Search results

1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 13 September 2023

Margarita Guadalupe Zazueta-Hernández and Mónica Velarde-Valdez

Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism has established as a tourism segment that is growing in popularity. It is less seasonality dependent, promotes the…

Abstract

Purpose

Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism has established as a tourism segment that is growing in popularity. It is less seasonality dependent, promotes the offer of services and contributes to the development of the sector. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the competitiveness factors for the improvement of MICE tourism in the city of Mazatlan.

Design/methodology/approach

It was developed with a mixed approach, using quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, such as interviews with experts, surveys of stakeholders in the tourism sector and documentary analysis. Based on the theoretical review, the following four competitiveness factors were defined for MICE tourism: 1) resource factors, 2) destination management factors, 3) conditioning factors of the environment and 4) conditioning factors of the demand, applying and importance-performance analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the factors of competitiveness in the case of the study that had greater importance and better performance are the conditioning factors of the demand and resource factors. However, the development and implementation of comprehensive destination management strategies are required to improve this segment, as well as giving due importance to taking into account the important conditioning factors of the environment.

Originality/value

This study makes a theoretical contribution to the literature on the competitiveness of tourist destinations in the MICE segment by identifying the factors for its development, as well as the practical implications for the specific case study. In addition to this, it was identified that there are few empirical studies that analyze the factors that contribute to improving the competitiveness of this segment.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2019

Jianbin Chen and Danlin Chen

Urban MICE competitiveness research consists of two clusters, one that is public-statistics-based and another that is questionnaire-based. Supply-side research on urban MICE…

1563

Abstract

Purpose

Urban MICE competitiveness research consists of two clusters, one that is public-statistics-based and another that is questionnaire-based. Supply-side research on urban MICE competitiveness is rare. Based on the findings of Chen (2014) and other scholars, the purpose of this paper is to design counterpart statistical indicators to empirically analyze CMCA member cities.

Design/methodology/approach

After calculating the standardized Z value of the original statistical data for 17 CMCA member cities, the authors conducted confirmatory factor analysis for the first-level principal components, based on which hierarchical clustering was performed; then, regression analysis was conducted with the MICE profit factor as the dependent variable and the cost factor, tight support factor and facilitating factor as the independent variables to support publishing articles.

Findings

The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the urban MICE competitiveness indicators from the supply-side perspective include the profit factor, cost factor, tight support factor and facilitating factor.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of research findings from the demand perspective and the literature review, the authors constructed an urban MICE competitiveness indicator system from the perspective of the supply side and conducted principal component analysis. However, because of the inaccessibility of panel data, the current data were only sufficient to conduct the research. If panel data could be acquired, further research could be conducted to perfect the current indicator system for urban MICE competitiveness.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that tourism total income, tourism foreign exchange income, inbound tourist number, number of exhibitions, exhibition area, number of UFI member cities and number of ICCA member cities were the main reason for the gap between different cities’ competitiveness and the reform focus for improving urban MICE competitiveness. The cost factor had a significantly negative influence on urban MICE competitiveness, implying that the higher the average hotel room price and revenue per available room, the less competitive the MICE host city is.

Social implications

The tight support factor exerts a significant positive influence on urban MICE competitiveness from the supply-side perspective, while the cost factor exerts a significant negative influence. The findings suggest that the tourism total income, tourism foreign exchange income, inbound tourist number, number of exhibitions, exhibition area, number of UFI member cities and number of ICCA member cities were the main reason for the gap between different cities’ competitiveness and the reform focus for improving urban MICE competitiveness. The cost factor had a significantly negative influence on urban MICE competitiveness, implying that the higher the average hotel room price and revenue per available room, the less competitive the MICE host city is.

Originality/value

The research bridge the empirical statistics and the questionnaire-based perception study on urban MICE tourism image, and advance to construct an empirical statistics based indicator system for urban MICE tourism image.

Details

International Hospitality Review, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-8142

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2022

Saeid SadighZadeh and Marjan Kaedi

Online businesses require a deep understanding of their customers’ interests to innovate and develop new products and services. Users, on the other hand, rarely express their…

161

Abstract

Purpose

Online businesses require a deep understanding of their customers’ interests to innovate and develop new products and services. Users, on the other hand, rarely express their interests explicitly. The purpose of this study is to predict users’ implicit interest in products of an online store based on their mouse behavior through various product page elements.

Design/methodology/approach

First, user mouse behavior data is collected throughout an online store website. Next, several mouse behavioral features on the product pages elements are extracted and finally, several models are extracted using machine learning techniques to predict a user’s interest in a product.

Findings

The results indicate that focusing on mouse behavior on various page elements improves user preference prediction accuracy compared to other available methods.

Research limitations/implications

User mouse behavior was used to predict consumer preferences in this study, therefore gathering additional data on user demography, personality dimensions and emotions may significantly aid in accurate prediction.

Originality/value

Mouse behavior is the most repeated behavior during Web page browsing through personal computers and laptops. It has been referred to as implicit feedback in some studies and an effective way to ascertain user preference. In these studies, mouse behavior is only assessed throughout the entire Web page, lacking a focus on different page elements. It is assumed that in online stores, user interaction with key elements of a product page, such as an image gallery, user reviews, a description and features and specifications, can be highly informative and aid in determining the user’s interest in that product.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Che‐Chao Chiang, Brian King and Thu‐Huong Nguyen

This study seeks to examine the motivational and socio‐demographic characteristics of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) visitors to Taiwan in order to…

2588

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the motivational and socio‐demographic characteristics of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) visitors to Taiwan in order to identify salient market subgroups or segments. The aim is to establish results with relevance to Asian destinations and with some more general applicability.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature and expert input a questionnaire was designed and pretested. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from MICE visitors to Taipei (Taiwan). Principal components, hierarchical cluster, K‐means, chi‐square and ANOVA analyses of the data provide information about MICE visitors and their segments.

Findings

Three motivation‐based MICE segments are identified. Variable values suggest the following segment names – value seekers, no‐value seekers, and education seekers. Significant socio‐demographic differences are found between the segments. Results provide insight into MICE visitor decision making showing the role of business, education and leisure‐related motives. Discussion focuses attention on implications of the results for the development of tourism strategies.

Originality/value

The findings enhance understanding of the motivations of MICE visitors. The information adds to the knowledge that destination marketers can consider in developing a competitive edge. Since Taipei's MICE visitors should be similar to those of Asian competitors, results contribute to a better understanding of MICE business, education and leisure‐related motives and activities in Asia.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Mingsheng Wang and Qiuju Luo

This paper aims to explain and resolve the paradoxical situation in China regarding how it is difficult to get an offer of employment in China while people are unwilling to pursue…

2140

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explain and resolve the paradoxical situation in China regarding how it is difficult to get an offer of employment in China while people are unwilling to pursue or embark on a career in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Therefore, the MICE industry career path should be carefully explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used semi-structured interviews with more than 30 representative managers from key MICE companies, a social community perspective and conceptions of the social world combined with the traditional career-ladder model.

Findings

The study’s key findings are: a general career path exists in the MICE industry in China; there are three main types of career paths and two different kinds of promotion mechanisms, which vary according to the type of ownership, scale or other characteristics of companies; and a feedback mechanism, linking social-world events and social community characteristics, affects individual employees and their career paths in the MICE industry, leading to promotion in or retreat from the industry. Typically, the mechanism fits high-level employees better than the freshmen, which leads to high turnover in the MICE labor market.

Practical implications

This paper provides a better understanding of MICE industry and facilitates people’s employment choices.

Originality/value

This paper provide a new social community perspective for exploring the MICE career path; there are also significant practical implications for MICE elites, which present a new framework for future research and industry applications.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Li‐Ting (Grace) Yang and Zheng Gu

The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) capacity for Las Vegas and analyze the over‐ and…

3917

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) capacity for Las Vegas and analyze the over‐ and under‐capacity situation in Las Vegas from 2010 through 2014. The study provides recommendations for Las Vegas's future MICE development based on the capacity analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A single‐period inventory model, which involves cost of over‐capacity, cost of under‐capacity, and forecasted future MICE demand, was used to identify the optimal capacity in terms of MICE square foot days for each year from 2010 through 2014. The model, which identified optimal capacity, was compared to the planned available capacity for each year to determine the magnitude of over‐ or under‐capacity.

Findings

The cost of over‐capacity was found much greater than the cost of under‐capacity. The model that identified optimal capacity indicates that Las Vegas will experience severe over‐capacity from 2010 to 2014.

Research limitations/ implications

The findings of this study should help researchers and practitioners evaluate the current status of the Las Vegas MICE industry in terms of capacity efficiency. The results suggest that the MICE development in Las Vegas is heading for over‐capacity and the industry must downscale its development plan in the near future to avoid severe over‐capacity.

Originality/value

For the first time in MICE research, this study develops an inventory model for determining the optimal MICE capacity. The model enables researchers and practitioners to identify and quantify over‐ and under‐capacity in the MICE industry in a scientific way.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Alberto Rojas-Bueno, Pilar Alarcón-Urbistondo and Eva María González-Robles

Meetings, incentives, conventions/conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism is a segment of business travel, which is experiencing a process of disintermediation. Using the value…

Abstract

Purpose

Meetings, incentives, conventions/conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism is a segment of business travel, which is experiencing a process of disintermediation. Using the value chain concept, this study aims to analyze the role and value of intermediaries in the MICE value chain. As the interests and perceptions of stakeholders are different, the authors also study if there is consensus or dissonance in their opinion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses mixed methods. First, by means of interviews with MICE professionals to identify the research variables and validate the test sample and questionnaire. Then, an international survey, which uses logistic regressions to identify the variables that support value. The post-hoc ANOVA test identifies the differences of opinions and determines the existence of consensus or dissonance.

Findings

Incoming agents create value by means of convenience and good rates and outbound agents by trust. The incoming agent is more valued and enjoys a position of power and therefore has more chances of remaining active in the market. However, there is no consensus about the role of intermediaries, hotels being the most dissonant stakeholder.

Originality/value

Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of disintermediation, this study uses a multifaceted perspective to identify the reasons that lead to value creation by intermediaries. This is vital for MICE stakeholders to acknowledge disintermediation and act consequently. Conclusions can also provide valuable guidance for intermediaries in other business to business interactions to better understand their value, competitive advantages and position of power.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2018

Peter Perebiri Erigbali, Udemeobong Edet Okon, Ofem Effiong Ofem and Eme Efiom Osim

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant…

Abstract

Purpose

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of chronic consumption of plantain diet on pain perception and social behavior in mice.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first set of experiments, three groups of mice were either fed rodent chow (control) or 50 or 100 per cent plantain diet, while in a second set of experiments, another three groups of mice were fed either rodent chow (control) or 100 per cent plantain or plantain + ritanserin (serotonin antagonist) for 30 days. Response to pain stimuli was studied by hot plate and formalin tests. Also, the ability of the mice to fluff up suitable beds to build nestle from nesting material was used as an index for social behavior. Serotonin concentration in mice brain was measured using high performance liquid chromatography.

Findings

The results showed that plantain diet-fed mice consumed less food but gained more body weight than control mice. Pain perception was significantly reduced in the plantain diet-fed mice compared to the control. Social behavior was enhanced in the plantain diet-fed mice when compared to control (p < 0.05). There was significant increase in serotonin concentration in the brains of 100 per cent diet-fed mice. Administration of serotonin blocker, ritanserin reversed the effects observed in pain and social behavior tests.

Originality/value

Chronic consumption of plantain diet increases serotonin concentration in the brain, suppresses spontaneous perception of pain and improves social behavior in mice. These actions may involve serotonergic pathway.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 48 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Charlotte Travis and Pietro Murano

This paper is about an investigation into the usability of touch-based user interfaces. Currently, not enough knowledge is available to guide user interface designers and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is about an investigation into the usability of touch-based user interfaces. Currently, not enough knowledge is available to guide user interface designers and developers concerning the appropriate use of touch-based technology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt an empirical approach using an experiment to test the effectiveness and user satisfaction of touch-based interaction compared with equivalent mouse-based interaction. The authors had two abstract type tasks and one contextualised task using the two methods of interaction. The authors measured errors, task time and user satisfaction.

Findings

The data were statistically analysed and the statistically significant results show that overall the mouse-based interaction was faster, caused fewer errors and was preferred by the participants.

Originality/value

These results are interesting for all user interface designers and developers, where the authors make some design suggestions based on the empirical results. The results also add to the current knowledge the authors have regarding interaction with touch interfaces. Further, the authors also propose ways forward to enrich this research area of further knowledge.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2018

Anyauba Uduka Nmaju, Iwasam Ekom Joshua, Udemeobong Edet Okon, Azubuike Amakwe Nwankwo and Eme Efiom Osim

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum), an extensively cultivated vegetable, is commonly used to spice many dishes prepared in several parts of the world. It contains capsaicinoids. The…

Abstract

Purpose

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum), an extensively cultivated vegetable, is commonly used to spice many dishes prepared in several parts of the world. It contains capsaicinoids. The most active amongst these capsaicinoids is capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), which is neurogenic and so may affect nervous function. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of chilli pepper and capsaicin diets on pain and social behaviour in CD-1 Swiss white mice.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30 male mice were randomly assigned into three groups of ten mice each, namely, control, pepper-diet (20 per cent w/w) and capsaicin-diet (10 per cent w/w) groups. Tail immersion, hot plate and formalin tests were conducted to assess pain perception, while nesting behaviour test was used to evaluate the social behaviour of the mice.

Findings

The latency of tail flick of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were significantly longer (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to control. The hind paw lick frequency, duration and flinching of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were also significantly reduced compared to control. The nesting score of the capsaicin group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to control. However, the nesting score for pepper group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to capsaicin group.

Originality/value

Long-term consumption of capsaicin and pepper diets suppressed pain and enhanced organized social behaviour in mice. One of the active principles responsible for the effects obtained with pepper on pain and social behaviour in mice may be capsaicin.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 6000