Tourism experience co-creation: a service-dominant logic-driven model.

336 p.For some time now, new marketing paradigms are trying to set aside traditional and product-focused views of management and marketing strategies. Technological challenges, volatile customer needs, and alternative marketing application subjects and fields have pushed the discipline of marketing towards more adapted and generalizable marketing perspectives, leaving behind the long-established four Ps of marketing (Product, Place, Promotion, Price) and similar. These new paradigms emphasize especially the active role of customers in value creation, the inherent service-for-service nature of exchanges, the relevance of multisided resources, the formation of both planned and unintentional institutionally handled networks, and the interest on `experiences'. Among the propositions found, value co-creation is one of the most appealing and recurring. However, the lack of specification has transformed co-creation into an overused interpretation, a jumble of many different ideas (e.g., co-production, interactions, citizenship behaviors), and a concept at risk of turning into an "all and nothing"-type useless expression. Therefore, we need first, a conceptual underlying support that would lead the definition and implications of co-creation, and second, a practical backing that would demonstrate its empirical and contextual convenience.The objective of this study is to provide an empirical and context-driven approach of value co-creation, based on the service-dominant logic (SDL). In the conceptual concern, we believe that though in a meta-theoretical level, SDL provides a well-founded baseline framework for value co-creation, supplying a complete narrative and a number of premises centered on a comprehensive view of value co-creation. In the empirical concern, we chose place marketing in general and tourism in particular to situate our co-creation framework. Specifically, the research is focused on the tourism experience co-creation, which is thought to match the investigation requirements due to the experiential character of vacations, the multiple actors involved along the whole travel-related process, the main position of tourists in value creation, and the need of a marketing cut off from the traditional and commercial views in the tourism field.The study carries out an extensive and systematic literature review about value co-creation, SDL and similar concepts in place marketing, including urban, hospitality and destination environments. The literature review is then used, together with the SDL assumptions, to build an extended conceptual model of tourism experience co-creation, including antecedents and outcomes, represented by tourist and destination resources, and by functional, emotional, and social value dimensions, respectively. Value co-creation is defined as service exchange and resource integration represented by a set of tourist-driven processes, including interactional, behavioral, attitudinal, and mental processes before, during, and after the travel experience. Results show that tourist's specific travel-related knowledge and skills facilitate value co-creation processes, especially those connected with self-arrangement behaviors. At the same time, tourist co-creation processes are found to affect predominantly the emotional and social value dimensions, even more than destination resources. On the contrary, the latter positively affect the functional value of the experience. Among the co-creation processes, interactional and behavioral processes influence the tourism experience value perceived by the consumer. Concretely, interaction with local people is found to be one of the most influential. Mental co-creation processes deserve especial attention. Memorability is found to significantly and positively affect value, as well as representing a moderator role between other co-creative processes and value. This means that recalling the lived experience helps increasing the tourist's perceived value. On the contrary, attitudinal processes related to customer citizenship behaviors do not present any relevance. Therefore, the study contributes mostly in four aspects. First, an exhaustive literature review of place marketing co-creation allows acknowledging the efforts made previously on the field, in terms of identifying the different co-creation approaches, and registering the scarce variables used to precisely measure value co-creation (proxies are prevailing). Second, a verified measurement tool of value co-creation set up on a conceptually-based definition and composed of nine variables contributes to unfold the black box of "service exchange and resource integration". Third, the proposition and testing of various study hypotheses build on an expertise co-creation processes value chain helps identifying the most relevant tourist co-creation processes that increase perceived value, thus assisting destination and hospitality managers. Fourth, the two-phase data collection methodology used in the empirical part of the study provides a more rigorous research method that encourages alternative information gathering processes

Tourism experience co-creation: a service-dominant logic-driven model.

336 p.For some time now, new marketing paradigms are trying to set aside traditional and product-focused views of management and marketing strategies. Technological challenges, volatile customer needs, and alternative marketing application subjects and fields have pushed the discipline of marketing towards more adapted and generalizable marketing perspectives, leaving behind the long-established four Ps of marketing (Product, Place, Promotion, Price) and similar. These new paradigms emphasize especially the active role of customers in value creation, the inherent service-for-service nature of exchanges, the relevance of multisided resources, the formation of both planned and unintentional institutionally handled networks, and the interest on `experiences'. Among the propositions found, value co-creation is one of the most appealing and recurring. However, the lack of specification has transformed co-creation into an overused interpretation, a jumble of many different ideas (e.g., co-production, interactions, citizenship behaviors), and a concept at risk of turning into an "all and nothing"-type useless expression. Therefore, we need first, a conceptual underlying support that would lead the definition and implications of co-creation, and second, a practical backing that would demonstrate its empirical and contextual convenience.The objective of this study is to provide an empirical and context-driven approach of value co-creation, based on the service-dominant logic (SDL). In the conceptual concern, we believe that though in a meta-theoretical level, SDL provides a well-founded baseline framework for value co-creation, supplying a complete narrative and a number of premises centered on a comprehensive view of value co-creation. In the empirical concern, we chose place marketing in general and tourism in particular to situate our co-creation framework. Specifically, the research is focused on the tourism experience co-creation, which is thought to match the investigation requirements due to the experiential character of vacations, the multiple actors involved along the whole travel-related process, the main position of tourists in value creation, and the need of a marketing cut off from the traditional and commercial views in the tourism field.The study carries out an extensive and systematic literature review about value co-creation, SDL and similar concepts in place marketing, including urban, hospitality and destination environments. The literature review is then used, together with the SDL assumptions, to build an extended conceptual model of tourism experience co-creation, including antecedents and outcomes, represented by tourist and destination resources, and by functional, emotional, and social value dimensions, respectively. Value co-creation is defined as service exchange and resource integration represented by a set of tourist-driven processes, including interactional, behavioral, attitudinal, and mental processes before, during, and after the travel experience. Results show that tourist's specific travel-related knowledge and skills facilitate value co-creation processes, especially those connected with self-arrangement behaviors. At the same time, tourist co-creation processes are found to affect predominantly the emotional and social value dimensions, even more than destination resources. On the contrary, the latter positively affect the functional value of the experience. Among the co-creation processes, interactional and behavioral processes influence the tourism experience value perceived by the consumer. Concretely, interaction with local people is found to be one of the most influential. Mental co-creation processes deserve especial attention. Memorability is found to significantly and positively affect value, as well as representing a moderator role between other co-creative processes and value. This means that recalling the lived experience helps increasing the tourist's perceived value. On the contrary, attitudinal processes related to customer citizenship behaviors do not present any relevance. Therefore, the study contributes mostly in four aspects. First, an exhaustive literature review of place marketing co-creation allows acknowledging the efforts made previously on the field, in terms of identifying the different co-creation approaches, and registering the scarce variables used to precisely measure value co-creation (proxies are prevailing). Second, a verified measurement tool of value co-creation set up on a conceptually-based definition and composed of nine variables contributes to unfold the black box of "service exchange and resource integration". Third, the proposition and testing of various study hypotheses build on an expertise co-creation processes value chain helps identifying the most relevant tourist co-creation processes that increase perceived value, thus assisting destination and hospitality managers. Fourth, the two-phase data collection methodology used in the empirical part of the study provides a more rigorous research method that encourages alternative information gathering processes

Desarrollo de plataformas biosensoras electroquímicas para la detección de marcadores inflamatorios y de cáncer de mama

En la actualidad, el diagnóstico clínico demanda la implementación de metodologías de manejo sencillo, coste asequible, reducido tiempo de respuesta y con capacidad de multiplexado que puedan implementarse en la rutina clínica para la determinación de biomarcadores de relevancia en muestras no invasivas, como biopsias líquidas. En respuesta a estas demandas, en esta Tesis Doctoral se ha abordado el desarrollo de varias plataformas biosensoras electroanalíticas aplicables a la determinación de biomarcadores de inflamación y asociados a cáncer de mama. El funcionamiento de la mayoría de estas bioplataformas se basa en la realización de reacciones de inmunoreconocimiento sobre la superficie de micropartículas magnéticas comerciales. Tras su completa modificación, se acoplan sobre electrodos desechables para realizar la transducción amperométrica, cuya magnitud resulta proporcional a la concentración del biomarcador en estudio..

Expanding the task-dominant value cocreation narrative: The role of consumer expertise, and social and mental processes

This research proposes an integral model of cocreation processes before, during, and after a trip affecting customer value and anteceded by tourist expertise. Beyond prevailing task-related (coproduction) processes and the more recently contemplated social processes, we consider mental cocreation using the concept of mental time travel (forward and backward). Findings from 428 tourist responses reveal the great potential of these novel cocreation forms, showing that imagining a forthcoming trip and remembering the travel afterwards are important affective value drivers, as is interacting with locals and employees. Overall, these play a more prominent role than task-related processes. Likewise, we found that tourist expertise is a major antecedent of cocreation and precursor of value. Managers could encourage tourist cocreation by applying customer education strategies, stimulating activities with high community contact, and using virtual tools to intensify thoughts and memories of past and future travel experiences. Technology may be key in achieving this.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The research was supported by the Spanish Government (grant number ECO2016-76348-R); the Basque Government (IT-1354-19; POS-2020-2-0040; POS-2019-1-0011; IKM-2020-1-0014; PRE-2017-2-0009); and the Feside Foundation

Tourist expertise and pre-travel value co-creation: Task-related processes and beyond

Our knowledge of how tourists could co-create value in the pre-travel stage is limited. This should be particularly worrying for tourism providers, as they could gain competitive advantage by improving their understanding of these processes and responding accordingly. Based on service-dominant logic, this study explores this gap in research by identifying three value co-creation processes that occur before a trip (travel organization, information seeking, and mental time travel) and examining the contribution of tourist expertise on each of these processes. Although previous studies tend to assimilate co-creation with “tasks,” this study focuses on mental time travel, which is the only pre-travel value co-creation process that contributes value to the consumer without involving costs. An empirical study with 984 French and Spanish tourists was conducted, the results of which corroborate the particular salience of expertise predicted by service-dominant logic.The research was supported by the Spanish Government [grant number ECO2016-76348-R]; the Basque Government [IT-1354-19; POS_2019_1_0011; PRE_2017_2_009]; and the Feside Foundation

Place marketing examined through a service-dominant logic lens: A review

The traveler (or city-customer) should be viewed as a major co-creator of the value extracted from her or his destination (or city) experience. Consumer resources such as energy, mental disposition, expertise, or involvement may be crucial to explain the final value perceived. It is not clear, however, how effectively the concept of co-creation has been incorporated within place marketing. This research takes a step forward toward covering this gap by: (1) drawing on service-dominant logic and related perspectives to propose a co-creation-led, baseline framework; (2) conducting a systematic review of quantitative place-marketing research that has attempted to incorporate the value co-creation perspective; (3) critically reviewing these research efforts; and (4) providing future research avenues. Overall, this research shows that quantitative place-marketing literature is advancing towards incorporating the co-creation proposal, although that is primarily so in destination and hospitality contexts. There is still a long way to go, however, before a consensus is reached on many fundamental aspects.This work was supported by the Spanish Government [grant number ECO2016-76348-R], the Basque Government [grant numbers IT 952-16/GIC 15/128, PRE 2016-2-147), the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) [grant number PGG17/26], and the Feside Foundation

The Experience Economy in a Wine Destination—Analysing Visitor Reviews

Wine tourism in rural territories, sometimes organised along wine routes, increasingly attracts visitors, tourism agents, wine producers and those responsible for developing rural territories. Wine tourism is located at the intersection of two distinct business sectors: the agribusiness-oriented wine production and the hedonic service/experience-oriented tourism activity. From the tourism perspective, the visitor experience is paramount and requires an understanding of its nature, conditioning factors and possible outcomes. This study analyses tourist experiences of the Bairrada wine route/Portugal, as reported by regional visitors on TripAdvisor. Results reveal not only the overall quite positive evaluation of these experiences, but also the importance of the aesthetic and educational experience dimensions, when applying Pine and Gilmore’s consumer experience framework. Diverse experience contexts contribute to a rich terroir experiencescape, where contents are far from limited to wine, wine cellars or wineries. These contexts seem to be connected distinctly to diverse experience dimensions, whose analysis should help regional developers understand the role of core resources and conditions for attracting, satisfying and delighting visitors. Additional understanding of the relationship between experience dimensions and outcomes, namely satisfaction and destination loyalty, should further help develop wine destinations more successfullyThis work was developed in the scope of the research project TWINE—PTDC/GES-GCE/32259/2017—POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032259, funded by the ERDF through the COMPETE 2020—Operational Programme Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI), and national funds (OPTDC/GES-GCE/32259/2017-E), through the FCT/MCTES. AE receives a fellowship funded by Basque Government (IT-1354-19; POS 2019-1-0011; POS2020-2-0040; IKM 2020-1-0014; POS 2021-2-0002) and Feside Foundation

Local sustainability processes worldwide: a systematic review of the literature and research agenda

This article presents a systematic literature review of 109 articles (1992–2015) dealing with Local Agenda 21 processes worldwide. It analyzes two essential elements of Local Agenda 21: (1) the holistic approach of the sustainable development concept and (2) the main driving forces behind such processes. It shows that, although at the beginning, sustainability was seen as a natural extension of environmental policy work, it has been perceived over recent years as a guiding principle applied to issues of environment, economic development, and social welfare, and Local Agenda 21 is perceived as a coherent approach to sustainability planning. In addition, Local Government Strategy is the main typology followed, although it suffers from important limitations. Future studies could focus on local sustainability process outcomes. Further quantitative studies would be welcome, given the qualitative case study dominance in the field. We conclude with a research agenda to tackle theoretical, methodological, and empirical lacunae.The research was funded by the Spanish Government [grant number ECO2016-76348-R]; the Basque Government [grant number GIC 15/128-IT-952-16]; and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) [grant number UFI 11/51]

Systematic Approach to the Synthesis of Cobalt-Containing Polyoxometalates for Their Application as Energy Storage Materials

New energy storage materials are an object of study within the framework of the global energy transition. The development of renewable sources is being boosted thanks to stationary energy storage systems such as redox flow batteries (RFBs). This work reports the synthesis of the cobalt-containing Keggin-type polyoxometalates [CoW12O40]6− (CoW12) and [Co(H2O)SiW11O39]6− (CoSiW11), which have previously been shown to have applicability in RFBs. These procedures were reassessed to meet the strict requirements associated with the further implementation of RFBs, including fast and affordable synthetic procedures with high reaction yields. In contrast to the lengthy and complicated synthetic approaches published to date, the optimized synthesis reported in this work enables the isolation of the pure crystalline salt of the CoW12 anion with a 75% reduction of the time of the whole reaction procedure, eliminating tedious steps such as the recrystallization and including a 20% increased yield. The control of the stoichiometry, fine-tuning of reaction conditions, and the identification of intermediate species, as well as the acidic equilibria taking place during the process, were monitored via thermal, spectroscopic, and structural analyses. In the case of the CoSiW11 anion, its preparation was based on a simple and highly efficient procedure. Moreover, promising electrochemical properties were observed with the use of the one-pot synthetic approach, in which the stoichiometric amounts of the starting reagents are dissolved in the supporting electrolyte to be directly implemented as the electrolyte for a RFB.This work was developed within the framework of the Almagrid project, CER-20191006 funded by Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la innovación (CDTI). Call for proposals: Accreditation and granting of aid for technological centers of excellence “Cervera”. In addition, this research was funded by the Basque Government within the framework of ‘Research on complementary energy storage technologies, and its combination in efficient and competitive systems for its stationary application in the grid’ project, grant number KK-2022/00043.B.A. and J.G.Z. thank Eusko Jaurlaritza/Gobierno Vasco for funding (grant IT1722-22)

Design and 3D printing of an electrochemical sensor for Listeria monocytogenes detection based on loop mediated isothermal amplification

The aim of this work is the design and 3D printing of a new electrochemical sensor for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes based on loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The food related diseases involve a serious health issue all over the world. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the major problems of contaminated food, this pathogen causes a disease called listeriosis with a high rate of hospitalization and mortality. Having a fast, sensitive and specific detection method for food quality control is a must in the food industry to avoid the presence of this pathogen in the food chain (raw materials, facilities and products). A point-of-care biosensor based in LAMP and electrochemical detection is one of the best options to detect the bacteria on site and in a very short period of time. With the numerical analysis of different geometries and flow rates during sample injection in order to avoid bubbles, an optimized design of the microfluidic biosensor chamber was selected for 3D-printing and experimental analysis. For the electrochemical detection, a novel custom gold concentric-3-electrode consisting in a working electrode, reference electrode and a counter electrode was designed and placed in the bottom of the chamber. The LAMP reaction was optimized specifically for a primers set with a limit of detection of 1.25 pg of genomic DNA per reaction and 100% specific for detecting all 12 Listeria monocytogenes serotypes and no other Listeria species or food-related bacteria. The methylene blue redox-active molecule was tested as the electrochemical transducer and shown to be compatible with the LAMP reaction and very clearly distinguished negative from positive food samples when the reaction is measured at the end-point inside the biosensor.Garbiñe Olabarria as supported by Ekonomiaren Garapen eta Lehiakortasun Saila, Eusko Jaurlaritza [KK-2021/00082]. M. Mounir Bou-Ali was supported by Eusko Jaurlaritza [Research Group Program, IT1505-22]