Pramod Sharma and Jogendra Kumar Nayak
This paper aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of tourists’ value on satisfaction and loyalty intentions in dark tourism.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of tourists’ value on satisfaction and loyalty intentions in dark tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was conducted using the data collected through a questionnaire survey from 403 tourists visiting a dark tourism destination in India. Data were analyzed using CFA and SPSS macro (Process).
Findings
The findings confirmed that tourists’ values have significant direct and indirect effects on loyalty intentions via satisfaction in dark tourism. Among specific value, the strongest direct and indirect influence of emotional value in dark tourism is the unique finding of this research.
Practical implications
This study would help the marketers, government, local authorities and relevant stakeholders operating in dark tourism to formulate policies and strategies to better serve this niche tourism.
Originality/value
This research is the first-known attempt to reveal the uniqueness of tourists’ perception of value in dark tourism. It could significantly add to the literature and practice of dark tourism.
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Pramod Sharma and Jogendra Kumar Nayak
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of tourists’ emotional experiences on predicting behavioral intentions via cognitive, affective and overall image in yoga…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of tourists’ emotional experiences on predicting behavioral intentions via cognitive, affective and overall image in yoga tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted using data collected from 398 tourists visiting a yoga tourism destination in India. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used in analyzing the collected data.
Findings
The study confirmed that specific tourists’ emotions act as a predictor of cognitive, affective and overall image. This in turn influenced the behavioral intentions of tourists. The effect of specific emotions on affective image was stronger than on cognitive image in yoga tourism.
Practical implications
The marketing campaign of yoga tourism should highlight the special benefits of yoga to activate, stimulate and influence tourists toward yoga tourism, thereby improving the flow of future tourists. It would also help in better positioning and promoting yoga tourism as a unique and distinct niche tourism market.
Originality/value
This study contributed to the literature by understanding the predictive power of specific emotions on behavioral intentions via, cognitive, affective and overall image in yoga tourism. As far as the authors’ knowledge is concerned, this study is first known attempt to investigate such relationships in tourism literature.
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Provides statistics on trends in the quantity of publications of Clem Tisdell, changing patterns of their joint authorship and variations in their interdisciplinary nature. The…
Abstract
Provides statistics on trends in the quantity of publications of Clem Tisdell, changing patterns of their joint authorship and variations in their interdisciplinary nature. The genesis of his publications, particularly his books, is explained, along with the interdependence between them, relationships which would be far from obvious to an independent casual observer. Those publications have had further academic and personal consequences and have given rise to surprising opportunities. A similar study is undertaken of his research projects. His consultancies are briefly discussed and it is demonstrated how they have benefited his academic research and teaching. He has found that economics provides tremendous scope for versatility and diversity in exploring the world around us.
Drawing on the extant literature that suggests marketing imperfections are an opportunity to create and establish a foundation for sustainable entrepreneurial prospects and…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the extant literature that suggests marketing imperfections are an opportunity to create and establish a foundation for sustainable entrepreneurial prospects and sustainability, this study aims to delineate a marketing mix strategy for Indian medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) resources to optimize the benefits derived from their existing MAP business and address its marketing imperfections.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study research design was used to investigate the MAP sector, and 37 in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the primary data. Given the study’s exploratory nature, an inductive approach was used for data analysis, and conventional qualitative content analysis was performed to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings reveal that a marketing mix strategy is relevant for linking MAP businesses to the country’s sustainable livelihood options, entrepreneurial prospects, resource management and the economy and for improving the sector’s global competitive position.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to explore and present a marketing mix strategy for Indian MAP resources. Thus, it extends the marketing and entrepreneurship literature regarding natural resource businesses to advance sustainable entrepreneurial prospects and sustainability. The study concludes by offering strategic clues for implementing the marketing mix strategy in the Indian MAP sector and businesses.
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Mohammadali Zolfagharian, Fuad Hasan and Pramod Iyer
Focused on multicultural service encounters, this paper aims to argue that the interplay between customer language preference, employee choice and use of language affects…
Abstract
Purpose
Focused on multicultural service encounters, this paper aims to argue that the interplay between customer language preference, employee choice and use of language affects perceived interaction quality, which in turn influences loyalty, customer brand identification and positive word-of-mouth.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Mexican Americans (Spanish) as the focal ethnic group (language), a 3 (contexts: Fast food-English; Post office-English; Post office-Spanish) × 4 (scenarios: customer language preference adhered to; adapted to; mixed; ignored) between-subject scenario-based experiment was conducted.
Findings
Customers perceive a higher, or at least equal, level of interaction quality when the employee choice of language adheres to their preference than when the employee switches to their preferred language after missing it initially. Both of these scenarios lead to significantly higher interaction quality compared to when the employee ignores customer language preference or combines elements from two languages throughout the interaction. The adverse effects of ignoring customer preferred language or mixing it with another language are accentuated among customers with low ethnic identification and those with low level of bilingualism. Prior findings regard the interplay among interaction quality, and the remainder of outcomes variables were also corroborated.
Research limitations/implications
The findings add to the literature that examines the dynamics of intercultural service encounters and draws attention to employee choice and use of language and its impact on a host of service outcomes, with interaction quality serving as a key mediator.
Practical implications
This study highlights the need for service firms to consider customer language preferences and train and empower employees to meet customer expectations. To the extent that the increasingly viable segments of minority customers remain underserved in most developed markets, this study provides insights into cultivating a profitable customer segment.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the role of employee choice and use of language and its consequences.
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Pramod Sanjay Mahajan, Rakesh Raut, Naoufel Cheikhrouhou, Vinay Surendra Yadav and Sudishna Ghoshal
By incorporating I4.0 technologies, the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) can become leaner, faster, more robust and greener. However, many challenges must be overcome to fully…
Abstract
Purpose
By incorporating I4.0 technologies, the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) can become leaner, faster, more robust and greener. However, many challenges must be overcome to fully realise I4.0 in this context. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the challenges that hinder the adoption of I4.0 technologies on the development of the Lean, Agile, Resilient and Green (LARG) AFSC.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach adopted was to identify challenges addressed in the literature with expert opinion and Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) for adaptation. In addition, a Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge Systems (WINGS) methodology has been developed that uses expert opinion to generate a power and influence matrix.
Findings
The results show that lack of commitment and understanding of top management (X12), lack of long term vision (X17) and lack of incentives and government support (15) are the most important challenges.
Research limitations/implications
This study does not explore the effectiveness of the concluded challenges of I4.0 and their strategy to overcome them. Also, the authors relied on a limited sample size for this study, which might not cover the detailed challenges within LARG AFSC. Finally, this study lacks in future advancement of I4.0, which may further affect the challenges.
Practical implications
By mentioning the key challenges, this study empowers LARG AFSC organisations to build a targeted strategy for smoother I4.0 implementation.
Originality/value
Industry 4.0 challenges remain unexplored in LARG AFSC. This improved awareness equips managers to navigate better the potential issues and complexity that may arise when adopting I4.0 in the LARG AFSC.
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Pramod Kumar, Dharmendra Singh and Jaiprakash Bhamu
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners manufacturing organization.
Design/methodology/approach
Research methodology is established on the development of the existing DMAIC framework through an extensive literature review of 25 LSS/DMAIC based frameworks and discussions held with practitioners. This paper also depicts a case study of Indian manufacturing organization for validation of the developed framework.
Findings
The study proposed an extended DMAIC based framework for effective implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. Furthermore, this framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian manufacturing organization and showed encouraging results. The in-house rejections of Nut Cylinder Head (NCH) were brought down to 966 from 2910 PPM and sigma level was improved by 0.40. The case organization has achieved significant improvements in the process capability, customer satisfaction, and cost savings of US$ 0.25 million in one financial year. Intangible benefits like improvements in employee's morale, communication, housekeeping and decision-making capabilities were also observed significantly.
Practical implications
The proposed DMAIC based framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian case organization, and the results will enable the policymakers, specifically practitioners, to strategically leverage the resources for successful implementation of the LSS in healthcare, aerospace, service sectors etc.
Originality/value
This research develops a DMAIC based framework which can be used to implement LSS effectively in different industries. Moreover, the pre (initial/introduction) and post (validation/verification) implementation phase provides the top management, an edge to think strategically into broader improvement areas.
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A. Amarender Reddy, S.S. Raju, A. Suresh and Pramod Kumar
The purpose of this paper is to examine the market structure and value chain of pearl millet grain and fodder in India. There is a decline in demand for human consumption, with an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the market structure and value chain of pearl millet grain and fodder in India. There is a decline in demand for human consumption, with an increase in demand for non-food uses like cattle and poultry feed, raw material for starch and breweries industry. This paper explores alternative channels, uses and value chains of pearl millet grain and fodder. The paper examines in what ways small farmers can benefit from the evolving alternative uses for pearl millet grain in cattle and poultry feed industry, breweries and starch industry. The paper also analyses the impact of aggregators in increasing the efficiency of the value chain.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collected primary data from farmers, traders, commission agents and exporters and importers with innovative marketing channels with aggregators (Self-Help Groups) and without aggregators to analyze the prospects for improvements in marketing channels and value chain.
Findings
Given that the production of pearl millet is scattered and thin, there is a lot of scope for market aggregators to increase scale economies to reduce market costs to supply in bulk to food and industrial uses. Although there was some demand for human consumption high-quality grain, most of the future demand will come from cattle and poultry feed industry, breweries and starch industry. To tap these larger potentials, farmers need to aggregate their produce and ensure regular supply in bulk quantity at least to compete the cost with alternative grains like maize and broken rice.
Research limitations/implications
The research is based on the field-level data collection and observations obtained from Western India. This paper provides insights how the value chain of pearl millet is working and what improvements are needed to make value chain more efficient and inclusive. Although the results are applicable to similar neglected crops and area, more caution is needed.
Social implications
Through the formation of farmer aggregators, farmers can enhance their bargaining power vis-a-vis industry.
Originality/value
Till now, there is no study that explored the pearl millet value chain in detail in India, and the paper tries to fill this literature gap.
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The tourism has become more responsible in terms of tourists choosing environmentally friendly alternatives and resorting to green options in food, travel, and purchase. In view…
Abstract
The tourism has become more responsible in terms of tourists choosing environmentally friendly alternatives and resorting to green options in food, travel, and purchase. In view of this, “ecotourism” appears as a sustainable means of promoting tourism in the less explored areas which are endowed with esthetic beauty of nature. Ecotourism is based on the pillars of biodiversity, wildlife, natural wealth, rivers, and authentic cuisine. The proposed chapter is an attempt to explore the ecotourism potential of the Southern Rajasthan in India which has a rich heritage of natural wealth and cultural diversity.
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Mohammadali Zolfagharian, Fuad Hasan and Pramod Iyer
The purpose of this study is to explore how service employee choice and use of language to initiate and maintain conversation with second generation immigrant customers (SGIC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how service employee choice and use of language to initiate and maintain conversation with second generation immigrant customers (SGIC) influence customer evaluation of the service encounter, and whether such employee acts may lead customers to employee switching, branch switching (i.e. switching from one to another location within the same brand) and/or brand switching (switching to another brand altogether).
Design/methodology/approach
A scenario-based between-subjects experiment of 4 (employee: match, adapt, bilingual, no adapt) × 2 (fast food, post office) × 2 (English, Spanish) was used to examine the SGIC response to service encounters in different contexts arising from employee choice and use of language. These scenarios were complemented with a series of measurement scales. The instruments, which were identical except in scenario sections, were administered on 788 second-generation Mexican American customers, resulting in 271 (fast food) and 265 (post office) effective responses.
Findings
In both service contexts, when employees initiated conversation that matched (English or Spanish) the customer expectations, the SGIC perceptions of interaction quality was higher as compared to other scenarios, leading to subsequent satisfaction and lower switching intentions (employee and branch). Similarly, interaction quality was higher for adapt scenarios as compared to bilingual or no adapt scenarios. Bilingual customers perceived higher interaction quality in bilingual/no-adapt scenarios when compared to monolingual customers. In both contexts, service quality and satisfaction were associated with employee switching and branch switching, but not with brand switching.
Research limitations/implications
By utilizing interaction adaptation theory to conceptualize the effects of employee choice and use of language, the study grounds the model and the hypotheses in theoretical bases and provides empirical corroboration of the theory. The study also contributes toward understanding the service encounters from the perspective of an overlooked group of vulnerable customers: second-generation immigrants.
Practical implications
Service research cautions service providers that a key factor in attracting and retaining customers is having detailed communication guidelines and empowering employees to follow those guidelines. The findings go a step further and underscore the critical role of communication from a managerial standpoint. It is in the interest of service organizations to develop guidelines that will govern employee choice and use of language during service encounters. So doing is commercially justified because unguided employee choice and use of language can result in customer switching and attrition.
Social implications
The juxtaposition between assigned versus asserted identities is an important one not only in social sciences but also within service research. As service encounters grow increasingly multicultural, the need to educate employees on multiculturally appropriate communication etiquette rises in importance. The findings should encourage service firms and local governments to develop formal communication guidelines that begin with multiculturalism as a central tenet permeating all aspects of employee–employee, employee–customer and customer–customer communications. Service providers ought to take precautionary measures to ensure customers will be empowered to assert their identities in their own terms, if they wish so.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates how employee choice and use of language during service encounters may thwart SGIC, who might view such employee behaviors as acts of identity assignment and, consequently, feel stigmatized, marginalized and offended; and links such customer experiences to switching behavior through mediatory mechanisms.