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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Mohamed A. Nassar, Mohamed M Mostafa and Yvette Reisinger

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of travel motivation, Muslim-friendly amenities and lifestyle, cognitive and affective destination image and quality of…

3479

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of travel motivation, Muslim-friendly amenities and lifestyle, cognitive and affective destination image and quality of service on Kuwaiti travelers’ intentions to visit Islamic tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire consisting of multiple-item scales was developed. A convenience sample of 224 Kuwaitis was surveyed. The hierarchical regression analysis tested whether and how much the influencing factors predicted a significant amount of the variance in travel. The analysis was controlled for the effects of demographic variables.

Findings

Travel motivation and cognitive and affective image had the largest significant effects on the Kuwaiti travelers’ intention to visit Islamic destinations. Contrary to expectations, the findings suggested that Muslim-friendly amenities and quality of service did not affect Kuwaitis’ travel decisions.

Originality/value

This study provides a starting point for future empirical research into Islamic tourism in the Middle East. It provides an understanding of the importance of travel motivation and destination image in attracting Kuwaiti travelers to Islamic destinations.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2012

Mohamed Nassar

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current state, understanding and opinions of benchmarking in the Egyptian hotel sector in order to establish its perceived…

1464

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current state, understanding and opinions of benchmarking in the Egyptian hotel sector in order to establish its perceived benefits, obstacles, and possible improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

By way of a three part structured self‐administrated questionnaire, a representative sample of 128 two, three, four and five star hotels (giving a response rate of 29 percent) in Sharm El‐Sheikh, Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor were examined. Descriptive statistics were drawn from general hotel data, in addition to data pertaining to the understanding of benchmarking and the impressions or experiences of its barriers and future use.

Findings

A generally positive attitude towards benchmarking predominated, with the majority of participants understanding benchmarking to be a quality enhancement tool that can bring about better service. Most perceived it to be a useful and inexpensive strategy to connect to other businesses. Furthermore, senior management staff were seen to play a crucial role in quality improvement. However, barriers to its wider or continuing use exist, with 25 percent of participants unwilling or unsure to consider its usage in the future. Limitations of benchmarking included too much data collection and the unwillingness of potential benchmarking partners in sharing data.

Research limitations/implications

Identifying specific obstacles to effective benchmarking must be undertaken so that they may be practically overcome. In addition conducting multiple case studies to compare benchmarking practices around the Arab world, or in conjunction with the US and UK, would be of great value to the industry.

Originality/value

There is an absence of empirical research into benchmarking applications in the hospitality industry, especially in North Africa and the Middle East. The present study addresses the lack of data regarding benchmarking within the context of the Egyptian hotel sector.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2012

Mohamed A. Nassar and Abdulaziz Al Zien

The purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory work which investigated the negative effects of television commercials on children in the Middle East.

3923

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory work which investigated the negative effects of television commercials on children in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

The extant literature on issues relating to the effects of television advertising on children was critically reviewed. Data were collected by conducting a series of 15 projective techniques and a series of semi‐structured interviews with a sample of 12 parents and six psychology and marketing experts from the Middle East.

Findings

The results indicate that negative impacts of advertising lead to major social and behavioral problems in children such as physical and verbal violence, materialism and other “values issues” identified by parents, and health problems such as low nutrition and obesity. The results also indicate that although many forms of advertisement affect children negatively, the effects of television commercials are particularly noticeable.

Practical implications

The study provides a list of practical recommendations for marketers and policymakers to help mitigate the negative effects of television advertising on children in the Middle East.

Originality/value

This research is one of very few studies to consider the effects of television advertising on children in the Middle East.

Details

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-7983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Mohamed A. Nassar and Michel Zaitouni

This paper aims to examine the relationships between perceptions of organisational justice, perceived competence of supervisor and perceived supervisory support (PSS) in hotel…

1146

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships between perceptions of organisational justice, perceived competence of supervisor and perceived supervisory support (PSS) in hotel employees in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees who worked in chain hotels in two cities completed questionnaires on each dimension. Principal component analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to evaluate relationships among the dimensions to test the hypothesis that PSS mediates the relationship between perceived organisational justice and perceived competence of supervisor.

Findings

Measures of organisational justice, perceived competence of supervisor and PSS were all positively related to one another. PSS partially mediated the relationship between organisational justice and perceived competence of supervisor.

Research limitations/implications

Results indicate that employees who perceive their managers to be supportive and their organisations to be fair and just also believe that their supervisors are more competent. However, these results are only a cross-sectional snapshot, and future studies could examine how employee attitudes change over time and what factors contribute most to establishing perceptions of managerial competence and trust in the organisation.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organisations should develop policies that allow managers to foster supportive and transparent relationships with employees to establish confidence between employee and both manager and organisation.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to evaluate the mediating effects of PSS on organisational justice and perceived competence of supervisor in Egypt and in the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2013

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

916

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

A persistent grumble of “baby boomers” is that younger generations, including those who are now students, are more materialistic they used to be. There us perhaps a grain of truth in this, although to be excessively censorious might be unfair; we now live in a more materialistic world and the “baby boomers”, as students, had better state support than today's undergraduates. It was perhaps easier to take a non‐materialist stance in those days.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

Content available
12059

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Heba Nassar, Marwa Biltagy and Aya Mohamed Safwat

Egypt has set plans to transform into a green economy which requires major reforms in the waste sector as one of the most vital sectors crucial for this transformation. This study…

3155

Abstract

Purpose

Egypt has set plans to transform into a green economy which requires major reforms in the waste sector as one of the most vital sectors crucial for this transformation. This study aims at inspecting the current status of the Egyptian waste sector to highlight the major policy reforms needed. Furthermore, it assesses the economic viability of establishing waste-to-energy (WtE) projects under the current regulations that govern the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an inductive analytical approach to scrutinize the institutional and regulatory framework of the waste and WtE sectors. Furthermore, a novel techno-economic analysis was conducted to assess the profitability of a WtE plant that employs moving grate incineration technology.

Findings

The analysis of the waste sector revealed its deteriorating state and the dire need for immediate restructuring through more stringent regulations to establish an integrated waste management system (IWMS) that incorporates WtE technologies as well as a number of corrective actions that would help enhance the sector. Additionally, the techno-economic analysis revealed the need to amend the current WtE regulation to comprise a gate fee as an indispensable revenue stream for WtE projects.

Originality/value

This study is one of a few studies that uses a new technique of analysis to explore the potential role that WtE projects can play in Egypt as a part of an IWMS that aims at transforming the waste sector into a resource sector while providing a renewable and sustainable source of energy.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2356-9980

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Yousery Nabil M.K. Elsayed, Sawsan Haider Khreis, Abuelhassan Elshazly Abuelhassan and Mohamed Abdelgawwad Aly Abdelgawwad

This study aims to provide a new vision for investigating the different human resources management (HRM) practices in hotels after the COVID-19 pandemic.

201

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a new vision for investigating the different human resources management (HRM) practices in hotels after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to reveal updated priorities and relations as stated by 504 hospitality employees.

Findings

The research approach contributed to highlighting exciting findings, as training and development (T&D) had an insignificant effect on turnover intention (IT) or affective organizational commitment (AOC) following the COVID-19 pandemic; job security (JS) had the highest impact on AOC and compensation had the highest effect on TI.

Practical implications

Individual HRM practices have different strong impacts on employee outcomes. This paper provides human resource directors with realistic and practical implications to boost individuals' AOC and reduces their intention to quit their job in conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Originality/value

This pioneering study reveals the influence of HRM practices in the hospitality HRM systems regarding employee attitudes and behaviors, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides novel theoretical and practical contributions.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Salem Harahsheh, Rafa Haddad and Majd Alshorman

The purpose of this paper is to build a better understanding of the concept of Halal tourism as expressed by Muslim Jordanian tourists who want to comply with the Islamic law. The…

1390

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a better understanding of the concept of Halal tourism as expressed by Muslim Jordanian tourists who want to comply with the Islamic law. The study also examines Jordan as a Halal tourism destination as perceived by those tourists. Implications of marketing Jordan as a Halal tourism destination are among the research questions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is empirical and quantitative in nature with a survey type. The sample of the study is Muslim Jordanians in the cities of Amman and Irbid. Respondents were chosen randomly in shopping malls, gardens and public places. A self-completion questionnaire was administered to collect the data for the research and 920 questionnaires were returned. The data were analysed using descriptive and reliability and explanatory factor analysis in addition to certain tests such as one sample t test and two samples chi-square tests.

Findings

Halal tourism in Jordan is established but needs more enhancements and promotion. Jordan was evaluated positively in 14 Halal services and was unsuccessful in ten others. The motives for Jordanian Muslim tourists who want to comply with the Islamic law, to travel to Halal destinations were destinations that offer Halal-friendly services; to know Islamic religious sites; and to learn about Islamic history. Jordanian tourists were knowledgeable of local and international Halal destinations (78.2 and 67%, respectively). More than half of the sample experienced Halal destinations in Jordan and only 26.4% abroad. From a marketing point of view, the results of this study reveal good awareness of potential Jordanian tourists towards Halal tourism and Halal services. The study revealed that Jordanian Muslim tourists who want to comply with the Islamic law showed significant positive motives to travel Halal tourism destinations. In addition, the study showed statistically significant knowledge and experiences in local Halal destinations, but not in foreign Halal destinations.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of research on Halal tourism in Jordan gives limited in-depth discussion. In addition, the study sample was chosen from two major cities in Jordan; therefore, further research is needed to include a representative sample of the whole country.

Practical implications

The paper includes marketing implications on Halal tourism in Jordan. The authors suggest marketing strategies should be launched to emphasise the importance of Halal tourism and marketing Jordan as Halal tourism destination. The recommendations of this study provide positive and negative results on Jordan as a Halal tourism destination. The negative evaluation of Jordan in terms of Halal services should be redressed by the Jordanian Government and the Jordanian private tourism and hospitality sectors to build a positive image of Jordan as a potential competitive Halal destination for Muslim tourists who want to comply with the Islamic law.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first of its kind, which empirically examined the motives of Jordanian Muslims who want to comply with the Islamic law to travel to Halal tourism destinations as well as evaluating Jordan as a Halal tourism destination. This study fills the gap in literature about Halal tourism in Jordan and presents Halal tourism as one of the alternative forms of tourism of high potential for Jordan to compete in this market segment.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2010

Gul Polat and Umit Donmez

The purpose of this paper is to provide construction companies with an analytic model, namely a four‐level analytic network process (ANP) model, to assist them in prioritising and…

1593

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide construction companies with an analytic model, namely a four‐level analytic network process (ANP) model, to assist them in prioritising and thereby selecting marketing activities which offer maximum return on investment, for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology of this study mainly involves: reviewing the literature on marketing and construction marketing in order to identify the marketing activity selection criteria and their constituent sub‐criteria; determining the marketing activity alternatives in which construction companies may consider to invest; constructing an analytic model, namely a four‐level ANP model – to assist them in selecting the most viable marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources; and conducting two case studies, one in a bidding contractor and the other in a developer, in order to illustrate how the model works.

Findings

This paper illustrates how to empirically prioritise marketing activities by using a four‐level marketing activity selection model. Two case studies are also demonstrated in order to illustrate how the model works. The case studies indicate that the rankings of the marketing activities for these companies are rather different due to the type of the construction company (i.e. bidding contractors or building developers) and its client profile (i.e. public or private owners). The findings of the case studies concurred with the expected direction in these companies.

Originality/value

This model is of benefit to construction companies and researchers. The proposed ANP model offers an efficient, convenient and simple tool that allows construction companies to select the marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources. It also allows researchers to see the potential use of ANP in the marketing activity selection problem.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

1 – 10 of 92