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The aim of this research is to contrast an explanatory model of how the perceived organizational image of a university center (faculty) influences its students' loyalty. The data is obtained from a structured survey of students in Spain, obtaining a sample of 224 valid questionnaires. The methodology used is exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement scales and the estimation of the model is carried out by applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that organizational image is the key variable to influence students' decision to continue taking new courses at the center, as well as to recommend it to other people. It is observed that the greater students' positive perception of the organizational image is, the greater their satisfaction with the center will be, which results in a higher level of loyalty to the center in which they study. However, their identification levels with the center is not a relevant variable in the process of increasing loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to contrast an explanatory model of how brand equity influences the customer's behaviour and behavioural intentions. It will take place in the tourism sector, specifically, the target population are the customers of a hotel chain representing a very specific type of service in the tourism sector, emblematic hotels. In Spain, these hotels are operated under the Paradores Brand, distinctive of "The Network of Spanish Tourist Paradores". A sample of 374 valid questionnaires was obtained through a structured survey to customers. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis is applied to validate the measurement scales. The proposed model for analysing relationships is estimated by applying structural equation modeling. The results show that brand equity is the key variable to influence the purchase intent of its potential customers, as well as the intention to recommend. These results have significant implications for the managers of this type of establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to analyze through a structured questionnaire, the influence of the motivations that lead companies to implement Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the barriers found in the benefits perceived by companies, as well as, the degree of difficulty perceived for the implementation of the different requirements to be fulfilled, which are established in the regulation. An extensive review of the academic literature published on motivations, barriers, difficulties and benefits in environmental standards has been carried out in order to establish the working hypotheses which refer to the relationship between motivations, barriers with the benefits and degree of difficulty in implementing the requirements. The empirical investigation was carried out in a sample of 114 of the 255 companies of the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain) that have EMAS certification. The methodology used was the use of the application of a regression analysis to test the hypotheses; previously the measurement scales were validated and an exploratory factorial analysis was applied in order to determine the structure of the different variables considered in the study. The results show that the motivations affect the benefits positively and on the contrary, affect the barriers negatively (reduce them) and it was observed that the greater the barriers, the lower the benefits obtained from the implementation of EMAS (negative influence). The proposed regression models show the joint influence of the motivations and barriers on the benefits considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explains the results of an empirical study carried out in 186 of the 566 tourist lodging businesses in Spain that are certified with the seal "Q for Tourist Quality." The objective of the study is to analyze the impact of perceived benefits for businesses derived from the implantation and later certification of a quality management system, on the level of implementing critical factors and the results obtained. Once an exhaustive theoretical review had been carried out, the methodology consisted of performing a cluster analysis that made it possible to contrast and verify the proposed hypothesis. Factorial analysis was applied as a prior step to determine the benefit structure in this sector and obtain the necessary factorial scores to apply the cluster analysis. Results show that benefits in this sector fall into three groups: internal benefits, external client benefits and external financial benefits. Finally, the study corroborated that the greater the benefit levels derived from implantation and certification are, the greater the implementation levels for critical factors and results obtained by the business will be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]