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This study aims to take advantage of segment reporting to provide empirical evidence on the impacts of increasing the share of revenue generated from the timeshare segment in companies’ portfolios for firm value and profitability.

This paper examines data from five publicity traded hospitality companies that have a timeshare component and carries out different regression analysis using 69 observations ranging from 1998 to 2016.

The findings support the idea of an inverted U-shaped relationship between the degree of timeshare business (DOT) and firm value and profitability. However, for positive values of DOT, an increase of DOT consistently has a negative impact on firm value and accounting profitability.

This study adds to previous findings through the addition of new variables and contemporary accounting practices. Though sufficient for the analyses conducted, the limited number of observations raises generalizability issues. Further research with larger data sets is advised.

This study implies that timeshare may continue to grow, but not as a segment in the lodging sector; rather as an industry mainly composed of timeshare-dedicated companies. As firms consider diversification or consolidation, this study may inform decisions related to potential firm value.

This study provides evidence to support previous literature related to spin-off activity in the lodging sector. Perhaps more importantly, this study adds value to research on firm value and profitability by extending traditional models and by developing a new “degree of business” variable using segment reporting.

This paper aims to examine the value proposition of developing a vacation ownership project in Florida and Hawaii by analyzing actual company data.

The study is based on a net present value model approach that was used for analysis of the company financial data.

Results suggest that the vacation ownership alternative produces better financial performance than traditional hotel development.

Research is limited to the case of a company in two main destinations.

The paper helps practitioners by presenting a current approach to consider in their understanding and perception of vacation ownership.

Research is limited to the case of a company in two main destinations.

This study is one of the few investigations about applying real company data and comparing the main timeshare markets.

Although much satisfaction research examines the role of demographics, few examine the phenomena of family cohesion or travel party composition and the role they play in influencing satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to leverage the two to further understand satisfaction.

Data from 400 vacationing families were analyzed to examine the factors of family cohesion, activity satisfaction and overall vacation satisfaction.

Contrary to previous research, the results suggest that family cohesion is comprised of two primary factors: emotional bonding and decision making, family boundaries and coalitions. The findings suggest that family cohesion and activity satisfaction contributed to overall vacation satisfaction. However, as an addition to extant research, the findings demonstrate that travel party size moderated this relationship.

This research challenges findings of extant research on family cohesion and extends satisfaction research by introducing the effect of family cohesion and travel party composition. Both suggest and offer opportunities for future academic research. Practically speaking, this research also provides insight for practitioners as to why “travel party composition” should be regarded as an operative, rather than a descriptive term.

Practically speaking, this research also provides insight for practitioners as to why “travel party composition” should be regarded as an operative, rather than a descriptive term. Given the results of this research, the moderating effect of travel party composition is an interesting academic finding. Operationalizing this component in practice is challenging. However, practitioners can take the knowledge of the positive relationships between family cohesion, participation in activities, and overall vacation satisfaction, as well as the moderating effect of travel party composition, into account when evaluating guest satisfaction scores, programming activities, and resolving guest issues.

In addition to challenging findings of prior research, this research utilizes data gathered during family vacations; therefore not relying on recall or issues with memory effect. In addition, it extends existing research through the exploration of moderating variables. Finally, the research has practical implications for practitioners to attend to satisfaction of the increasing global family leisure market.

This paper aims to facilitate an immediate immersion of academic literature in the timeshare/vacation ownership industry. Through a synthesis of 92 articles published in academic journals over the past 40 years, the authors demonstrate the breadth of the current research. Topical areas, methodologies and findings are presented, as well as opportunities for further investigation. This paper also provides the reader with a robust consolidation of literature in a tabular form to include authors, publication dates, sources and titles.

Through a comprehensive search of multiple academic research databases, university catalogues and references of existing literature and conference proceedings, the authors compiled a review of timeshare research with the aim of classifying the various components and issues that have been examined to date.

The timeshare segment of the greater lodging industry is unique due to its real estate ownership component, complex management characteristics and regulatory environment. The unique nature appeals to researchers and provides an opportunity for investigation of generally accepted theories and principles. The literature follows industry advances in the segment, with the majority of research focused on sales and marketing practices, and resort services and operations. An abundance of future research opportunities is identified in the literature, to which only a few have been addressed.

A synthesis of timeshare literature has not been published to date, either in hospitality literature or in other fields of study, i.e. real estate. Therefore, the authors provide a foundation for researchers, academics and students to utilize in further study and investigation.

This article explores engaging student learning concerning the Black Experience during the Civil Rights Era through the analysis of Norman Rockwell paintings. Focusing on pedagogy and content, the article highlights an instructional framework to encourage an inclusive view of American History while appealing to a variety of learners. After emphasizing the importance of providing a balanced, representative view of American history that weaves the experiences of marginalized groups throughout the historical fabric, we highlight the highlight the instructional benefits of facilitating arts-based learning in the classroom. While a variety of artists’ work could be selected to portray historical events of this time period, we address the symbolic reasoning behind the selection of Rockwell, as well as the realistic depictions in his paintings that directly relate to historical events. The article concludes with a sample lesson that provides two options for instructional delivery: (1) a technology-focused WebQuest and (2) a visual analysis. The strategies integrate issues of equity and diversity and encourage students to act as critical agents by examining issues of social justice. In addition, both strategies foster reading skills, cultural literacy, and critical thinking.

The purpose of this study is to examine consumer perceptions toward the adoption of mobile technology within the vacation ownership/timeshare segment of the hospitality industry. Despite the proliferation of mobile applications in the greater hospitality and tourism industry, few timeshare companies use this technology. However, customers have expressed strong intentions to use technology. Therefore, this study examines consumers’ attitudes toward and experiences with mobile applications and then through the use of a prototype, examines consumers’ intentions to use a mobile application. The relationships between attitude, experience and usefulness are explored in relation to intention to use.

Consumers that owned timeshares in the Orlando area responded to an online survey invitation from their resort management company. The survey instrument gathered data related to consumers’ attitudes toward and experiences with technology using established measures. A total of 914 surveys were collected and the proposed model was analyzed using path analysis.

Findings indicate that traditional technology adoption antecedents (experience, usefulness and attitude) explain timeshare owners’ intentions to use a mobile application. This is consistent with prior research. However, using established measures, the model explained consumers’ intentions to use the technology with greater certainty than what previous research has reported.

The most encouraging and noteworthy implications from the findings are threefold. First, timeshare owners are using mobile technology while traveling (mobile phones, tablets and laptops). The owners’ experiences with mobile devices exert a positive influence that moderates intention to use. In addition, the impact of technology experience on intent to use is mediated by perceived usefulness and attitudes toward the application. Though the sample size was large, limitations do exist, as those surveyed were all owners of a single timeshare resort based in Orlando, Florida.

In studies reported to date, there is scarce empirical research regarding mobile application adoption for timeshare owners or information about the factors that drive usage, attitude and adoption. This study discusses important insights about mobile services for an industry that lacks research in information technology.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between QSC (quality, service and cleanliness) inspection scores and financial performance in quick service restaurants.

Restaurant QSC inspection data were collected from 25 quick service restaurants of an international chain over a period of 18 months. Audited financial data were also collected for these participating restaurants. Using SPSS software, the data were analyzed for possible relationships between the restaurant QSC scores and the financial performance measured as total unit sales per week, revenues per available seat per week, and gross operating income for each month. Restaurant unit size is measured by total revenues per month.

Contrary to the commonly held belief, the relationship between QSC variable and restaurant performance is weak. This study found there was a “V” curve in QSC inspections and financial performance when restaurant size was chosen as the moderating variable.

The specific items measured in the QSC may differ across organizations, although the broad categories remain constant. Certain operational factors such as price changes, special promotions, additional restaurant openings in the specific area, and local economic conditions could have confounded the results.

The knowledge obtained from this study could help restaurant organizations determine the level of weighting given to a specific inspection variable. This study also suggests the use of FQSC inspections instead of traditional QSC to emphasize financial performance (F). This study demonstrates the liability and limitations of tying QSC inspections to merit raises and bonus plans as normally done in restaurants.

This paper is the first empirical study to analyze the QSC inspections of restaurants related to financial performance. In contrast to the past studies with food safety/health inspections, the current study focuses directly on QSC inspections conducted more frequently and in greater detail by the quick service restaurants with emphasis on operational and financial performance.

This research aims to propose a model that may be used to classify product attributes according to their effect on customer satisfaction within the services industry. It also aims to apply the model to vacation ownership products and to explore attributes related to both the purchase and use of the product: an owned luxury product.

Data from 3,231 vacation ownership customers of multiple international companies were analyzed using a modified Kano model and related questionnaire.

This study reveals the effect that specific product attributes have on customer satisfaction. It addresses previously unexplored attributes (i.e. sales techniques and hotel program benefits), confirms others previously identified with customer satisfaction (i.e. amenities, exchange benefits, hotel affiliation and vacation counselors) and reveals those that had no incremental effect on overall satisfaction (i.e. financing and activities).

Results of this study suggest that attributes have varying effects on customers’ overall satisfaction and submit that companies may wish to focus their efforts in particular areas to maintain or improve overall satisfaction. Doing so may create opportunities for companies to increase satisfaction, operate more efficiently or distinguish themselves within the marketplace.

This research is the first comprehensive examination of customer satisfaction related to the purchase and consumption of an owned luxury vacation product, reveals misconceptions related to certain product attributes, uncovers previously unidentified attributes, provides a model for examining customer satisfaction that could be applied across lodging products and provides a benchmark for future studies.

The purpose of this paper is to propose and apply a conceptual model that can be used to evaluate the functional performance of hospitality and tourism websites. This model will evaluate the websites from the perspective of information provision, communication, transactions, relationships, and technological merit, and how that applies to overall website functionality.

The paper uses a case study methodology in order to evaluate a random sample of the top 400 casual dining restaurant chains of 2007. The casual dining restaurant segment is chosen because of its importance in the overall foodservice industry, as well as its predominant use of websites.

Restaurant websites appear to be fairly strong in providing information in a technologically savvy environment. The areas that are found to be lower in functional efficiency are communication, relationship, and transaction. The three lowest‐rated individual attributes of the websites studied in the current research are the use and functionality of banners, reservations, and language on the websites.

As a case study, the limitations of this research are that the findings cannot be generalized to all restaurants because only a sample of casual dining chain restaurants is used. In addition, the model evaluated all of the components of the websites as being equal with the understanding that different website components weigh differently in their importance with consumers.

The implications of the paper are critical for website developers and hospitality organizations as the analysis shows that there is still a gap between customer perceptions of restaurant websites and the potential to use the website to engage and connect with guests. The paper will give industry practitioners some insight into the perceptions regarding the usability of their websites in order to allow the organizations to make changes accordingly.

The paper is pioneering in developing and proposing a conceptual model of website evaluation and applying this theory‐supported conceptual model to the casual dining chain restaurants website evaluation.

The purpose of this study is twofold: to determine hotel customers’ preference among hotel amenities pricing strategies, specifically a bundled, all-inclusive charge in the form of a resort fee, a limited choice resort fee at a lower price or a la carte pricing, and to determine whether hotel customer prefer bundled or partitioned pricing when faced with a mandatory resort fee.

An online survey of participants aged 18 years and older who had taken an overnight leisure trip in the past six months is conducted. A fixed-choice set conjoint analysis is performed to analyze the 353 usable surveys.

Results of this conjoint analysis show that 67 per cent of respondents prefer bundled pricing over partitioned pricing. Respondents also show higher utility for no resort fee and paying for amenities based on usage instead of being forced to pay a mandatory resort fee.

Guest preferences for pricing strategies can provide hotel operators with valuable information on how to establish pricing structures. Results suggest that hotel operators could benefit from presenting a bundled price inclusive of room rates and mandatory fees.

This is the only known study that examines mandatory fees in which customers receive additional amenities or services in exchange for an additional surcharge. This study also adds to the literature on pricing research in the hospitality industry.