Performance measurement in small motels in Australia

This research explores the measurement of performance in small motels. There are many challenges facing business performance management in small firms. Most of these challenges are due to resource shortages, lack of functional expertise and environmental instability. Of major importance to firm survival is the small enterprise owner-manager’s ability to monitor the operations performance. Key components of the monitoring process include the ability to identify key performance indicators to track results as well as an understanding of the most suitable measures to use. Specifically, the study focuses on identifying the key constructs of performance for small firms which include the key components of drivers and results. The specific monitoring and measurement activities of small motel owner-operators were identified using a case research approach. The findings of the study indicate that those owner-managers who operate successful motels employ a balanced approach to performance measurement by utilising a small number of key measures to monitor results and to review management activities

Yield Measures for Special-Interest Australian Inbound Tourism Markets

Different tourism stakeholders mean different things by ‘yield’ and this presents a barrier to communication and policy discussion. Primarily, this paper provides an overview of different concepts of yield. It also operationalizes several of these measures using inbound tourism expenditure data for Australia so that the origin markets and market segments identified as generating high yields under the various measures can be compared. The paper further identifies the manner in which the concept of yield can be broadened to embrace sustainable yield by incorporating measures of environmental and social impact. It concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of the study

Sport Tourism in Australia

Although Australia does not have a published Sport Tourism strategy, sport tourism in Australia is flourishing. Sport plays a vitally important role in Australian culture, which helps explain the high per capital investment that is put into sporting facilities and sport training in Australia. Now that the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games are but a memory, it will be interesting to observe whether government expenditure on sport training remains at the same level. In relation to tourism, there is now a widespread recognition amongst Australians of its importance for the nation’s economy. The connection between sport and tourism has been highlighted by the prominence given to special events, many of which relate to sporting activities

The performance of accommodation cooperatives in Australia

The aim of this study was to determine whether the Australian accommodation cooperatives have been successful in meeting the objectives of their constituent members. A questionnaire was sent out to a sample of accommodation cooperative members, and the results obtained were supplemented by information received via interviews with a number of experienced individuals closely associated with the accommodation industry. The results of the study indicated that the Australian accommodation cooperatives had not been highly successful in meeting the objectives of their members. The study also showed wide support for accommodation cooperatives in principle, but substantial disenchantment with the manner in which most of the groups had performed in practice

A framework for work-life balance practices: Addressing the needs of the tourism industry

This paper examines the key issues associated with work-life balance (WLB) with a particular focus on practices within the tourism industry. It provides an overview of the general literature and then the research that relates specifically to WLB in the tourism industry. It builds on previous research in this area to present an adapted framework for addressing the key variables of WLB that can be tested in subsequent research. © 2009 Palgrave Macmillan

The role of human resource practices in achieving quality enhancement and cost reduction: an investigation of volunteer use in tourism organizations

Explores the role of human resource management (HRM) - namely the impact of paid staff versus volunteers - in facilitating cost reduction and quality enhancement strategies within tourism organizations in Australia. Acknowledges the increasing role of volunteers within the Australian tourism sector, and discusses general issues relating to the economic value and service quality generated by paid staff versus volunteers. Describes the study methodology; bases findings on the analysis of data derived from surveys of paid staff, volunteers and customers at two visitor information centres in Australia. Determines that, despite the expense of recruitment, training and rewarding, the use of volunteers generates significant cost reductions. Provides both qualitative and quantitative evidence that the use of volunteers (given proper training and support) does not compromise service quality. Discusses the HRM practices employed by the visitor information centres, namely training, recruitment and teambuilding initiatives. Concludes, overall, that the use of volunteers provides organizations with opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality