Market structure and demand-side substitutability of chained urban hotel segments

This study analyzes how the demand in hotel markets is divided amongst chained hotel segments. Hypotheses regarding consumers’ switching behavior due to changes in income levels and relative prices are tested using data from 25 major urban markets in the United States, encompassing segments ranging from luxury to economy over 43 quarters. The effects of differentiation and market concentration are also investigated in this context. The results suggest that leisure and individual consumers of the low-scale segments may be trading “up” to higher scales when their income increase, but that upscale segments’ corporate consumers are not necessarily trading “down” when Corporate Income fall. In addition, only low-scale segments appear to be substitutes to upscale segments, but the inverse seems not to be true. Also, properties in mid-range segments are found to be the only ones benefiting from a high market concentration, while low-scale properties turn out to be the ones gaining from differentiation through price.     

Other consumers in service encounters: A script theoretical perspective

Hospitality service consumptions often involve sharing the service environment with other consumers. Drawing upon the Script Theory, this research provides a theoretical perspective of consumer responses to behaviors of other consumers in service encounters. The results from an experimental study provide strong support for the dual-mode consumer responses (felt emotions and displayed emotions) and for the moderating effect of psychological closeness on consumer responses. Managerial implications for training, service management and service design in hospitality businesses are also discussed.     

Major fire in a steam-methane reformer furnace

Causes of a major fire which resulted when a pigtail ruptured on a 10-year old hydrogen plant reformer and led to the destruction of 54 catalyst tubes.     

Regional welfare loss meaures of the 1973 oil embargo: a numerical methods approach

A simple exercise of time-series analysis shows that the presence of the phonomenon of temporal aggregation in quarterly consumption data can substantially alter the empirical inference about Hall' mocel of consumption behaviour. This fact has received almost no attention in the econometric research in this field.     

Impact of league restructuring on team sport attendances: the case of rugby league

An econometric analysis of attendances at Rugby Footbal League matches, in England, over the period 1966–1990 is presented. The major finding is that the move from one to two leagues, in 1973, had a substantial impact on attendances. Teams in the upper league experienced greater attendances ceteris paribuswhilst those in the lower league had reduced attendances.     

LABOR TURNOVER IN THE USA AND JAPAN: A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES

Abstract. The labor turnover rate in Japan is less than half the US level. A small-scale survey of companies that operate in both Japan and the USA was conducted to examine reasons for the discrepancy. The main findings are that Japanese human resource policies, including steep seniority-earnings profiles, extensive fringe benefits, participatory management, and a reluctance to recruit experienced workers from other firms, contribute to the lower Japanese turnover rate. Additionally, workers of Japanese descent in the USA have a somewhat lower labor turnover rate than other Americans, suggesting some role for cultural differences.     

RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY: TOWARDS A CONCEPTUAL SYNTHESIS

This paper describes an investigation into some of the apparent similarities between what certain kinds of researchers and consultants do in organizations. Using a facet analysis approach (Foa, 1965), an instrument was devised with the purpose of identifying and delineating overlaps between organizational research and consultancy. Sixty-six British researchers and consultants took part in the study. The results highlight certain specific similarities and suggest that these may represent aspects of research and consultancy which are crucial to their success. The facets of the two activities which emerged from the study as being common are described by reference to the qualitative data which were generated by participants. A number of important implications for the successful conduct of research and consultancy are discussed with particular reference to the process of managing the relationship between investigators and those with whom they work.