Major events programming in a city: Comparing three approaches to portfolio design.

Event portfolio design is increasingly important from both academic and industry perspectives. The purpose of this article is to discuss and conceptualize the strategic process of event portfolio planning and development in different urban contexts in New Zealand. A qualitative multiple case study was conducted in three cities: Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. Primary data were collected by interviewing city event planners from city councils and relevant council controlled organizations. Secondary data were obtained by the analysis of the relevant documents, including city event policies and strategies, annual reports, statements, and activity plans. Thematic analysis revealed the existence of distinctive portfolio approaches in the studied cases, which can be compared and differentiated by applying the following parameters: Formality, Intentionality, Directionality, and Rhythmicity. Together, these parameters represent a "built-in equalizer" that can be used to balance the opposing values of diverse approaches and adjust them within current city objectives. The article provides a rich and broad context, which enables an understanding of the strategic nature of event portfolios and their implementation within a wider city development agenda.N/

Assessing the allelopathy of invasive Robina pseudoacacia in northern Michigan forests

Forest EcosystemsThe rapid spread of invasive species, facilitated by increasing globalization, can have negative impacts on native ecosystems. Our study focuses on Robinia pseudoacacia, an invasive tree species native to the southern Appalachian and Ozark mountains that has spread to multiple continents (Li et al. 2014). Previous studies have suggested that one adaptation that makes R. pseudoacacia successful is the secretion of allelopathic chemicals, which can affect surrounding vegetation (Nasir et al., 2005; Callaway et al., 2011; Dreiss and Volin., 2011; Benesperi et al.,2012; Cierjacks et al., 2013; Medina-Villar et al., 2017). We looked at the effect of age and size of R. pseudoacacia on concentration of allelopathic chemicals, as well as how these chemicals might affect surrounding species composition, diversity, and richness. We hypothesize the following: 1. Robinia pseudoacacia significantly affects species composition, diversity and richness of surrounding vegetation. 2. The concentration of allelopathic compounds within Robinia pseudoacacia is correlated with the age of the tree. 3. The concentration of allelopathic compounds within Robinia pseudoacacia is correlated with the size of the tree. We compared species composition surrounding 20 R. pseudoacacia against 12 control species, Quercus rubra and Acer saccharum. We also tested tree cores to see if age and size of R. pseudoacacia affect the concentration of allelopathic chemicals. We found no significant difference in species composition, diversity, and richness. However, we did find that age and size were significantly positively correlated with allelopathic concentration. The allelopathic effects of R. pseudoacacia on surrounding vegetation may vary depending on ecosystem type, stand density, and other variables. R. pseudoacacia in different life stages may have varying priorities for energy investment, explaining the effect of age and size on concentration of allelopathic compounds.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143548/1/Carter_Ladd_Lough_Pamenan_Pernecky_2017.PD

Understanding the core elements of event portfolio strategy: lessons from Auckland and Dunedin

An event portfolio is a vital part of economic and socio-cultural processes designed around the use of public events in cities and destinations around the world. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a new research framework for comparative studies of diverse event portfolio strategies. The discussion in this paper is based on a review of the literature and content analysis of event strategies from two New Zealand cities: Auckland and Dunedin. The paper suggests an empirically tested framework for exploring event portfolios. It entails such dimensions as the event portfolio strategy, event portfolio focus, portfolio objectives and evaluation tools and event portfolio configuration. This exploratory research provides a comparative analysis of diverse portfolio contexts and offers insights on developing sustainable event strategies while considering diverse local contexts. Core conditions and processes shaping event portfolio design and management are evaluated and strategic factors articulated.n/

The Impossibility of Involuntary Unemployment in New Keynesian Efficiency Wage Models

New Keynesian efficiency wage theories seek to model involuntary unemployment based on Neoclassical (and New Classical) microfoundationg. As a consequence, they remain open to valid criticisms from New Classical economists, who object to the very notion of involuntary unemployment. The use of the Neoclassical production function is especially problematic in depicting involuntary unemployment. Methodological insights into the strategies that have been pursued to model involuntary unemployment clarify the debate between New Keynesians and New Classical. They also point to the superiority of Keynes' method and theoretical strategy for explaining involuntary unemployment.Involuntary Unemployment; Unemployment; Wage

Critical review of strategic planning research in hospitality and tourism

Strategic planning remains one of the most popular management tools, but theoretical and empirical developments in the academic literature have been a slow burn. This paper addresses this gap and provides an up-to-date review of hospitality and tourism strategic planning research. We review strategic planning research from 1995 to 2013 in seven leading tourism academic journals, and adopt a modern and broad conceptualization of strategic planning. While there is some awareness of effective tourism strategic planning processes, academic research has not kept pace with practice. To stimulate a resurgence of research interest, we provide future research directions. We observe a methodological introspection and present some new research methodologies, which are critically important in researching the turbulent, chaotic and nonlinear tourism environment

Local festivals, social capital and sustainable destination development: experiences in East London

This paper explores the nature of social capital arising from engagement in local festivals and the implications of this for the social sustainability of an emerging destination. Two case studies are developed from a longitudinal research project which investigates local festivals staged in the Hackney Wick and Fish Island area adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London, UK between 2008 and 2014. This area has been directly affected by extensive development and regeneration efforts associated with the staging of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The two festivals considered here respond to the challenges and opportunities arising for local people as the area changes. One festival aims to foster a sense of community by creating shared experiences and improving communication across diverse groups. The other draws together the cultural community, links them to the opportunities arising as the area emerges as a destination, and attracts visitors. These festivals increase social capital in the area, but its distribution is very uneven. The accrual of social capital exacerbates existing inequalities within the host community, favouring the “haves” at the expense of the “have nots”. There are tensions between the development of social capital and social sustainability in this emerging destination