrooms to practices. Internship satisfaction is identified as one of the focal points to assess the effectiveness of an internship program. Nonetheless, only little studies reviewed the determinants of internship satisfaction, particularly within the service-oriented industry. Thus, the main objective of this study was to review factors that influence internship satisfaction in the service industry, particularly the hospitality industry. Besides, the importance of internship in developing self-competencies among students is also discussed. A number of articles were obtained from two different databases, using keywords related to the topic. The articles were carefully examined, derived from relevant disciplines in the service industry: hospitality and tourism, business, sports management, education, and human resource. Main determinants of the internship satisfaction were clustered into five categories: individual factors, job characteristics, organisational environment, contextual factors, and career potential. Besides, the importance of internship experiences in fostering students self-competencies were discussed, including interpersonal skills, problem-solving, self-confidence, and knowledge about the job market. Findings on this paper are anticipated to extend the literature review on internship research and assist internship stakeholders in structuring a well-rounded internship program. As this paper is only based on traditional literature reviews, it has a limitation in its methodology. Hence, future research is recommended to use a structured methodology such as systematic reviews or scoping reviews.

Organizing inter-firm project governance – a contextual model for empirical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon von Danwitz
Keyword(s):  
Organization Theory ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Governance ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The management of major inter-firm projects requires a coherent, holistic governance framework to be effective. However, most existing models of project governance are limited to a narrow selection of contractual, structural or procedural aspects, and further neglect contextual factors, such as key characteristics of a project and its partners. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper proposes an integrative analytical model of inter-firm project governance, building upon contingency theory and drawing from established constructs rooted in organization theory. Findings The paper aims to integrate two largely distinct streams of research and synthesize the respective constitutive dimensions of project governance into a coherent conceptual model. Further, interrelationships with contextual factors, such as project-related and partner-related characteristics, and project performance are discussed. Originality/value The proposed model purposefully merges two complementary streams of project governance research. As the model further provides clear contextual factors, it strengthens an emerging stream of project research by systematically examining external influences of project organizing. Future research may utilize this model and the suggested operationalization for each of the constructs as a basis to empirically investigate the design and effectiveness of governance regimes of major projects.

Airport service quality dimension and measurement: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agus Usman ◽  
Yudi Azis ◽  
Budi Harsanto ◽  
Anton Mulyono Azis
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Quality Measurement ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Passenger Satisfaction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the evolution of research on airport service quality and measurement index of passenger satisfaction to explore opportunities for future research direction.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted involving a total final sample 27 articles published during 2000–2020, the source of the database used in this study is Emerald, ScienceDirect, Harzing's Publish or Perish with API Key based on set of inclusion/exclusion criteria for analysis and synthesis to meet the purpose of the paper.FindingsDimensions of measuring airport service quality are currently based on a process approach. There are eight dimensions of ASQ measurement practiced by the industry, which is different from the five dimensions of service quality measurement generally. There is still a theoretical and empirical gap, so one of the challenges in applying the ASQ measurement dimensions is bridging research with applications in the airport industry. Other findings, research on airport service quality measurement is currently focused on passenger satisfaction. The integration of expectation-disconfirmation theory and service profit chain models can be used in service quality, passenger satisfaction and profitability.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper seeks to contribute to and analyze limited articles on service quality at airports and identify further research areas.Originality/valueThis paper tries to explain the development of research on the dimensions of measuring service quality at airports. The author identifies a gap in airport service quality measurement dimensions used by researchers and the industry. The author believes that this study can provide a comprehensive thought on using airport service quality measurement dimensions for future research.

Assessing international students' satisfaction of a Jordanian university using the service quality model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Abu-Rumman ◽  
Rasha Qawasmeh
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Quality Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeEducation plays a key role in socio-economic development and globalization has increased the numbers of students wanting to study abroad. Attracting international students is therefore an important objective for universities as international students open up opportunities to bring economic, cultural and academic benefits to both the universities themselves and to the countries in which they are located. This study therefore aimed to assess student satisfaction with a Jordanian university using the dimensions of quality contained within the established SERVQUAL model.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve these goals, quantitative data was collected from international students attending one university located in Jordan via a questionnaire survey, using a randomized sample. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the construct validity, and correlations between student satisfaction and the different dimensions of quality were tested.FindingsConsistent with other studies, the findings demonstrated that the five dimensions of service quality, i.e. tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, and the university of study, have a strong relationship with student satisfaction. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between country satisfaction and the tangibility and assurance sub-dimensions of quality.Practical implicationsPractical implications – The findings of this study are of interest and practical benefit to university leaders in developing their quality and student acquisition strategies.Originality/valueThis study makes a useful contribution to the growing body of evidence of service quality in higher education set within the context of a developing country.

Predictors of users’ preferences for online health services

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-225
Author(s):  
Shahidul Islam ◽  
Md Rakibul Hoque ◽  
Md Abdullah Al Jamil
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Rational Choice Theory ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Service Quality

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explain predictors that discriminate users’ preferences for online health services, focusing on a downtown area in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on rational choice theory (RCT), the authors test a model that links the frequency of online health service usage to access-activators and access-inhibitors. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the discriminant analysis model were used to analyze data from a sample of 215 internet users. Findings Results confirm the significance of responsiveness, user’s attitude, accessibility and perceived ease of use, indicating their discriminating role in the usage of online health services. Research limitations/implications The study demonstrates the relevance of RCT in measuring perceived online health service quality in an emerging context. Future research should consider the influence of electronic health (eHealth) literacy, norms and trustworthiness to increase the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The findings of this study can help enhance the eHealth service quality by encouraging service providers to improve the interactivity and ease of use of their platforms, thus delivering value to both consumers and firms and improving the well-being of the society at large. Originality/value Few existing studies draw attention to access-activators and access-inhibitors to predict users’ preferences for online health services. This study shows the applicability of RCT in preparing the instrumental dimensions of online health service quality.

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