The influence of Motivations and Barriers in the Benefits. An empirical study of EMAS certified business in Spain

The main objective of this research is to analyze through a structured questionnaire, the influence of the motivations that lead companies to implement Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the barriers found in the benefits perceived by companies, as well as, the degree of difficulty perceived for the implementation of the different requirements to be fulfilled, which are established in the regulation. An extensive review of the academic literature published on motivations, barriers, difficulties and benefits in environmental standards has been carried out in order to establish the working hypotheses which refer to the relationship between motivations, barriers with the benefits and degree of difficulty in implementing the requirements. The empirical investigation was carried out in a sample of 114 of the 255 companies of the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain) that have EMAS certification. The methodology used was the use of the application of a regression analysis to test the hypotheses; pre- viously the measurement scales were validated and an exploratory factorial analysis was applied in order to determine the structure of the different variables considered in the study. The results show that the motivations affect the benefits positively and on the contrary, affect the barriers negatively (reduce them) and it was observed that the greater the barriers, the lower the benefits obtained from the implementation of EMAS (negative influence). The proposed regression models show the joint influence of the motivations and barriers on the benefits considered

Diagnóstico de la excelenciaen la Comunidad Autónoma Gallega a través del modelo E.F.Q.M.

[Resumen] El presente trabajo de investigación tiene por objeto realizar un diagnóstico de la Excelencia en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia tomando como referencia el Modelo EFQM de la European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). En un primer punto se aborda la importancia de la calidad en la actualidad y se plantea el objetivo principal del estudio. Posteriormente, en un epígrafe nuevo se afronta la evolución de la calidad desde la inspección de calidad a la excelencia con especial referencia al modelo europeo. En el apartado siguiente se describe la metodología de la investigación empírica. En el cuarto punto se detallan los resultados obtenidos y, finalmente se exponen las conclusiones finales.[Abstract] The present investigation has for object to carry out a diagnosis of the Excellence in the Autonomous Community of Galicia taking like reference the Model EFQM of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). In a first point the importance of the quality is approached at the present time and thinks about the main objective of the study. Later on, in a new epigraph the evolution of the quality is confronted from the inspection of quality to the excellence with special reference to the European Model. In the following section the methodology of the empiric investigation is described. In the fourth point the obtained results are detailed and, finally the final conclusions are exposed

Os efeitos das práticas de gestão da qualidade nos resultados-chave: amostra de questionários para o setor de hospedagem turística na Espanha

En este trabajo de investigación se examinan los efectos directos e indirectos de las prácticas de la Gestión de la Calidad en los resultados clave, y se identifican las relaciones entre las prácticas de la calidad. Para cumplir con el objetivo propuesto se plantea un modelo estructural teniendo en cuenta la revisión previa de la literatura con el propósito de identificar las prácticas de calidad y las relaciones causales con los resultados clave. El modelo teórico y sus hipótesis son testados usando los datos obtenidos de una muestra de 186 empresas de alojamiento turístico certificadas con la marca “Q de Calidad Turística” en Espana, a partir de un cuestionario elaborado en base a las prácticas de calidad definidas en la literatura y por el Modelo EFQM, tomando como referencia algunas de las escalas más relevantes. La metodología empleada consiste en la aplicación de un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y Confirmatorio para validar las escalas (fiabilidad, unidimensionalidad y validez) y delimitar el número de ítems de cada uno de los instrumentos de medida de los constructos planteados para, a continuación, estimar el modelo causal propuesto procediendo a contrastar las hipótesis planteadas mediante la técnica Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (SEM). Los resultados obtenidos apoyan las relaciones entre las prácticas de la calidad y el impacto directo y positivo de dos de las prácticas: gestión de los procesos y política/planificación de la calidad, en los resultados clave. También se observó que las prácticas de calidad que más influyen en los resultados clave son la política/planificación de la calidad junto con el liderazgo teniendo en cuenta los efectos totales (directos e indirectos).In this research work, we examine the direct and indirect effects of quality management practices on key results and we identify the relationship between quality practices. To achieve the proposed objective, a structural model was used, taking into account the previous review of the literature, in order to identify the quality practices and causal relationships with the key results. The theoretical model and hypotheses are tested using data collected from a sample of 186 tourist accommodation companies certified with the “Q for Tourist Quality” standard in Spain, from a questionnaire based on quality practices identified in the literature and on the EFQM Model, taking some of the most relevant scales as a reference. The methodology used consists of the application of an Exploratory and Confirmatory Factorial Analysis to validate the scales (reliability, one-dimensionality and validity) and define the number of items of each of the measuring instruments of the constructs proposed, to then estimate the causal model proposed, proceeding to test the hypotheses formulated by using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique. The results achieved support the relationship between quality practices and the direct and positive impact of two of the practices, processes management and quality policy/planning, on the key results. It was also observed that the quality practices that most influence key results are quality policy/planning along with leadership, when considering the total effects (direct and indirect).No presente trabalho de pesquisa foram analisados os efeitos diretos e indiretos das práticas de Gestão da Qualidade nos resultados-chave e foram identificadas as relações entre as práticas da qualidade. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, apresenta-se um modelo estrutural que leva em consideração a revisão prévia da literatura com o propósito de identificar as práticas da qualidade e as relações causais com os resultados-chave. O modelo teórico e suas hipóteses foram testados usando-se os dados obtidos a partir de uma amostra de 186 empresas de hospedagem turística certificadas com a marca “Q de Qualidade Turística” na Espanha, a partir de um questionário elaborado com base nas práticas de qualidade definidas na literatura e pelo Modelo EFQM, tomando-se como referência algumas das escalas mais relevantes. A metodologia usada consiste na aplicação de uma Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Confirmatória para validar as escalas (confiabilidade, unidimensionalidade e validade) e delimitar o número de itens de cada um dos instrumentos de medida dos construtos propostos, para, em seguida, elaborar o modelo causal proposto, procedendo ao teste das hipóteses levantadas por meio da técnica do Modelo de Equações Estruturais (SEM). Os resultados obtidos reforçam as relações entre as práticas de qualidade e o impacto direto e positivo de duas das práticas: gestão de processos e política/planejamento da qualidade, nos resultados-chave. Também foi observado que as práticas da qualidade que mais influenciam nos resultados-chave são a política/planejamento da qualidade junto com a liderança, levando-se em conta os efeitos totais (diretos e indiretos).peerReviewe

Active Tourism Research: a Literature Review (1975-2013)

[Resumen] La investigación en turismo activo: Revisión bibliográfica (1975-2013). En los últimos años hemos asistido a un incremento del interés por el denominado “turismo activo” o “turismo de aventura”, interés que se ha reflejado en el aumento del número de artículos publicados tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. Los objetivos del presente trabajo han sido examinar el estado actual de la investigación en ésta tipología de turismo y explorar las diferencias entre la producción científica publicada en revistas turísticas y no turísticas. Para ello, se ha realizado un estudio bibliométrico de los artículos publicados en revistas en castellano indexadas en la base de datos bibliográfica ISOC del Centro de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales (CCSH) del consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), realizando una búsqueda avanzada de términos relacionados con el turismo activo o de aventura que ha dado lugar a un conjunto de 155 referencias, que abarcan el periodo comprendido entre los años 1975-2013. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que en la última década el número de artículos sobre turismo activo en castellano ha crecido y que, debido a su contenido interdisciplinar, estos estudios son publicados en revistas de diversas temáticas cuya titularidad es pública en un 84% de los casos destacando las universidades y la administración como los organismos más prolíferos.[Abstract] In recent years, we have seen an increase in interest by the so-called "active tourism" or "adventure tourism", interest which has been reflected in the increase in the number of articles published both nationally and internationally. The objectives of this work have been examining the current state of research on this type of tourism and explore the differences between scientific production published in tourist and non-tourist journals. To do this, a Bibliometric study was made of articles published in Spanish journals indexed in the bibliographic database ISOC of the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CCSH) of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), performing an advanced search terms related to active tourism or adventure that has resulted a set of 155 references covering the period between the years 1975-2013. The results highlight that in the last decade the number of articles on active tourism in Spanish has grown and that, due to its interdisciplinary content, these studies are published in journals of various topics whose ownership is public in 84% of cases highlighting the universities and the Administration as the most prolific organisms

Sustainable water resources management: a bibliometric overview

Si bien la demanda mundial de agua continúa aumentando, la cantidad y calidad de los recursos de agua está disminuyendo en muchas regiones. Es probable que aumenten los conflictos por la competencia en el uso del agua a medida que las sociedades enfrentan desafíos sociales, económicos y políticos, especialmente agravados por el cambio climático. En este escenario, la gestión sostenible de los recursos hídricos es una prioridad clave para satisfacer la creciente demanda de agua y lograr un suministro futuro seguro y ambientalmente sostenible. El objetivo principal de este artículo era mostrar una imagen de la producción científica internacional relacionada con la "Gestión sostenible de los recursos hídricos" mediante el uso del estudio bibliométrico comparativo de los documentos indexados en las bases de datos WoS (Web of Science) y Scopus como herramienta; y analizar aspectos relevantes como su cobertura, correlación, superposición, crecimiento, citación, dispersión o concentración, entre otros. Para este propósito, y mediante una búsqueda avanzada de términos, se seleccionó un conjunto representativo de 160 artículos en WoS y 210 en Scopus (con un límite de tiempo que limitó los resultados a cualquier cosa publicada antes de 2017, incluido 2017), que forman las bases ad-hoc del análisis. Su aumento significativo tanto en el número de artículos como en las citas recibidas en los últimos 10 años demuestra el creciente interés de la comunidad científica en su estudio. Con respecto al análisis de las bases de datos, aunque WoS y Scopus difieren en términos de alcance, volumen de datos y políticas de cobertura, ambos sistemas de información son complementarios y no exclusivos. A pesar de sus similitudes, Scopus realiza una mejor cobertura en el área específica de Gestión de Recursos de Agua Sostenible al recopilar una mayor cantidad de artículos y recibir una mayor cantidad de citas.While global water demand continues increasing, the quantity and quality of wáter resources is decreasing in many regions. Conflicts over competition in the use of water are likely to increase as societies face social, economic and political challenges, especially aggravated by climate change. In this scenario, sustainable management of water resources is a key priority to meet the growing demand for water and to achieve a safe and environmentally sustainable future supply. The main objective of this article was to show an image of the international scientific production related to “Sustainable Water Resources Management” by using the comparative bibliometric study of the documents indexed in the WoS(Web of Science) and Scopus databases as a tool; and to analyze relevant aspects such as their coverage, correlation, overlap, growth, citation, dispersión or concentration, among others. For this purpose, and by means of an advanced search of terms, a representative set of 160 articles in WoS and 210 in Scopus were selected (with a time limit that limited the results to anything published before 2017, including 2017), which form the ad-hoc basis of the analysis. Their significant increase in both the number of articles and citations received in the last 10 years demonstrates the growing interest of the scientific community in its study. Regarding the analysis of the databases, although WoS and Scopus differ in terms of scope, volume of data and coverage policies, both information systems are complementary and non-exclusive. Despite their similarities, Scopus performs better coverage in the specific area of SustainableWater Resource Management by collecting a greater number of articles and receiving a greater number of citations.peerReviewe

Sustainable practices in small and medium-sized enterprises in Ecuador

Las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYME), así como las grandes empresas, generan impactos económicos, sociales y ambientales en su medio ambiente. Sin embargo, en el caso de este tipo de empresas, la acumulación de estos impactos es muy significativa en el entorno inmediato donde ofrecen sus productos y servicios. Esta discusión es particularmente relevante en Ecuador, donde el 99% de todas las empresas son PYME. El objetivo de esta investigación es descubrir si las pequeñas y medianas empresas de este país están involucradas en la adopción de prácticas sostenibles, así como ver si existen diferencias significativas en la adopción en función del tamaño, el sector y la edad. La metodología utilizada es la realización de un análisis descriptivo y la regresión de los datos obtenidos a través de un cuestionario estructurado (indicadores del Instituto Ethos de Brasil). Anteriormente, la fiabilidad del cuestionario se validaba mediante un análisis factorial exploratorio. La población objetivo consiste en 9843 empresas, obteniendo un tamaño de muestra de 188 encuestas válidas, lo que implica una tasa de respuesta del 2%, lo que representa un error de muestreo de ±7.08%. Los resultados obtenidos nos permitieron realizar un diagnóstico de sostenibilidad de las PYME en Ecuador, identificando las fortalezas y debilidades. Los gerentes tienen una actitud positiva y favorable hacia la sostenibilidad. Las prácticas consideradas muestran un nivel de implementación medio-alto de 79.71% en sostenibilidad económica, 82.28% en sostenibilidad social y 78.14% en sostenibilidad ambiental en las empresas consideradas en la muestra. Aunque estos porcentajes son significativos, hay muchas posibilidades de mejora.Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as larger enterprises, generate economic, social, and environmental impacts on their environment. However, in the case of these types of enterprises, the accumulation of these impacts is very significant in the immediate surroundings where they offer their products and services. This discussion is particularly relevant in Ecuador, where 99% of all enterprises are SMEs. The objective of this research is to find out if small and medium-sized enterprises in this country are involved in the adoption of sustainable practices as well as see if there are significant differences in adoption based on size, sector, and age. The methodology used is the performance of a descriptive analysis and regression of the data obtained through a structured questionnaire (indicators of the Ethos Institute of Brazil). Previously, the reliability of the questionnaire was validated through an exploratory factor analysis. The target population consists of 9843 enterprises, obtaining a sample size of 188 valid surveys, which implies a response rate of 2%, representing a sampling error of ±7.08%. The results obtained enabled us to perform a sustainability diagnosis of SMEs in Ecuador, identifying the strengths and weaknesses. The managers have a positive and favourable attitude towards sustainability. The practices considered show a medium-high implementation level of 79.71% in economic sustainability, 82.28% in social sustainability, and 78.14% in environmental sustainability in the enterprises considered in the sample. Although these percentages are significant, there is plenty of scope for improvement.peerReviewe

«Q de calidad turística». Barreras a la implantación y certificación

The aim of this paper is to analyze the barriers that have found the tourism industry in the process of implementation and certification of a Quality Management System. The methodology consists on depth analysis of them (Factor and Cluster Analysis). The results show that the most important barriers that have faced the companies were mainly lack of time to devote to the tasks of quality, resistance to change and new responsibilities on the part of employees.El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las barreras que han encontrado las empresas del sector de alojamiento turístico en su proceso de implementación y certificación de un Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad. La metodología empleada consiste en un análisis en profundidad de las mismas (Análisis Factorial y Clúster). Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que las barreras más importantes a las que se han enfrentado las empresas fueron principalmente la falta de tiempo para dedicar a las tareas de calidad, la resistencia al cambio y a asumir nuevas responsabilidades por los empleados

An Empowerment Scale Analysis of Mexican MSMEs: Modeling with Covariance Structures

[Abstract] Trained human capital is a source of incalculable resources, with an impact on the results of companies. For this reason, companies must carefully consider three aspects: empowerment with the consideration of the cognitive state of their collaborators; training and compensation; and fluidity in information sharing. Although granting empowerment to collaborators has been shown to be beneficial for organizations, its adoption has not been popularized. Therefore, it remains a construct that needs to be studied and understood, considering that it is influenced by the organizational culture of companies. In this research, the main objective was to examine the factor structure of the empowerment scale from the perspective of the owner or manager of the micro, small and medium-sized companies of Guanajuato, Mexico; using the dimensions of psychological empowerment; fluidity in information sharing; as well as training and compensation. The methodology is based on the Mathematical Economy; application of mathematical methods to represent theories and analyze problems in economics. This investigation used an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the proposed measurement scale. The sample is made up of 222 valid questionnaires. The CFA provided evidence that the model that best fits the data is a second-order model made up of two dimensions: self-efficacy and influence on the company’s results, which carry the psychological empowerment construct. These results make clear that although information is necessary to train human capital, cognitive variables are more important in the empowerment of human capita

Desenvolvimento de competências transversais no Ensino Superior

A literatura internacional tem destacado a importância da criação de ambientes de aprendizagem estimulantes, onde se valoriza a atividade do aluno, a colaboração entre pares e a integração de campos de conhecimento diferenciados, de forma a estimular a ação em diferentes contextos e a reflexão sobre as consequências dessa ação. O trabalho que se apresenta descreve a conceção, implementação e análise de duas abordagens pedagógicas distintas, desenvolvidas no ensino superior. Uma centrada em Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), que se constitui como uma metodologia baseada na resolução de problemas e que se estrutura por fases que orientam o aluno através no seu processo de aprendizagem. O papel do professor é estimular a curiosidade dos alunos, guiando-os no sentido da construção de conhecimento relevante e significativo. A outra é baseada em gamificação, aplicada como uma estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem integrada. Esta inclui a definição de avaliação formativa, classificação de alunos e experiências de aprendizagem, que concilia trabalhos práticos tradicionais com jogos educativos.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dependency Relationships Between Critical Factors of Quality and Employee Satisfaction

The literature has paid very little attention to the effects of the critical factors of quality on employee satisfaction in the tourism context. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine these relationships among tourist accommodation enterprises considering the perception of quality managers. A theoretical model together with the hypotheses to be contrasted is proposed and it is validated by the technique of structural equation models. The target population of the study is made up of tourist accommodations certified with ‘Q for Quality’ in Spain. The structural equation model provides evidence that the critical factor antecedents of employee satisfaction are process management and quality policy and planning; the latter criterion has a greater influence. The study also found that leadership is an important factor for obtaining results from employees through the rest of the variables that make up the model and employee satisfaction promotes learning within the organisation