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1 – 10 of 78This paper examines the growth of the UK incentive travel market, giving special consideration to its use in the motivation of staff in marketing functions. Incentive travel is…
Abstract
This paper examines the growth of the UK incentive travel market, giving special consideration to its use in the motivation of staff in marketing functions. Incentive travel is the use of travel in a motivational programme to create an environment that encourages self‐motivation in groups and individuals. Companies selling incentive travel in the UK are primarily concerned with the organization aspects of the travel reward. Although these activities have an important role, it is also important for the motivational aspects to be considered. This paper presents the results of an exploratory qualitative study of the ways in which incentive travel is perceived by managers using this motivational tool. The results highlight the fragmented nature of the UK incentive travel industry and emphasise the importance of creativity, design and good communications throughout the motivational package.
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Cathy Burgess, Anne Hampton, Liz Price and Angela Roper
Hotel groups have expanded extensively over recent years, with keyplayers now operating on a global basis. Presents a critical evaluationof the literature relating to the…
Abstract
Hotel groups have expanded extensively over recent years, with key players now operating on a global basis. Presents a critical evaluation of the literature relating to the internationalization of hotel groups and previous success studies and prescriptive strategic management models in relation to multinational hotel groups. Addresses issues which include the measurement of internationalization, overreliance of profitability as a single measure of success and the dominance of western business cultures. Forwards proposals for a research framework designed specifically to investigate success in international hotel groups and to emphasize the need for “holistic” approach. Recognizes the need to research success using a multidisciplinary framework.
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The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify and explore the reasons why organisations decide to use process mapping software (PMS) facilities in support of business process…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify and explore the reasons why organisations decide to use process mapping software (PMS) facilities in support of business process management (BPM); and to determine the objectives set by senior management for its introduction, and understand extent to which organisations achieve expected benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses an exploratory research design and investigates the elements of organisations’ objectives, implementation and evaluation of using PMS. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with business managers responsible for the implementation of PMS. The respondent organisations were selected from a range of industries who were using the same software.
Findings
The results of the research show that organisations do set objectives for using PMS, relevant to a wide range of business, operational and strategic objectives, dependant on the needs of the organisation. Additionally, the results show that some gain further advantages post-implementation, based on their PMS experience. Regarding explicit evaluation of their investment, organisations attempt this to a very limited extent; whilst recognising a broad a range of “softer” benefits.
Research limitations/implications
This exploratory research has been conducted on a small range of organisations, all using the same software, therefore the results cannot be clearly generalizable. The research suggests organisations are making effective decisions regarding adopting PMS, further research on the evaluating its benefits could support better decision-making in the future.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this research are for decision-makers in organisations recognising and understanding the strategic/operational benefits that could be achieved by implementing a software system for BPM.
Originality/value
Whilst the use of process mapping of organisation’s operations is widespread the benefits achieved by organisations are only partially understood. Knowledge of the strategic impact of BPM is limited, as reported by numerous researchers. This research attempts to explore the context of organisations using such software, and point towards further approaches to its investigation.
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Aarhus Kommunes Biblioteker (Teknisk Bibliotek), Ingerslevs Plads 7, Aarhus, Denmark. Representative: V. NEDERGAARD PEDERSEN (Librarian).
ELLI (European Lifelong Learning Initiative) (http://www.noesis.se:443/ll/elli/elli.html) was established in 1992 to help propagate ideas and actions in Lifelong Learning in…
Abstract
ELLI (European Lifelong Learning Initiative) (http://www.noesis.se:443/ll/elli/elli.html) was established in 1992 to help propagate ideas and actions in Lifelong Learning in Europe. Its offshoot WILL (World Initiative on Lifelong Learning) was established in December 1994 at the First Global Conference on Lifelong Learning to do the same thing at a global level. Both are membership organisations trying to make the most effective use of organisational and personal expertise from among their subscribers. We spoke to Norman Longworth, ELLI's Chief Consultant and former Director of Strategy, about its background and role.
The purpose of this paper is to examine male and female executives as leaders “championing” gender change interventions. It problematizes current exhortations for male leaders to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine male and female executives as leaders “championing” gender change interventions. It problematizes current exhortations for male leaders to lead gender change, much as they might lead any other business-driven change agenda. It argues that organizational gender scholarship is critical to understanding the gendered nature of championing.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on a feminist qualitative research project examining the efficacy of a gender intervention in a university and a policing institution. Interviews with four leaders have been chosen from the larger study for analysis against the backdrop of material from interviewees and the participant observation of the researcher. It brings a social constructionist view of gender and Acker’s gendering processes to bear on understanding organizational gender change.
Findings
The sex/gender of the leader is inescapably fore-fronted by the gender change intervention. Gendered expectations and choices positioned men as powerful and effective champions while undermining the effectiveness of the woman in this study.
Research limitations/implications
Further research examining male and female leaders capacity to champion gender change is required.
Practical implications
This research identifies effective champion behaviors, provides suggestions for ensuring that gender equity interventions are well championed and proposes a partnership model where senior men and women play complementary roles leading gender change.
Originality/value
This paper is of value to practitioners and scholars. It draws attention to contemporary issues of leadership and gender change, seeking to bridge the gap between theory and practice that undermines our change efforts.
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As CD‐ROM becomes more and more a standard reference and technicalsupport tool in all types of libraries, the annual review of thistechnology published in Computers in Libraries…
Abstract
As CD‐ROM becomes more and more a standard reference and technical support tool in all types of libraries, the annual review of this technology published in Computers in Libraries magazine increases in size and scope. This year, author Susan L. Adkins has prepared this exceptionally useful bibliography which she has cross‐referenced with a subject index.
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Souheila Kaabachi, Selima Ben Mrad and Anne Fiedler
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an e-bank’s structure (click-and-mortar bank vs internet-only bank) influences the consumer’s evaluation of website quality, and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an e-bank’s structure (click-and-mortar bank vs internet-only bank) influences the consumer’s evaluation of website quality, and to identify the most significant website features that influence online trust and lead to consumer loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
A non-probability convenience sample of 476 online bank users (248 click-and-mortar and 230 internet-only bank users) was used in this study. An online survey was conducted. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were used to analyze the data.
Findings
Findings suggest that e-trust and e-loyalty levels depend on the e-banking structure. Click-and-mortar-based online users were found to have more trust and loyalty in their online banks than internet-only bank users. Findings demonstrate that website features are evaluated differently according to the e-bank structure. Information design and interactivity are very important for internet-only banks, and their effect on online trust seems to be higher. On the other hand, website personalization was evaluated as more important for click-and-mortar banks and had a stronger impact on online trust.
Practical implications
To promote the trustworthiness of their websites and retain customers, internet-only banks should make the experience more tangible for users by developing a pleasant online experience. Personalization is an important variable that can enhance the consumer’s engagement with the brand. Click-and-mortar banks should enhance their interactivity by providing a continuous and consistent experience across different channels of distribution whether online or in-person and provide more interactive tools on their websites.
Originality/value
This study contributes significantly to the marketing research literature related to consumer trust as well as to the electronic banking literature. It is the first study to compare customers of click-and-mortar banks with customers of internet-only banks when evaluating website features. It also explores the impact of the e-bank model on the relationship between website features and online trust and customer loyalty.
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