Roya Rahimi, Mehmet Ali Köseoglu, Ayse Begum Ersoy and Fevzi Okumus
This study aimed to provide a critical review of the evolution of customer relationship management (CRM) research in the hospitality and tourism (H&T) field.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to provide a critical review of the evolution of customer relationship management (CRM) research in the hospitality and tourism (H&T) field.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducted a thorough systematical literature review by collecting papers from 14 leading tourism and hospitality journals. The examination of the literature is first based on the evolution of CRM notion and its definitions. Next, CRM studies in the literature that are related to H&T were assessed based on their timelines and themes. Third, the studies were classified based on CRM components and its impacts on firms’ performances.
Findings
The literature review provided an in-depth understanding on the progress of CRM based on the selected topics and suggests a redesigned research agenda for scholars, graduate students and practitioners.
Implications
This study provides new and meaningful avenues for further research in CRM in H&T area.
Originality value
CRM has a key role in business performance and increased customer satisfaction and retention, specifically in the context of the service industry. To date, scholars have produced an abundant number of CRM-related studies in tourism and hospitality journals. In this study, the progress of CRM research conducted in the tourism and hospitality sector is critically reviewed.
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Mehdi Kazemi and Abdolreza Rahimi
Additive manufacturing technology significantly simplifies the production of complex three-dimensional (3 D) parts directly from the computer-aided design (CAD) model. Although…
Abstract
Purpose
Additive manufacturing technology significantly simplifies the production of complex three-dimensional (3 D) parts directly from the computer-aided design (CAD) model. Although additive manufacturing (AM) processes have unexampled flexibility, they still have restrictions inhibiting engineers to easily generate some specific geometric shapes, easily. Some of these problems pertain to the consumption of materials as supports, the inferior surface finish of some surfaces with certain angles, etc. One of the approaches to overcome these problems is designing by segmentation.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed methodology consists of two steps: (1) segmentation of the 3 D model and (2) exploring the best orientation for each segment. In the first step, engineers consider the possible number of segments and the connection method of segments. In this paper, a series of segments, called a segmentation pattern (SP), is obtained by the recognition of features and separating them automatically (or manually when needed) with one or more appropriate planes. In the second step, the best fabrication orientation should be chosen. The criteria for choosing the best SP and OPs are minimizing the support volume, building time (directly affected by segments’ height in layer-wise AM processes) and surface roughness. Both steps are performed automatically (or manually when needed) by the algorithm created based on principles of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm using Visual C#.
Findings
Experimental tests show that the segmentation design improves AM processes from the aspects of building time, material consumption and the surface quality. Segmentation design empowers users of AM technologies to reduce consumption of material by decreasing the support structures, to decrease the time of building by lowering the segments height and to decrease the surface roughness.
Originality/value
This paper presents an original approach in efficiency improvement of AM technologies, thus bringing the AM one step closer to maturity.
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Kamel Milani Shirvan, Mojtaba Mamourian, Soroush Mirzakhanlari, A.B. Rahimi and R. Ellahi
The purpose of this paper is to present the numerical solutions of surface radiation and combined natural convection heat transfer in a solar cavity receiver. The paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the numerical solutions of surface radiation and combined natural convection heat transfer in a solar cavity receiver. The paper aims to discuss sundry issues that take place in the said model.
Design/methodology/approach
The numerical solutions are developed by means of second-order upwind scheme using the SIMPLE algorithm.
Findings
The effects of physical factors such as Rayleigh number (104 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), inclination angels of insulated walls (0º ≤ θ ≤ 10º) and the wall surface emissivity (0 ≤ ε ≤ 1) on natural convection-surface radiation heat transfer rate are analyzed. Impact of sundry parameters on flow quantities are discussed and displayed via graphs and tables. Stream lines and isothermal lines have also been drawn in the region of cavity. The numerical results reveal that increasing the Rayleigh number, wall surface emissivity and inclination angels of insulated walls in an open cavity enhances the mean total Nusselt number. The variations of the surface radiation and natural convection heat transfer mean Nusselt numbers are very small to the inclination angle of θ, while a significant change is noted for the case of Rayleigh number and emissivity.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this model is reported for the first time.
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Sanaz Vatankhah, Mahlagha Darvishmotevali, Roya Rahimi, Seyedh Mahboobeh Jamali and Nader Ale Ebrahim
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing the risk of failure. However, less is known about the application of MCDM techniques in H&T research. This study aims to systematically assess the use of MCDM techniques in H&T research to classify its current application and determine its application potential for H&T research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used bibliometric analysis to examine all published MCDM studies focused on H&T industries, since 1997. In addition, topic modelling was used to discover key concepts. Finally, top cited studies in terms of total citations per year and total citations were qualitatively reviewed for more insights.
Findings
The findings revealed an ongoing interest in applying MCDM techniques in H&T research. Specifically, the extension of fuzzy theory in MCDM techniques is burgeoning among H&T researchers. However, a certain number of MCDM techniques seem to be ignored in this field with a repetitive application of MCDM techniques in particular areas.
Research limitations/implications
The data for the current research was solely retrieved from Scopus and other databases were not included. Therefore, future research is called for to re-examine the study by considering data from various databases.
Originality/value
This study contributes to extant H&T literature by identifying the most prolific and influential countries, journals, publications and trends by applying MCDM techniques in H&T research, and elucidating the implications and characteristics of MCDM techniques in H&T research.
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Amara Ukachukwu and Roya Rahimi
This study addresses the persistent impact of patriarchal societal structures on women’s empowerment in Nigeria, where social power, political authority and autonomy continue to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study addresses the persistent impact of patriarchal societal structures on women’s empowerment in Nigeria, where social power, political authority and autonomy continue to elude them. Despite advancements made by women in workplaces worldwide, gender inequalities prevail, particularly in the Nigerian hotel industry. Existing qualitative evidence on the intersection of gender, culture and religion in shaping gender diversity and career progression within this industry remains limited. To address this gap, this study employs intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks to explore the influence of local cultures, religion and gender practices on gender imbalances in three distinct cultural settings in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from in-depth interviews with 38 hotel workers, this research provides original insights into their lived experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the narratives underlying gender inequality statistics. By delving beyond surface-level observations, this study uncovers the multifaceted dynamics that perpetuate gender imbalances. By examining the interplay between gender, culture and religion, this research contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the factors that shape career trajectories in the Nigerian hotel industry.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal the enduring influence of patriarchal societal structures, highlighting the challenges faced by women in accessing social power, political authority and autonomy. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity approaches, this research unveils the intricate stories that illustrate the underlying complexities of gender imbalances. In doing so, it fills critical gaps in the qualitative evidence surrounding gender diversity and career progression in the Nigerian hotel industry.
Originality/value
This study is original in its comprehensive examination of the intersection of gender, culture and religion in the Nigerian hotel industry. It offers unique insights by conducting in-depth interviews with 38 hotel workers, unravelling the underlying factors contributing to gender imbalances. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks, it provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and highlights the need for tailored interventions to promote gender equality.
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Mehmet Ali Koseoglu, Brian King and Roya Rahimi
This paper aims to explore gender disparities in the production of tourism knowledge with particular reference to academic journals.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore gender disparities in the production of tourism knowledge with particular reference to academic journals.
Design/methodology/approach
Authorship and co-authorship analyses were conducted of data extracted from articles and research notes published between 1965 and 2016 in 25 hospitality and tourism journals.
Findings
Gender imbalances are evident in the production of knowledge, though the disparities appear to be decreasing. While heterophilic research collaborations (those between men and women) show some evidence of higher productivity, homophilic collaborations (between males) have greater impact. The findings highlight gender imbalances in international collaborations, in SSCI listed journals, in first authoring and by country. There is evidence of higher collaborative levels among male authors and the differences have increased over time. The positioning of men and women within tourism scholarly networks shows no marked differences.
Practical implications
This data-driven analysis provides decision makers and policymakers with evidence to support well-targeted programs that advance female contributions in hospitality and tourism research collaborations. For example, senior academics and University administrators might offer support for female researchers to become more actively involved in hospitality and tourism research groups and projects. Universities or schools might also seek to encourage collaborations between male and female researchers in their performance indicators.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to examine gender disparities and positioning in collaborative hospitality and tourism research.
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M. Puviarasu, P. Asokan, S. Umar Sherif, K. Mathiyazhagan and P. Sasikumar
Increased demand for new batteries and strict government protocols have stressed the battery industries to collect and recycle used batteries for economic and environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Increased demand for new batteries and strict government protocols have stressed the battery industries to collect and recycle used batteries for economic and environmental benefits. This scenario has forced the battery industries to collect used batteries and establish the formal battery recycling plant (BRP) for effective recycling. The starting of BRP includes several strategic decisions, one of the most critical decisions encountered is to find the best sustainable location for BRP. Hence, this paper aims to address the complexity of the issues faced during the BRP location selection through a hybrid framework.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the criteria are identified under socio-cultural, technical, environmental, economic and policy and legal (STEEP) dimensions through literature review and experts' opinions. Then, the hybrid methodology integrating fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), best worst method (BWM) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) has been proposed to find the inter-relationship between criteria, the weights of criteria and the best alternative.
Findings
The identified five main criteria and 26 sub-criteria have been analyzed through fuzzy DEMATEL, and found that the policy and legal criteria have more inter-relationship with other criteria. Then from BWM results, it is found that the support from government bodies has attained the maximum weightage. Finally, the second alternative has been identified as a more suitable location for establishing BRP using TOPSIS. Further, it is found from the results that the support from government bodies, the impact of emissions, availability of basic facilities and community health are the essential criteria under STEEP dimensions for establishing BRP.
Originality/value
In addition to the various existing sustainable criteria, this study has also considered a set of policy and legal criteria for the evaluation of locations for BRP. Further, the hybrid MCDM method has been proposed in this study for selecting the best alternative. Thus, this study has yielded more insights to the decision-makers in choosing a sustainable location for BRP.
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Muhamad Magffierah Razali, Nur Hairunnisa Kamarudin, Mohd Fadzil Faisae Ab. Rashid and Ahmad Nasser Mohd Rose
This paper aims to review and discuss four aspects of mixed-model assembly line balancing (MMALB) problem mainly on the optimization angle. MMALB is a non-deterministic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review and discuss four aspects of mixed-model assembly line balancing (MMALB) problem mainly on the optimization angle. MMALB is a non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problem which requires an effective algorithm for solution. This problem has attracted a number of research fields: manufacturing, mathematics and computer science.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper review 59 published research works on MMALB from indexed journal. The review includes MMALB problem varieties, optimization algorithm, objective function and constraints in the problem.
Findings
Based on research trend, this topic is still growing with the highest publication number observed in 2016 and 2017. The review indicated that the future research direction should focus on human factors and sustainable issues in the problem modeling. As the assembly cost becomes crucial, resource utilization in the assembly line should also be considered. Apart from that, the growth of new optimization algorithms is predicted to influence the MMALB optimization, which currently relies on well-established algorithms.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper is on the research trend in MMALB. It provides the future direction for the researchers in this field.
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Seyedehanahita Mousavi, Ashkan Hafezalkotob, Vahidreza Ghezavati and Farshid Abdi
This study aims to identify and accurately assess the risk factors of competitors’ cooperation in the NPD project.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and accurately assess the risk factors of competitors’ cooperation in the NPD project.
Design/methodology/approach
New product development (NPD) is essential to the survival of companies and surpassing other competitors. A key prerequisite for the success of an NPD project is the timing of new product delivery to the market. The main challenge faced by many project managers is the delay in execution and completion phases due to the complex nature and uncertainty of these projects. Rival companies' cooperation reduces the time spent on an NPD project which is an excellent way to reduce the risk of losing the market, but it increases other risk factors.
Findings
Based on the results, the security and confidentiality of innovation, the competitors attracting human resources and the company’s brand credibility factors were ranked higher than other factors and should be predicted and managed before cooperating with competitors.
Originality/value
This paper proposed a new model to assess risk factors in cooperation with rival companies in NPD projects. This model takes into account new parameters, for example, negative and positive risks, negative and positive passable risks and risk-based multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis plus full multiplicative form methodology for the rival companies cooperation in NPD projects. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed model, a real case of the R&D unit of Iran Khodro Company was studied.
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Mehdi Kazemi and Abdolreza Rahimi
Stereolithography (SLA) is a broadly used technology in the field of rapid prototyping. One of the disadvantages of SLA is poor mechanical properties of its products. To approach…
Abstract
Purpose
Stereolithography (SLA) is a broadly used technology in the field of rapid prototyping. One of the disadvantages of SLA is poor mechanical properties of its products. To approach the mechanical properties of original part, the mechanical properties of SLA part, such as tensile strength, should be optimized. In this process, there are many parameters that affect the tensile strength of parts. However, the “layer thickness”, “fabrication orientation” and “post curing time” are the most significant ones. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of these parameters on tensile strength of SLA parts.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the obtained results from experiments based on the “full factorial” method, an empirical equation was developed for the tensile strength in terms of the effective parameters by using regression analysis. Considering this empirical equation, the process parameters were optimized to maximize the tensile strength by using genetic algorithm. Finally, the tensile tests of the specimens were simulated via the general-purpose finite element package of ABAQUS.
Findings
The outputs of the numerical simulations were in good agreement with experimental results. Both experimental and numerical results show that the increase of layer thickness and the decrease in post curing time increase the tensile strength. Furthermore, the tensile strength of parts produced in vertical orientation is higher than that of parts produced in horizontal orientation.
Originality/value
This is a complete study about the tensile strength of the SLA parts from experimental and analytical viewpoints.