Search results

1 – 10 of over 12000
Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

Mark S. Rosenbaum and Daniel Spears

This study seeks to achieve two objectives: first, to expand on Fodness's five‐dimensional travel motivation scale by empirically demonstrating that a sixth driving force …

1666

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to achieve two objectives: first, to expand on Fodness's five‐dimensional travel motivation scale by empirically demonstrating that a sixth driving force – shopping – encourages tourists to visit particular destinations; and second, to provide a clear demonstration for using AMOS structural equation modeling to analyze group comparisons, which researchers could employ in future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study offers and evaluates a proposed higher‐order travel motivation structural model using confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis. It also explores a tourist's country of origin (the USA or Japan) as a moderator. The empirical study is supported through data from a convenient sample of 1,042 tourists (521 American and Japanese tourists, respectively) who were vacationing in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that five of the six motivational forces encourage US and Japanese tourists to vacation in Honolulu. In addition, the results reveal that a tourist's country of origin moderates three motivational factors.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides researchers and practitioners with a 22‐item six‐dimensional travel motivational scale. Given that travel motivation is linked to customer satisfaction and loyalty, researchers should consider the travel‐quality scale (TRAVLQUAL). Although one of Fodness's five dimensions was not significant, the finding was based on tourists' motivations to visit one site, Honolulu, and thus researchers should not eliminate this dimension from future motivational studies.

Originality/value

The study links together the tourism shopping and travel motivation paradigms. Thus, it can be used as an easy‐to‐follow reference guide for exploring group comparisons with AMOS.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2022

Najib AL-Fadhali

Construction project stakeholders can have a major effect on delivering projects on time. However, little attempt has been made to address the influence of internal stakeholders…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction project stakeholders can have a major effect on delivering projects on time. However, little attempt has been made to address the influence of internal stakeholders on delaying project delivery. This research aims to propose the internal stakeholders' influence as a solution to improving project delivery performance (PDP) in order to boost the value of investment in the construction industry's projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In Yemen, a structured questionnaire was distributed to owners, consultants and contractors, 283 of which were found usable after the data screening. A purposeful sampling technique was used and structural equation modelling (SEM) was adopted for analysis. The structural model was drawn up, based on seven categories of influencing factors: labour, supplier, designer, contractor, consultant, sub-contractor and owner.

Findings

The results of the structural model suggest that of these seven categories, designers, owners, suppliers and subcontractors have a significant p-value and impact on PDP, while the labour and consultant's impact was not substantiated. The findings support the proposal that internal stakeholders' influence contributes directly to construction PDP.

Originality/value

The influence of stakeholders on PDP is important. Nonetheless, few studies have focussed on their effectiveness, especially in developing countries. This paper's contribution is evaluating the cause–effect relationship between stakeholders' influence and construction PDP through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) analysis. The policy implications of the research are to encourage governments in general and construction companies in particular to take responsibility for improving PDP, as slow execution of construction projects leads to increased costs, failure and abandoning projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Xiaofeng Xiong, Florentin Wörgötter and Poramate Manoonpong

The purpose of this paper is to apply virtual agonist–antagonist mechanisms (VAAMs) to robot joint control allowing for muscle-like functions and variably compliant joint motions…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply virtual agonist–antagonist mechanisms (VAAMs) to robot joint control allowing for muscle-like functions and variably compliant joint motions. Biological muscles of animals have a surprising variety of functions, i.e. struts, springs and brakes.

Design/methodology/approach

Each joint is driven by a pair of VAAMs (i.e. passive components). The muscle-like functions as well as the variable joint compliance are simply achieved by tuning the damping coefficient of the VAAM.

Findings

With the VAAM, variably compliant joint motions can be produced without mechanically bulky and complex mechanisms or complex force/toque sensing at each joint. Moreover, through tuning the damping coefficient of the VAAM, the functions of the VAAM are comparable to biological muscles.

Originality/value

The model (i.e. VAAM) provides a way forward to emulate muscle-like functions that are comparable to those found in physiological experiments of biological muscles. Based on these muscle-like functions, the robotic joints can easily achieve variable compliance that does not require complex physical components or torque sensing systems, thereby capable of implementing the model on small-legged robots driven by, for example, standard servo motors. Thus, the VAAM minimizes hardware and reduces system complexity. From this point of view, the model opens up another way of simulating muscle behaviors on artificial machines.

Executive summary

The VAAM can be applied to produce variable compliant motions of a high degree-of-freedom robot. Only relying on force sensing at the end effector, this application is easily achieved by changing coefficients of the VAAM. Therefore, the VAAM can reduce economic cost on mechanical and sensing components of the robot, compared to traditional methods (e.g. artificial muscles).

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2022

Oliver Tannor, Elvis Attakora-Amaniampong and Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile

This study aims to assess the facilities management (FM) strategies used in multi-tenanted purpose-built office buildings (Mt-POBs) in Ghana and the drivers that influence the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the facilities management (FM) strategies used in multi-tenanted purpose-built office buildings (Mt-POBs) in Ghana and the drivers that influence the decision to use such strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted via a survey and key informant interviews. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire targeted at 65 multi-tenanted office building owners in the Greater Accra region. The data from the survey revealed the views of building owners on FM strategy and the extent to which 20 facility management decision drivers influenced their decisions to use a particular strategy and the responses were descriptively analysed. The key informant interviews were conducted among six leaders of the property owners’ association who use in-house FM to further understand their perspectives and decisions on using such strategy. The interviews were conducted over telephone using an interview guide and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The results showed that 88% of Mt-POBs in Ghana are managed in-house. The results also showed that the decision to use the in-house strategy was driven by the innovative, strategic and cost-saving advantages associated with the in-house strategy.

Originality/value

This study shows the factors that drive the decision of multi-tenanted office building owners in Ghana to use the in-house strategy. The findings of this study will be useful for prospective owners of office buildings in Ghana.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2021

Clinton Amos, Jesse King and Skyler King

Past research has demonstrated a health halo for food product labels (e.g. organic), resulting in inflated perceptions of a product’s healthfulness (e.g. low fat). While past…

Abstract

Purpose

Past research has demonstrated a health halo for food product labels (e.g. organic), resulting in inflated perceptions of a product’s healthfulness (e.g. low fat). While past studies have focused on labeling and related health claims, the health halo of brand names has scarcely been investigated. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the health halo of brand names featuring morality- and purity-signifiers.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research uses two experiments to examine the health halo of morality- and purity-signifying brand names on perceptions of nutritional and contaminant attributes. Mediation analysis is performed to investigate perceived naturalness as the mechanism for the brand name effects while moderated mediation analysis examines this mechanism across product types (healthy vs unhealthy).

Findings

The findings reveal that both the morality- and purity-signifying brand names produce a health halo on nutritional and contaminant attributes, regardless of product healthiness. Further, mediation and moderated mediation analysis provide evidence for perceived naturalness as the underlying mechanism driving these effects.

Social implications

This research highlights unwarranted consumer inferences made based upon food brand names and, thus has implications for consumers, public policy and marketing managers.

Originality/value

While much health halo research has focused on labeling, this research examines the health halo of two brand name types which symbolically convey either morality or purity. This research provides additional contributions by investigating perceived naturalness as the underlying mechanism for the effects and is one of the few studies to investigate the health halo for both healthy and unhealthy products.

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2019

Clinton Amos, James C. Hansen and Skyler King

This paper aims to investigate inferences consumers make about organic and all-natural labeled products in both food and non-food contexts using the health halo effect as a…

1140

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate inferences consumers make about organic and all-natural labeled products in both food and non-food contexts using the health halo effect as a theoretical foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses three experiments to test the effects of organic and all-natural labeling across three product types, food, personal hygiene and household cleaning, while controlling for environmental attitudes.

Findings

The results of the experiments in the context of food, personal hygiene and household cleaning products suggest that both organic and all-natural labeling produce halo effects. Distinct findings are presented across the three product types.

Research limitations/implications

Findings indicate that consumers may make unwarranted inferences about both organic and all-natural labeled products and demonstrates that the health halo effect is a potentially robust phenomenon, pervasive across a diverse array of products. This research used a crowdsourcing platform for sample recruitment. Future research should validate the results of these experiments with other sample types.

Practical implications

This research suggests that consumers may make similar unwarranted inferences for diverse products bearing organic and all-natural labels. These inferences are particularly intriguing given the differing regulatory requirements for the labels

Originality/value

Organic and all-natural labels are ubiquitous in both food and non-food products. However, research on either label primarily exists in a food context and has not directly compared the labels. Understanding the inferences consumers make based on the labels across product types is imperative for both marketing and public policy.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Applying Maximum Entropy to Econometric Problems
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76230-187-4

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2023

Tahiru Alhassan, Joseph Kwaku Kidido and Oliver Tannor

The study aims to assess the sourcing approaches used in providing facilities management (FM) services in hotels. It further explores the factors that influence hotels' choice of…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to assess the sourcing approaches used in providing facilities management (FM) services in hotels. It further explores the factors that influence hotels' choice of sourcing approach and the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a case study design. Simple random, census and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the hotels and respondents. Data were collected using interviews and analysed thematically. The data were presented in narration and direct quotes from the respondents. The critical factors influencing outsourcing decisions were ranked using the relative importance index. This study is based on a single case. Therefore, further research should be conducted to expand the scope of study nationwide as a step toward making the results more robust.

Findings

Both in-house and outsourcing sourcing approaches were used to provide FM services. In-house FM services mainly focused on cleaning, security and aspects of maintenance. Internet and information technology related services and other maintenance activities were also outsourced. Outsourcing decisions in the various hotel categories were mostly guided by the cost of outsourcing, core business, lack of in-house skills and hotel size.

Practical implications

FM strategy can be developed to guide the management of FM activities in hotels. An approach that adds value and enhances the activities of hotels and provides convenience to customers must be adopted by hotels. Further studies should be conducted on the cost implications of the two main sourcing approaches, as well as the impact of sourcing approaches on customer satisfaction. An additional study should focus on the driving factors influencing the cost and quality of outsourced FM services in hotels. This will help provide comprehensive information on effective FM sourcing approaches and the operations of hotels.

Originality/value

The study focused on the sourcing approaches used by hotels to provide FM services. It also explored the influencing factors and challenges of FM practices in hotels.

Details

Property Management, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 April 2023

Asif Iqbal Fazili, Asif Hamid Charag, Irfan Bashir, Ahmed Abdulaziz Alshiha and Maraj Rahman Sofi

This study aims to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to develop finer understanding about tourist’s attitude and intention towards visiting a politically unstable and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to develop finer understanding about tourist’s attitude and intention towards visiting a politically unstable and conflict-ridden destination such as Kashmir.

Design/methodology/approach

A research instrument adapted from previous studies is administered on 490 tourists. The data collected is subjected to exploratory factor analysis followed by structural equation modelling using SPSS and AMOS. The study tests and validates a more robust behavioural prediction model grounded on the TPB.

Findings

The results of the study found that the tourists’ destination choice intention in a politically sensitive area such as Jammu and Kashmir is collectively determined by perceived destination attractiveness, perceived destination image, familiarity with place, media exposure and perceived value. However, quite interestingly, perceived risk and attitude were found to be insignificant determinants of choice intentionality.

Research limitations/implications

The study empirically validates extended TPB to predict tourist behaviour in a politically sensitive setting. Furthermore, the study provides vital inputs to the destination managers, policy makers and practitioners to develop strategies to enhance destination image and attractiveness. Although the study provides critical insights into the tourist’s decision-making process, nonetheless, certain limitations, such as restricted geographical approach, convenience sampling and ignoring the inter-group variations, warrant attention.

Originality/value

The study is essentially a pioneering effort in applying an integrated TPB model in determining destination choice intentionality in a politically sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has the potential to be one of the best destinations in the world. Therefore, studying the tourist perceptions and attitudes and intention towards Kashmir could help the local government and other destination management organizations in charting future courses of action.

研究目的

本研究旨在扩展计划行为理论(TPB), 以便更深入地了解游客对以克什米尔为例的政治动荡、冲突不断型旅游目的地的态度和意向。

研究设计/研究方法

基于以往研究, 本文修订开发了适用于本研究的研究工具, 并据此采集了490个游客样本。运用SPSS软件和AMOS软件, 本研究对样本数据进行了结构方程建模, 并以此进行探索性因子分析。本研究检验并验证了基于计划行为理论(TPB)的更有力的行为预测模型。

研究结果

研究发现对于查谟和克什米尔这类政治敏感的目的地, 游客的目的地选择意向由目的地感知吸引力、目的地感知形象、感知价值、媒体曝光度和游客对地方的熟悉程度共同决定。研究还有一项有趣的发现:感知风险和态度对游客的目的地选择意向的影响并不显著。

研究局限性/意义

研究实证检验了扩展计划行为理论对政治敏感环境下游客行为的预测作用, 为目的地管理人员、政策制定人员和从业人员等提升目的地形象和吸引力提供了重要参考。然而, 尽管本研究揭示了游客的决策行为过程, 但研究结论仍受限于以下几点:单一的地理研究方法、方便抽样法、忽视了群体间的差异。

研究创新/意义

本文开创性地利用扩展的计划行为理论模型研究游客对政治敏感地区——查谟和克什米尔的选择意向。克什米尔地区有潜力成为全球最佳的旅游目的地之一, 因此研究游客对该地区的感知、态度和意向对于当地政府和其他管理组织制定未来的行动方案具有重要意义。

Objetivo

Este estudio se centra en extender la teoría del comportamiento planificado para una mejor comprensión de la actitud y la intención de los turistas de visitar un destino políticamente inestable y conflictivo como Kashmir.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se administró un cuestionario adaptado de estudios previos a 490 turistas. Los datos recogidos se analizaron mediante análisis factorial exploratorio seguido de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mediante SPSS y AMOS. El estudio prueba y valida un modelo de predicción de comportamiento más robusto basado en la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (TPB).

Conclusiones

Los resultados del estudio muestran que la intención de elección del destino en un área políticamente sensible como Jammu y Kashmir está determinada conjuntamente por el atractivo percibido del destino, la imagen percibida del destino, la familiaridad con el lugar, la exposición a los medios y el valor percibido. Sin embargo, el riesgo percibido y la actitud resultaron ser determinantes no significativos de la intencionalidad de elección.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

El estudio valida empíricamente la TPB ampliada para predecir el comportamiento de los turistas en un entorno políticamente sensible. Además, el estudio proporciona información relevante a los gestores de destinos, los responsables políticos y los profesionales para desarrollar estrategias que mejoren la imagen y el atractivo de los destinos. Aunque el estudio proporciona una visión crítica del proceso de toma de decisiones del turista, ciertas limitaciones, como el enfoque geográfico restringido, el muestreo de conveniencia y el hecho de ignorar las variaciones intergrupales, merecen atención.

Originalidad/valor

La investigación presenta un esfuerzo pionero en la aplicación de un modelo TPB integrado que determina la intencionalidad de la elección del destino en una región políticamente sensible de Jammu y Kashmir. La región tiene potencial para ser uno de los mejores destinos del mundo. Por consiguiente, el estudio de las percepciones, actitudes e intención de los turistas hacia Kashmir podría ayudar al gobierno local y a otras organizaciones de gestión de destinos a trazar acciones futuras.

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2022

Mark Pim-Wusu, Clinton Aigbavboa and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

The urgent need to preserve the ecosystem, which faces a threat from non-environmentally-friendly anthropogenic activities, has led to the study of adaptive capacity…

Abstract

Purpose

The urgent need to preserve the ecosystem, which faces a threat from non-environmentally-friendly anthropogenic activities, has led to the study of adaptive capacity implementation. There is an indication that the construction industries in developed countries are relatively better equipped to pursue sustainable construction than those in the developing world. Despite this, sustainable construction is yet to be established in developing countries. This research aims to develop a framework to drive and enable small and medium-sized (SME) firms in Ghana to implement adaptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach, and 400 responses were retrieved as a sample size for which a six-factor adaptive capacity implementation framework was arrived at for SMEs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The data gathered from the respondents were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24, and a structural equation modelling was also used to determine the work's validity based on the AMOS software.

Findings

The findings revealed that education and training, government support and a centralised information hub significantly influence adaptive capacity outcomes in Ghana.

Practical implications

It is recommended that the government, corporate and professional institutions that desire to preserve the country's ecosystem be guided by this study's adaptive capacity implementation framework.

Originality/value

This study's novelty also lies in the integrated framework for adaptive capacity implementation developed to aid small- and medium- sized enterprises in Ghana's construction industry to ensure environmentally-friendly construction activities.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 12000