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The UK steel industry is an example of a mature industry that has failed to cope with the harsh realities of changing market dynamics. Since nationalisation its response has been predicated upon cost and asset retrenchment. However, this alone has failed to address decline in sales and poor financial returns. Consequently, the UKs market share within home and global markets has been eroded and will continue as such unless it can address its ability to differentiate the product it offers. This thesis has considered the cause(s) of organisational failure and the development of an appropriate turnaround strategy. As an Action Researcher this has involved understanding how change introduced in the work place was accepted within the social context of that environment. Fieldwork undertaken within Corus Tubes Energy (CTE), considered by the Researcher to be representative of the UK steel industry, included both primary and secondary methods of data capture and analysis. For example, interviews, observation, narrative and content analysis, followed by periods of reflection as theories were constructed and tested. Investigative studies concluded that for CTE to compete effectively it had to differentiate itself as a high-tech, low-cost competitor by addressing internal issues and improving productivity by 52%. The turnaround strategy developed by the Researcher was premised on a mutually supportive operational and HRM strategy. Lean Manufacturing (LM) was adopted as a mechanism to reform workshop practices, address operational efficiency, reduce conversion cost, extend capability and thereby address competitive position. Whilst simultaneously, outdated HRM practices were reconstituted to support the introduction and the ability to sustain a radical transformation in operational and strategic practices. The ‘adopt and adapt’ approach employed has achieved this and resulted in a sustained turnaround moving a loss-making trajectory to profit-making. The turnaround has demonstrated the viability of the business and safe-guarded jobs. The unique contribution to theory has been the development of the Sustainability Framework and the use of LM as a concept to be used to facilitate turnaround. Supportive contributions include: the extension the NEPA model through the development of a process that supports strategic change at management level within the UK steel industry; and a closed loop methodology that engaged shop floor operators in continuous improvement.

This thesis analyses risk and profitability issues in the future British electricity industry through three different studies. The first study develops a novel and fully endogenous portfolio investment model for firms in a competitive electricity industry when they face uncertainties from fuel prices, demand levels, carbon price and renewable penetration. This study finds that both risk aversion and carbon price are crucial factors for investments in nuclear technology. The second study analyses the impact of the cost of capital on optimal investments. Two distinct costs of capital of a project are considered: one in the pre-development and construction (pre-operation) phase and the other in the operation phase. The pre-operation cost of capital is based on the complex and capital-intensive nature of a project, which prevents potential investors from undertaking them under high costs – this is the first driving force for investment followed by the operation cost of capital. Operation cost of capital is based on a company’s ability to generate cash flows that cover debt requirements by varying the debt-equity ratio that a firm can attain. The greater the cash-flow risk, the lower is the level of debt that the firm can include in its financing, and hence, the higher the weighted average cost of capital, given that debt generally benefits from tax shield. The third study analyses the profit risk of energy storage when it faces fuel-price risk. Specifically, it assesses the future electricity industry with different levels of renewable penetration and storage energy capacity. The study shows that energy storage profits depend on the electricity price risk when it makes profits from arbitrage and reserve provision and also shows that storage profit has a positive correlation with that of other generators, especially with profits of gas stations, and this correlation is moderated with the level of electricity demand.

This research analyses transnational tobacco companies' (TTCs) broader strategies for market access and demand creation through understanding market liberalisation in South Korea's tobacco industry from the late 1980s in order to inform the strengthening of tobacco control policies within the country and other emerging markets. The research is mainly based on internal tobacco industry documents, made publicly available through litigation. Detailed analysis of industry documents related to South Korea has not been undertaken to date. Semistructured interviews and additional primary and secondary sources served as important supplementary data sources. The key finding of this research is that the market access strategies of TTCs, including direct and indirect lobbying on trade policies, were a response to South Korea's export-oriented economic development model and its negative attitude towards foreign investment. This was undertaken within the context of the transformation of the world trading system from the 1980s which created pressure on the country to open its market. After liberalisation, various aggressive marketing tactics to create demand for foreign brands were used by TTCs. The competition this engendered played a key role in the transformation of the Korean tobacco monopoly into a private, competitive business which emulated and refined the tactics used by TTCs. This, in turn, increased the extent and intensity of the aggressive marketing of tobacco products in Korea overall. Total volume of cigarette sales increased 25% as a result, making Korea the 8th largest tobacco market in the world by 1992, whilst smoking prevalence increased among young adults and females. The research concludes that a fuller understanding of TTCs' strategies for global expansion can be derived by locating them within the economic development models of specific countries or regions. Such analysis, in turn, offers important lessons for strengthening global tobacco control. Of foremost importance is the need for emerging markets to appropriately balance economic and public health policies when considering liberalisation. The South Korean experience also demonstrates that comprehensive tobacco control policies, as set out by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, must be implemented prior to any market liberalisation and strictly enforced within a competitive market environment.

The study stands in two volumes: Volume 1, being the thesis, consists of eight chapters. In the first chapter we discussed the aims and origin of the research. We traced the motivation in undertaking it, to an early work, which we previously conducted for a related study; together with the work done by similar studies or surveys. In the meantime we revealed the impact of such a custom union and a free trade area on the economic performance of the member countries and their industries. In Chapter Two, we indicated the method we proposed for the study. However, in so doing, we reviewed the methods of similar studies and the limitations attached to them. Chapter Three was devoted to a review of the literature related to the study. In Chapter Four, we discussed the preliminary survey; the questionnaire. As it was the first stage in the investigation, the questions answered, the responses and analysis of the replies were indicated. This was followed by the main survey, for which we chose as case studies, a representative sample of firms; British based manufacturing industries. In Chapters Five and Six we indicated the base on which those firms were selected, the way the collected data was presented, the approaches to the analysis; then we proceeded with the analysis. We conducted a supporting study, which dealt with the overseas trade, in a selected manufactured commodities in specific industrial groups ''section". The purpose was to relate the trade trend in each industry to those performed by the studied firms, and to relate both to the UK overall overseas trade performance. This is the subject of Chapter Seven. The results were obtained and the study was concluded in Chapter Eight. Volume 2 includes twenty-one case studies; as indicated above; that were the subject of the main survey.

The study offers an alternative analytical framework for thinking about the contemporary graphic novel as a dynamic area of visual art practice. Graphic narratives are placed within the broad, open-ended territory of investigative drawing, rather than restricted to a special category of literature, as is more usually the case. The analysis considers how narrative ideas and energies are carried across specific examples of work graphically. Using analogies taken from recent academic debate around translation, aspects of Performance Studies, and, finally, common categories borrowed from linguistic grammar, the discussion identifies subtle varieties of creative processing within a range of drawn stories. The study is practice-based in that the questions that it investigates were first provoked by the activity of drawing, and it sustains a dominant interest in practice throughout, pursuing aspects of graphic processing as its primary focus. Chapter 1 applies recent ideas from Translation Studies to graphic narrative, arguing for a more expansive understanding of how process brings about creative evolutions and refines directing ideas. Chapter 2 considers the body as an area of core content for narrative drawing. A consideration of elements of Performance Studies stimulates a reconfiguration of the role of the figure in graphic stories, and selected artists are revisited for the physical qualities of their narrative strategies. Chapter 3 develops the grammatical concept of tense to provide a central analogy for analysing graphic language. The chapter adapts the idea of the graphic ‘confection’ to the territory of drawing to offer a fresh system of analysis and a potential new tool for teaching. The conclusion identifies the study’s contribution to knowledge as twofold: first, in presenting a range of new interpretations of its field; and, second, in its employment of specifically adapted research methods which connect with a wider call for a return to ‘close reading’ as a productively sensitive research tool in its own right.

This PhD examines farm tourism in Wales, a marginal area for farming which is, at the same time, popular for tourism due to its high quality natural environment. This is a timely study as it is now over two decades since farm tourism was promoted through rural development policies as a way to support the farm household and revitalise rural economies. In the intervening years farm tourism has evolved and become a professional sector. It is therefore important to understand how the farm tourism sector has developed, and the impact that farm tourism has had on the farm household and wider rural economy. To date, there has been limited research in these areas. This PhD addresses these gaps. The study contributes to theory by examining farm tourism from Ploeg?s (2008) new peasantry perspective. It examines how peasant farming principles apply in the context of farm tourism development and operation in the early twenty-first century. The premise of the study is that the new peasantry?s struggle for increased autonomy is achieved through the development of their resource base. The literature review compares Ploeg?s (2008) new peasantry theory to other approaches examining farm development, most notably entrepreneurship. It outlines why the new peasantry is the most suitable theoretical approach to examining farm tourism. Ploeg?s (2008) theoretical framework is then adapted in order to specifically examine farm tourism. The research profiles the new peasantry in the context of farm tourism and finds that there are three significantly different groups operating farm tourism which benefit from it in different ways. These groups include diversifying farmers on larger and smaller farms, and lifestyle movers. The research identifies the resources that farm tourism operators have drawn upon in creating their farm tourism products. This provides an understanding of what the modern, multifunctional farm tourism product is, and in doing so broadens the definition of farm tourism. The research identifies four broad approaches taken to develop the farm tourism business facilities. These were based on whether the development approach followed, characterised peasant or capitalist behaviour, and whether or not growth was pursued. The research briefly examines market relationships, and finds that following a collaborative approach improves levels of trade. Finally, the research finds that, for the majority of operators, farm tourism has benefitted the farm household. The vast majority of operators report that farm tourism has been successful in achieving their overall goals, and that they plan to continue with farm tourism in the future. This suggests that farm tourism in Wales is a viable long term strategy. The research also finds that those taking advantage of farm tourism opportunities in the twenty-first century are those in a more favourable financial position. From a policy perspective, findings show that rural development support has played a key role in assisting farm tourism business start-up and growth. However, grants are only available to those who already have access to financial resources and do little to support the struggling farmer. At the same time policy challenges hinder the farm tourism sector in Wales, preventing it from achieving its full potential. Recommendations have been made to address these issues. The adapted new peasantry framework has proved suitable and has provided new insights into farm tourism. The framework examines farm tourism development as a process, and provides an understanding of how operators? contexts will affect their progression through the framework and the degrees of peasant or capitalist behaviour that they exhibit. When applying the model, it is also important to recognise how policy influences the development of farm tourism. Therefore, the application of the model would need to factor in the specific policy environment of the study location.

Tobacco and alcohol are responsible for an estimated 12.5% of global deaths, a percentage which is set to rise. Evidence shows that tobacco and alcohol industry marketing influences smoking and drinking initiation and prevalence, and although tobacco marketing is increasingly regulated (including through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a legally binding global treaty) controls on alcohol marketing remain more limited. There are three novel strands to this thesis. First, systematic reviews examining how the tobacco and alcohol industries have attempted to influence marketing regulations, and the development of two new taxonomies for tactic and argument categorisation. Second, a statistical analysis of the tobacco and alcohol marketing environments across a diverse range of countries, including the extent of any geographic or urban/rural differences. And third, an assessment of tobacco and alcohol industry compliance with national marketing regulations. Substantial commonalities between tobacco and alcohol industry activity were identified, suggesting that alcohol policy may benefit from reproducing efforts in tobacco control aimed at excluding industry from policy discussions. Additionally, data analysis showed that there were high levels of tobacco marketing despite FCTC ratification, and that exposure to alcohol marketing was even higher. Tobacco marketing was greatest whereas alcohol marketing was lowest in lower income countries, and both were significantly more common in urban communities. All FCTC-ratified countries had some tobacco marketing bans in place, whereas few countries had any comprehensive bans on alcohol marketing. Compliance was often poor, and exposure to tobacco marketing was commonly higher within countries with a full or partial ban compared to those without, whereas all forms of alcohol marketing were lower in countries with a full ban or some restrictions. The high levels of tobacco and alcohol marketing, and the generally low levels of compliance, highlight the urgent need for countries to implement and enforce comprehensive marketing controls, and supports calls for an FCTC-equivalent for alcohol.

No two tourists receive the same experience which are unique to the individual (Lounsburya and Polik 1999; Walls et al. 2011; Sharpley and Stone 2012; Nguyen and Cheung 2014). Therefore, understanding experiences from the perspective of tourists has become an arena of growing interest to researchers. How tourists evolve across a heritage visit and construct their experience is an aspect that needs further development. Tourists are moving from passively gazing at built heritage and landscapes to wanting to participate in, and engage with, the destination (Urry 2002). Engaging in tourism is considered to be a “potential source of happiness and well-being” (Sharpley and Stone 2012, p.1). The best experiences are when a tourist takes an active part and is completely immersed in the situation that they are experiencing (Csikszentmihalyi 1992). Given the importance of creating an experience in a heritage destination and the increasing annual growth in tourists to such places, research into this area is important and timely. Researchers have recently proposed Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory as a useful framework for understanding the enjoyment experienced by tourists. The term flow refers to a state of consciousness that is experienced by individuals who are deeply involved in an enjoyable activity. The existing literature in the fields of heritage tourism and tourist experience demonstrates that although heritage experiences have been analysed, there is still a lack of research incorporating the flow experience perspective. Therefore, this study explores the field of heritage tourism and centres on experiences from the perspective of flow with the four realms (absorption, immersion, active participation, and passive participation) of the experience economy (Pine and Gilmore 1998). Using flow and experience economy, this study brings a detailed analysis of the processes at the very heart of the experience as tourists want to engage fully with the destination during their experiential process, thus enabling them to create and enjoy a highly personalised and flexible experience. A quantitative research approach is adopted using a self-completion survey to obtain the required data. The selected study area is Greenwich, London due to its rich maritime heritage and all-year-around appeal to tourists. Responses from a total of 648 respondents were analysed. An experience model was proposed and tested using structural equation modelling. An adapted scale of the experience economy’s 4Es (educational, esthetics, entertainment and escapist experiences) was fitted into flow theory and proved reliable and valid for measuring tourist experience for a heritage destination. This study indicated a strong presence of flow experience was linked to enjoyment, telepresence, engagement and esthetics. First, when heritage visitors are in a state of flow they tend to be in an extremely enjoyable experience. Second, the increased enjoyment in their heritage visit has significantly and positively influenced tourist flow experience that leads to happiness and satisfaction. Third, it is noted that more well-educated and mature tourists seek heritage experiences. Fourth, the increased level of entertainment only leads to satisfaction rather than the tourists experiencing flow. Finally, it is demonstrated that a flow state happens in moments throughout their visit. The results of this study provide baseline data on the existence of the flow phenomenon in the heritage environment. It also provides knowledge about the factors associated with the flow experience and tourists’ feelings and enjoyment in a heritage visit. This research, therefore, contributes to knowledge by providing an understanding of the important factors that contribute in creating a unique and personalised experience for tourists and, thus, informing destination management, marketing, positioning and branding.

This thesis aims to investigate city branding via the design of tourism websites. The research scheme is shaped by the main themes of this research in city branding via tourism websites, cultural attractions and visual design. Specifically, this research attempts to identify city branding strategies using the visual impact of primary attractions and associated components via the representation of well-designed tourism websites.