Key Components of Tourism Revenue in Appalachian Kentucky

This paper examines variables that contribute to tourism revenues as reported by the state of Kentucky for a sample of 54 counties in Appalachian Kentucky. The study utilized five components of tourism, online promotional information, and reported tourism revenues to identify what variables contribute to regional tourism revenues. Regression analysis using factor scores found two factors influenced employment and one factor influenced direct tourism revenue

Business Students’ Perceptions of Expected Skills and Traits for Their Professional Success

Growing business literature reveals concerns about the quality and level of preparedness of business graduates entering the labor market. This study focused on the competencies, skills, and traits business students perceived as important for being a successful employee. Two hundred and sixty nine studentparticipants from four business disciplines at a regional state university in Eastern Kentucky were randomly recruited to complete a 60-item survey. Participants rated the importance of traits and qualities as well as academic knowledge/subjects. The results indicated that participants categorized various traits and qualities of successful business professionals, suggested by experts and scholars (Beggs, 2012; Kavanagh, & Drennan, 2008; Kesner, 2008; Hall et al, 1995) into eight constructs. Students rated personal principles such as work ethic, teamwork, and learning/coach-ability highly, but they failed to recognizethe importance of having internship experience and developing strong writing skills. Students also tended to highlight the importance of the academic subjects “business ethics” and “marketing & entrepreneurship.” This finding seemed to be synchronized with findings of past studies (Wardrope, 2002). In conclusion, this study addresses ways to utilize these findings to revise business curriculum and improve the skills and knowledge of students