Cihan Çetinkaya, Mehmet Kabak, Mehmet Erbaş and Eren Özceylan
The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential geographic locations for ecotourism activities and to select the best one among alternatives.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential geographic locations for ecotourism activities and to select the best one among alternatives.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model consists of four sequential phases. In the first phase, different geographic criteria are determined based on existing literature, and data are gathered using GIS. On equal criteria weighing, alternative locations are determined using GIS in the second phase. In the third phase, the identified criteria are weighted using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) by various stakeholders of potential ecotourism sites. In the fourth phase, the PROMETHEE method is applied to determine the best alternative based on the weighted criteria.
Findings
A framework including four sequential steps is proposed. Using real data from the Black Sea region in Turkey, the authors test the applicability of the evaluation approach and compare the best alternative obtained by the proposed method for nine cities in the region. Consequently, west of Sinop, east of Artvin and south of the Black Sea region are determined as very suitable locations for ecotourism.
Research limitations/implications
The first limitation of the study is considered the number of included criteria. Another limitation is the use of deterministic parameters that do not cope with uncertainty. Further research can be conducted for determining the optimum locations for different types of tourism, e.g. religion tourism, hunting tourism and golf tourism, for effective tourism planning.
Practical implications
The proposed approach can be applied to all area that cover the considered criteria. The approach has been tested in the Black Sea region (nine cities) in Turkey.
Social implications
Using the proposed approach, decision-makers can determine locations where environmentally responsible travel to natural areas to enjoy and appreciate nature that promotes conservation have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local individuals.
Originality/value
To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study which applies a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making approach for ecotourism site selection.
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Vahide Yigit Gencten and Mehmet Gultekin
This study aims to investigate preschool teachers' perspectives on diversity in the unique educational context of Türkiye, a nation-state often underrepresented in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate preschool teachers' perspectives on diversity in the unique educational context of Türkiye, a nation-state often underrepresented in the predominantly Western-centric diversity literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Recognizing teachers as critical content integrators, the study involved semi-structured interviews to explore their views on diversity within early childhood education.
Findings
Analysis of the interviews revealed two key themes: first, the challenge of maintaining nation-state ideology, where teachers balance fostering a national identity with acknowledging diverse cultural backgrounds; and second, a willingness among educators to embrace diversity, highlighting their efforts to create inclusive, multicultural classrooms.
Practical implications
The authors call for developing context-specific teacher education programs addressing diversity in depth, equipping teachers to effectively promote context-specific multicultural education that would be different from Western countries.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original in researching preschool teachers’ understandings of multicultural education in a nation-state country.
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Mehmet Çetin, Ümit Şevik and Özgür Kökalan
Based on the role congruity theory (RCT), this study aims to determine the effects of gender roles on life satisfaction and occupational commitment levels of female employees…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the role congruity theory (RCT), this study aims to determine the effects of gender roles on life satisfaction and occupational commitment levels of female employees working in law enforcement.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypotheses were tested through a series of hierarchical regression analyses on the data collected from 394 female respondents who are having their first year in law enforcement.
Findings
Both male and female gender roles were positively related to the life satisfaction levels of women working in law enforcement. Female gender role was also positively linked to higher levels of occupational commitment. The link between male gender role and occupational commitment was nonlinear; therefore, the positive relationship between the variables turns into a negative one for higher levels of male gender role.
Originality/value
This study furthers the understanding of RCT and its implications regarding how gender roles link to work-related outcomes, especially for women working in a male-dominated work context.
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The purpose of the study is the evaluation of choosing the determined logistics centers’ (LCs’) locations via Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is the evaluation of choosing the determined logistics centers’ (LCs’) locations via Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods.
Design/methodology/approach
Since there is more than one criterion in the evaluation of LC location, MCDM methods are used. The Entropy and CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) methods are used to determine the main criteria and sub-criteria weights. The Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) method is used for ranking and evaluating 12 alternatives in Turkey and sensitivity analysis according to the threshold values of criteria and preference functions.
Findings
Possible LC alternatives in Turkey and 12 locations ranked. Changing the criteria weights at a significant level did not affect the ranking results much. In the sensitivity analysis of the criteria for which market data could not be obtained (scored by the experts) it is found that they either made no difference or made little difference in the ranking of the alternatives.
Practical implications
In terms of sustainability, economic factors along with environmental and social dimensions are important criteria for logistics companies and LC. The use of these variables in the LC location selection makes a difference.
Originality/value
This study focuses on LC location selection, via PROMETHEE with evaluated preference functions for criteria, taking into account nine scenarios that use variable criteria weight calculated via different MCDM methods. The results are evaluated by using sensitivity analysis and taking into account the sustainability aspect for LC. Multiple methods have been used effectively together in a way that support each other.
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Considering the contribution of freight villages (FVs) to the economy and sector, transportation cost advantage, environmental externalities, labor costs, employment, etc…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the contribution of freight villages (FVs) to the economy and sector, transportation cost advantage, environmental externalities, labor costs, employment, etc. criteria evaluation is important in selecting FV location. Environmental sustainability and social dimensions are becoming important criteria for companies in logistics. The purpose of the study is to determine/model the criteria interaction and also determine the criteria priorities in the FV location selection process. Meanwhile, the study aims to evaluate these criteria and present information to researchers and decision makers.
Design/methodology/approach
Six main criteria and 29 sub-criteria are selected from related literature. Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used for determining/modeling the criteria interaction and sketching interaction diagram, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used for determining the criteria priorities. One/two-way pairwise compared main/sub-criteria views are obtained from 48 experts for calculations.
Findings
“Trade potential”, “transportation networks” and “economic factors” have the highest priorities, respectively, out of six main criteria, and they have the most powerful interactions that put these criteria to the center of decision process. Sub-criteria of “foreign trade potential”, “proximity to the port”, “market opportunities” and “proximity to the railway” out of 29 have a total 36.42% priority, more than one-third of the importance.
Originality/value
Criteria are evaluated in FV location selection for FV sustainability using criteria interaction diagrams, affecting/being affected by the level of each criterion and their priorities. This study shows a hybrid derivation from DEMATEL-AHP usage methods together. High-volumed and qualified/experienced expert group judgments in Turkey are evaluated.
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Tutku Ekiz Kavukoğlu and Emre İşci
Evaluating the operational outcomes of hospitals is critical concerns for hospital managers. The realization of these evaluations through the principles of Total Quality…
Abstract
Purpose
Evaluating the operational outcomes of hospitals is critical concerns for hospital managers. The realization of these evaluations through the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) is important so that decision-makers can base their decisions on rational grounds. To achieve TQM principles, hospitals need innovative processes that can adapt to changing patient expectations. Innovation activities that will lead to business excellence can be achieved with the strategic planning awareness of healthcare professionals. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the effect of organizational innovation on business excellence and to reveal the role of strategic planning awareness in this relationship in hospitals.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using a quantitative questionnaire to 450 healthcare professionals working in private hospitals operating in Istanbul (Turkey). The data were analyzed using the AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) 23.0 and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows 25.0 program. In addition to the reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the AMOS program to test the construct validity of the scales. The model established in line with the research hypotheses was tested with path analysis and mediator role analysis.
Findings
The results confirm that organizational innovation has a statistically significant and positive effect on strategic planning awareness and business excellence. In addition, it has been determined that strategic planning awareness has a statistically significant and positive effect on business excellence. Moreover, the research model confirms that strategic planning awareness plays a mediating role in the relationship between organizational innovation and business excellence.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of the study is that it was conducted only in private hospitals. A comparative study that includes the public health sector can further strengthen the research framework.
Practical implications
Hospitals that invest in innovative activities can get the reward of their efforts as business excellence. However, this is affected by the strategic planning awareness of healthcare professionals. Research results present the role of strategic planning awareness on the way to business excellence led by organizational innovation. Achieving business excellence in complex and constantly changing environmental conditions depends on an appropriate strategic plan for hospitals. In order to achieve these goals included in the strategic plans, the education of healthcare professionals that contributes to their strategic perspectives should be supported and their participation in decision-making processes should be ensured.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the literature on the relationship between organizational innovation and business excellence in the health sector. In addition, revealing the role of strategic planning awareness of healthcare professionals in this relationship is the originality of the research. In addition, the research supports the literature that allows performance evaluation in hospitals to be carried out with a business excellence model based on TQM.
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Filiz Gümüş Dönmez, Mert Gürlek and Osman M. Karatepe
This paper aims to explore work interfering with family (WIF) and family interfering with work (FIW) as the mediators linking psychological resilience to happiness.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore work interfering with family (WIF) and family interfering with work (FIW) as the mediators linking psychological resilience to happiness.
Design/methodology/approach
Data gathered from tour guides in Türkiye were used to test the aforesaid associations. In this paper, partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed to gauge the direct links and mediating impacts of WIF and FIW simultaneously in the link between psychological resilience and happiness.
Findings
Psychological resilience exerts a dual influence on WIF and FIW. Simply put, psychologically resilient tour guides balance their work demands with those of the family or vice versa and exhibit low levels of WIF and FIW. As hypothesized, WIF and FIW are the two mediating mechanisms relating psychological resilience to happiness.
Practical implications
It is important to create a family-supportive atmosphere where tour guides can avail themselves of family-friendly practices (i.e. family leave, flexible work schedules, breaks to be spent with family members after long tours and convenient working hours). Psychologically resilient tour guides, with the abovementioned practices, would experience alleviated conflicts between work and family roles and would therefore have heightened happiness.
Originality/value
Although the extant literature has presented plenty of empirical studies about the predictors and outcomes of WIF and FIW, evidence about the links of personal resources as third variables to WIF and FIW simultaneously is still scanty. In addition, there is no evidence linking personal resources such as psychological resilience to nonwork outcomes such as happiness through the mediating roles of WIF and FIW. This paper fills in these voids by gauging the links given above using data collected from tour guides, a population that has been subjected to limited inquiry in the WIF and FIW literature.