This book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to analyzing the nature of 'competition' and 'competitive advantage' within the U.S. pro sport industry. By many measures, the four major pro sports leagues in the U.S. - the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) - are now some of the most successful business entities in the country. While these established leagues have generally been highly profitable throughout their respective existences, the past two decades have been particularly lucrative, with franchise values in all four leagues growing rapidly, and at levels well beyond market rates of return. Within this context, the book seeks to explore the nature of the competitive advantage that these leagues apparently possess. The purpose is to identify not only how these leagues have been able to get to where they are today, but also to examine the competitive threats and opportunities that these leagues face as they move forward. A key contribution of the book is that it analyzes these issues from a multi-disciplinary approach including a traditional economics perspective, public policy and public choice theory and strategic management, to provide a parallel explanation for the success of each of the four major leagues. It argues that no single conceptual approach can, in itself, adequately explain the full richness of the issue. Its stresses that these various approaches should generally be viewed as complements, rather than as being mutually exclusive, and that a full understanding of the issue requires one to adopt a multi-disciplinary perspective, making it of interest to scholars in strategic management, sport management, and economics. It can serve as an effective teaching tool in both graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses for students in these fields, and is particularly useful for faculties seeking to emphasize to their students the importance of a multi-disciplinary, integrative, approach when analyzing business and management issues. The book may also be of interest to leaders within the sport industry itself, and will help to provide insight and perspective as leagues seek to enhance their competitive advantage in the marketplace.

This is an essential resource for managers and scholars interested in services marketing. It covers the topic comprehensively and in novel ways. All the luminaries in the field are represented. Buy this book and you will be up to date on the field.' - Valarie Zeithaml, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, USThe Handbook of Service Marketing Research brings together an all-star team of leading researchers in service marketing to explore many of the hottest topics in service marketing today. Cutting-edge topics include: customer relationships and loyalty, customer-centered metrics, managing customer contacts, product and pricing, digital service marketing, rethinking the marketing function, and service for society. This book, which includes authors from both academia and industry, will provide academics with an invaluable current view of the field and practitioners with a window into the latest academic thinking. With chapters from internationally renowned contributors, this comprehensive yet concise Handbook will appeal to service marketing academics, researchers and service practitioners. Contributors: M. Archpru Akaka, L. Aksoy, L. Anderson, T.W. Andreassen, S.F.M. Beckers, M.J. Bitner, R.N. Bolton, A. Buoye, J.W. Choi, R.M. Christopher, T.S. Chung, T.S. Dagger, P.S. Danaher, A. De Keyser, C. Dev, B. Edvardsson, S. Fay, R.P. Fisk, C. Frennea, A. Gustafsson, M.-H. Huang, C. Ishida, P.K. Kannan, T.L. Keiningham, P. Kristensson, V. Kumar, S.K. Kwan, T. van Laer, B. Lariviere, R.F. Lusch, D. Mathras, H. Melton, V. Mittal, R.L. Oliver, A.L. Ostrom, P. Patterson, W. Reinartz, H. Risselada, R.T. Rust, K. de Ruyter, C. Schulze, S.M. Shugan, B. Skiera, J. Spohrer, S. Streukens, S.A. Taylor, B. Tronvoll, W. Ulaga, N. Umashankar, S.L. Vargo, P.C. Verhoef, H.S. Wang, M. Wedel, R.A. Westbrook, L. Williams, L. Witell, J. Xie, T. Yu

Events Management 1e John Beech, Sebastian Kaiser and Robert Kaspar The Business of Events Management provides an accessible and lively introduction to the practice of managing an event, festival, conference or congress. Written by a team of international experts, the book incorporates the latest thinking in events management and highlights key theories, concepts and models by using a range of case studies and examples. This book will enable you to: * Manage the financial aspects of events management * Understand the impact of events on built and natural environments * Explain the role of volunteers in an event and understand the challenges that managing them involves * Understand the key issues in planning and designing a venue Each chapter features a real-life case study to illustrate key concepts and place theory in a practical context, as well as preparing students to tackle any challenges they may face in managing events. Case studies include the Edinburgh International Festival, the 2010 Winter Olympics and Indian Premier League Cricket.

Exercise Personal Training 101 provides a message of empowerment for personal trainers who believe in the holistic development of their clients. The key philosophy of the book is to help personal trainers of exercise to empower their clients with good problem- solving and decision-making skills concerning their health and well-being. Good personal trainers become great personal trainers when they practise HELP with their clients and help them to become better problem-solvers and decision makers rather than telling them what to do, by offering sound and scientifically-based information that is personalised and appropriate. Personal exercise training books that address associated issues of the profession are rare and not easily available. Many personal trainers are self-taught, do not have the required qualifications and are motivated by the amount of money that they can make rather than the health and well-being of clients. Readers will learn what makes a good personal trainer and those who are in the profession can benefit by equipping themselves with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will make them a great exercise personal trainer. Excellent personal trainers can be lifestyle and wellness coaches who are renowned for their great listening skills and high emotional quotient. They exceed client expectations at every opportunity. Special features in the book include concept statements, strategies for action, technology updates, in the news, key points and technical jargon, web-resources and follow-up references. The book is a must-read whether you are starting out in personal training or you are an experienced personal trainer.

The events industry is undergoing fundamental change. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, this has meant the cancellation and postponement of events and a move towards online and hybrid strategies. Looking to the future, the 'new normal' for the events industry will be characterised by a quite different, transformed, events landscape which will require a thorough reimagining and reshaping of existing methods, techniques and practices. 'Reimagining and Reshaping Events: Theoretical and practical perspectives' is a unique and user-friendly text which advances managerial views on how the event industry is transforming. Packed with international real-life case studies and examples, it contextualises theory and illustrates how the industry has had to adapt whilst still considering key technological and sustainability issues. The text examines key priorities such as: * The inclusion of technological advances and the development of online and hybrid strategies; * The design of meaningful experiences considering the environment and sustainability; * Ethical catering choices, environmental and social responsibility; * Adapting to complex event situations and incorporating covid strategies; * Knowledge advancement with current technologies and sustainability practices; * The maintenance of practitioner well-being. Written in a user friendly and engaging style, it provides a blend of theory and practice that adopts a practitioner perspective but draws on theory from a broad range of discipline areas.

"Private Security and the Law, 4th Edition," is a unique resource that provides analysis of practices in the security industry as they relate to law, regulation, licensure, and constitutional questions of case and statutory authority.This bookdescribes the legal requirements facedin the area of private security.It emphasizes the liability problems common to security operations, including negligence and tortious liability, civil actions frequently litigated, and strategies to avoid legal actions that affect business efficiency.The textalso examines the constitutional and due-process dimensions of private security both domestically and internationally, including recent cases and trends that will set pace for future private security laws and regulations. As private security becomes more closely involved in national and international security, cases like Blackwater are examined. Charles Nemeth takesyou step by step through the analysis of case law as it applies to situations commonly faced in the private security practice, providing a solid introduction to the legal and ethical standards that shape the industry.

*Authoritative, scholarly treatise sheds light on this increasingly important area of the law *Historical background helps readers understand the present by seeing the full context of recent developments *National scope provides crucial parameters to security practitioners throughout the US *NEW TO THIS EDITION A chapter on the legal implications of private contractors operating in war zones like Afghanistan, updated coverage of statutory authority, updated coverage of state and federal processes of oversight and licensure, special analysis of public-private cooperative relationships in law enforcement"

Measuring progress in the service sector is closely linked to the ability to develop and implement information systems. As the service sector continues to grow, it is important to investigate what drives the production of intangible goods and overall economic health. Advancing the Service Sector with Evolving Technologies: Techniques and Principles provides a forum for practitioners and researchers to discuss the application of information systems to service creation, modeling, and evolution. Covering foundational concepts and innovations in service management, service-oriented computing, strategic information systems, and Web services, this collection of research aims to shape future research and promote further growth of the service sector.

This book presents a collection of the latest research in the area of immersive technologies, presented at the International Augmented and Virtual Reality Conference 2018 in Manchester, UK, and showcases how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the business landscape. Innovations in this field are seen as providing opportunities for businesses to offer their customers unique services and experiences. The papers gathered here advance the state of the art in AR/VR technologies and their applications in various industries such as healthcare, tourism, hospitality, events, fashion, entertainment, retail, education and gaming. The volume collects contributions by prominent computer and social sciences experts from around the globe. Addressing the most significant topics in the field of augmented and virtual reality and sharing the latest findings, it will be of interest to academics and practitioners alike.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important element in creating competitive advantages for enterprises in different sectors. The authors guide readers through the different cases studies in order to present the benchmarking of international standards and CSR initiatives, as well as CSR performance evaluation practices. This book aims to identify current problems that can arise during CSR implementation in manufacturing and services companies. Moreover some best practice examples suitable for the introduction of CSR in the small and medium size companies will be described. The authors show how different stakeholders can benefit from sustainable resource management and pro-social behaviors. This book will be a valuable resource for both academics and practitioners who want to deepen their knowledge of CSR. This scientific monograph has been doubled blind reviewed.

New rules on distance contracts provided for the Consumer Rights Directive of 25 October 2011 do not apply to package holidays or contracts falling within the scope of the Timeshare Directive. Moreover, contracts for passenger transport services and contracts for the provision of accommodation, car rental, catering or leisure services if the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance are not covered by some of these rules. Yet measures aimed at protecting the consumer when a contract is concluded via the phone, the Internet, by mail or other means of distance communication play a role in tourism. This book helps readers to navigate through uncertainties in travel contracts regarding information requirements, the right of withdrawal or providing alternative services. Findings reveal that consumer acquis is inadequately adapted to the features of the tourism industry when an optional instrument based on the Draft Common Frame of Reference might be used in the future.

For many decades, the global business events industry operated under the illusion that business event legacies are best measured in terms of coffee cups and hotel rooms. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies demonstrates that in fact the tourism contribution made by business events is just the tip of a very big legacy iceberg. The substantial legacies that business events make to academic disciplines, industry and community go 'beyond tourism' and are much more significant. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies provides a cutting edge understanding of the legacy in the field of business events, crucial to the future of the industry. Through eight case studies this book will explore how business events are a collision space for ideas, brokering new innovations, generating trade and investment, supporting local communities, academics, industry, and government agendas, and driving knowledge economies. The text begins by explaining the paradigm shift in the understanding of business event legacies, and moves on to introduce a revolutionary six-step plan to analyse legacy success. The proceeding case studies then illustrate how the six-step analysis can be put into practice. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies provides: * A comprehensive range of documented business event legacies available * A global range of case studies representing key business events destinations including London, Sydney, Uruguay, Copenhagen, Geneva, Kuching: Malaysia, and Jonkoping: Sweden. * Methodologies for evaluating the legacies and impacts of business events for communities, industries, and government. * Information/understandings crucial for educating future business event professionals * Suggestions for advances in business events education and a future research agenda. Based on robust research framed by the authors' deep understanding of business events, Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies is a must have text for undergraduate and postgraduate students engaged in the business events sector, academic researchers and practitioners, including executive and marketing staff of convention bureaux and convention centres, as well as professional conference organisers and destination managers.

For many decades, the global business events industry operated under the illusion that business event legacies are best measured in terms of coffee cups and hotel rooms. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies demonstrates that in fact the tourism contribution made by business events is just the tip of a very big legacy iceberg. The substantial legacies that business events make to academic disciplines, industry and community go 'beyond tourism' and are much more significant. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies provides a cutting edge understanding of the legacy in the field of business events, crucial to the future of the industry. Through eight case studies this book will explore how business events are a collision space for ideas, brokering new innovations, generating trade and investment, supporting local communities, academics, industry, and government agendas, and driving knowledge economies. The text begins by explaining the paradigm shift in the understanding of business event legacies, and moves on to introduce a revolutionary six-step plan to analyse legacy success. The proceeding case studies then illustrate how the six-step analysis can be put into practice. Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies provides: * A comprehensive range of documented business event legacies available * A global range of case studies representing key business events destinations including London, Sydney, Uruguay, Copenhagen, Geneva, Kuching: Malaysia, and Jonkoping: Sweden. * Methodologies for evaluating the legacies and impacts of business events for communities, industries, and government. * Information/understandings crucial for educating future business event professionals * Suggestions for advances in business events education and a future research agenda. Based on robust research framed by the authors' deep understanding of business events, Business Event Legacies: Global industry case studies is a must have text for undergraduate and postgraduate students engaged in the business events sector, academic researchers and practitioners, including executive and marketing staff of convention bureaux and convention centres, as well as professional conference organisers and destination managers.

The process of globalization based on major forms of entertainment consumption has promoted the interest of enlarged social actors toward cultural experiencing. Disseminated by social media, new forms of information and knowledge about exotic tourism destinations have endorsed an increasing interest in forms of cultural tourism. This cultural tourism turnout results from a significant change in the traveler's demands and behaviors and has led to a new and renovated interest in cultural heritage that must be studied further. The Handbook of Research on Cultural Tourism and Sustainability explores theoretical concepts related to cultural tourism and cultural routes and provides original viewpoints and empirical research with case studies and best practices for the future of cultural tourism. Covering a range of topics such as creative tourism and sustainable tourism, this major reference work is ideal for academicians, practitioners, professionals, policymakers, government officials, instructors, and students.

Based on the assumption that without understanding institutions, economists cannot make satisfactory policy prescriptions, this book draws some insightful conclusions on the strengths and limitations of applied economics in the field of heritage. Sicily provides an interesting and unique backdrop against which the study is set, demonstrating the economic complexities of heritage and the range of economic tools and concepts which can be employed to analyse it. The book is a compilation of various approaches that economists trained in different branches of economics have brought to bear on heritage. It considers the political economy of heritage policy from a variety of different perspectives. These include a study of the economic problems of defining and valuing culture and, through detailed case studies in the economics of regulation, an examination of the incentives and principal-agent problems in the management of heritage policy. The authors move on to discuss the public choice view of fiscal federalism and look at the problems of assessing the efficiency of policy measures. Finally, they provide an interesting overview of the national experiences of France, Scotland and Italy in terms of heritage policy. Taking a new institutional approach, this book is as much a concise manual of applied economics as a contribution to cultural economics. It stresses the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of heritage and offers a unique opportunity to understand law-making and administrative procedures in the civil code tradition. It will be essential reading for students, researchers and academics of cultural economics, as well as policymakers wanting to assess the value and efficiency of heritage policies.

This book presents cutting edge research on the development of analytics in travel and tourism. It introduces new conceptual frameworks and measurement tools, as well as applications and case studies for destination marketing and management. It is divided into five parts: Part one on travel demand analytics focuses on conceptualizing and implementing travel demand modeling using big data. It illustrates new ways to identify, generate and utilize large quantities of data in tourism demand forecasting and modeling. Part two focuses on analytics in travel and everyday life, presenting recent developments in wearable computers and physiological measurement devices, and the implications for our understanding of on-the-go travelers and tourism design. Part three embraces tourism geoanalytics, correlating social media and geo-based data with tourism statistics. Part four discusses web-based and social media analytics and presents the latest developments in utilizing user-generated content on the Internet to understand a number of managerial problems. The final part is a collection of case studies using web-based and social media analytics, with examples from the Sochi Olympics on Twitter, leveraging online reviews in the hotel industry, and evaluating destination communications and market intelligence with online hotel reviews. The chapters in this section collectively describe a range of different approaches to understanding market dynamics in tourism and hospitality.

This book lays down a marker as to the state of economists' understanding of the National Football League (NFL) by assembling sophisticated, critical surveys of by leading sports economists on major topics associated with the league. The book is divided into four parts. The first three chapters in Part I provide an overview of the business of the NFL from an economist's perspective. Part II is a collection of surveys of the economics of the NFL's most important revenue streams, including media, attendance, and merchandising. The NFL's labor economics is the focus of Part III, with chapters on player and coach labor markets, the draft, and contract structure. Part IV includes essays on competitive balance, gambling, economic impacts of the Super Bowl, behavioral economic issues associated with the league, and antitrust issues. This book will appeal to sports economists, sports management professionals, and policy-makers, and would be useful as a supplementary text for sports economics and management courses as well as a reference text."