Jafar Alavi

A Systematic Approach to Tourism Policy

Abstract The Middle East is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of the three major religions practiced today. As such, most countries in the Middle East have a natural competitive advantage in the global tourism industry. However, for many of these countries the potential of this competitive advantage has not been reached. This research is designed to provide policy makers with a systematic approach toward restructuring their tourism strategies. Based on the results of this study, some significant policy implications are identified. While the methodology presented in this study is not without some weakness, it can be easily applied to other countries and regions. In this context, four Middle Eastern countries are used to illustrate the approach proposed in this study.

TQM practices in service organizations: an exploratory study into the implementation, outcome and effectiveness

The literature clearly indicates that service organizations are lagging behind their manufacturing counterparts in terms of the effective deployment of total quality management (TQM) practices aimed at achieving operational and strategic objectives. The objective of this study is to shed some light on the current TQM practices of service organizations. In general, the results of this study appear to confirm the reported literature findings concerning outcomes and benefits of effective TQM implementation. More importantly, the results underscore the differences in TQM implementation practices and benefits due to some industry‐specific factors. The lack of commitment to TQM implementation on the part of high percentage of the surveyed service organizations in this study is alarming.

Iran's tourism potential and market realities: an empirical approach to closing the gap.

Abstract Iran, as most countries in the Middle East, has a natural competitive advantage in the global tourism industry. However, the potential of this competitive advantage has not been reached. This research is designed to provide Iranian policy makers with a systematic approach toward understanding and narrowing the gap which exists between tourism potential and market realities. The Constant Market Share (CMS) model is used toward that end. The model is used to analyze two sets of actual data related to tourist arrivals. Based on the results of this study, some policy implications are advanced.

A Shift-Share Analysis Approach to Understanding the Dynamic of the Portuguese Tourism Market

Abstract The growth in the global tourism market place presents many countries with great opportunities to capitalize on their natural competitive advantages. However, achieving the economic potential of global tourism remains elusive for many countries despite their natural advantages. In this context, Portugal is a case in point. The Portuguese tourism industry is facing some serious challenges that are limiting its potential. This study utilizes the shift-share technique in order to offer Portuguese policy-makers systematic and practical insights into the characteristics of the Portuguese tourism industry in the context of the challenges and opportunities of the global tourism market place. Understanding the dynamics and characteristics of the Portuguese tourism industry in a comparative context is a crucial first step toward formulating a strategy aimed at improving Portuguese competitive standing in the growing tourism market.

The effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives in service operational context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to study the environmental and competitive factors in the service organizations and second, to investigate the extent of effective implementation of quality improvement initiatives in different operational settings.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper factor analysis is used to determine the underlying factors associated with the changes in the competitive environment. Proportional measures are used to study the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.Findings – The paper finds that quality improvement initiatives are not implemented uniformly by all the service industries. Organizations implementing quality improvement initiatives face varying degrees of effectiveness. Positive operational and strategic outcomes have been observed by organizations implementing the quality improvement initiatives.Practical implications – The results of this paper show that implementation of different types of quality improvement initiatives has a posi...

An analytical approach to determining the competitive advantage of TQM in health care

The utilization of total quality management (TQM) is advocated by some experts, as a partial remedy to the ills of the healthcare industry. However, some healthcare administrators are not yet sold on TQM. Some healthcare administrators still question the impact of TQM on the operational, financial and strategic health of their institutions. They consider the investment in TQM as unjustifiable because the return on such investment in their mind is questionable. This study illustrates how the constant market share model can be utilized to show the competitive benefits of TQM. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the fears of some healthcare administrators are unfounded. Not only that TQM does not compromise organizational effectiveness, but it actually improves it, as it contributes to increasing market share.

An examination of the impact of economics variables and cultural values on Iranian business organisations

Offers a rare insight into the dynamics, realities and potential of the Iranian business community. Uses a sample of 40 Iranian executives to empirically study the impact of the economic constraints and the values of executives on the performance of Iranian business organisations. Emphasizes the implications of this study to Iranian business organisations and their current and potential trading partners during this period of proposed economic change in Iran.

Realities, threats and opportunities facing the Portuguese tourism industry.

The growth in the global tourism market place presents many countries with great opportunities to capitalize on their natural competitive advantages. However, achieving the economic potential of global tourism remains elusive for many countries, despite their natural advantages. In this context, Portugal is a case in point. The Portuguese tourism industry is facing some serious challenges that are limiting its potential. This study offers Portuguese tourism industry leaders practical insights into the characteristics of the Portuguese tourism industry in the context of the challenges and opportunities of the global tourism market place. Understanding the dynamics and characteristics of this critical industry in a global context is a crucial first step toward formulating a tourism strategy that capitalizes on the growth of the global tourism market and the natural advantage that Portugal enjoys in this important market.

An analysis of intermarket sales inflows/outflows within a shift-share framework

This article describes a method to analyse retail trade flows among competing retail centres. A case study of three nearby communities in the Southeastern United States is used to demonstrate the application of the technique. Results of the case study and their implications are discussed.

An exploratory investigation of factors shaping electronic commerce practices in Iran

Purpose – The purpose of this paper it to examine Electronic commerce (e-commerce) practices of Iranian business organizations, as a “traditional” business culture, as it compares to a “developed” business culture such as the one existing in business organizations in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Executives from a sample of 50 business organizations in Iran were interviewed and asked to complete the research questions pertaining to e-commerce practices in their organizations. A factor analysis procedures with varimax rotations is used to analyze the data collected from these organizations. Findings – Comparing the result of this study with an earlier study on a sample of business organization in the USA shows more similarities than differences. Based on the results of the study, it appears that e-commerce practices and related technology present similar opportunities and challenges to organizations regardless of their business culture. Lack of appropriate technological hardware and software, howe...