CEEAplA Working Paper Series 2011
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Browsing CEEAplA Working Paper Series 2011 by Author "Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara"
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- Estimation of the milk production function : application of the incomplete gamma function in the São Miguel Island (Azores)Publication . Silva, Francisco; Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Ponte, Rui Alexandre ViveirosThe Incomplete Gamma Function was used to explain the behavior of 305 days of lactation of dairy cows on São Miguel Island in the Azores. Ultimately, 330,127 observations of the daily production of these animals were used to estimate the production functions and income per animal of each lactation. Lactations were checked, as were the months of cow calving that maximized production and income for each lactation. The conclusion was that the fourth and fifth lactations maximized the income and production per animal for the 305 days of production. The calving between the months of October and December was shown to maximize the accumulated production of lactation whereas calving between the months of August and December contributed to maximizing the accumulated income per lactation. The management of livestock directed toward the maximization of the income of the dairy farm must take into account that insemination of these animals will have to take place between the months of December and March so that calving can occur in the intended months and lactation can start at the time of the year conductive to optimal income. The management of livestock lactation of a dairy farm on São Miguel Island demonstrated that it was possible to increase production and income per animal by up to 25%, while the management of calving months was shown to also maximize production and income per animal by up to 9%. However, the low adjustment value of the model (R2 of 25%) pointed to the weak adaptation of the Incomplete Gamma Function to the data used.
- Fuel price transmission mechanisms in PortugalPublication . Silva, Francisco; Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Elias, Nelson PachecoThis study aims to analyze the behavior of fuel prices at the pump (unleaded gasoline and diesel) in Portugal, relative to positive and negative variations in Brent Crude Oil prices. Applying an autoregressive distributed lags model (ARDL) to weekly time series data for the period of January 2004 through May 2009, we detected some signs of asymmetry in the transmission price mechanism. However, these patterns are not statistically significant enough to reject hypotheses of symmetry in the price adjustment mechanisms of fuels in Portugal.
- The impact of leadership components on turnover intent : the case of nursesPublication . Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Furtado, Luis Carlos do Rego; Silva, FranciscoThis study aimed to identify nurses’ leadership behavior in management functions and determine if leadership has a direct impact on turnover intention or career abandonment. This descriptive and inferential study was conducted in two public hospitals. Head nurses and nurses in general and specialist health care were invited to participate, except those working in operating or clinical services. The final sample consisted of 266 individuals (22 head nurses and 244 staff nurses) that responded to a questionnaire, which was organized into three distinct sections: (1) sample characterization; (2) the Leadership Effectiveness and Adaptability Description (LEAD), which was used to determine the situational leadership components; and (3) four closed questions relating to different turnover intentions. Data was collected in May 2009. The most expressive leadership styles are the S2 (persuading) and S3 (sharing) in both groups. In terms of turnover, the results showed strong positive associations with profile S2-S3 and with effective adaptability. Leaders’ with S2- S3 profiles easily delegate tasks and enhance the functional and emotional development of their collaborators. Effective adaptabilities requires that chief nurses tailor their leadership style to the situation and environment they are working, allowing that their actions meet the expectations of their subordinates. These two dimensions contribute positively to nurses’ retention.
- The importance of small sporting events in regional tourism : the case of the Azores International Bridge FestivalPublication . Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Silva, Francisco; Dâmaso, João PedroThis study examined the XIII Azores International Bridge Festival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, which was held October 1-5, 2009. A questionnaire was administered to all players; 89 surveys were completed, resulting in a 78% response rate. The perception of the event’s features was also observed through the analysis of various categorically ordered variables included in the questionnaire. Factors significantly affecting the probabilities of dependent class variables (attributes) were examined using the ordinal regression model. The results indicated that this event generated several benefits for the city, favouring the local commerce for at least five days through expenditures from tourists. In addition, the event provided guests with the opportunity to visit other islands, taking advantage of their participation in the festival, further demonstrating the ability to retain some players. This event can be viewed as another seasonal peak mitigation tool for the city of Ponta Delgada, promoting an increase in demand for tourist structures.
- Quality management and employees’ attitudes : an example from certified enterprisesPublication . Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Feijó, António; Silva, FranciscoThis study investigates the implications of practices of the quality management system (QMS) in employees’ attitudes in relation to job involvement, job satisfaction, career satisfaction and organizational commitment. This study was accomplished through the use of a survey by questionnaire. Twenty hypotheses related to QMS practices and the employees´ attitudes were formulated and tested. The results indicate that responsibility and teamwork have a significant and positive correlation with job involvement, job satisfaction, career satisfaction, as well as organizational commitment. Ongoing improvement and problem solving have significant implications in organizational commitment. In addition, training and education, as well as customer focus, did not demonstrate any favourable contribution to the employees’ attitudes. In practical terms, the study recommends that management be more committed to the development of quality practices as a means to sustain and enhance employees’ positive attitudes towards their job. Such practices are a competitive strategy to attract and retain competent employees.
- Situational leadership and professional nurses’ satisfaction : the example of hospitalsPublication . Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Furtado, Luis Carlos do Rego; Silva, FranciscoThe purpose of this study is to describe the leadership behaviors of head nurses and compare them with the perceptions of their direct employees (nurses). The study also aims to determine the various components of leadership that have an impact on job satisfaction. Using descriptive, inferential and correlational analysis, the study was conducted in two hospitals. All nurses with either management or care duties were invited to participate, with the exception of those who work in the operating blocks and outpatient units. The final sample was comprised of 266 individuals, including 22 head nurses and 244 staff nurses. The questionnaire was organized into three sections (1) Sample characterization; (2) Leadership Effectiveness and Adaptability Description (LEAD), with 12 questions to determine the components of situational leadership; and (3) Professional Satisfaction Indicator (PSI), consisting of 30 questions that identified the satisfaction level among respondents. Data were collected in May 2009. In both groups, the most expressive leadership styles, dominant and alternative, were the S2 (persuading) and S3 (sharing). Head nurses and staff both had relatively low levels of job satisfaction, although head nurses were generally more satisfied than staff nurses.
- Structuring the service encounter : a test of alternativesPublication . Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Rego, ArménioPurpose – This paper analyses the influence of three different forms of structuring the service encounter (standardization, spontaneity, minimal structure) on the perception of service quality and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – A simulation of service interaction was elaborated, where individuals received different instructions related to the structure they should consider (standardization, spontaneity, minimal structure). This study was complemented by a correlational one that accessed the type of structure used and satisfaction with the service interaction. Findings − The results suggest that higher levels of job satisfaction and service quality exist when minimal structures are used. Research limitation/implications – The first part of the study is a simulation. Practical implications – The findings help practitioners make more informed choices concerning the structures they adopt to manage service encounters. Originality/value – The study empirically explores the application of minimal structures to the service encounter.
- Tourists' satisfaction and loyalty in the hotel business: an application to the island of São Miguel, AzoresPublication . Couto, João Pedro Almeida; Batista, Maria da Graça Câmara; Botelho, Diana RochaGiven the recent competition in the hotel business and the constant search for satisfaction and loyalty of the guests, the objective of this study is to understand tourists’ perceptions of service quality offered at the hotels in São Miguel, and the factors contributing to their satisfaction and loyalty. Based on a reference model taken from literature on satisfaction and loyalty, na exploratory research of national and international tourists who stayed at the hotels of São Miguel was made. The data was used to simulate a model of structural equations to test the hypotheses of investigation. The results showed that the main influential variables of satisfaction were the quality of service offered and management of complaints. The factors that contributed most to the loyalty of the guests were the affective commitments, satisfaction, price, customer services and finally the image of the hotel itself. The information management became a fundamental factor in the satisfaction and loyalty of tourists.