Abstract: This research aims to study tourism data and behavior
of foreign tourists visited Wat Phrachetuponwimolmangkalaram (Wat
Po) Sample groups are tourists who visited inside the temple, during
February, March, April and May 2013. Tools used in the research are
questionnaires constructed by the researcher, and samples are dawn
by Convenience sampling. There are 207 foreign tourists who are
willing to be respondents. Statistics used are percentage, average
mean and standard deviation.
The results of the research reveal that:
A. General Data of Respondents
The foreign tourists who visited the temple are mostly female
(57.5 %), most respondents are aged between 20-29 years (37.2%).
Most respondents live in Europe (62.3%), most of them got the
Bachelor’s degree (40.1%), British are mostly found (16.4%),
respondents who are students are also found (23.2%), and Christian
are mostly found (60.9%).
B. Tourists’ Behavior While Visiting the Temple Compound.
The result shows that the respondents came with family (46.4%),
have never visited the temples (40.6%), and visited once (42 %). It is
found that the foreign tourists’ inappropriate behavior are wearing
revealing attires (58.9%), touching or getting closed to the monks
(55.1%), and speaking loudly (46.9%) respectively.
The respondents’ outstanding objectives are to visit inside the
temple (57.5%), to pay respect to the Reclining Buddha Image in the
Viharn (44.4%) and to worship the Buddha image in the Phra Ubosod
(37.7%) respectively.
C. The Respondents’ Self-evaluation of Performance
It is found that over all tourists evaluated themselves in the highest
level averaged 4.40. When focusing on each item, it is shown that
they evaluated themselves in the highest level on obeying the temple
staff averaged 4.57, and cleanness concern of the temple averaged
4.52, well-behaved performance during the temple visit averaged
4.47 respectively.
Abstract: This study has only one objective which is to identify the different in factors of choosing the distributor for food and non-food OTOP entrepreneur in Thailand. In this research, the types of OTOP product will be divided into two groups which are food and non-food. The sample for the food type OTOP product was the processed fruit and vegetable from Nakorn Pathom province and the sample for the non-food type OTOP product was the court doll from Ang Thong province. The research was divided into 3 parts which were a study of the distribution pattern and how to choose the distributor of the food type OTOP product, a study of the distribution pattern and how to choose the distributor of the non-food type OTOP product and a comparison between 2 types of products to find the differentiation in the factor of choosing distributor. The data and information was collected by using the interview. The populations in the research were 5 producers of the processed fruit and vegetable from Nakorn Pathom province and 5 producers of the court doll from Ang Thong province. The significant factor in choosing the distributor of the food type OTOP product is the material handling efficiency and on-time delivery but for the non-food type OTOP product is focused on the channel of distribution and cost of the distributor.
Abstract: Mostly of public financing programs at national and regional level are funded from European Union sources. EU can participate directly to a national and regional program (example LEADER initiative, URBAN…) or indirectly by funding regional or national funds.Funds from European Union are provided from EU multiannual financial framework form which the annual budget is programmed. The adjusted program 2007-2013 of the EU considered commitments of almost 1 trillion Euros for the EU-28 countries. Provisions of the new program 2014-2020 consider commitments of more than 1 trillion Euros. Sustainable growth, divided to Cohesion and Competitiveness for Growth an Employment, is one of the two principal categories; the other is the preservation and management of natural resources.Through this financing process SMEs benefited of EU and public sources by receiving grants for their investments. Most of the financial instruments are available indirectly through the national financial intermediaries. Part of them is managed by the European Investment Fund.The paper focuses on the public financing to SMEs by examining case studies on divers forms of public help. It tries to distinguish the efficiency of the examined good practices and therefore try to have some conclusions on the possibility of application to other regions.
Abstract: Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) allows modeling of dynamic interaction between incongruous providers, which enables governing the development of complex applications. However, implementation of SOA comes with some challenges, including its adaptability and robustness. Dynamism is inherent to the nature of service based applications and of their running environment. These factors lead to necessity for dynamic adaptation. In this paper we try to describe basics and main structure of SOA adaptation process with a conceptual view to this issue. In this survey we will review the relevant adaptation approaches. This paper allows studying how different approaches deal with service oriented architecture adaptation life-cycle and provides basic guidelines for their analysis, evaluation and comparison.
Abstract: Decision making is a vital part of the business world
and any other field of human endeavor. Which way a business
organization will take, and where that way will lead it, depends on
broad range of decisions made by managers in the managerial
structure. Strategic decisions are of the greatest importance for
organizational success. Although much empirical research has been
done trying to describe and explain its nature and effectiveness,
knowledge about strategic decision making is still incomplete. This
paper explores the nature of strategic decision making in particular
setting - in Croatian companies. The main focus of this research is on
the style that decision makers on strategic management level are
following when making decisions of life importance for their
companies. Two main decision making style that explain the way
decision maker collects and processes available information and
performs all the activities in strategic decision making process were
empirical tested: rational and intuitive one. Besides analyzing their
existence on strategic management level in Croatian companies, their
effectiveness is analyzed as well. Results showed that decision
makers at strategic management level are following both styles
somewhat equally in order to function effectively, and that intuitive
style is more effective when considering decisions outcomes.
Abstract: Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been identified as an
important factor for corporate success. However, there are few
empirical findings on the impact of Strategic EI per se. The ooverall
objective of the study was to empirically examine the relationship
between the Strategic EI and Transformational Leadership style of
managers. Sixty four managers were selected from the banking
industry in Czech Republic. Genos EI Inventory, and the Multifactor
Leadership Questionnaire – Form 5X-Short were employed as the
major research instruments of the study. Descriptive and inferential
analyses of survey data were conducted using SPSS software.
Variations were observed among the components of Strategic EI
between males, and females. Study concludes positive a relationship
between Strategic EI of Czech managers and their transformational
leadership style. Improving awareness and usage of EI, will
contribute to facilitate career success through enhanced levels of
transformational leadership of managers.
Abstract: This research aimed to produce offset printing inks from Samut Songkram’s coconut oil and to test properties of the printing inks comparing with commercial offset printing inks. One of the ingredients in the process of mixing varnish is coconut oil – used to produce black offset printing inks which were the subject of testing issues in order to compare with commercial offset printing inks. Based on the results of research, the best formula for mixing varnish was 50% of coconut oil, 36% of phenolic resin, and 14% of solvent oil. At the same time, the best formula in producing black offset inks was mixing varnish with 20% of coconut oil 20%. Consequently, the result of testing of properties of coconut oil based solvent offset printing inks regarding viscosity, tack and ink flow, showed that offset printing inks with oil based solvent had the properties less than commercial offset printing ink. Additionally, the result of testing also indicate that the rate of properties in aspects of ink spread and setting time of coconut oil based solvent offset printing were higher than that of commercial offset printing inks.
Abstract: Climate change and poverty are global issues which cannot be waved aside in welfare of the ever increasing population. The causes / consequences are far more elaborate in developing countries, including Nigeria, which poses threats to the existence of man and his environment. The dominant role of agriculture makes it obvious that even minor climate deteriorations can cause devastating socio-economic consequences. Policies to curb the climate change by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels like oil, gas or carbon compounds have significant economical impacts on the producers/suppliers of these fuels. Thus a unified political narrative that advances both agendas is needed, because their components of an environmental coin that needs to be addressed. The developed world should maintain a low-carbon growth & real commitment of 0.7% of gross national income, as aid to developing countries & renewable energy approach should be emphasized, hence global poverty combated.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify the main
challenges faced by companies in the timber construction sector and
to provide improvement opportunities that can be implemented on a
short-, medium- and long-term basis. To identify the challenges and
propose actions for each company a literature review and a multiple
case research were conducted using the Quick Scan Audit
Methodology. Finally, the findings and outcomes are compared with
each other to support companies in the timer construction sector
when implementing and restructuring their day-to-day activities.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to create a proposal for determining the costs of logistics processes by using process-oriented calculation methods. The traditional approach is that logistics costs are part of manufacturing overhead which is usually calculated as a percentage surcharge. Therefore in the traditional approach it is not obvious where and in which activities costs were incurred. So it is impossible to trace logistics costs to products. Our point of view is trying to fix or at least improve this issue. Another benefit of applying the process approach is identification of logistics processes which are otherwise part of manufacturing overhead. In the first part this paper describes the development of process-oriented methods over time. The next part shows the possibility of implementing the process-oriented method called Prozesskostenrechnung to logistics processes. The conclusion summarizes advantages and disadvantages of using this method in logistics.
Abstract: This article deals with the perceived quality of regional products in the Moravian-Silesian region in the Czech Republic. Research was focused on finding out what do consumers perceive as a quality product and what characteristics make a quality product. The data were obtained by questionnaire survey andanalysed by IBM SPSS. From the thousands of respondents the representative sample of 719 for MS region was created based on demographic factors of gender, age, education and income. The research analysis disclosed that consumers in MS region are still price oriented and that the preference of quality over price does not depend on regional brand knowledge.
Abstract: The paper deals with the importance of information flow for providing of defined level of customer service in the firms. Setting of the criteria for the selection and implementation of logistics information system is a prerequisite for ensuring of the flow of information in firms. The decision on the selection and implementation of logistics information system is linked to the investment costs and operating costs, which are included in the total logistics costs. The article also deals with the conclusions of the research focused on the logistics information system selection in companies in the Czech Republic.
Abstract: The Analytic Hierarchy Process is frequently used
approach for solving decision making problems. There exists wide
range of software programs utilizing that approach. Their main
disadvantage is that they are relatively expensive and missing
intermediate calculations. This work introduces a Microsoft Excel
add-in called DAME – Decision Analysis Module for Excel.
Comparing to other computer programs DAME is free, can work
with scenarios or multiple decision makers and displays intermediate
calculations. Users can structure their decision models into three
levels – scenarios/users, criteria and variants. Items on all levels can
be evaluated either by weights or pair-wise comparisons. There are
provided three different methods for the evaluation of the weights of
criteria, the variants as well as the scenarios – Saaty’s Method,
Geometric Mean Method and Fuller’s Triangle Method.
Multiplicative and additive syntheses are supported. The proposed
software package is demonstrated on couple of illustrating examples
of real life decision problems.
Abstract: The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Czech Republic has evolved notably during the last few years and an issue that started as an interest- and motive-based activity for businesses is becoming more commonplace. Governments have a role to play in ensuring that corporations behave according to the rules and norms of society and can legislate, foster, collaborate with businesses and endorse good practice in order to facilitate the development of CSR. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities and options of CSR in government policy and research its relevance to a business sector. An increasing number of companies is engaging in responsible activities, the public awareness of CSR is rising, and customers are giving higher importance to CSR of companies in their choice. By drawing on existing CSR approach in Czech and understanding of CSR are demonstrated. The paper provides an overview, more detailed government approach of CSR.
Abstract: As Malaysia aims to be a developed country by year 2020; the construction industry has since been identified as a major catalyst for the country to attain the status. It is one of the sectors that contribute to most environmental pollutions. It is, therefore, important for the industry to implement sustainable construction practices to reduce the negative impacts that it has on the environment. However, most Malaysian developers have placed much focus on market demand and economic factors; neglecting the need for attention on environmental issues. The practice of sustainable construction is deemed to be an obstacle to achieve short-term economic goals due to the higher cost incurred in the operations. Hence, choices need to be made and a balance needs to be struck in weighing the long-term environmental benefits against immediate economic factors. This paper discusses the challenges faced by Malaysian developers in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry and the cause of these challenges. It also looks into the achievements and breakthroughs that developers in Malaysia have achieved so far. The paper aims explores the long-term benefits of sustainable practices that would potentially raise awareness on the feasibility and economic potential of sustainable construction.
Abstract: The study examines the influence of marital status on
consumers of products and services using blogs as a source of
information. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect the
primary data from the respondents (experiences). Data were collected
from one hundred and eighty seven respondents residing in and
around the Emirates of Sharjah and Dubai of the United Arab
Emirates. The collected data was analyzed with the help of statistical
tools such as averages, percentages, factor analysis, Student’s t-test
and Structural Equation Modelling Technique.
Objectives of the study are to know the reasons how married and
unmarried or single consumers of products and services are
motivated to use blogs as a source of information, to know whether
the consumers of products and services irrespective of their marital
status share their views and experiences with other bloggers and to
know the respondents’ future intentions towards blogging.
The study revealed the following: Majority of the respondents
have the motivation to blog because they are willing to receive
comments on what they post about services, convenience of blogs to
search for information about services and products, by blogging
respondents share information on the symptoms of a disease/ disorder
that may be experienced by someone, helps to share information
about ready to cook mix products and are keen to spend more time
blogging in the future.
Abstract: Paper deals with analysis of strategic management
methods in non-profit making organization in the Czech Republic.
Strategic management represents an aggregate of methods and
approaches that can be applied for managing organizations - in this
article the organizations which associate owners and keepers of nonstate
forest properties. Authors use these methods of strategic
management: analysis of stakeholders, SWOT analysis and
questionnaire inquiries. The questionnaire was distributed
electronically via e-mail. In October 2013 we obtained data from a
total of 84 questionnaires. Based on the results the authors
recommend the using of confrontation strategy which improves the
competitiveness of non-profit making organizations.
Abstract: This paper analyzes innovation trends in South Korea
by means of the number of patent applications filed by residents and
nonresidents during the period 1965 to 2012. Making use of patent
data released by the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO), we search for the presence of multiple structural changes in
patent application series in this country. These changes may suggest
that firms’ innovative activity has been modified as a result of
implementing some science, technology and innovation (STI)
policies. Accordingly, the new regulations implemented in this
country in the last decades have influenced its innovative activity.
The question conducting this research is thus how STI policies in
South Korea have influenced its innovation activity. The results
confirm the existence of multiple structural changes in the series of
patent applications resulting from alternative STI policies
implemented during these years.
Abstract: This study aims to examine the role of career
advancement and job security as predictors of employee commitment
to their organization. Data was collected from 580 frontline
employees attached to two departments of 29 luxury hotels in
Peninsular Malaysia. Statistical results using Partial Least Squares
technique provided support for the proposed hypotheses. In view of
the findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Abstract: From an organizational perspective, leaders are a
variation of the same talent pool in that they all score a larger than
average value on the bell curve that maps leadership behaviors and
characteristics, namely competence, vision, communication,
confidence, cultural sensibility, stewardship, empowerment,
authenticity, reinforcement, and creativity. The question that remains
unanswered and essentially unresolved is how to explain the irony
that leaders are so much alike yet their organizations diverge so
noticeably in their ability to innovate. Leadership intersects with
innovation at the point where human interactions get exceedingly
complex and where certain paradoxical forces cohabit: conflict with
conciliation, sovereignty with interdependence, and imagination with
realism. Rather than accepting that leadership is without context, we
argue that leaders are specialists of their domain and that those
effective at leading for innovation are distinct within the broader pool
of leaders. Keeping in view the extensive literature on leadership and
innovation, we carried out a quantitative study with data collected
over a five-year period involving 240 participants from across five
dissimilar companies based in the United States. We found that while
innovation and leadership are, in general, strongly interrelated (r =
.89, p = 0.0), there are five qualities that set leaders apart on
innovation. These qualities include a large radius of trust, a restless
curiosity with a low need for acceptance, an honest sense of self and
other, a sense for knowledge and creativity as the yin and yang of
innovation, and an ability to use multiple senses in the engagement
with followers. When these particular behaviors and characteristics
are present in leaders, organizations out-innovate their rivals by a
margin of 29.3 per cent to gain an unassailable edge in a business
environment that is regularly disruptive. A strategic outcome of this
study is a psychometric scale named iLeadership, proposed with the
underlying evidence, limitations, and potential for leadership and
innovation in organizations.c