Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Gold & Blue, Fall 2022, St. Mary's University- San Antonio, Texas

Gold & Blue

This is the Fall 2022 edition of Gold & Blue which is St. Mary's University's official school publication.

Analysis Of Green Marketing Orientations Of Green Hotels During Covid-19 With Fuzzy, Ceylan Bozpolat, Burcu Simsek Yagli

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This study aims to examine the role of natural environmental orientation, environmental pressures of stakeholders and brand orientation in green marketing orientations of green hotel businesses in the Cappadocia region during the COVID-19 process. For this purpose, a total of six experts, three of which are green hotel managers and three academicians, were interviewed and the collected data were analysed through the fuzzy method, one of the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. Due to the limited number of studies in this context in the literature, the current study contributes to the literature. The causal relationships between many factors are analysed …

The Effect Of Organizational Change On Organizational Commitment, Ali Sukru Cetinkaya, Shafiq Habibi

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Change is an ongoing process of renewing the structures, directions, and capabilities of the organizations to adapt to the variable needs of customers, employees, and the marketplace. Thus, organization needs to change in order to stay in the market. Change process will be smoothed by employee’s commitment. There is a strong need to examine the effects of organizational change on organizational commitment. In this quantitative research, survey technique was used as a data collection tool. It employs the scale developed by Meyer and Allen (2004) for organizational commitment. Items used for organizational change have been adapted from scales created by …

Tourism-Oncology: More Than A Treatment, Ozge Buyuk, Gulsah Akkus

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Medical tourism is a growing global niche market all over the world. In this study, which intends to assess the status of "tourism-oncology," texts obtained longitudinally from digital and social media were analyzed for content. Tourism-oncology has evolved as an economic activity within the context of medical tourism in Turkey. The research revealed that (i) oncology was among the top five, (ii) lung cancer was the cancer type that results in the most travel, (iii) the user profiles shared on social media were mostly those of travel agencies and health-consulting businesses, (iv) Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, and Mugla were the …

Examining Social Media Views On Post-Pandemic Tourism Rebuilding: The Case Of Twitter, Muharrem Tuna, Nilgun Demirel Ili, Onur Celen

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The world is trying to keep up with the COVID-19 pandemic's new normal conditions. The ongoing pandemic has adversely affected global tourism sectors and their activities like all sectors. Institutions and organizations in various countries, especially UNWTO, are taking initiatives to ensure the recovery of the tourism sector, which has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the case study design, one of the qualitative analysis methods, was used to examine the views on social media activity (motivation) that occurred for the resumption of tourism. In the study, the effects of the pandemic on tourism were determined and a …

Scope Of Rural Tourism Inroads Through Nonvegetarian Gastronomic Tradition In Western Himalayas: The Hindu’S Bakrid, Rohit Chauhan

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This study explores the potential of rural gastronomic capital as tourism product in Shimla district of Western Indian Himalayas keeping in view the sustainable community-based approach. Bottom-up community driven approach is essential for sustainable tourism development and the state under study accounts for 89% of rural population. Gastronomic tradition is one such approach involving a large number of populations bringing them direct benefits. In this study a mixed research design was adopted for first identifying themes and lately looking for scope in a broader area. For getting initial idea 16 interviews were conducted. Upon analyzing the responses from this pilot …

The Influence Of Demographic Characteristics On Satisfaction With Adventure Tourism Experience, Tahir Albayrak

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Although the researchers extensively investigate white-water rafting as an adventure tourism type, little is known about the influence of participants’ demographic characteristics on the formation of rafting satisfaction. This study examines the influences of gender, marital status, age, and previous experience on overall satisfaction with the rafting experience by using data obtained from 319 German tourists, who participated in white-water rafting on holiday. Research results revealed that the respondents’ ages and previous experiences significantly contribute to their overall satisfactions with rafting experience. The findings of this study give comprehensive insights to scholars and practitioners targeting to identify white-water rafting participants’ …

The Role Of Green Brand Equity On Luxury Hotel Performance: The Mediating Role Of Green Image And Green Awareness, Iveren C. Bulya, Francis K. Eziokwu, Glory Aberekor

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This study seeks to validate previous reports by demonstrating a connection between broad consumer views of green brand equity and environmental awareness and positive green brand image perceptions of luxury tourism. The purpose of this study is to clarify the mediating role of green image and green awareness in the relationship between green brand equity and luxury hotel performance. The result of this article is to verify the positive relationships between green brand equity and its two drivers – green brand image, green awareness which help to achieve hotel performance for luxury brands.

The Importance Of Crisis Management In Tourism, Dora S. Jurdana, Romina Agbaba

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The tourism industry has been exposed to different crisis situations, which reveal tourism's vulnerability and jeopardise its development through the damage they inflict as well as through their unpredictability. Tourism has proven to be resilient in rebounding in the aftermath of crises. In a globalized world which is constantly changing and in which crises affect people’s lives, managing them is an integral part of effective destination management. The main goal is to research the readiness of the tourism system for crises and to underline the importance of crisis management in order to strengthen the resilience of tourism to the effects …

Characteristic Of Turkey Registered Geographical Indications (Gi) Of Food And Agricultural Products In Regions, Nihan Akdemir, Aykut Simsek

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Geographically Indications (GI) is as a niche market for countries, creates value-added and has a strong link with origin and cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to examine registered GI products that can be considered as gastronomically in Turkey in terms of regions and product groups determined by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. For this purpose, the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office Geographical Indications Portal (www.ci.turkpatent.gov.tr) was examined in depth, based on the descriptive scanning model. As a result of the examinations, it has been seen that Turkey has 825 registered GI of food and agricultural. It …

Marketing For Creative Literary Tourism: Cases And Opportunities, Ana M. Matias, Luis Cardoso, Maria L. Pato

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

In the context of Territorial Marketing, it is intended to present a prospective work on the management of destinations based on cultural heritage. We therefore seek to demonstrate the importance of literary heritage and the effective possibility of its touristic use in Portugal, in the context of cultural and creative tourism, leveraged by Cultural Marketing strategies for low-density regions. In what concerns methodology, the paper is based on an extensive literature analysis and case studies, also taking into account available secondary data concerning relevant policies and suggests new possibilities for diversifying tourism offer at literary sites, leveraging the sociohistorical background, …

Mechanism And Empirical Analysis Of The Optimization And Upgrading Of The Tourism Industry Structure—Takes Western Jilin As An Example, Xu Bo, Alaa N. Abukhalifeh, Yichao Wu, Qiong Zhao, Xinbo Zhou, Biao Gao

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This paper analyzes the role of the structure of tourism has been improved and upgraded on the industrial development. The research, especially the relevant data analysis of Western Jilin, provides good data support for this research. Secondly, this article starts from the seven elements of the tourism industry structure, analyzes the accommodation, catering and transportation aspects, and proposes different measures according to the different situation of each city. Finally, from the perspective of the internal development of the tourism industry structure, this paper makes relevant suggestions on the tourism industry structure in Western Jilin. Improve the tourism service facilities, establish …

Positive Influences Of Covid-19 On Local Touristic Sites: The Role Of Country Image In Stimulating Tourism In Jordan And India, Nadine Khair, Vimal C. Verma, Sara El-Deeb

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Tourism took one of the hardest hits during COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Jordan and India, as they are tourism-dependent countries. Despite the restrictions that followed the pandemic, this study identifies the positive influence that this may have caused in enhancing local tourism. The study employed qualitative research methodology in which a sample of 30 interviews were conducted using convenience sampling technique in India and Jordan. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis. Results suggest that countries that have positive country image during the pandemic, may motivate civilians participate in domestic tourism resulting in improving local economy. The issue addressed is …

Effect Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Career Planning: A Study On University Students In Tourism Department, Mehmet Polat

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected many sectors, including the tourism sector. In this process, many tourism sector employees lost their jobs. Employees who lost their jobs did not return by turning to different sectors. This situation has revealed the lack of qualified personnel in the tourism sector. This study focuses on universities that provide qualified personnel to the tourism sector. The aim is to explore how the career plans of students who receive tourism education are affected after the COVID-19 outbreak. The research was carried out through an online survey in December 2021. The results of the study show …

The Role Of Women In Migration And Urbanization-Culinary Culture Interaction, Gozde Yilmaz, Selda Uca, Emrah Ozkul

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The kitchen is one of the most important components reflecting the culture of a society. Individuals and communities have first fronted to getting know culinary cultures in order to adapt to new places of life due to migration. Women have been seen as an important factor in ensuring the interaction and continuity of culinary cultures. In this study, how can women have a role on culinary culture in the interaction of migration and urbanization- culinary culture based on the question of migration and culture in this context, it is aimed to evaluate the research conducted on culinary culture and women …

The Tendency Of The Z Generation To Recreational Activities And Their Leisure Time Attitudes, Aylin Nalcaci Ikiz, Ismail Ozturk

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The aim of this study is to determine the tendency of the Z generation to recreational activities and the frequency of participation and to determine their attitude towards leisure time. The participants of the research are students studying at Kırıkkale University in the 2021-2022 academic year. The questionnaire form prepared in accordance with the purpose of the study was applied to university students face to face. Frequency values, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T test were used in the analysis of the data obtained with the questionnaire forms. While the most preferred recreational activities by the participants in the …

An Evaluation Of The Attitudes Towards Sustainable Tourism Development: The Case Of Urgup, Duygu Bora, Mehmet Bahar

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The limited number of resources that humanity has creates the responsibility of protecting those resources and transferring them to future generations. It is vital that the natural, cultural and historical assets that form the basis of the tourism sector can be sustained without being consumed by excessive use. Research is aimed to investigate the attitudes of the local people, one of the key stakeholders of tourism, towards sustainable tourism development. Research population consists of local people living in Ürgüp destination, which hosts thousands of national and international tourists every year. According to the data obtained from the study, it has …

A Study To Determine Gokceada's Adventure Tourism Potential, Berrin Yilmaz, Haci M. Yildirim

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Adventure tourism is one of the special interest tourism types that have developed with the changes in people's wishes and tourism understanding. In adventure tourism, people get away from routine and visit destinations where they can perform different activities, such as adventure, risk, adrenaline, and courage. Adventure tourism activities are defined as soft and hard according to the level of risk they contain, and as air, land, water, and mixed-based activities according to the place where they organized. Gökçeada, which is the largest island of Turkey and known as a cittaslow, has a wide adventure tourism potential with its winds, …

Local Food In The Menus: The Case Of Denizli, Sule Demirbas, Serkan Bertan

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Local cuisine is an important element in the destination selection of tourists. In this study, the place of local dishes in the menus of restaurant businesses was examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with hotel and restaurant business managers and chefs in Denizli. As a result of this study, it is seen that businesses partially include local dishes in their menus, and businesses take into account profitability, price, value and customers' taste while determining their menus. It has been determined that customers prefer familiar dishes more, they tend to other dishes instead of local dishes due to the fast à la …

A Study On Tourist Guides’ Use Of Social Media Platforms, Ozge Gudu Demirbulat

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

In this research, which was carried out to determine how and for what purposes tourist guides use social media platforms; the Facebook and Instagram accounts of 42 active tourist guides registered with the Trabzon Regional Chamber of Tourist Guides, which was established in accordance with the Profession Law of Tourist Guide numbered 6326, were examined. In the research, it was determined what kind of posts the tourist guides make on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, to what extent they use the relevant platforms as a personal promotional element, and to promote the relevant platforms in the tourism sector. In order …

The Effects Of Pull And Push Motivation Factors On The Tourists’S Behavioral Intention: The Case Of Mugla, Ozgur Davras, Elvan Tatik

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of tourist push and pull motivation factors on their behavioral intentions. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on 405 national and international tourists who came to Muğla in the 2021 summer season. Explanatory factor analysis results determined that the push motivation factors were adventure and knowledge acquisition, relaxation, friendship and escape” pull motivation factors were natural, historical and cultural attractions, events, economic conditions and infrastructure, hygiene and security. The results of the multivariate regression analysis revealed that all pull motivation factors significantly and positively affect the behavioral intentions of …

In The Scope Of Paris Agreement Of Environmental Policies Changes Of Potential Impact On Tourism, Mehmet Bahar, Sabri Bozca

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Since the Paris Agreement is globally accepted, it obliges the decisions taken to change the paradigm for the future of all sectors. The ecological and environmental problems brought about by the increasing touristic mobility make it difficult for tourism to reach low carbon targets in line with the provisions of the Paris Agreement. The problems brought by climate change were discussed in the article, the process leading to the Paris Agreement was mentioned and finally the agreement's connection with tourism and the environment has been evaluated. The rapid increase in tourism mobility (mobility), especially after the Second World War, due …

Impression Management Strategies On Instagram: The Case Of Masterchef And Sef Akademi, Nihan Yarmaci Guvenc, Ela N. Koz, Beybala Timur

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The impressions that individuals form on people they interact with both in daily life and in business life have important outcomes. For this reason, individuals apply certain impression management strategies by using various tools. One of them is social media tools that have a huge impact on public opinion. In this context, this study aimed to determine the impression management strategies of six individuals who are jury members in MasterChef and Şef Akademi TV shows. Therefore, the study utilized a content analysis method based on the data collected from their Instagram posts. The results indicate that the study subjects use …

The Role Of Destination Image And Destination Attachment In Destination Loyalty Of Tourists Attending Rural Tourism Activities: The Case Of Canakkale, Buket Buluk Esitti

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

While destination loyalty is defined as tourists’ positive spiritual feelings towards a destination, their tendency to repurchase produced goods and services, and to recommend a destination to others; destination image is a simplification of a tourist’s complex beliefs, attitudes, impressions and thoughts about a destination. Destination attachment means the emotional bond and relationship that tourists form with a certain destination. In this study, these three issues were evaluated in terms of destination marketing and the nature of the relationship between them was examined. For this purpose, natural and cultural areas with rural tourism potential in Çanakkale were examined, and it …

Competency-Based Social Work Education: 25 Years Of Innovation & Leadership, Zoë Breen Wood, Marjorie N. Edguer, David L. Hussey, Mark Chupp, Grover C. Gilmore, Paul M. Kubek

Faculty Scholarship

The white paper chronicles the 25-year history of one graduate school of social work’s efforts in competency-based curriculum innovation. The authors argue that curriculum change is organizational change and share their experiences with a variety of curriculum assessment, design, and delivery efforts. Beginning with the development of the first social work competencies (labeled Abilities), pioneering efforts in assessment and holistic curricular design and delivery are reviewed. A new, one-semester, social work generalist curriculum is introduced. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing a competency-based curriculum that is integrated both horizontally and vertically and that engages the social work student …

Humanizing Oral Health: Race, Representation And Equity In Dental Education And Oral Health Care, Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Publications

Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and Professor of Communication was a contributing author in the California Dental Association Journal. She provided a literature review, “Humanizing Oral Health: Race, Representation and Equity in Dental Education and Oral Health Care,” and wrote about the exclusionary practices within the dental education and dentistry professional associations from the 1850’s – 1970’s. To illuminate these findings, she created graphs and charts to help people understand the educational access issues and real opportunities that lie ahead of us.

The War In Ukraine And Food Security In Eastern Europe, Eszter Krasznai Kovács, Agata Bachórz, Natasha Bernstein Bunzl, Diana Mincyte, Fabio Parasecoli, Simone Piras, Mihai Varga

Publications and Research

This dispatch outlines some of the immediate consequences and long-term challenges posed by the Ukraine war on food security and production systems in Eastern Europe. We draw particular attention to the food aid and provisioning realities around many million (and increasing) numbers of Ukrainian refugees, and the current lack of systemic, government-coordinated responses to the humanitarian crisis. Further, we outline the distinct forms of agriculture characterising Eastern Europe, notably, the short supply chains and farming networks that are socially and environmentally unique and valuable, and are a result of the persistence of smaller, family-led farms. However, these farms and farmers …

Youth-Reported School Connection And Experiences Of A Middle Schoolebased Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment Initiative: Preliminary Results From A Program Evaluation, Maria Stepanchak, Kate Katzman, Margaret Soukup, Evan Elkin, Kathryn Choate, Allison Kristman-Valente, Carolyn A. Mccarty

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

This study aimed (1) to evaluate the feasibility of a school-based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program that expands on traditional SBIRT to support the mental health and well-being of middle school students and (2) to assess its effects on students’ connection with adults at school.

Methods

Focus group discussions were conducted with 26 students in grades 6–8 to understand student perspectives about an innovative school-based SBIRT program. A subset of middle school students from the SBIRT program who received a brief intervention (BI) after screening (n = 116) were asked to rate their experience meeting …

Sleep Challenges And Temperament Among Infants At Elevated Likelihood Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Miranda Hope Foster

Theses and Dissertations

The current study used parent report in a prospective longitudinal design to examine the relationship between early sleep difficulties and temperament among infants with an older sibling diagnosed with ASD (EL-ASIB, n = 32), those born pre-term (EL-PT, n = 24) and those with no familial history of ASD (LL, n = 28) across the first year of life. At 3, 4, 6 and 12 months, caregivers completed the Short Form of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) (Putnam et al., 2014). To understand how sleep difficulties are related to temperament, a new scale of Sleep Challenges was created with items …

An Intersectional Lens To Covid-19: Promoting Youth Well-Being In The Midst Of Social-Political Stressors, Magdalena S. Moskal

Theses and Dissertations

Guided by interpretative phenomenological methodology and intersectionality theory, this thesis aims to uncover the mental health experiences of youth surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also seeks to situate these experiences with the subsequent stressors that young people face in the current social-political context (e.g., witnessing trauma in the media, uprisings to address racism and the resulting backlash, rhetoric of the 2020 presidential election). Furthermore, this thesis aims to give insight and voice how intersectionality shapes the COVID-19-related experiences of youth in South Carolina. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants aged 16-21 years old in South Carolina. …