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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Aaron Tham and Wei Lee Chin

The purpose of this research is to apply the theoretical frameworks of resource-based view (RBV) and Social Creativity to elucidate insights related to food cultures and creative…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to apply the theoretical frameworks of resource-based view (RBV) and Social Creativity to elucidate insights related to food cultures and creative tourism in the context of Brunei. This addresses an important gap in the literature to unpack how food cultures and creative tourism can become a vehicle for the diversification of a country’s reliance on oil and gas as primary industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was taken in this research, utilising both primary and secondary data such as social media posts, media reports and semi-structured interviews to shed light on an emerging niche market in Brunei tourism.

Findings

The research revealed the entrepreneurial mindset of local food chefs and enthusiasts in showcasing Bruneian heritage and cultures, supported by government campaigns and technological advances. This lends further evidence that food cultures and creative tourism can be a lever for a national economic diversification strategy and can be validated elsewhere.

Research limitations/implications

This is one of the first studies to investigate the intersection of the RBV and Social Creativity to advance the theory and practice of tourism in South East Asia.

Practical implications

The intersection of food cultures and creative tourism within Brunei is dovetailed into the theoretical frameworks of the RBV and Wilson’s Social Creativity Framework. This is evidenced in a diversification strategy emerging from the case study of Brunei, where food is earmarked as a heritage resource and leverages individual, and in particular, young people’s creativity to generate a niche tourism market for the country.

Social implications

The paper illuminates the role of technology as a vehicle for the discourses of creativity, reflexivity, education and economy to flourish. Through co-created content on social media, food heritage and creative tourism experiences are foregrounded and assisted by the entrepreneurs in reaching their desired audiences. Arguably, such tools helped the country alleviate the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and thrust domestic food tourism experiences into the spotlight, like other destinations.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to investigate the intersection of the RBV and Social Creativity to advance the theory and practice of tourism in South East Asia.

Details

Southeast Asia: A Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1819-5091

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2019

Vikki Schaffer and Aaron Tham

This paper aims to propose a framework for engaging tourists as citizen scientists in marine research. Justification for such a framework is driven by the increasing use of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for engaging tourists as citizen scientists in marine research. Justification for such a framework is driven by the increasing use of citizen science (CS) as a method for collecting data in various research projects. While the tenets of CS exist, few studies have demonstrated how these could be integrated to address the challenges and benefits of engaging tourists as scientists.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review focused on CS-based literature within environmental management, tourism and marine tourism revealed 18 models. Key themes, those repeatedly identified, were extracted. These were adapted to inform the proposed theoretical framework for engaging tourist scientists.

Findings

The key themes were clarified and incorporated into the framework to enhance the value of marine research by engaging tourists. Important features considered were the singularity and sporadic nature of tourist participation, training and engagement as well as the reliability of data collected by citizen scientists.

Practical implications

Originality/value

The framework informs the unique requirements of research in marine environments and the under-used potential of tourist scientists.

抽象

Purpose

本文构建了一个吸引游客成为海洋研究的公民科学家的框架。越来越多的人使用公民科学(CS)作为在各种研究项目中收集数据的一种方法, 这证实了这种框架具有合理性。尽管 CS 的原则是存在的, 但很少有研究表明如何将这些原则整合起来, 以便在吸引游客成为科学家的过程中解决问题, 实现效益。

Design/methodology/approach

本文对环境管理, 旅游和海洋旅游领域基于 CS 的文献进行了系统的回顾, 发现了18 种模式。接下来, 提取出重复确定的关键主题。为了吸引旅游者成为科学家, 这些都根据所提出的理论框架作了调整。

Findings

为了通过吸引游客成为科学家来提高海洋研究的价值,本文明确关键主题并将其纳入框架。同时,本文考虑到了一些重要因素,包括游客参加, 培训和融入的奇异性和零星性,以及公民科学家收集的数据的可靠性

Practical implications

Originality/value

该框架反映出,海洋环境研究具有独特的要求,以及旅游者科学家的潜力尚未得到充分利用。

Resumen

Propósito

Este artículo propone un marco de trabajo, para involucrar a los turistas como ciudadanos científicos en la investigación marina. La justificación de este marco, está impulsada por el uso creciente de la ciencia ciudadana (CS), como un método para recopilar datos en los proyectos de investigación. Si bien ya existen los principios de la CS, pocos estudios han demostrado cómo estos podrían integrarse para abordar los desafíos y beneficios de involucrar a los turistas como científicos.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Una revisión sistemática, centrada y basada en la literature sobre CS, y al mismo tiempo relacionada con la gestión ambiental, turismo y turismo marino, reveló 18 diferentes modelos. Se extrajeron los temas clave, identificados repetidamente. Estos fueron adaptados para fundamentar el marco teórico propuesto e involucrar a los científicos turísticos.

Resultados

Se aclararon los temas claves y se incorporaron en el marco de trabajo, para aumentar el valor de la investigación marina, mediante la participación de los turistas. Las características consideradas importantes, fueron la singularidad y la naturaleza esporádica de la participación turística, la capacitación y el compromiso, así como la fiabilidad de los datos recopilados por los científicos ciudadanos.

Implicaciones prácticas

Originalidad/valor

El marco de análisis, expone los requisitos únicos de investigación en entornos marinos y el potencial infrautilizado de los científicos turísticos.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 75 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2024

Mei-Jung (Sebrina) Wang, Emmanuel Kwame Opoku and Aaron Tham

This study aims to explore factors that affect gendered consumption (male and female), willingness to pay (economic attributes) and the socio-cultural context of Gen-Z consumers…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore factors that affect gendered consumption (male and female), willingness to pay (economic attributes) and the socio-cultural context of Gen-Z consumers towards specialty coffee as compared to other types in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Samoggia and Riedel’s (2018) theoretical framework is adopted to examine the concepts of interest. A mixed method approach comprising interviews and experimental taste tests was used to collect data from Gen-Z specialty coffee consumers in a purposive sampling manner.

Findings

The findings suggested the effect of price elasticity of demand where specialty coffee was perceived as an expensive commodity by young consumers, and hence, not a regularly purchased item. Nevertheless, specialty coffee was linked to health benefits, and a signal for conspicuous consumption – where café experiences facilitated self-promotion on sites like Instagram and Facebook. Finally, the findings alluded to a potential gender effect, with more female young consumers likely to consume specialty coffee as compared to their male counterparts.

Originality/value

This study is located within the context of Taiwan, which has been a tea-dominated consumption landscape for numerous decades. The use of an experimental design also presents a unique angle to elucidate sensory elements surrounding specialty coffee as a research design for Gen-Z research projects. The study points to the relevance of social context in the consumers’ behavioural patterns, which has been largely implicit within consumer behaviour scholarship.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2023

Aaron Tham, Yulin Liu and Poh Theng Loo

This study aims to survey the existing body of knowledge about digital innovation within museums. Academic and practitioner interest in digital innovation has been piqued as…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to survey the existing body of knowledge about digital innovation within museums. Academic and practitioner interest in digital innovation has been piqued as technological advances that enable the rapid personalisation of information to cater towards increasingly sophisticated end-user expectations. Yet, the literature on digital innovation in the museum environment appears fragmented and lacks theoretical grounding.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a systematic scoping review of 199 articles published during 2010–2021, this paper provides an initial indication of the size and scope of current research literature on digital innovation of museums.

Findings

This literature review elucidates the status quo and future directions of digital innovation in museum space. An integral conceptual framework is proposed to provide a comprehensive lens to steer future research and practice in this area in a theoretically grounded and systemic manner.

Originality/value

This study mixes both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the literature to produce an up-to-date understanding of extant research by illuminating inspiring processes, foregrounding commonly encountered challenges, framing theoretical and practical implications and proposing avenues for future research.

目的

本文旨在考察有关博物馆数字创新的既有知识。当前学界与业界对于数字创新均抱有浓厚的兴趣, 因为技术进步使信息能够快速个性化, 以满足日益复杂的终端用户需求。然而, 关于博物馆数字创新的文献显得零散且缺乏理论基础。

设计/方法

基于对2010至2021年期间发表的199篇文章的系统性范围性综述, 本文初步描绘了有关博物馆数字创新的既有文献的规模和研究范围。

发现

本文献综述阐明了博物馆数字创新的现状和未来方向, 提出了一个整合的概念框架, 从而期望以一个全面的视角引导该领域今后开展基于理论和系统化的研究与实践。

原创性

本研究综合了文献的定量和定性分析, 以呈现对既有研究的最新理解:包括阐明激发过程, 突出常见挑战, 框定理论和实践影响, 并提出未来研究的途径。

Objetivo

Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar el conocimiento existente acerca de la innovación digital en los museos. El interés del mundo académico y de los profesionales por la innovación digital se ha visto avivado por los avances tecnológicos que permiten una rápida personalización de la información para satisfacer las expectativas cada vez más sofisticadas de los usuarios finales. Sin embargo, la bibliografía sobre la innovación digital en el entorno museístico parece fragmentada y carece de base teórica.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

A partir de una revisión sistemática del alcance de 199 artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2021, este documento proporciona una indicación inicial del tamaño y el alcance de la literatura de investigación actual sobre la innovación digital de los museos.

Resultados

Esta revisión bibliográfica dilucida el statu quo y las direcciones futuras de la innovación digital en el espacio museístico. Se propone un marco conceptual integral que proporcione una lente comprensiva para dirigir la investigación y la práctica futuras en este ámbito de una manera teóricamente fundamentada y sistémica.

Originalidad

Este estudio mezcla análisis cuantitativos y cualitativos de la bibliografía para producir una comprensión actualizada de la investigación existente iluminando los procesos inspiradores, poniendo en primer plano los retos comúnmente encontrados, enmarcando las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas y proponiendo vías para futuras investigaciones.

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2018

Aaron Tham and Danny Huang

This paper aims to present the case for a new integrated resort business model. It does so by integrating the notion of a smart tourism ecosystem into the concept of dynamic…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the case for a new integrated resort business model. It does so by integrating the notion of a smart tourism ecosystem into the concept of dynamic capabilities so as to guide integrated resort theory and practice in an evolving landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model is derived from synthesising the gaps surrounding literature that contextualises business models and the relatively scarce body of knowledge related to integrated resort business models.

Findings

Integrated resorts are characterised by strategies using a follower mentality. Destinations seeking to create new integrated resorts largely emulate existing product or service points of differentiation, though such attempts are often quickly eroded by competition. By integrating the smart tourism ecosystem to the theoretical framework, this conceptual paper elucidates how an information-rich environment can help to better realise sustainable competitive advantages.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper will require empirical data to validate the theoretical model. Implications stemming from the research will hasten greater social networks that need to be incorporated to foster timely and necessary circulation of information to attain optimal outcomes generated by the dynamic capability effect.

Originality/value

This paper re-conceptualises the business model for integrated resorts. By integrating the notion of smart tourism ecosystems to business model literature, the paper illuminates how integrated resorts can be better positioned in adapting to the changing operating environments.

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2022

Mei-jung Sebrina Wang, Kyrie Eleison Munoz and Aaron Tham

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the merits of design thinking as an approach to develop a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) course in hospitality…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the merits of design thinking as an approach to develop a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) course in hospitality education. This argument is primed to address the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the tourism and hospitality industry prompts educators to emphasize on learners developing industry-readiness outcomes through integrating innovative methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental approach was used to examine how design thinking enhances industry-ready competencies. A two-phase self-administered survey on design thinking and added instructional design were facilitated at the beginning of the semester and subsequently close to the end of the semester. Follow-up interviews were also conducted to give more meaning on the matter.

Findings

Findings of this study reveal that problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills were enhanced as a result of integrating two teaching components related to design thinking.

Originality/value

This paper articulates the important and valuable role of design thinking to hospitality curriculum and provides tangible outcomes to explain how such a technique may be mapped onto a CLIL course.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Aaron Tham

This study aims to unpack the notion of travelling mobilities from the perspectives of an Asian solo traveller using the context of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to unpack the notion of travelling mobilities from the perspectives of an Asian solo traveller using the context of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

An autoethnography was used for this research, analysing reflective notes drafted on hand-written journals over the duration of six days over three host cities of the sporting event.

Findings

Asian solo men appear to be treated very differently from their Western counterparts and solo female tourists. In addition, engaging with a sport that is highly Western-centric exposes the liminal spaces of in-between. Being of Asian appearance and conversant in Japanese further blurred the travelling mobilities of being an unlikely sports fan, an impromptu translator, a presumed local resident and an unconventional wanderer.

Originality/value

These limitations notwithstanding, the research has contributed to the paucity of knowledge surrounding Asian solo male tourists and some aspects of their corresponding travelling mobilities. Such nuanced understanding then inform tourism and hospitality knowledge and practice of offering relevant experiences to such a market.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2021

Shu-Hsiang Chen, Jiaolian Huang and Aaron Tham

The purpose of this paper is to propose a rigorous methodology to undertake systematic literature reviews for coffee and tea tourism, thereby providing prospects and challenges of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a rigorous methodology to undertake systematic literature reviews for coffee and tea tourism, thereby providing prospects and challenges of developing these niche markets for destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in this research is via a systematic literature review on past studies conducted in English related to coffee and tea tourism. In total, 30 articles related to coffee tourism and 33 papers on tea tourism were analysed.

Findings

The research revealed that studies to date are largely fragmented, often using the lens of a coffee or tea tourism context or the perspectives of a single stakeholder such as consumers or producers. Few studies have attempted to undertake interdisciplinary frameworks to study coffee or tea tourism, which this research then documents as future avenues of investigation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is conducted through the analysis of secondary data published academic material related to coffee and tea tourism in English and would have omitted other relevant resources that have been documented in the realm of other languages. Empirical, quantitative studies conducted based on this systematic literature review can also validate some of the key arguments central to this qualitative piece of work.

Practical implications

The research synthesises academic literature to date, providing a succinct overview of what is known about coffee and tea tourism based on the dominant themes and frameworks, thereby increasing practical knowledge and awareness of best practices in the field.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to uncovering the scope of coffee and tea tourism literature to date.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2023

Aaron Tham, Jenna Campton and Bruce Cooper-McKenzie

There is a growing interest in investigating craft beer tourism and consumption experiences as different destinations seek to position unique attributes and cultures in their…

Abstract

Purpose

There is a growing interest in investigating craft beer tourism and consumption experiences as different destinations seek to position unique attributes and cultures in their culinary offerings. Yet, in this space, factors that have triggered the creation, management and marketing of craft beer tourism remain implicit. The purpose of this paper is therefore to present a systematic literature review of craft beer tourism, apply a conceptual model of craft beer gastronomy tourism and, in turn, provide strategic imperatives for the sector moving forward.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search for craft beer tourism in hospitality and tourism literature was undertaken using a combination of Google Scholar search terms as well as institutional library databases. Then, following the steps proposed by Xiao and Watson (2019), articles were sorted into themes before determining their appropriateness to be included in a systematic literature review.

Findings

Based on prior research, a Craft beer gastronomy tourism model is proposed. This model was found to provide a macro perspective of the craft beer tourism literature and was applied using the systematic literature review. It was found that not many of the papers fit the three-step process, and a fragmented relationship between craft breweries and tourism was observed. On reviewing the theories and frameworks used, it was found that there was not much consistency with the majority using frameworks and concepts. Furthermore, most studies were undertaken from the perspective of a single region or homogenous samples, with few offering cross-sectional comparisons. The most common methods of the papers were surveys and interviews, with a majority being cross-sectional.

Originality/value

The systematic literature review has led to the development of a novel conceptual model that highlights the current focal areas but also gaps that inform future studies and managerial implications.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

Aaron Tham, Margarietha de Villiers Scheepers, Anthony Grace and Ann Suwaree Ashton

This paper aims to critically evaluate the evolution of Assurance of Learning (AoL) in business education and identify gaps and responsibilities in higher institution landscapes…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to critically evaluate the evolution of Assurance of Learning (AoL) in business education and identify gaps and responsibilities in higher institution landscapes moving into the future. This comes amidst increasing structural reforms, an increasingly digitalised world, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and wider scrutiny of graduate competencies for job readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review comprising 27 journal articles published between 2018 and 2022 is the methodology used in this research. This approach is justified as it provides a recent synopsis of current trends on AoL and encompasses the changes over the course of the COVID-19-induced higher education landscapes.

Findings

The systematic literature review revealed a strong flavour for AoL measurement through the students' perspectives, with little emerging from faculty insights. Only six out of the 27 articles were framed in a non-English speaking background, revealing that most studies were still concentrated in a US or English environment. Also, while papers on AoL have increased in numbers from 2018 to 2022, there remains scant literature on AoL measurements related to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent digital technologies, and how these would have changed given the rapid shift to online or hybrid environments.

Originality/value

A comprehensive review of AoL literature from 2018 to 2022 is undertaken through Leximancer, which reveals conceptual and relational ties between core themes and concepts of interest. The findings inform business school leaders of the current state of AoL processes, by combining the views of students, faculty and managers.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

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