Case study of comprehensive benefit evaluation and management of forest ecosystem services in Zhalantun city of Inner Mongolia, China | Author : Zhang Ying and Cainan Zhang | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Based on official statistics and on-site investigation, this paper firstly used Direct Market Evaluation Method (DMEM), Indirect Market Evaluation Method (IMEM) etc. evaluated the comprehensive benefits for forest ecosystem services in 2016 in Zhalantun City in Inner Mongolia, China. The results indicate that the stock value of Zhalantun forest ecosystem is RMB 42.787 billion, of which the forest land stock value amounts to RMB 27.318 billion, and forest standing timber stock value amounts to RMB 15.469 billion. The flow value, that is the annual comprehensive benefit of forest ecosystem services is RMB 515.864 billion, of which the economic benefits, capitalized the value of forest land, forest standing timber, and forest product, is RMB 23.292 billion, the forest ecological benefit is RMB 490.249 billion, and the social benefit is RMB 2.323 billion. The annual benefit is approximately 31 times of GDP values of Zhalantun of that year recorded as RMB 16.567 billion. The paper also exploratory constructed the balance sheet and calculated the asset-liability ratio of forest ecosystem services in 2016 in Zhalantun City. The results show that the development of Zhalantun forestry and forest management is sustainable, and the asset-liability ratio of forest ecosystem services is calculated at 11.499%, far below the alert level of 50% according to the international accounting standards. This paper finally suggested that Zhalantun should be maximum raising the economic benefits by full utilization of forest ecosystem services and strengthen management etc. |
| Smart management systems (Triple Helix model) in Waterloo, Canada | Author : Marica Mazurek | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Knowledge, education, reputation, image, partnerships and co-creation are trends of success. The implication of the idea of interconnection of the academic environment with the business environment and public sector, which has been used in the City of Waterloo and the University of Waterloo, is an example of growing value of a territory and the development of innovative (smart) managerial decisions into a practice. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the results of research conducted in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, which was focused on the growth of competitiveness through the implementation of smart management systems (Triple Helix Model) in the city’s marketing and governance. The method of case study and qualitative research was applied by the implementation of primary and secondary research approaches. Research was conducted over a period of 4 years during post-graduate studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Multiple structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with representatives of the university and public and private sectors in the city of Waterloo. During the years 2011 – 2016, additional materials were collected in order to gain a more realistic picture. The City of Waterloo is a leader in innovations in Canada, with a large number of patents, entrepreneurship incubators, and start-ups. The University of Waterloo, situated in the city of Waterloo, has 15 patents per 10,000 residents, which is a rate four times greater than the Canadian average. Primary research results revealed that the municipality of Waterloo is strongly involved in co-operation with universities in the creation of start-up businesses. |
| Investigating the expenditure and experience of international conference delegates visiting Malaysia | Author : Rupam Konar and Kashif Hussian | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :A continuous growth of the business tourism in Malaysia has attracted many business tourists towards the MICE tourism. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expenditure patterns of the international conference delegates in micro areas in relation with the experience level measured based on their spending. A quantitative research-based approach was employed through survey method in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to collect the data based on ordinal-polytomous type survey instrument. 378 international conference delegates were chosen through non-probability convenience sampling. The overall expenditure patterns are measured through descriptive analysis, where the results reveals that major part of the delegates’ average expenditure (USD$ 2,657) were spent on international airfare (21%) as compared to accommodation, conference registration and other spending which amounted nearly 15% in each areas. The expenditure satisfaction response from the delegates were high (4.58 mean value) along with the revisit intention measuring 84%. Consequently, the most positive feedbacks from the delegates were the Malaysian hospitality, marvelous infrastructure and business facility procedures. |
| Price fairness, guest emotions, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in peer to peer accommodation sector | Author : Laiba Ali, Wong Foong Yee, Ng Siew Imm, and Muhammad Saood Akhtar | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The aim of this study is to examine the impact of price fairness on guest emotions, satisfaction and behavioral intentions in Malaysian P2P accommodation sector. The higher level of tourist arrivals towards P2P accommodations sector has drawn the attention of scholars and government. Therefore, this conceptual paper on P2P accommodation proposes an opportunity to examine the influence of external and internal stimuli on guest’s behavioral intentions during their stay in P2P accommodation at Malaysia. The conceptual framework of this study is built on the basis of Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) theory. A complete study followed by a conceptual framework will be carried out by using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of this study will benefit international tourists and local people of Malaysia who are engaged in P2P accommodation sector. In addition, the findings will give a better understanding of S-O-R theory. |
| Employee wellness innovations in hospitality workplaces: Learning from high-tech corporations | Author : Tingting Zhang | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Employee wellness programs are known to bring many benefits to companies. However, due to the unique hospitality job conditions and requirements, employee wellness programs usually suffer from low participation and engagement. This paper reviews various innovations of employee wellness programs in high-tech corporations as well as some hospitality enterprises that are well known for great places to work for. Based on the review findings, the paper suggests effective and plausible solutions to generate high participation and engagement with employee wellness programs in the hospitality workplaces. Limitations and future research directions are discussed in the end of the paper. |
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