Feiertag Hospitality Academy-to-Industry Research
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The Feiertag Hospitality Academy-to-Industry Research Collection brings together research from the academic world with articles written for industry so all can benefit from those insights. The collection includes peer-reviewed academic research in the area of Hospitality Sales and it translates research recommendations and best practices models into a language useful to the hospitality practitioner. This collection aims to bridge the gap between the academy and the hospitality industry.
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Browsing Feiertag Hospitality Academy-to-Industry Research by Content Type "Thesis"
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- An Analysis of the Effect of Compensation Offerings on the Turnover Intentions of Restaurant Managing Partners for Outback SteakhouseMurphy, Kevin S. (Virginia Tech, 2000-12-12)The restaurant industry has long been characterized by a high rate of "turnover, low wages, primitive technology, controlling management and an unimpressive benefits package"(Sullivan, 1999). " The most serious issue for employers today -in all industries- is hiring and keeping qualified and capable employees" according to Donald Marshack, senior analyst at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)(2000). The primary purpose of this study was to examine the perceived notion that the compensation plan of Outback Steakhouse reduces the intention to turnover of its unit level managing partners. Specifically the research focused on a survey of general manager's attitudes in regards to their intentions to seek out new employment and the effect of the compensation plan provided by Outback Steakhouse on their intention to turnover. The Objective of the study was to investigate the current management compensation practices of the managing partners of Outback Steakhouse, while identifying the relationship between management compensation and the intention to turnover for proprietors at Outback Steakhouse restaurants. A further objective was to establish the relationship between employee turnover and employee turnover intentions as a predictor of separation from an organization. A survey instrument was utilized to gather information for this study was sent by mail to all of the 600 general managers of Outback Steakhouses listed on the company's web site in the US. The survey contained questions designed to measure the influence of the compensation package on the general managers' intent to turnover, and the degree of influence each element of the compensation package had on their intention to quit. The results showed that the correlation coefficient indicated 5 out of the 8 monetary compensation variables had a significant positive relationship with the compensation plan and reducing turnover intentions. A forward regression analysis was conducted comparing all of the compensation elements. This was done for the purpose of determining which variables would be the best predictors of respondents desire to stay with Outback because of the positive influence the compensation package, as a whole, has on them. When the computations were completed, two variables, deferred compensation and stock option, explained 41.7% of the sample variation (R² = .417) and 39.8% of the population variation (Adjusted R² = .398).
- Assessing the hotel requirements of professional sports teams for the hotel industrySumma, Tosporn (Virginia Tech, 1994)The sports market can produce a consistent and lucrative market for the hotel industry which now is experiencing slow growth and intense competition. In addition to generating revenues, hosting professional sports teams provides excellent public relations and prestige for hotel properties. An extensive literature search indicates that there is a need for descriptive research on targeting professional teams’ markets within the hotel industry. The purpose of this study was to identify the professional sports teams' needs (the requirements they seek) when selecting hotel accommodations. Then, based on the findings of the study, the information was presented as a guide for hotel executives to enhance their marketing strategies in capturing these markets. Also, the findings hoped to make a contribution to the growing body of knowledge of the sports market within the hotel industry. Baseball, football, and basketball were the top three popular sports in terms of attendance in 1988-1990 in the United States; therefore, the sample for this study was 28 Major League Baseball teams, 28 National Football League (NFL) teams, and 27 National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. The principal research tool was a mail survey. Also, telephone interviews were implemented to gather in-depth information and to provide a follow-up of the survey. The results of the study showed that each professional team has different requirements depending on the type of sport. Moreover, individual team policies determine the services a team will want during its stay at a hotel. It is apparent Major League Baseball teams generate the most revenue for the hotel industry compared to the NFL and the NBA teams.
- Bed and breakfasts in Virginia: identification and success factorsKaufman, Tammie J. (Virginia Tech, 1994-04-18)Virginia bed and breakfast operations were researched in order to determine the attitudes/beliefs which were necessary for success in the bed and breakfast industry. The objectives of the study were to: (1) identify demographics of Virginia bed and breakfast operations; (2) identify successful bed and breakfast operations based upon their self definition of success; (3) identify the attitudes and beliefs operators believe are necessary for success in running a bed and breakfast operation and correlate attitudes with operators' actual behaviors; and (4) based upon the operator's self-definition of success, compare the correlations identified in the previous objective between successful and other operators. Data was collected by utilizing a mailed questionnaire. Pearson's correlation was used to determine if there were any relationships present between what attitudes/beliefs bed and breakfast operators perceived to be necessary for success and their actual behavior. Fishers r to z transformation was used ta determine if the relationship between the attitudes/beliefs perceived ta be necessary far success and operator's actual behavior was greater among successful bed and breakfast operations based upon a self definition of success. The results found that the correlation between the attitude/belief, past experience and actual past experience in hotels, restaurants, and large organizations was significant in the success group as well as high knowledge of cash flow/accounting and use of financial data. Stronger correlations were present in interpersonal skills, good relationship with employees and guests in the success group versus other group. Past experience in and knowledge of the bed and breakfast industry as well as family support were significantly correlated in the success group.
- Chefs' perceptions of convenience food products in university food service operationsDallinger, Ioana (Virginia Tech, 2013-12-03)The decision regarding when and to what extent to use convenience food products is a perennial issue in the hospitality industry. Despite the pertinence of this issue in the industry, it has never been explicitly examined in the hospitality literature. Potential advantages of adopting convenience food products in food-service operations include: savings in time and costs, better portion and cost control, ease of training and evaluation, superior customer relationships through product consistency, increased safety, ease of storage, and added eye appeal. On the other hand, noticeable disadvantages may include: staff motivation problems, facilitated labor mobility, increased emotional labor for supervisor, health and nutrition down-sides, and more waste. Therefore, to further explore this issue, a paper and pencil survey was administered to culinary managers in a large university dining setting. Respondents included 132 chefs representing ten dining facilities. The results indicate that even though the time and labor cost savings brought about by the use of convenience food products are perceived as advantageous, the implied consistency of the final product and superior portion control are not as important. Furthermore, customer relationships, catering to special groups, and final products' eye appeal appear to be better facilitated by non-convenience foods. Even though it is easier to train chefs/ cooks/ employees to use convenience food products rather than non-convenience ones and these employees appear to be under less psychological pressure in their jobs, they will conversely be less motivated and worse paid. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed herein.
- Comparative Analysis of Mature Travelers on the Basis of Internet UseCho, SeongMin (Virginia Tech, 2002-02-18)Travel and tourism marketers face a highly competitive environment brought on by the changing demographics of the U.S. population, the most significant change being the growth in size of the mature segment of the population. In terms of market size, there are currently 73 million people age 50 and older, comprising nearly one-fourth of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau 2000). That number is expected to rise to 96 million by 2010, representing one-third of the population (Rasmusson 2000). A swelling population is not the only enticement that this age group offers. It is important to note that many mature consumers have deep pockets and a strong desire to spend. In fact, they control more than three-quarters of the wealth and one-half of the discretionary income in the nation. It is also estimated that they lay claim to three-fourths of the country's financial assets and boast more than $1 trillion in annual buying power. When all is said and done, this age group accounts for 40 percent of the total consumer demand in the United States (Swartz, 1999). However, even though recognizing the significance of the mature market in terms of their market size and economic potential, little research has been conducted to identify and understand the mature travelers who use the Internet.The main purpose of this study is to profile mature travelers on the basis of Internet use. More specifically, the intention is to examine the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of mature travelers who use the Internet compared to those who do not use the Internet. In addition, the purpose of the present study is to examine whether or not differences exist between Internet users and Internet non-users among mature travelers with respect to travel behavior. Attention is paid to investigate types of trip selected, the preferred activities participated in during the travel, length of stay, travel-related expenditures, type of lodging, type of transportation, number in the travel party, and type of travel party in explaining the differences between Internet users and Internet non-users of the mature market.Data were collected by utilizing a mailed questionnaire. 433 responses (23.44 percent of the total target population) were coded and used for data analysis. Data were analyzed by employing three types of data analysis: chi-square tests of independence; t-tests; and multiple discriminant analysis.The findings in the present study suggest that there are numerous differences in demographics, socio-economic characteristics, and travel characteristics between Internet users and Internet non-users among mature travelers. As a whole, for example, the results revealed that mature travelers who use the Internet were more likely to be younger, have higher annual household incomes, and have higher levels of education than mature travelers who do not use the Internet. Also, the results indicated that mature travelers who are still working are more likely to use the Internet than those who are not working. By understanding and utilizing information gathered from Internet users' and Internet non-users' demographics, socio-economic characteristics, and travel characteristics, tourism planners and marketers can develop appropriate and effective marketing strategies that appeal to mature travelers.
- Cost of capital: a practical model incorporated with risk assessment for hotel investments in the middle-price and economy segmentsZeng, Yee (Virginia Tech, 1993)Hotel investments, which have far-reaching impact on hotel companies' long term financial health, will continue to be the primary mode for hotel companies' survival and growth. However, top management has been facing a changing industry and investment community to which they are required to adapt. Consequently, the old fashioned gut-feeling types of decision making are no longer appropriate for sound hotel investments. It is the primary objective of this study to develop a model for hotel investment risk assessment and appropriate cost of capital estimation in the middle-price and economy hotel segments for the investment's capital budgeting purposes. The hotel investment risk assessment and cost of capital estimation model research was conducted using the focus group interview, the Delphi Technique, and the case study. As exploratory research, the focus group interview was conducted with the participation of hotel executives and general managers, hotel owners, and bank lenders from the Virginia area. Key investment risk factors were identified from the opinions of this panel, which represented different perspectives and needs. The summary findings laid out the foundation of the Delphi Technique survey_ The Delphi survey was conducted among hotel general managers, hotel executives, and hotel owners within three hotel chains in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. They consisted of a professional panel of 19 members. The first task accomplished by the panel was to further validate the key risk factor profile developed by the focus group interview. The second task was to rate the level of influence of the identified factors using a five point likert-type scale (5=very influential, 1 = little influential). Three rounds of the survey allowed the panel members to achieve a consensus on the issues. A total of 36 hotel key investment risk factors in the middle-priced and economy segments were agreed to be included in the investment risk assessment framework. In addition, a ranking of all factors was produced based on each factor's importance and influence level. All the factors received a higher than average (rank scale 3) ranking. The empirical finding provided a valuable framework for the subjective risk assessment in the cost of capital estimation model.
- Customer Perceptions of Restaurant Cleanliness: A Cross Cultural StudyYoo, Seung Ah (Virginia Tech, 2012-07-09)What is a clean restaurant in customers' viewpoints? Restaurant cleanliness is considered one of the most significant conditions when customers evaluate overall restaurant quality or decide their levels of satisfaction. However, there have been few studies of perceptions of restaurant cleanliness in customers' eyes. Previous studies were found to use inconsistent concepts of restaurant cleanliness when evaluating restaurant cleanliness. For example, some measurement scale of restaurant quality or customer satisfaction includes only items related to a restaurant's interior appearance to measure the restaurant cleanliness. Some researchers have also included items related to server's appearance. In other studies, overall images of a restaurant were used to evaluate its cleanliness. This study attempts to investigate the customers' perceptions of restaurant cleanliness. Understanding what customers consider when they evaluate a restaurant's cleanliness can be beneficial for hospitality managers who can use the information to increase their restaurant's quality and to satisfy their customers. In addition, this study was conducted with two different cultural groups of customers: Westerners and Asians. Understanding how different cultures perceive restaurant cleanliness can help hospitality managers who plan to expand their business in the global market. The results of this study indicated that the items of restroom personal hygiene, restroom appearance and server behavior all have a positive relationship with customers' restaurant quality evaluations. The level of importance of restaurant cleanliness dimensions was found to be similar between the Western and Asian samples. The server's behavior, restroom appearance and signage were found to be the most important dimensions for both groups. However, restroom personal hygiene was found to be the only dimension ranked differently by the two groups in the study. Westerners weighed the restroom personal hygiene as more important than did Asian respondents. Asian groups were found to have higher expectations for overall restaurant cleanliness dimensions than Western groups.
- Customer-based brand equity: The Effect of Destination Image on Preference for Products Associated with a Destination BrandLim, Yu Mi (Virginia Tech, 2009-04-28)Due to highly competitive destination markets, destination branding techniques are becoming popular among destination marketers. The destination marketers tend to leverage their destination brand value to other products associated with the destination brand (referred to as brand extension). This thesis investigated how customer-based brand equity for a tourist destination can be transferred to products associated with a destination brand. Specifically, the effect of destination image on preference for products associated with a destination brand was investigated. The relationship between destination image, consisting of a cognitive component and an affective component, and preference for products associated with the destination brand was examined. Also, the relationship between tourists' destination preference and preference for products associated with a destination brand was investigated. Both cognitive image and affective image of destination are positively related with preference for products associated with a destination brand. It is revealed that preference for destination is also positively related to preference for products associated with a destination.
- Defining Best Practices In Hotel Sales During A Difficult Economy 2008-2010Flitter, Brandon L. (2011-05)This study studied the effect of economic change on the hotel industry between 2008 and 2010 and profiled possible economic recovery markers for 2011. The literature review covered the elements that have changed in the travel market profiling how the consumer in all segments reacted to the downturn. Business travelers cancelled movements, cut budgets or truncated the length of trips while leisure travelers chose to not travel or limit movements. At the same time hotels saw an increase of room supply in the United States as room rates fell. It then became the responsibility of the hotel sales department to find way to recover lost revenue even as they were directly affected by the change in market and performance expectations by ownership. Budgeting, time, staffing and morale became key 3 elements to understand how a sales staff responds and how they could use “Best Practices” to discover alternative revenue streams. The study profiled three best practices learned based on the research. They were Best Practices to overcome decreased overall hotel service operation levels, to Overcome Decreased Marketing Dollars and to Overcome the lack of individual and group Sales Manager Support.
- Determinants Of Urban Residents' Perceived Tourism Impacts: A Study on the Williamsburg and Virginia Beach AreasYoon, Yooshik (Virginia Tech, 1998-12-03)The existing research in the field of tourism has exhibited a clearer understanding of how residents perceive the dynamic and complex phenomena of tourism. Since the goals of tourism planning and development are to seek maximization of benefits and minimization of the costs of tourism, it is apparent that the effective evaluation of tourism impacts will be valuable information in successful strategies for tourism product development and operation. With these perspectives, this study attempted to investigate the underlying dimensions explaining residents' perceived tourism impacts and to identify relationships between determinants and residents' perceived tourism impacts. The social exchange theory provided a fundamental framework for this study. The dimensions of the tourism impacts were addressed by explicating economic, social/cultural, environmental/physical impacts of tourism development from literature review. Ten determinants which affect residents' perception were identified from past research on tourism impacts: birthplace, length of residency, community attachment, tourism related jobs, recreational activity, tourist contacts, tourism policy participation, travel experience, levels of tourism development, and growth of community. Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Newport News MSAs areas were selected as the study area because these areas provide fine multifaceted tourism attractions, generates many tourists, and influences the host community' life. A total of 316 useful respondents (13.2%) were analyzed by using the SPSS program. Two research questions were proposed. Factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANAOVA) were performed. From the findings of this study, residents perceived the impacts of tourism as five different dimensions embodying economic benefits, social costs, cultural enrichment, environmental deterioration, and physical enhancement. Their perceptions were affected by eight out of ten determinants. Generally, a higher level of tourism development and growth of community affects residents' perceptions of tourism impacts. Residents who were natives, who have higher community attachment, and who had been living in the research area for a shorter time period had more concerns about the perceived impacts of tourism. In addition, perceived tourism impacts were significantly differed across household incomes and ethnic groups. For future study, it is suggested that a further investigation of determinants affecting residents' perceptions is needed for better understanding and explanation of the impacts of tourism. It is believed that this study would help tourism planners and developers formulate and implement better strategies.
- Does that Sound Smell Good? An Experimental Investigation into the use of Verbal Smell References and Cooking Sounds in Radio AdvertisementsDavis, Eric Andrew (Virginia Tech, 2010-05-21)In an industry plagued by high failure rates and exorbitant amounts spent on marketing, restaurants must find ways to increase the efficiency of their advertising. Present research demonstrates linkages between human senses and emotions and affective responses to marketing stimuli (e.g. Peck and Wiggins, 2006). However, there is presently a dearth of research addressing how advertising can creatively draw upon consumers' senses to elicit the desired responses by stakeholders (e.g. increased purchase intent). In response to this apparent gap in our inquiry, the purpose of this study is to explore how verbal smell references (e.g. "You can almost smell the smoky and delicious aroma of your steak grilling to perfection" stated in the ad) and congruent cooking sounds (e.g. sizzling sounds for a steakhouse) in radio food advertisements impact consumer sensory perceptions (ability to almost taste and/or almost smell the advertised product), affective response, and purchase intentions. In addition, since current research indicates that olfactory perceptions can vary by gender (e.g. (Doty, Shaman, and Dann, 1983; Cane, 1982), this research tested for gender-based differences in these hypothesized relationships. Regarding procedures, a sequence of two pretests were used to establish the reliability and validity of the verbal smell reference used in this research. In addition to these manipulation checks on the verbal smell reference construct, the two pretests also verified that undergraduate students would have the ability to adequately relate to the experimental setting — steakhouses. Next, a 2x2x2 between-subjects experiment was conducted in which the verbal smell reference was manipulated, congruent cooking sounds were manipulated, and gender was measured. Results indicate that a verbal smell reference in a radio ad does significantly influence a potential consumer's ability to almost smell and to almost taste the advertised product. The smell reference also significantly impacts individuals' affective responses to the ad and purchase intent of the product. Interestingly, this research also found that the level of "excitement" associated with the advertised brand perfectly mediates the relationship between the verbal smell reference and affective responses. That is, the verbal smell reference leads consumers to assess the advertised brand as being exciting which, in turn, results in positive affective responses. This research did not detect any significant outcomes associated with the use of congruent cooking sounds in radio ads or any significant interactions between cooking sounds and verbal smell references with regard to the outcome variables. Further, gender was not found to significantly intervene in any of the hypothesized relationships. Nevertheless, the significant outcomes associated with the main effect of the verbal smell references on consumer sensory perceptions (ability to almost taste and/or almost smell the advertised product), affective response, and purchase intentions, along with the mediation of the excitement construct, are associated with formidable theoretical and managerial implications which are discussed in the concluding chapter of this thesis.
- Economic Sentiment Indicator as a Demand Determinant in Tourism: A Case of TurkeyAltin, Mehmet (Virginia Tech, 2011-04-28)Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, employing approximately 220 million people and generating over 9.4% of the world's GDP. The growing contribution of tourism is accompanied by an increased interest in understanding the major factors which influence visitation levels to those countries. Therefore, finding the right variables to understand and estimate tourism demand becomes very important and challenging in policy formulations. The purpose of this study is to introduce Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) to the field of tourism demand studies. Using ESI in demand analysis, this study will assist in the ability to tap into individuals' hopes and/or worries for the present and future. The study developed a demand model in which the number of tourist arrivals to Turkey from select EU countries is used as the dependent variable. ESI along with more traditional variables such as Interest Rate, Relative Price, and Relative Exchange Rate were brought into the model as the independent demand determinants. The study utilized such econometric models as ARIMA for seasonality adjustment and ARDL Bound test approach to cointegration for the long and short-run elasticities. ESI was statistically significant in 8 countries out of 13, three of those countries had a negative coefficient and five had a positive sign as proposed by the study. The study posits that ESI is a good indicator to gauge and monitor tourism demand and adding the visitors' state of mind into the demand equation could reduce errors and increase variance in arrivals. Policy makers should monitor ESI as it fluctuates over time. Since we do not have direct influence on travelers' demand for tourism, it is imperative that we use indirect approaches such as price adjustment and creating new packages or promotional expenditures in order to influence or induce demand. Using this information generated from the study, government officials and tourism suppliers could adjust their promotional activities and expenditures in origin countries accordingly.
- The Effects of Co-Creation and Satisfaction on Subjective Well-BeingMathis, Elaine Frances (Virginia Tech, 2013-06-05)Co-creation is centered on the idea of the consumer as a creator of value, interacting with a company to "co-create" value. As the concept of co-creation gains popularity among many industries, it is receiving increased attention from researchers. Although many topics are being researched with this new topic, one of the essential missing links is what outcomes can be expected from participation in co-creation. By identifying the relationship between co-creation, satisfaction, and subjective well-being, service providers can change strategies and implement a platform for creating unique experiences, allowing tourists to become more physically and emotionally engaged. An online survey using panel data from a commercial firm was used to gather 561 completed questionnaires. Co-creation, satisfaction, level of involvement, and subjective well-being were measured using different scales which have been adapted from previous works which are discussed in the literature review. The analysis consisted of several steps including a profile of respondents based on descriptive statistics, a simple correlation analysis of all the summated variables, and simple correctional analyses which looked at the relationships between co-creation and satisfaction, co-creation and subjective well-being, and satisfaction and subjective well-being. This study contributed to the growing body of knowledge in understanding the perceived value of tourism experiences by establishing a theory based empirical link between co-creation and subjective well-being via satisfaction. This aspect of tourism experiences had not yet before been empirically demonstrated.
- The Effects of Superstition as Destination Attractiveness on Behavioral IntentionZhang, Yunzhou (Virginia Tech, 2012-05-02)Superstitious beliefs date back thousands of years and continue to the present, and research suggests that superstitious beliefs have a robust influence on product satisfaction and decision making under risk. The study therefore examines how superstition attitude will impact potential tourists' intention to visit a destination so that relevant organizations (e.g. destination management/marketing organizations) could better understand potential tourists' behaviors, identify a niche market encompassing those prone to superstition, and tailor the tourism products to the needs and beliefs of potential tourists. The study used a survey instrument which consists of four components: the scale of Superstition as Destination Attractiveness (SADA), the revised Paranormal Belief Scale, the measurement of Intention to Visit, and respondents' demographics and travel experiences. A mixed-method data collection procedure was adopted to populate the sample. A total of 323 questionnaires were collected from Virginia Tech students, at both undergraduate and graduate level. A multiple regression analysis method was employed for hypothesis testing. The result of the data analysis supported both hypotheses, and the study finds that the more positive potential tourists' attitude is about superstition, the more likely they are to visit a destination with superstition as its attractiveness, and the more trait of superstition a potential tourist bears, the stronger the relationship between potential tourists' attitude about superstition and their intention to visit a destination with superstition as its attractiveness. Implications and future studies were suggested based on the findings of the study.
- Embracing self service technology for hotel productivity growthNeo, Kee Chuan (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2010)This paper explores the various ways in which self-service technology (SST), if employed by the hotel industry, can actually contribute to the productivity growth in Singapore. The study provides an understanding of customer’s technology acceptance and readiness by utilizing the two widely extended and accepted approaches, Technology Readiness Index (TRI) and Technology acceptance model (TAM). The study also evaluated the four common self-service technology channels: electronic kiosks, the Internet, mobile devices, and the telephone applications. From an investigation on past studies, it is found that Singapore is receptive to self-service technology. Self-service technology thus could bring a highly respectable return on investment (ROI) to the Singapore’s hotel industry, as illustrated by ROI models in this paper. Moreover, hotels could leverage on a number of Singapore’s government funding to optimize their investment on SST. With the government’s master plan (iN2015) platform to realize the intelligent nation by 2015, hotels could benefit from the self service technology features that this platform is offering. Various avenues to ride on this platform and recommendations are featured.
- An empirical analysis of the strategic implications of type of entrepreneur in the restaurant industryElwood, Clare M. (Virginia Tech, 1991-01-15)The primary purpose of this study was to empirically test Smith's (1967) typology of entrepreneurial type and Miles and Snow's (1978) typology of strategy in the restaurant industry, and then to establish whether or not there is a relationship between type of entrepreneur and type of strategy. A total of 1,000 entrepreneurs were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. One hundred and thirty three entrepreneurs participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 14.76%. From the basis of the objectives and research questions, four hypotheses were derived to identify the presence of Smith's (1967) typology of entrepreneurs (craftsman and opportunistic entrepreneurs), Miles and Snow's (1978) typology of strategy (defenders, prospectors, analyzers and reactors), and the relationship between type of entrepreneur and type of strategy in the restaurant industry. The findings of the hypotheses tests indicated that Smith's two entrepreneurial types may not be mutually exclusive and that there is probably a third group of entrepreneurs, combining characteristics from both Smith's craftsman and opportunistic types. Support was found for Miles and Snow's four generic strategies of defender, prospector, analyzer and reactor. Through the use of discriminant analysis, it was possible to demonstrate a relationship between type of entrepreneur and type of strategy. Furthermore, two moderating variables were found to also be associated with the realationship between type of entrepreneur.
- Employee perceptions of performance appraisal acceptability in a merit pay settingGibson, Timothy Paul (Virginia Tech, 1991-07-05)The purpose of this study was to audit employee perceptions of the Sentara Health System performance appraisal system in a merit pay setting. To accomplish this, the study investigated variables having a positive relationship on employee perception of performance appraisal acceptability, fairness and accuracy. The study had three objectives: (1) integrate the current body of literature to develop variables that adequately describe employee perception of appraisal systems, (2) integrate these variables into several hypotheses that are consistent with current literature, and (3) test the hypotheses using Pearson product moment correlations. Nine variables hypothesized as depicting aspects of employee perceptions were conceptualized, and multiple indicators were developed for each variable. A questionnaire containing these items was randomly distributed to 300 employees throughout a large health care system. Results indicate that performance appraisal acceptability, fairness and accuracy had a positive relationship with supervisor trust, supervisor knowledge of performance, interview information, interview atmosphere, performance standard acceptability, participation in development, performance reward link and merit pay acceptability. All the hypotheses had significant positive correlations (≤.01). These findings were discussed in terms of the study limitations, suggested future research and implications for the organization studied, as well as other organizations with merit pay programs.
- An exploratory analysis of the restaurant dining patterns of older adultsLogsdon, Kathleen Petty (Virginia Tech, 1991-12-05)The main objective of this study was to describe the restaurant dining patterns of a representative random sample of adults 65 years of age and older and to evaluate the impact that their health concerns and special diets have on their restaurant dining patterns. In addition, the specific features of food service products and services that are important to aged individuals when selecting a restaurant were examined. The phrase 'dining patterns' refers to both food intake (the specific foods consumed) and individual consumption patterns (time, frequency, location of meals, and dining companions). Four different measures were used to quantify food intake: (1) entree items most often selected; (2) preferred method of preparation; (3) frequency of dessert purchases; and (4) type of dessert most often selected. Consumption patterns were quantified as: (1) type of restaurant patronized for each meal period; (2) frequency of restaurant visits per meal period; (3) dollar value of purchases per meal period; and (4) restaurant dining companions. A mail survey of 1000 adults age 65 and older, was conducted in order to obtain information about the restaurant menu selections and consumption patterns of aged individuals living in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- An exploratory study of family dining attitudes toward full service restaurant product/service attributesLogan, Theresa Castillo (Virginia Tech, 1991-05-15)Families dining out with children are becoming an important customer segment revealing a personal preference for convenience, timely service, menu variety, and child entertainment. According to united states industry figures, families dining out with children constitute twenty percent of estimated commercial restaurant sales. Although the restaurant industry is segmenting customer markets for the 1990's, most restaurateurs still define customer markets using instinct versus market segmentation research. By targeting families with children, the researcher investigated family dining attitudes according to gender, income, ages of children in the family unit, and frequency of dining out. The research was an exploratory investigation, identifying family dining attitudes toward full service restaurant products and services. Survey data was collected and analyzed, using a convenience sample of families in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- An exploratory study of franchisee turnover and its relationship with franchisee satisfactionChiu, Esther Y. (Virginia Tech, 1992-05-15)The purpose of this study is to investigate franchisee turnover practice and empirically test the relationship between franchisee satisfaction and turnover behavior. A total of 402 franchisees of a quick service franchise system were surveyed by using two sets of structured questionnaires. Sixty-seven current and 24 terminated franchisee participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 29.8%. Based on the objective and research questions, two hypotheses were established and tested. The testing of the hypotheses indicated a significant difference between the satisfaction of terminated and current franchisees on service support, social interaction, and general satisfaction. Also, there is a relationship between franchisee’s satisfaction and his or her future intention. Through factor analysis two critical factors were identified closely related to the satisfaction and future intention of current and terminated franchisees.
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