An Empirical Approach to Service Classification for Productivity Management Studies

This paper presents key results of a research project on the application of service dimensions and classifications, to study differences between productivity management challenges across 12 important service sectors in the UK. The research methodology was mainly empirical in nature: unlike other research in this area, appropriate service dimensions and consequent classification models were introduced only after analysing the relationship between a number of candidate dimensions and aspects of productivity management. Among the dimensions studied, Front/Back Value Added, Personnel Judgement and Product/Process Focus turned out to be suitable indicators for a range of aspects relating to productivity management in services.     

Decisive factors in medical tourism destination choice: A case study of Isfahan,Iran and fertility treatments

The birth of the first in vitro fertilized baby, followed by further advances in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has made this technology one of the most attractive tourism innovations among the different categories of medical tourism. In addition, factors such as legal, moral, religious and ethical issues play important roles in choosing reproductive tourism destinations. The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing destination choice in infertile couples who referred to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center in Isfahan, Iran. Field evaluation was carried out based on a documentary survey and questionnaire completed by interviewers. Among a target group of 80 infertile couples, 67 were interviewed. The majority of participants in this study were Muslim couples who traveled for reproductive tourism to Iran. It can be concluded that religious affinity may have paramount importance in reproductive medical tourism for Muslim infertile couples.     

Supply response of farm program in rice-growing states

This study aims to develop an acreage response model for rice-growing states using a policy-inducing variable. The single equation regression model for each rice-producing state is estimated by using the ordinary least square multiple regression procedure after log transformation. Data for the period 1959 to 1988 for acreage plantation, market price, target price, loan rate, and acreage reduction rate are used in designing the policy-inducing price. The estimated parameter shows a significant inverse relationship between the rice acreage planted and policy-inducing prices in all of the rice-growing states, with the exception of Louisiana. The estimated short-run elasticities for Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas are -0.36, -0.68, 0.30, -0.37, and -0.59, respectively. The heterogeneity in the magnitude of the elasticities suggests the need for redesigning the rice programs to generate desirable acreage responses from all of the rice-growing states.     

Front-Country Campers' Constraints,Negotiation, and Pro-Environment Behavioral Intention: An Extension to the Theory of Planned Behavior

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been successfully tested in leisure and outdoor recreation studies over the last few decades. However, the inclusion of new predictors to improve the theory's predictive power has been encouraged. Utilizing leisure constraints approach, we extended the TPB by adding constraints to the theory. The literature also suggested that individuals employ cognitive and behavioural negotiation strategies to overcome their constraints. Therefore, the influence of negotiation through the constraints was also explored in this study. A sample of 1,009 front-country campers was analyzed to test the proposed extension to the TPB. Results of structural equation modeling confirmed a strong, negative indirect association between constraints and intention. Negotiation was positively and indirectly associated with intention. The proposed extension to the TPB was capable of capturing 84% of variation in intention. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Hospitality managers' importance perceptions of human resource practices related to employment of foreign workers in the United States

ABSTRACT

Cross-border labor mobility of hospitality employees has resulted in an increase in illegal immigrants in the workforce. The purpose of this study was to generate a list of top legal issues associated with the employment of foreign workers in the U.S. hospitality industry and to identify factors defined by the importance ratings of these issues. Snowball sampling was used to collect data from hospitality managers. Findings reveal that respondents perceive document verification to be important but may not perceive knowledge of various visa types and employment termination reporting procedures associated with employing foreign workers to be important. Managerial implications are discussed.     

An Evaluation of Batra's “Fallacy of Free Trade”*

Batra (1992) argues that international trade since 1972 has lowered the living standards of most Americans (whose income results from providing labor services), while benefiting the small group of capital owners. This commentary shows that Batra's arguments are based on incorrect data and that his analyses are grossly lopsided. Batra further claims that the manufacturing base of the United States is shrinking due to international trade and that, therefore, this sector should be protected. the facts, however, counter Batra's contention, thereby dealing a fatal blow to his policy recommendation. This commentary refutes several additional assertions in Batra's paper.