Darja Topolšek

Tourism sector, Travel agencies, and Transport Suppliers: Comparison of Different Estimators in the Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract The paper addresses the effect of external integration (EI) with transport suppliers on the efficiency of travel agencies in the tourism sector supply chains. The main aim is the comparison of different estimation methods used in the structural equation modeling (SEM), applied to discover possible relationships between EIs and efficiencies. The latter are calculated by the means of data envelopment analysis (DEA). While designing the structural equation model, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are also used as preliminary statistical procedures. For the estimation of parameters of SEM model, three different methods are explained, analyzed and compared: maximum likelihood (ML) method, Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (BMCMC) method, and unweighted least squares (ULS) method. The study reveals that all estimation methods calculate comparable estimated parameters. The results also give an evidence of good model fit performance. Besides, the research confirms that the amplified external integration with transport providers leads to increased efficiency of travel agencies, which might be a very interesting finding for the operational management.

The Role of Employee Relations in the Level of Internal Integration between Logistics and Marketing Functions: the Case of Slovenian Retail Companies

The Role of Employee Relations in the Level of Internal Integration between Logistics and Marketing Functions: the Case of Slovenian Retail Companies Negative employee relations in companies are a ubiquitous phenomenon which, on one hand, may result in dissatisfaction and inefficiency of employees and, on the other hand, disappointing work results. The basis of research work for the following paper forms a definition of internal integration and its level as well as connection with the level of efficiency of inter-functional relations. The empirical part of the research paper examines the influence positive relations between functions may have on the level of internal integration. More specifically, the analysis focuses on employee relations from logistics and marketing functions. The research is based on the quantitative analysis of data acquired from a survey carried out at Slovenian retail companies.

Relationships between the motorcyclists’ behavioural perception and their actual behaviour

AbstractThe paper deals with studying the relationships between the motorcyclists’ thinking about proper behaviour and their actual behaviour in the traffic. The impact of some control variables, such as riders’ age, experience, driving history, and engine cubature, on actual behaviour, is also addressed here. For the purpose of research, two additional questionnaires were applied besides the well-known Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire (MRBQ). To examine the causal relations between all-important latent factors present in this study, the structural equation model was designed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also engaged in the analysis and the statistical modelling process. The results show that the higher awareness about alcohol danger and benefits of protective equipment and helmet can noticeably contribute to the bigger traffic safety. Besides, from the results is evident that the control variables are in most cases also significantly interrelated with the actual behaviour fa...

Exploring Public Attitudes Towards Urban Access Regulation Schemes—Case of Maribor

When deciding on establishing schemes for limiting traffic in urban centers, authorities obtain studies based mainly on traffic models, limiting the input of residents and especially visitors. This study explores differences between attitudes on the introduction of schemes for urban access regulations from the perspective of the urban population and city visitors. A survey among residents and visitors of the city of Maribor, Slovenia will provide input data. Structural Equation Modelling will be performed to explore the attitude of residents and visitors towards schemes of restricting and managing traffic in city centers. The chapter will give a clarification of public opinion on implementing urban access regulation schemes, as well as a methodological example for further use. The findings show that there are significant differences among visitors and residents of the city center in regard of their opinion on acceptability of the implementation of various urban access regulation schemes. Their attitude also depends on their most commonly used modality for traveling into the city.

Integration of Travel Agencies with other Supply Chain Members: Impact on Efficiency

Abstract The performance of tourism supply chains depends on the efficiency of all members involved, including the travel agencies. The paper addresses the analysis of relationships between the agencies’ external integration with other supply chain members on one side, and the efficiency of the agencies on the other. The data envelopment analysis is applied for the estimation of efficiencies, while the structural equation modelling (SEM) is conducted for identification of possible integration impacts on the efficiency. Results show that integration with other supply chain members indeed has some positive impacts on the agencies’ efficiency. Also, the developed SEM model implies that in-depth forms of collaboration would enable more effective exploitation of the identified relations between the integration and efficiency of the agencies. This finding could be an important guideline for the agencies’ management in the sense of achieving more satisfied customers and bigger profits, as well as reduced operational costs.

DESIGNING A STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN FOR A SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED CITIES USING A MULTI-STAGE METHODOLOGY: CASE OF CELJE

Urban mobility is one of the crucial factors of quality of life in cities. Therefore, an effective mobility system and its holistic planning are of utmost importance for sustainable and quality development of urban centres. This paper focuses on holistic and integrated strategic planning of a mobility system. The used multi % step methodology was tested on a case of a city of Celje, Slovenia. With the first round of focus groups, information about the specific urban mobility system was gathered which was used to develop a SWOT matrix. This was the foundation for the execution of a second round of focus groups, where the output was a proposition for a strategic plan for mobility development in small and medium sized cities.

Supporting changes in the Slovenian wood sector by introducing timber logistics centres

The paper focuses on the potential of introducing timber logistics centres in Slovenia as a starting point towards external integration of mostly smaller organisations in the Slovenian wood sector. Based on the countrys potential for wood and timber production, this industry should be one of the strongest in the primary sector; however, experience from the last decade points to a decrease in activity. By offering the organisations in question the means of introducing new business models, a synergy can be achieved which can result in improved business operations in all participating organisations. The conducted research on organisations in the logging and wood product production industries demonstrates that an organisations profile influences its interest in external integration into the timber logistics centre, while the wood and timber products it makes does not have such an influence. Additionally, findings show that younger and smaller organisations are more inclined and prepared to change their business models to incorporate external integration than larger, longer established organisations in the forestry industry.