Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Kentucky, 2007. / Adviser: Robert Dahlstrom. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2007. / Advisers: James R. Brown, Noreen Klein. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1981. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 317-324).

The focus of the research is the management of dyadic channel relationships and, specifically, the formation of channel member satisfaction. Based upon the conceptualization of channels as social and political systems, member satisfaction is proposed as a function of the nature of the channel relationship, as represented by perceived power use, conflict, cooperation, and the definition of channel roles. Further, satisfaction is proposed as a function of the value of the channel relationship to members, as indicated by member performance relative to desired achievement levels. The research setting consists of the dyadic relationship between retailers and the dominant wholesaler in a contractual channel system, focusing on the retailer's satisfaction with the channel relationship. Self-administered questionnaires to 405 dyadic pairs of retail store owners and sales representatives of the wholesaling firm were used to obtain multiple measures of the research constructs. Particular analysis attention was given to the reliability and validity of measures and to the hypothesized relationships among constructs. The results of the research provide support for positive relationships between member satisfaction and role expectations, relative member size, and member performance and a negative relationship between member satisfaction and role stress. High correlations among measures of satisfaction, conflict, cooperation, and noneconomic power sources suggest that the measures are highly related and may not be discriminant, implying that they represent a more general construct, the attitudinal orientation of channel members.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-131). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / Typescript. Vita. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisors: Gang Yu and Stephen M. Gilbert. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available from UMI.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1987. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 192-198). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

Developments in information and communication technology have opened up new possibilities for local tour operators. However, many small tour operators are faced with problems regarding the marketing of their products and services, especially problems relating to the choice of distribution channels. This study therefore undertakes a survey of the place and role of tour operators in the tourism industry, before investigating the different distribution channels available to tour operators as well as the factors that influence a tour operator’s choice of distribution channels. This is done by means of a literature study and a brief investigative questionnaire submitted to a number of small tour operators. The study concludes that the different situations pertaining to different small tour operators make it impossible to determine a set of distribution channels applicable to every tour operator. However, it identifies a number of considerations that individual tour operators can take into account to support their choice of distribution channels, taking cognisance of their unique situations. These include factors like the target market selected, positioning and the establishment of a trade mark, quality of service, specialisation, the nature of the destination and the background of the tourists, control over the marketing process, information and communication, cost-efficiency, and pragmatic considerations. / Prof. C.J. Jooste