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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 May 2021

Jun Wen, Haifeng Hou, Metin Kozak, Fang Meng, Chung-En Yu and Wei Wang

As the world grapples with the pervasive effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a notable disconnect has emerged in the public's understanding of scientific and medical research…

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Abstract

Purpose

As the world grapples with the pervasive effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a notable disconnect has emerged in the public's understanding of scientific and medical research. Particularly, the travel industry has become unquestionably vulnerable amid the COVID-19 outbreak; this pandemic has interrupted the industry's operations with devastating economic consequences. This paper aims to highlight the importance of deconstructing barriers between medical science and public awareness related to COVID-19, taking tourism as a case in point. It also discusses the role of interdisciplinary research in facilitating the tourism and hospitality industry's recovery and alleviating tourists' uncertainties in the wake of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a synthesis of news coverage from several media outlets, framed within the literature on knowledge transformation across disciplines. This framing focuses on the medical sciences (e.g. public health) and social sciences (e.g. tourism management) to identify gaps between medical scientific knowledge and public awareness in the context of COVID-19. The authors' experience in public health and tourism management further demonstrates a missing link between academic research and the information made available in public health and everyday settings. A potential research agenda is proposed accordingly.

Findings

This paper summarizes how salient issues related to knowledge transfer can become intensified during a global pandemic, such as medical research not being communicated in plain language, which leads some citizens to feel apathetic about findings. Reporting on the prevalence and anticipated consequences of disease outbreaks can hence be difficult, especially early in the development of diseases such as COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

By assuming a cross-disciplinary perspective on medical/health and social science research, this paper encourages academic and practical collaboration to bring medical research to the masses. This paper also outlines several research directions to promote public health, safety and sustainability through tourism.

Practical implications

This paper highlights that it is essential for medical knowledge to be disseminated in a manner that promotes public understanding. The tourism and hospitality industry can benefit from an essential understanding of medical findings, particularly during this pandemic. Without a firm grasp on COVID-19's origins and treatment, the tourism and hospitality industry will likely struggle to recover from this catastrophe.

Social implications

Taking COVID-19 as a case in point, this study advocates leveraging the strengths of disparate domains to bring medical findings to a wider audience and showcase cutting-edge developments for the greater good. This study also emphasizes the importance of engaging the general public in reputable scientific research findings to increase public awareness in a professional and accurate manner.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique and critical discussion of the gap between medical science knowledge and public awareness, as well as its implications for tourism and hospitality recovery after COVID-19, with a focus on applying medical scientific knowledge to post-pandemic industry recovery.

研究目的

當全球正與冠狀病毒流行病所帶來的廣泛影響抗衡之際,公眾對科學和醫學研究的理解卻出現了一個令人關注的脫節現象。在2019冠狀病毒病爆發期間,旅遊業無疑格外受到影響。這流行病中斷了旅遊業的運作,給業界帶來毀滅性的經濟影響。本文旨在以旅遊業為一個適時的例子、強調我們必須剖析與2019冠狀病毒病相關的醫學與公共意識之間的障礙。本文亦討論跨學科研究對促進2019冠狀病毒病疫情後旅遊及酒店業的復甦、及減低旅客的不確定性所扮演的角色。

研究設計/方法/理念

本文提供一個來自數個媒體管道的新聞報導的綜合論述,而這論述是在與跨學科知識轉化相關的文獻領域內陳述而成的。論述的重點放在醫學科學(例如公共衛生) 和社會科學(例如觀光管理) 上,目的是確定在2019冠狀病毒病的背景下、醫學知識與公共意識之間的差距。作者們在公共衛生及觀光管理方面的經歷進一步顯示學術研究、與公共衛生和日常環境上的公開資訊之間缺乏銜接,本文就此提出一個研究議程。

研究結果

本文總結與知識轉化相關的顯著問題如何會在全球流行病爆發期間變得更嚴重。譬如、醫學研究的資訊會因沒有以通俗語言來傳遞而令有些國民對其研究結果漠不關心。因此,關於疾病的傳播和爆發所預期的影響的信息是難於廣傳的,特別是在像2019冠狀病毒病等疾病形成的初期。

原創性

本文就醫學知識與公共意識之間的差距作出了一個獨特、有批判性的討論,亦論述這差距對2019冠狀病毒病疫情過後旅遊及酒店業復甦的意義。討論的焦點放在如何應用醫學知識在疫情後幫助產業復甦上。

研究的局限/含意

作者們採用涵蓋醫學/衛生和社會科學研究的跨學科角度,鼓勵學者與從事實務人員相互合作、以便把醫學研究帶給廣泛的民眾。本文亦概述多個研究方向,透過旅遊業來推動公共衛生、公眾安全及可持續性。

實際意義

本文強調醫學知識必須透過能提高公共意識的方式來傳遞。旅遊及酒店業會因我們對醫學研究結果擁有必要的認識而受惠,尤其是在這流行病蔓延的期間。若我們對2019冠狀病毒病的病源和療法沒有確切的了解,則旅遊及酒店業將難從這災難中恢復過來。

對社會的意義

本研究利用2019冠狀病毒病這個適時的例子,來提倡借助各個不同領域的優點,為了謀求公眾的利益、把醫學的研究結果帶給更多民眾、及傳達醫療最新發展的信息。本研究亦強調以專業、精準的方法,引起公眾對可信賴的科學研究結果產生興趣,從而提高公共意識至為重要。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 January 2019

Chung-En Yu and Henrique F. Boyol Ngan

The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptual differences toward smiling behaviors with head inclinations displaying by the human-like robot staff and human staff in a…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptual differences toward smiling behaviors with head inclinations displaying by the human-like robot staff and human staff in a service setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a 2 (staff: robot/human personal personnel) × 3 (head tilt: left/right/straight) full factorial design, while cross-examining participants’ cultural dimensions 2 (power distance: high/lower) × 2 (gender: male/female) during the service encounter.

Findings

Overall, it was found that male and female customers with different cultural background would perceive robot and human personnel with varying degrees of head tilt very differently, namely, regarding interpersonal warmth but not customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

Nonverbal cues serve as important elements in the interaction. This paper provides new directions on the design of anthropomorphic robot and gives insight to people’s perceptual differences. All in all, the present study is useful in facilitating human–robot interactions.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 74 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2020

Chung-En Yu and Xinyu Zhang

This study aims to quantify the underlying feelings of online reviews and discover the role of seasonality in customer dining experiences.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to quantify the underlying feelings of online reviews and discover the role of seasonality in customer dining experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied sentiment analysis to determine the polarity of a given comment. Furthermore, content analysis was conducted based on the core attributes of the customer dining experiences.

Findings

Positive feelings towards the food and the service do not show a linear relationship, while the overall dining experiences increase in line with the positive feelings on food quality. Moreover, feelings towards the atmosphere of the restaurants are the most positive in peak season.

Practical implications

This study provides guidelines for restaurateurs regarding the aspects that need more attention in different seasons.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge of customer feelings in local restaurants/gastronomy and the role seasonality plays in fostering such feelings. In addition, the novel methodological procedures provide insights for tourism research in discovering new dimensions in theories based on big data.

研究目的

本论文旨在量化在线评论中的情感导向以及发掘季节性对消费者用餐体验的作用。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文采用情感分析法对既定评论做出情感判断。此外, 本文还依据消费者用餐体验中的核心价值采用了内容分析法。

研究结果

研究发现消费者对食物和服务的正向情感并不是线性关系。然而, 整体用餐体验与对食物质量的正向情感是线性正向的关系。此外, 消费者对饭店氛围的情感在旺季的时节是最为突出的。

研究实际意义

本论文对饭店从业者在不同季节的关注点上起到了指导作用。

研究原创性/价值

本论文对地方饭店/美食的消费者情感认知做出了贡献, 此外, 本论文还对季节性如何促进消费情感的作用做出了研究。本论文还采用了新型的研究方法, 这对于旅游研究来说, 做出了基于大数据的新理论研究方向。

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2020

Krzysztof Celuch

In search of creating an extraordinary experience for customers, services have gone beyond the means of a transaction between buyers and sellers. In the event industry, where…

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Abstract

Purpose

In search of creating an extraordinary experience for customers, services have gone beyond the means of a transaction between buyers and sellers. In the event industry, where purchasing tickets online is a common procedure, it remains unclear as to how to enhance the multifaceted experience. This study aims at offering a snapshot into the most valued aspects for consumers and to uncover consumers' feelings toward their experience of purchasing event tickets on third-party ticketing platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-disciplinary study that applies knowledge from both data science and services marketing. Under the guise of natural language processing, latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling and sentiment analysis were used to interpret the embedded meanings based on online reviews.

Findings

The findings conceptualized ten dimensions valued by eventgoers, including technical issues, value of core product and service, word-of-mouth, trustworthiness, professionalism and knowledgeability, customer support, information transparency, additional fee, prior experience and after-sales service. Among these aspects, consumers rated the value of the core product and service to be the most positive experience, whereas the additional fee was considered the least positive one.

Originality/value

Drawing from the intersection of natural language processing and the status quo of the event industry, this study offers a better understanding of eventgoers' experiences in the case of purchasing online event tickets. It also provides a hands-on guide for marketers to stage memorable experiences in the era of digitalization.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2023

John Chung-En Liu and Ting-Yu Kan

This study aims to evaluate the current situation of education for sustainable development, climate change education and environmental education in a nationwide context…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the current situation of education for sustainable development, climate change education and environmental education in a nationwide context. Methodologically, this study calls for more research to go beyond case studies and take a similar approach to examine university curricula and facilitate cross-country comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the status of climate and sustainability curricula in Taiwan’s higher education system. Using the course catalog for the 2020–2021 academic year, the authors constructed a unique data set that includes 1,827 courses at 29 major universities in Taiwan. In each institution, the authors search for course titles that include “climate,” “sustainable/sustainability” and “environment/environmental” as keywords and code the courses according to their disciplines.

Findings

The finding highlights the variations across institutional types and subject matters. Public universities have an average of 4.94 related courses per 1,000 students, whereas private universities have only 3.13. In general, the relevant courses are more concentrated in the STEM and bioscience fields. The curricula, however, are seriously constrained by the disciplinary structure and foster few transdisciplinary perspectives.

Originality/value

The authors seek to go beyond case studies and offer one of the most comprehensive curricula samples at the national level. Taiwan adds an important data point, as the current literature focuses heavily on the USA and Europe.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2022

Reyes Gonzalez, Jose Gasco and Juan Llopis

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a key player in the food services and restaurants sector; thus, the aim of this work consists in studying the previous…

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Abstract

Purpose

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a key player in the food services and restaurants sector; thus, the aim of this work consists in studying the previous research on ICTs in food services and restaurants in the context of tourism and hospitality through a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review is performed on full papers published in journals included in the Journal Citation Report of the WoS in the category of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. A total of 165 articles from 28 journals are analyzed, following different criteria, such as the research methods, perspectives, statistical techniques, geographical focus, topics, technologies, authors and universities.

Findings

The restaurant sector is more and more based on the creation of experiences and ICTs, through their multiple possibilities, can undoubtedly contribute to adding value to the simple meal and create and recreate experiences to attract and retain customers who are increasingly sophisticated and hooked on ICTs. ICTs are basic for managers taking decision at the highest level in food services and restaurants, so ICTs should not be seen as a technical tool but as an essential element for top management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examined articles from very well-known tourism and hospitality journals, leaving aside others as well as different publication formats such as books or papers presented at conferences.

Originality/value

A significant contribution made with this paper is the availability of a list of topics in the context of ICTs in food services and restaurants. These topics are classified into three areas (Consumers, Suppliers and Environment and Tendencies) that can serve as a future research framework. The paper also provides useful information to restaurant managers about ICTs, to researchers for their future projects and to academics for their courses.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Tayfun Yörük, Nuray Akar and Neslihan Verda Özmen

The purpose of this study is to reveal the research trends in guest experiences of service robots in the hospitality industry.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reveal the research trends in guest experiences of service robots in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a review was carried out on the Web of Science (WoS) database with the assistance of bibliometric analysis techniques. Cluster analysis was also employed for this to group important data to determine the relationships and to visualize the areas in which the studies are concentrated. The thematic content analysis method was used to reveal on which customer experiences and on which methods the focuses were.

Findings

On the subject of experiences of service robots, the greatest number of publications was in 2021. In terms of country, China has come to the fore in the distribution of publications. As a result of thematic content analysis, it was determined that the leading factor was the main dimension of emotional experience. In terms of sub-dimensions, social interactions attracted more attention. Most of the studies discussed were not based on any theory. Apart from these, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Service Quality Model (SERVQUAL) and Perceived Value Theory (PVT) were featured more prominently among other studies.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, only the WoS database was reviewed. In future studies, it would be possible to make contextual comparisons by scanning other databases. In addition to quantitative research designs, social dimensions may be examined in depth following qualitative research methods. Thus, various comparisons can be made on the subject with mixed-method research designs. Experimental research designs can also be applied to where customers have experienced human-robot interactions (HRIs).

Originality/value

In the hospitality industry, it is critical to uncover every dimension of guests' robot acceptance. This study, which presents the current situation on this basis, guides future projections for the development of guest experiences regarding service robots in the hospitality industry.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 December 2020

Kadir Çakar and Şehmus Aykol

The purpose of this paper is to investigate travellers’ behaviour and examine their reactions to high-tech hotels offering robotic services to customers.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate travellers’ behaviour and examine their reactions to high-tech hotels offering robotic services to customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from user-generated content within the context of a qualitative research method by analysing the online narratives of travellers at TripAdvisor who visited robotic hotels. Data analysis was realised through content analysis, which revealed various themes and categories of traveller behaviour and reactions to technology.

Findings

Results show that robotic services significantly improve the quality of service offered to travellers, while positively affecting travellers’ intention to revisit robotic hotels within the context of customer engagement behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the present research reveal that the introduction of new technologies in the service industry, such as the robotic butler, can have considerable effects on guest behaviour and attitudes. This field has emerged as a new sub-dimension of customer engagement.

Practical implications

The use of robots will most likely enhance experiences through interaction between customers and robots. Additionally, in cases where social distancing is required, the use of robots in the hospitality and tourism industry may increase the mobility of people wishing to travel by applying social distancing through use of robots in services.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant literature by identifying the concept of adoption as a sub-dimension deriving from human–robot interaction, thus generating the novelty of the research.

研究目的

本论文旨在研究游客行为以及检验其对高科技酒店提供机器人服务给客人的反应。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文采用定性分析手段, 采集样本为TripAdvisor游客光顾机器人酒店的在线叙述文本, 即用户生成内容(UGC)。本论文采用文本分析法, 以确定多种游客行为和对科技的反应等多个主题和范畴。

研究结果

研究结果表明, 机器人服务大大提高游客服务质量, 同时也积极影响游客再光顾机器人酒店的意向, 在顾客参与行为(CEBs)的研究背景下。

研究理论限制/启示

本论文研究结果表明, 服务产业的新科技引用, 比如机器人服务员, 能够对顾客行为和态度产生显著的影响。这一研究领域作为顾客参与(CE)的新维度正在兴起。

研究理论意义

新技术的引用将提高顾客的服务质量, 从而促成顾客的价值共创。此外, 还可以帮助消除游客对受到健康相关危机影响的担忧; 从业人员应该考虑在其公司、企业、或者机构中采用机器人服务。

研究实际启示

机器人的使用将很有可能通过机器人与顾客的交互而提高顾客体验。此外, 在被要求社交隔离的情况下, 在酒店和旅游业中使用机器人将增加人们旅游的流动性。

研究原创性/价值

本论文补充了现有文献, 确立了机器人接纳作为人机交互的第二维度, 从而证实了本文的新颖性。

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

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