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Article
Publication date: 8 November 2024

Ana Isabel Muñoz-Mazón, Teresa Villacé-Molinero, Laura Fuentes-Moraleda and Pedro Moncada Jiménez

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of an online course on gender equality in tourism on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of students concerning…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of an online course on gender equality in tourism on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of students concerning sustainable development goals (SDGs) at two universities in Spain and Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses 38 online qualitative surveys administered to participants both before and after the university online course. The methodology incorporates the three variables of the KAP model: knowledge, attitudes and practice.

Findings

Following the online course, disparities in knowledge levels were observed, accompanied by positive shifts in attitudes and practices toward SDG 5 among university students from Mexico and Spain. The results suggest that a positive initial attitude markedly enriches the learning experience, even without extensive preexisting knowledge and notably increases the likelihood of participants engaging in practical actions postcourse completion.

Practical implications

The study proposes an innovative framework for designing SDGs-oriented training courses within university settings. Additionally, it outlines a pathway by which enhancements in knowledge, attitudes and practices related to SDGs, with a focus on SDG 5, empower students to act as catalysts for societal change.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel application of the KAP model’s variables in analyzing the results of a university course within the tourism sector. It underscores the essential role of expert-led instruction using real-life case studies for SDG education, providing fresh perspectives on augmenting the contribution of higher education to sustainable development.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2023

Teresa Villacé-Molinero, Laura Fuentes-Moraleda, Alicia Orea-Giner, Rocío González-Sánchez and Ana Muñoz-Mazón

This study aims to investigate how university students experience a skill transformation process aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This transformation occurs…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how university students experience a skill transformation process aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This transformation occurs through their participation in a service-learning programme alongside an international volunteering project. The theoretical framework for understanding this skill transformation process is based on the “rite of passage”.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology is adopted by conducting 23 online surveys with volunteers (virtual and onsite) and five with coordinators across the rite of passage phases. Volunteering was carried out in five Mayan indigenous communities in Mexico as part of an international cooperation project with the goals of supporting community-based tourism development and strengthening volunteers’ skills in accordance with the SDGs.

Findings

Results show that international volunteering programmes for university students significantly enhance their interpersonal and professional skills, demonstrating strong potential for implementing the SDGs. These programmes provide learning and education opportunities for both volunteers and local communities. Volunteers gain a broader perspective on gender equality and cultural barriers. Additionally, volunteering supports sustainable tourism, economic worth and collaboration among institutions. Both volunteers’ personal characteristics (educational level and sociocultural context), as well as their sociocultural context, influenced the perception of the skill transformation process and learning about the SDGs. Finally, a new educational university programme in volunteering aligned with SDGs is proposed.

Practical implications

This research examines the practical ramifications of incorporating volunteer programmes into university courses. Universities must include these initiatives in their educational systems as a means of enhancing student learning.

Social implications

A new educational university programme in volunteering aligned with SDGs is proposed. This study suggests a shift in university mindset, as well as increased funding for training and adherence to the SDGs.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the rite of passage framework in an international volunteer tourism project facilitated by universities, emphasizing volunteering as a valuable tool for SDG implementation, considering the interrelationships between objectives.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 15 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Tatiana da Costa Reis Moreira, Daniel Luiz de Mattos Nascimento, Yelena Smirnova and Ana Carla de Souza Gomes dos Santos

This paper explores Lean Six Sigma principles and the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) methodology to propose a new Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS 4.0) framework for…

1275

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores Lean Six Sigma principles and the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) methodology to propose a new Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS 4.0) framework for employee occupational exams and address the real-world issue of high-variability exams that may arise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. A detailed case study assesses the impact of LSS interventions on the exam management process and tests the applicability of the proposed LSS 4.0 framework for employee occupational exams.

Findings

The results reveal that changing the health service supplier in the explored organization caused a substantial raise in occupational exams, leading to increased costs. By using syntactic interoperability, lean, six sigma and DMAIC approaches, improvements were identified, addressing process deviations and information requirements. Implementing corrective actions improved the exam process, reducing the number of exams and associated expenses.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to acknowledge certain limitations, such as the specific context of the case study and the exclusion of certain exam categories.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are substantial, providing organizations with valuable managerial insights into improving efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring regulatory compliance while managing occupational exams.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by applying LSS 4.0 to occupational exam management, offering a practical framework for organizations. It contributes to the existing knowledge base by addressing a relatively novel context and providing a detailed roadmap for process optimization.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2024

Vanessa Diaz-Moriana, Ana M. Moreno-Menendez, José C. Casillas and Unai Arzubiaga

Based on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective, this paper aims to focus on the mixed-gamble logic to study the process of internationalization of family firms.

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective, this paper aims to focus on the mixed-gamble logic to study the process of internationalization of family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative multiple case study is based on four longitudinal Irish case studies.

Findings

This study proposes that family leaders assess potential SEW gains and losses when facing international strategic decisions. Findings show that family firms build legacy through international practices and, subsequently, gain long-term legitimacy, defined as the transgenerational status and credibility obtained by their family leaders.

Practical implications

Given the importance of international practices for the achievement of legacy, and ultimately legitimacy, practitioners should be aware of the critical role that internationalization could play.

Originality/value

The study develops a framework that contributes to a more fine-grained understanding of the internationalization process of family firms.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

Keywords

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