Multidimensional Scaling Analysis in the Determination of Hotel Quality Dimensions–Patagonia,Argentina

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to identify and select quality dimensions for high category hotels in Neuquén and Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina.

The research starts with a battery of 28-quality indicators that was obtained from in-depth interviews with hotel managers, and guest surveys carried out in both locations.

Through a structured interview by filling cards, the research team finds out the dimensionality that groups the hotel service quality items. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis are used to explore the items grouping pattern and to define resulting quality dimensions. An empirical content validated scale for the construct “perceived service quality in hotels” is attained. Its three dimensions are “Physical support and hotel general services quality,” “Room quality” and “Employee service quality.”     

Modeling Growth Data Using Multidimensional Scaling Profile Analysis

This paper discusses how Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) can provide an exploratory technique for identifying major growth profiles, which may be indicative of growth associated with subgroups. It briefly overviews the conventional growth models and growth mixture models, examines the assumptions related to these models, and indicates some limitations associated with these models. It then proposes an exploratory growth profile analysis using the MDS model as a complement to more specification-oriented techniques. It describes the Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling model (PAMS) and extends the model for longitudinal data. The MDS profile model can solve for the growth parameters such that each MDS dimension corresponds to a major growth profile. It is argued that the MDS model provides an exploratory tool for identifying growth trends and studying individual differences with respect to those growth trends. Since MDS has not traditionally been used for longitudinal studies, the MDS growth analysis can serve as the basis for studies of the kind discussed in the paper.     

基于MDS的工业企业经济效益综合评价

本文运用多维标度法(MDS)从空间上对全国31个省市自治区的各地区规模以上工业企业的经济效益进行了直观评价,并将评价结果与主成分分析方法评价结果进行了比较,得出评价结果基本一致。说明运用该种方法所得的坐标分布图具有一定的实用价值,该图可以用来作为决策者的参考依据。     

Alternative radio licensing arrangements: A case study of the multipoint distribution service

Currently, the FCC assigns radio licences after making a determination of the public interest. Conflicting licence applications are resolved through comparative hearings. This mechanism is cumbersome and unreliable. This article analyses three alternatives: Increasing the available spectrum; an auction; or, lottery of radio licences. The analysis deals specifically with the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS). The analysis suggests that increasing the spectrum allocation will create more assignments than will be demanded by MDS. Rough calculations suggest that auctions offer a more efficient selection mechanism. Lotteries with resale of the license are better than hearings, but not as good as auctions.     

基于MDS的工程机械旧件再制造性评估

以再制造企业面临的工程机械旧件再制造性评估为研究对象,运用MDS技术探索再制造企业在评定工程机械旧件再制造性时所依据的潜在标准,结果发现再制造企业对旧件再制造性的评估最主要是靠"检测可靠性"和"利润率"两个评价指标评定得出的,与在某工程机械再制造企业实地调查的结果一致。获知再制造性评估的潜在指标给再制造企业选择合适的旧件进行再制造指明了方向。     

Positioning analysis of overseas golf tour destinations by Korean golf tourists

This study utilized MDS analyses to identify the position of overseas golf tourism destinations as perceived by Korean golf tourists. Out of a total of 247 questionnaires collected, 216 questionnaires were used for data analyses. The correspondence analyses were conducted with the use of KYST, PORFIT, and PREFMAP programs. As an example of the results, Australia showed a similarity to Hawaii in perceived image to potential Korean overseas golf tourists. Additionally, results of the PREFMAP analysis reported that Hawaii was perceived to be an ideal destination. The theoretical and managerial implications derived from the analyses are discussed.     

The development of a work-value model assessing the cumulative impact of individual and cultural differences on managers' work-value systems: empirical evidence from French and British managers

This study is the first attempt in Europe to develop an analytical model, based on multidimensional scaling and regression analysis, which enables the operationalization of cultural concepts related to the work context at both the individual and cultural levels of analysis. The development of the model consists of adapting Schwartz's motivational theory of human values (1992, 1994, 1999) to the work context by testing his theory on the domain of work-values and social behaviour in the workplace. For this purpose, two new questionnaires were developed: 1) a new work-value questionnaire based on both Schwartz's and Hofstede's conceptual frameworks – the purpose of this questionnaire was to enable the assessment of the cumulative impact of both cultural and individual differences, and 2) a new Communication Style Questionnaire which enabled us to establish the cross-cultural validity at the behavioural level of the newly developed workvalue dimensions. The model was empirically tested with a population of French and British managers from two different sectors, bank/insurance and pharmaceutical/healthcare organizations. This was done so that the impact of organizational culture differences could be controlled. In total more than 2,500 questionnaires were collected for statistical analysis. The final four work-value scales (Self-enhancement; Individual dynamics; Consideration for others; Group dynamics) elicited through rigorous five-step analysis successfully achieved the purpose of the model's development.     

Interactive visualization of hierarchical clusters using MDS and MST

In this paper, we discuss interactively visualizing hierarchical clustering using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and the minimal spanning tree (MST). We can examine the sequential process leading to agglomerative or divisive hierarchical clustering, compare the different agglomerative methods, and detect influential observations better than is possible with dendrograms.     

How to identify leadership potential: Development and testing of a consensus model

Building on two studies, the current article responds to urgent calls in the literature for more empirical research on how to identify leadership potential. Based on an extensive review of the 1986–2010 literature, and applying a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques, we developed a model of leadership potential consisting of four quadrants: Analytical skills (containing the factors Intellectual curiosity, Strategic insight, Decision making, and Problem solving); Learning agility (containing the factors Willingness to learn, Emotional intelligence, and Adaptability); Drive (containing the factors Results orientation, Perseverance, and Dedication); and Emergent leadership (containing the factors Motivation to lead, Self‐promotion, and Stakeholder sensitivity). Notably, the developed model steers clear from some of the typical issues that tend to hinder valid assessments of leadership potential (i.e., the confound between performance and potential, as well as that between leadership potential and successful, mature leadership). Furthermore, high consensus was found between top managers, line managers, and HR managers about the practical relevance of the proposed model. The article concludes with some specific future avenues for research and practice. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.