The objectives of this study are to find out why tour operators implement quality assurance, and what problems and challenges they face in doing so.
Abstract
Purpose
The objectives of this study are to find out why tour operators implement quality assurance, and what problems and challenges they face in doing so.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a multiple‐case study approach, interviewing the senior managers of three accredited tour operators using formally structured questions.
Findings
The purposes for which the tour operators attained ISO 9000 certification were image building, promotion and advertising; to rectify the varying standards amongst different departments; to build an understanding of the operations; to review the operation procedures and system, and the management of the tour operators; as well as to legitimize the senior management's action to make changes. A number of negative aspects to the ISO 9000 certification were found, including the high cost of implementation, lukewarm reception by staff, reduced effectiveness over time and that consistency of procedures did not equate to good or improving quality.
Research limitations/implications
As the current research used a very small sample, only limited generalizations can be made.
Practical implications
Tour operation is a service‐based business in which it is difficult to standardize service quality – but, where an attempt is made, there does seem to be a significant reduction in human error.
Originality/value
A body of literature exists in which arguments for and against the use and practices of the ISO 9000 certification in different sectors are presented, but the tour operator industry is neglected. This paper examined the value of quality assurance certification in the tour operators sector to fill the void.
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Yaw A. Debrah and Ian G. Smith
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on…
Abstract
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.
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Mahmud Hossain, Barry R. Marks and Santanu Mitra
The ownership structure of a corporation can alleviate the agency problem that arises between shareholders and managers of a corporation, which implies that the ownership…
Abstract
The ownership structure of a corporation can alleviate the agency problem that arises between shareholders and managers of a corporation, which implies that the ownership composition of a firm may infl uence the level of voluntary disclosure. This study investigates whether the ownership structure of U. S. based multinational corporations affects the managerial decision to voluntarily disclose quarterly foreign segment data. The empirical results show that the three ownership variables of interest, institutional stock ownership, managerial stock ownership and outside blockholder stock ownership are inversely related to the level of voluntary disclosure of quarterly foreign segment data. Therefore, it is inferred that an increase in the proportion of outstanding common stock held by these ownership groups is accompanied by a decrease in the probability that a U.S. multinational firm voluntarily discloses quarterly foreign segment data.
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Globalisation is generally defined as the “denationalisation of clusters of political, economic, and social activities” that destabilize the ability of the sovereign State to…
Abstract
Globalisation is generally defined as the “denationalisation of clusters of political, economic, and social activities” that destabilize the ability of the sovereign State to control activities on its territory, due to the rising need to find solutions for universal problems, like the pollution of the environment, on an international level. Globalisation is a complex, forceful legal and social process that take place within an integrated whole with out regard to geographical boundaries. Globalisation thus differs from international activities, which arise between and among States, and it differs from multinational activities that occur in more than one nation‐State. This does not mean that countries are not involved in the sociolegal dynamics that those transboundary process trigger. In a sense, the movements triggered by global processes promote greater economic interdependence among countries. Globalisation can be traced back to the depression preceding World War II and globalisation at that time included spreading of the capitalist economic system as a means of getting access to extended markets. The first step was to create sufficient export surplus to maintain full employment in the capitalist world and secondly establishing a globalized economy where the planet would be united in peace and wealth. The idea of interdependence among quite separate and distinct countries is a very important part of talks on globalisation and a significant side of today’s global political economy.
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Trudie Honour, Jim Barry and Sneha Palnitkar
Considers the implications of 30 per cent quota innovation for women politicians in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and other area of India since the 1990’s. Uses a survey to explore the…
Abstract
Considers the implications of 30 per cent quota innovation for women politicians in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and other area of India since the 1990’s. Uses a survey to explore the influence of women on policy and compares this with some previous research in London. Suggest ways this representation may be sustained.
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Zhaoyu Chen, Xiaolian Chen and Barry Mak
This paper aims to identify the nature of creative tourism and the roles of interrelated concepts especially those of creative industries in the value creation process, by…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the nature of creative tourism and the roles of interrelated concepts especially those of creative industries in the value creation process, by analyzing the trends in existing practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a thorough literature review of the multidisciplinary “creative” related research, this paper provides a conceptual insight of the value creation process in creative tourism.
Findings
A conceptual framework is provided to consolidate the value creation process of a creative economy by considering the nature of creative tourism and interrelated concepts.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the literature because it provides a valid research base and insights for future research, based on a clear perspective that amalgamates essential information.
Practical implications
Creative tourism offers immense opportunities in the global context as tourists are constantly looking for new experiences and opportunities. This study provides insights for creative workforces, entrepreneurs and organizations in formulating appropriate management and marketing strategies by considering all relevant components and the roles they can play to capitalize on this opportunity.
Originality/value
Creative industries play a critical role in introducing new strategies in the service sector by enabling an upgrade of value-added activities to those that are currently offered, in a sustainable manner. However, studies so far have not taken into consideration the nature of the sector and have not attempted to clarify its relevance (for example, creativity, creative industries and creative workforces) in the value creation process. The study contributes to filling the gap from a conceptual perspective.
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Devotes the entire journal issue to managing human behaviour in US industries, with examples drawn from the airline industry, trading industry, publishing industry, metal products…
Abstract
Devotes the entire journal issue to managing human behaviour in US industries, with examples drawn from the airline industry, trading industry, publishing industry, metal products industry, motor vehicle and parts industry, information technology industry, food industry, the airline industry in a turbulent environment, the automotive sales industry, and specialist retailing industry. Outlines the main features of each industry and the environment in which it is operating. Provides examples, insights and quotes from Chief Executive Officers, managers and employees on their organization’s recipe for success. Mentions the effect technology has had in some industries. Talks about skilled and semi‐skilled workers, worker empowerment and the formation of teams. Addresses also the issue of change and the training that is required to deal with it in different industry sectors. Discusses remuneration packages and incentives offered to motivate employees. Notes the importance of customers in the face of increased competition. Extracts from each industry sector the various human resource practices that companies employ to manage their employees effectively ‐ revealing that there is a wide diversity in approach and what is right for one industry sector would not work in another. Offers some advice for managers, but, overall, fails to summarize what constitutes effective means of managing human behaviour.
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In the last monograph an attempt was made at giving a short historical background of the trade union movement; at defining a trade union; at discussing the closed shop and at…