92 research outputs found
Centre‐based and expedition‐based (wilderness) adventure experiential learning regarding personal effectiveness: an explorative enquiry
No full textThe journal of the Leisure Studies AssociationThe purpose of this study is to compare a centre‐based adventure programme (CBAP) with an expedition‐based wilderness programme (EBWP) with regard to personal effectiveness. In comparing these two programmes, this study made use of a crossover research design with data collection according to DE Vos. Participants were 28 third‐year students (14 men and 14 women), aged 20 to 23 ( x = 21.6 ± 0.7) from the Northwest University (Potchefstroom Campus) in South Africa. Both interviews and questionnaires (n = 28) were used to gather comprehensive data. Results indicated medium‐(d = 0.5) to‐practically significant (d ≥ 0.8) changes in most of the ROPELOC (Review of Personal Effectiveness and Locus of Control) variables. Each programme offered unique benefits. The EBWP resulted mainly in improvements in terms of the personal aspects of the ROPELOC, whereas the CBAP mainly delivered in terms of its social aspects. Even though both programmes seem to be beneficial for the facilitation of personal effectiveness, each programme should be selected according to the envisaged outcomes and intervention criteria. For the improvement of personal effectiveness, the EBWP seems to be of relatively more value – mainly on account of the impact of the wilderness environment. This translates into unique experiences of solitude, privacy and freedom of choice, spiritual upliftment, and restoration
A test of causative and moderator effects in human perceptions of sharks, their control and framing
No full textSharks have historically suffered from a negative image, which has been indirectly fuelling public fear and government decisions to kill sharks, as part of bather protection programmes in various countries. Scientists are arguing, however, that the public opinion of sharks is increasingly positive, and that opposition to lethal shark control and to negative shark framing is growing. Positive attitudes and behaviour towards sharks tend to be influenced by an array of factors, which ought to be considered in studies aimed at effectively steering shark conservation actions. This study used a questionnaire survey of 1138 beach visitors in South Africa, together with structural equation modelling, to investigate human perceptions of sharks, and their influence on outcome variables including attitudes and behaviour towards shark hazard mitigation and shark framing. The results show that basic knowledge and attitudes towards sharks have a significant effect on the outcome variables. Additionally, attitudes towards sharks moderate the effect of perceived risk from sharks on the outcome variables. The results support arguments of public concern for sharks, and provide guidance for strategies aimed at garnering more support for shark conservatio
A model of instrinsic and extrinsic motivations on subjective well–being: the experience of overnight visitors to a national park
No full textAccording to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan 1985), intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can be differentiated with levels along a continuum representing distinct self-regulatory styles for behavior. Behavioral regulations consider different degrees to which they represent autonomous or self-determined functioning and specifically intrinsic motivations are characterized by the highest level of self-determination. Past research into the SDT has highlighted correlations between reasons with high levels of autonomy or self-determination for engaging in a particular behavior and enhanced Subjective Well-Being (SWB), as well as positive behavioral outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between visitors’ reasons for visiting a national park, associated self-regulatory styles and their self-appraisals of SWB. Therefore, the present research investigates the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for visiting the Kruger National Park (KNP), associated self-regulatory styles and self-evaluations of SWB among 389 overnight visitors. A structural equation model (SEM) is proposed to examine both the cognitive (life satisfaction) and affective (positive and negative feelings) components of SWB in association to motivations with different degrees of self-determination. Reflecting previous research, the results show that overnight visitors who are more intrinsically motivated have higher life satisfaction levels, higher positive feelings and lower negative feelings. In contrast, overnight visitors who are less intrinsically motivated have lower life satisfaction levels, lower positive feelings and higher negative feeling. The practical implications of these findings are highlighted.http://link.springer.com/journal/1148
Die toepaslikheid van deeltitelheffings in Suid–Afrika
No full textThis study challenges the fairness of sectional title schemes’ levies that are ordered by the Sectional Title Act (95 of 1986) to be allocated according to the participation quota (floor area) of units. Studies have shown that larger units in a sectional title scheme tend to subsidise the levies of smaller units. A log-transformed linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the cost behaviour of 113 sectional title schemes. The results revealed that 86% of the variation in the operating costs of a scheme is attributable to the variation in the area of a scheme, while 87% of the variation in operating costs is attributable to a variation in the number of units in a scheme. The conclusion is that the area and the number of units in a scheme are equally significant drivers of operating costs. Therefore, the study recommended that the levies should be allocated on a 50/50 basis with regard to area and number of unit
Examining the influence of the wine festival experience on tourists' quality of life
No full textHosting events and festivals is the best way of providing the wine tourism experience. Wine festivals offer a wide range of experiences that are different from day-today living, offer a lifestyle package and are an indicator of lifestyle tourism experience Tourists travel to wine festivals for wine and other leisure-related experiences, including opportunities for social and/or cultural experiences, interactivity and personal development. Therefore, wine festivals should provide an experience that can influence the quality of life (QoL) of the attending tourist. QoL is influenced by various life domains, which include social, leisure and recreational, intellectual, culinary, and travel life. By its nature, a wine festival is able to influence life domains, thereby decreasing or increasing the level of satisfaction with QoL, according to the level of satisfactory experience. The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of the wine festival experience on the QoL of attending tourists. The structural relationship between the wine festival experience on tourists’ QoL is shown in a structural equation model (SEM), which is based on the notion that the QoL of attending tourists will be influenced by their level of satisfaction in various life domains. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed during the Wacky Wine Festival in Robertson South Africa. The data from 329 (N) eligible questionnaires was cleaned, captured and analysed using SPSS. Furthermore, Amos was used to test the structural model providing statistical support. From the study’s findings, managerial recommendations were made with the aim of maximising attending wine tourists’ QoL. The research contributes to the literature related to QoL
Die toepaslikheid van deeltitelheffings in Suid-Afrika
No full textThis study challenges the fairness of sectional title schemes' levies that are ordered by the Sectional Title Act (95 of 1986) to be allocated according to the participation quota (floor area) of units. Studies have shown that larger units in a sectional title scheme tend to subsidise the levies of smaller units. A log-transformed linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the cost behaviour of 113 sectional title schemes. The results revealed that 86% of the variation in the operating costs of a scheme is attributable to the variation in the area of a scheme, while 87% of the variation in operating costs is attributable to a variation in the number of units in a scheme. The conclusion is that the area and the number of units in a scheme are equally significant drivers of operating costs. Therefore, the study recommended that the levies should be allocated on a 50/50 basis with regard to area and number of units.http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/jefs/jefs_v5_n1_a7.pd
Determinants of visitor spending: an evaluation of participants and spectators at the Two Oceans Marathon
No full textThis paper investigates the socio-demographic and behavioural determinants that influence visitor expenditure at the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, based on a participant and spectator survey conducted at the race in 2011. Regression analyses were applied and the results indicate that greater length of stay, paid accommodation, number of marathons participated in per year and higher level of education signficantly influence higher participant spending at the marathon, while a high-income occupation and paid accommodation are associated with higher levels of spectator expenditure. These findings not only generate strategic insights into the marketing of the event; knowledge of these determinants will also lead to a greater economic impact and competitive advantage
The influence of travel motives on visitor happiness attending a wedding expo
No full textEvents are an important motivator in travel and tourism, therefore contributing to related benefits at the tourism destination. This study presents the findings of a structural equation model used to investigate the factors that motivate visitors attending a Wedding Expo and how these travel motives influence their happiness. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to visitors attending the Wedding Expo in Johannesburg, South Africa. The data from 375 (N) eligible questionnaires was captured and analyzed using SPSS. From the study’s findings, managerial recommendations were made with the aim of maximising the happiness of visitors attending the Wedding Expo. The study found that satisfaction with life and happiness of visitors attending a Wedding Expo is enhanced more by the event’s attributes/attractiveness and enhancement of kinship/relationship than by the event’s novelty. The research contributes to the literature related to events management, happiness, and marketing management in tourism
Segmentation by genres: the case of Aardklop National Arts Festival
No full textThe purpose of this study was to distinguish between genre supporters and non-genre supporters at the Aardklop National Arts Festival. This was done to determine genre supporters' individual needs and wants so that effective marketing strategies can be developed and the festival programme can be designed to attract more genre supporters. Previous research indicated that the future of festivals is dependent on the number of show tickets sold and festivals therefore need to attract more genre supporters. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire survey (N = 495) was conducted, where afterwards independent t-tests were used to determine the differences between visitors who attend the different ticketed shows/productions and those who do not. Results showed that genre attendees and non-attendees differ significantly based on socio-demographic and behaviour characteristics, which gave a comprehensive profile of the two types of visitors at the festival. This method proved to be successful especially in increasing ticket sales. Marketing and management implications for effectively targeting genre supporters were also indicated.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jtr.81
Undergraduate students’ perceptions of factors affecting job satisfaction
No full textOrientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchange for compensation. This compensation can have a significant effect on employees’ attitude towards their work, resulting in either job satisfaction or job dissatisfaction. A high level of job satisfaction can increase organisational effectiveness and, subsequently, the organisation’s performance, whereas job dissatisfaction can cause employees to be less motivated, which can in turn decrease their productivity, effectiveness and individual performance.
Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the factors affecting job satisfaction.
Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published research on the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction.
Research approach/design and method: The study took a positivistic research approach, and a quantitative design was used. A stratified quota sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the study; a certain quota was met in terms of race, gender and faculty of study. In total, 270 undergraduate students participated in the study.
Main findings: The empirical results indicated no significant association between the demographic variables (previous work experience, gender, race and field of study) and almost all occupational dimensions of job satisfaction, working conditions and recognition. However, medium to large positive relations were measured between the dimensions of job satisfaction, working conditions and recognition. It was evident from the study that all the dimensions measured are considered important for obtaining job satisfaction in the workplace.
Practical and managerial implications: It is important for managers to get an understanding of the views of young people on work-related issues in order to create an understanding of young people’s needs and aspirations, as they are the future permanent labour force, managers and leaders of a country.
Contribution/value-add: The study brought to light the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction
- …
