karen blotnicky - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by karen blotnicky

International journal of innovative business strategies, Jun 30, 2023

The Jones conceptual model includes extracurricular activities (ECAs) as one of seven microsystem... more The Jones conceptual model includes extracurricular activities (ECAs) as one of seven microsystems that influence the undergraduate student learning experience. This case study used the Jones model as a framework to study the extent to which the ECAs, within the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Business and Tourism Learning Passport (LP) programme, met the needs of undergraduate students' post-secondary learning experience [1]. Through the LP programme students are able to engage with five of the seven microsystems in the Jones model: the degree programme (academic), ECAs, preparing for life after graduation (career), transition into student life (personal development), and university peer and friendship groups. While they are important factors which influence students' participation, or lack of participation, in the programme, the LP programme does not have control over the remaining two microsystems in the Jones model: social background of the students and expectations pre-university. This qualitative research study revealed that the LP programme contributed to undergraduate students' learning experience as demonstrated by the Jones model. Researchers adapted the Jones model based on the analysis of the LP programme. They found interaction between the LP ECAs and other microsystems in the model. Researchers also determined the LP programme should explore ways to better capture social engagement and personal development. Researchers recommended the Jones model [1. better highlight how the contribution to community through volunteering and social advocacy influences undergraduate student learning.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, Jan 18, 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of food and nutrition regulations in developing healthy be... more Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of food and nutrition regulations in developing healthy behaviors of young children, this study profiled the food and nutrient contribution of snacks, the foods and drinks consumed outside of main meals, in the diets of a sample of children between the ages of 3-5 years overall and in regulated child care (RCC) and home settings. Methods: From a purposive sample of 44 RCC settings from across Nova Scotia, Canada, 19 agreed to participate in this study and with RCC directors' approvals, invitations were sent to parents of enrolled children. Using a 4-day food record, foods and drinks consumed by 79 preschool aged children, were recorded by parents at home and by trained research assistants at RCC. The foods and drinks consumed during morning, afternoon and evening snack occasions coded by the What We Eat in America (WWEIA) categories and the provision of energy, sodium, fats, sugar and fiber were calculated. Descriptive statistics and independent t tests were used to determined differences between the foods and nutrients by where and when the snacks were consumed. Results: On average, children consumed 2.3 snacks per day. Fruit, salty/sweet items and dairy items were predominately consumed as snacks. Average daily contributions from snacks were 29% of energy, 22.6% sodium, 27.6% saturated fat, 39.9% sugar and 31.3% dietary fiber. Significantly more variety of food categories and higher sodium and fiber snacks were consumed at RCC than home. Home morning snacks had significantly more sugar than RCC morning snacks. Conclusions: The findings provide insight into the influences from RCC and home settings on snack intakes and the important role RCC food and nutrition regulations play in supporting healthy eating behaviors. Suggested recommendations are to de-emphasize the requirement for two food group servings for each snack at RCC, focus more on variety and nutrient dense snacks and encourage knowledge sharing between RCC and home environments to promote healthy children's snacking behaviors.

London International Conference on Education (LICE-2022) and World Congress on Special Needs Education (WCE-2022)

International Journal of Management and Marketing Research, 2021

Labor: Personnel Economics eJournal, 2010

This research explored the relationships between demographic factors of gender, age, education an... more This research explored the relationships between demographic factors of gender, age, education and tenure on leadership competencies of Canadian hotel general managers and the impact of leadership competencies on hotel performance. This timely study captures general managers during times of extreme environmental challenges and used the New Zealand Institute of Management Capability Index to capture leadership competencies. A regression was used to analyze the relationship between demographics and leadership competencies and also between leadership competencies and hotel performance as measured by revenue per available room (RevPAR). Findings indicated that there was a weak relationship between tenure and People Leadership, one of the three leadership competencies. Visionary and Strategic Leadership had a statistically significant positive impact on RevPAR. This confirms leadership research in the field demonstrating that aspects of transformational leadership lead to improved organi...

The healthy workplace is characterized by an understanding between management and staff that good... more The healthy workplace is characterized by an understanding between management and staff that good health practices result in better outcomes for both organizations and employees. The healthy workplace provides a mutual benefit for both employees and for the organization, with the belief that fulfilling organizational goals cannot happen at the expense of the self-fulfillment of management and staff (HRDC, 2005). The toxic workplace is characterized by high levels of stress that result in physical and emotional harm to management and staff (CCOHS, 2000).

Logistic regression was conducted to determine the relative influence of professional advice, soc... more Logistic regression was conducted to determine the relative influence of professional advice, social and marketing influencers, and self-efficacy, on university students’ health capital. The results demonstrated that students with high levels of self-efficacy were seven times more likely to have high levels of health capital. Social/marketing influences and professional health advisors were not statistically significant. This has implications for health marketing by universities and health agencies concerned about the wellbeing of university students and future citizens.

This research assesses the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, marketing strategy developme... more This research assesses the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, marketing strategy development, engagement in research and development, and technology investment, as predictors of export activity for women business owners in Atlantic Canada. Utilizing survey research and binary logistic regression, researchers determined that entrepreneurs’ reasons for starting their business were either due to income necessity or to pursue a unique market opportunity had no bearing on their interest to pursue export activities: a result that calls into question previous research in the field. The only factor that had a statistically significant influence on exporting was investment in research and development. Future research is recommended to further examine these relationships.

The Global Journal of Business Research, 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by hotel managers in Canada. An on... more The purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by hotel managers in Canada. An online survey was conducted of 60 hotel general managers across Canada, including 30 male and 30 female respondents. The results indicated that gaining experience and mentoring are the main strategies used for career advancement for men and women. Gaining experience was obtained by asking for challenging projects and moving properties. Some personality factors were identified as “willingness to learn†and “determination†. This study allows a better understanding of how men and women develop their careers in the Canadian hotel industry, an important one consisting of over 8,000 properties and generating revenues of $16.7 billion in 2013 (PKF, 2014). The Canadian hotel industry has little scholarly research. Further research into how work experience can be leveraged more efficiently into career building strategies and how personality factors impact career development is required

ABSTRACTThe consequences of poor eating behaviors can impact, not only the overall health of indi... more ABSTRACTThe consequences of poor eating behaviors can impact, not only the overall health of individuals, but it can negatively impact government and organizational costs. Healthy eating behaviours are influenced by personal, behaviour, and environmental factors, and have been investigated through many theoretical frameworks. In this study, expectancy theory was explored as a tool to understand healthy eating motivations in the context of consumer behaviour. Based on the expectancy theory, six hypotheses were created and tested using a survey conducted at two universities. A total of 188 students completed the survey which included questions on eating behaviors, nutrition knowledge and selfefficacy for healthy eating. An expectancy theory model based on the resulting scores was analyzed through Partial Least Square regression. The six hypotheses were confirmed by the analysis and the null hypotheses were rejected. This indicates that Healthy Eating Behaviour can be positively impact...

College student journal, 2016

Problem There is evidence that university students have poor eating behaviors that can lead to sh... more Problem There is evidence that university students have poor eating behaviors that can lead to short and long term negative health effects. Understanding the influences on eating behaviors will aid universities and health agencies in developing effective healthy eating promotion strategies. Purpose and Method To determine the impact of a range of influencers on healthy eating behaviors, a tested and ethics approved questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of students at two universities. Responses (n=188) were statistically analyzed and logistic regression was conducted. Results Mean daily food group servings were below recommendations for the vegetables/ffuits and grain products groups. The regression models for minimum vegetable/fruit group were statistically significant for healthy eating, media/social and the professional advice influencer scales. For the meal/altemates, the models were significant for budget constraints, professional advice and nutrition self-efficacy i...

"CPRS, the Communication + PR Foundation and Mount Saint Vincent University have partnered t... more "CPRS, the Communication + PR Foundation and Mount Saint Vincent University have partnered to conduct the first Canadian survey of Generally Accepted Practices in Public Relations. This survey is part of the international GAP VIII study, led by the University of Southern California and supported by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. The international partners in this survey include Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Between December 2013 and March 2014 the Canadian team collected data from 122 qualified surveys (with an additional 77 incomplete surveys) and has prepared a data set for the American partners in the GAP study that will allow our data to be included in the international study. The GAP VIII international study does not include data from the specifically Canadian questions which were added to the survey. This data will be analyzed (along with the overall survey) by the Canadian research team and it will offer a distinctly Canadian look at some defining characteristics within our practice. This will also serve to set benchmark data for future research on Canadian public relations practice. International comparisons will be presented by the USC research team in September. The following document provides a summary of responses received for individual questions included in the GAP VIII Canada survey. The respondents in this survey are all senior communication professionals in their organizations and they are Canadian, working within Canada or representing organizations that work in Canada."--Excerpt from introduction

EnglishThis research explored the correlation between gender, formal education, credentials, mobi... more EnglishThis research explored the correlation between gender, formal education, credentials, mobility, and general managers’ salaries in the Canadian hotel industry. The analysis confirmed that men are 3.85 times more likely to earn a salary greater than 90,000thanarefemalegeneralmanagers.Managerswithmorefrequentmovestoobtainbetterpositionswere1.3timesmorelikelytohaveasalarygreaterthan90,000 than are female general managers. Managers with more frequent moves to obtain better positions were 1.3 times more likely to have a salary greater than 90,000thanarefemalegeneralmanagers.Managerswithmorefrequentmovestoobtainbetterpositionswere1.3timesmorelikelytohaveasalarygreaterthan90,000. Completion of formal education programs or industry credentials was not correlated with such high salary levels. Research findings agree with previous literature that gender and mobility are important factors in achieving higher salary levels. However, the hypotheses related to credentials and education did not confirm the findings of previous research. This result may be due to the fact that education and credentials are related to career progression at lower levels of management or salary. This study fills a gap in the literature concerning career progression and s...

International journal of innovative business strategies, Jun 30, 2023

The Jones conceptual model includes extracurricular activities (ECAs) as one of seven microsystem... more The Jones conceptual model includes extracurricular activities (ECAs) as one of seven microsystems that influence the undergraduate student learning experience. This case study used the Jones model as a framework to study the extent to which the ECAs, within the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Business and Tourism Learning Passport (LP) programme, met the needs of undergraduate students' post-secondary learning experience [1]. Through the LP programme students are able to engage with five of the seven microsystems in the Jones model: the degree programme (academic), ECAs, preparing for life after graduation (career), transition into student life (personal development), and university peer and friendship groups. While they are important factors which influence students' participation, or lack of participation, in the programme, the LP programme does not have control over the remaining two microsystems in the Jones model: social background of the students and expectations pre-university. This qualitative research study revealed that the LP programme contributed to undergraduate students' learning experience as demonstrated by the Jones model. Researchers adapted the Jones model based on the analysis of the LP programme. They found interaction between the LP ECAs and other microsystems in the model. Researchers also determined the LP programme should explore ways to better capture social engagement and personal development. Researchers recommended the Jones model [1. better highlight how the contribution to community through volunteering and social advocacy influences undergraduate student learning.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, Jan 18, 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of food and nutrition regulations in developing healthy be... more Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of food and nutrition regulations in developing healthy behaviors of young children, this study profiled the food and nutrient contribution of snacks, the foods and drinks consumed outside of main meals, in the diets of a sample of children between the ages of 3-5 years overall and in regulated child care (RCC) and home settings. Methods: From a purposive sample of 44 RCC settings from across Nova Scotia, Canada, 19 agreed to participate in this study and with RCC directors' approvals, invitations were sent to parents of enrolled children. Using a 4-day food record, foods and drinks consumed by 79 preschool aged children, were recorded by parents at home and by trained research assistants at RCC. The foods and drinks consumed during morning, afternoon and evening snack occasions coded by the What We Eat in America (WWEIA) categories and the provision of energy, sodium, fats, sugar and fiber were calculated. Descriptive statistics and independent t tests were used to determined differences between the foods and nutrients by where and when the snacks were consumed. Results: On average, children consumed 2.3 snacks per day. Fruit, salty/sweet items and dairy items were predominately consumed as snacks. Average daily contributions from snacks were 29% of energy, 22.6% sodium, 27.6% saturated fat, 39.9% sugar and 31.3% dietary fiber. Significantly more variety of food categories and higher sodium and fiber snacks were consumed at RCC than home. Home morning snacks had significantly more sugar than RCC morning snacks. Conclusions: The findings provide insight into the influences from RCC and home settings on snack intakes and the important role RCC food and nutrition regulations play in supporting healthy eating behaviors. Suggested recommendations are to de-emphasize the requirement for two food group servings for each snack at RCC, focus more on variety and nutrient dense snacks and encourage knowledge sharing between RCC and home environments to promote healthy children's snacking behaviors.

London International Conference on Education (LICE-2022) and World Congress on Special Needs Education (WCE-2022)

International Journal of Management and Marketing Research, 2021

Labor: Personnel Economics eJournal, 2010

This research explored the relationships between demographic factors of gender, age, education an... more This research explored the relationships between demographic factors of gender, age, education and tenure on leadership competencies of Canadian hotel general managers and the impact of leadership competencies on hotel performance. This timely study captures general managers during times of extreme environmental challenges and used the New Zealand Institute of Management Capability Index to capture leadership competencies. A regression was used to analyze the relationship between demographics and leadership competencies and also between leadership competencies and hotel performance as measured by revenue per available room (RevPAR). Findings indicated that there was a weak relationship between tenure and People Leadership, one of the three leadership competencies. Visionary and Strategic Leadership had a statistically significant positive impact on RevPAR. This confirms leadership research in the field demonstrating that aspects of transformational leadership lead to improved organi...

The healthy workplace is characterized by an understanding between management and staff that good... more The healthy workplace is characterized by an understanding between management and staff that good health practices result in better outcomes for both organizations and employees. The healthy workplace provides a mutual benefit for both employees and for the organization, with the belief that fulfilling organizational goals cannot happen at the expense of the self-fulfillment of management and staff (HRDC, 2005). The toxic workplace is characterized by high levels of stress that result in physical and emotional harm to management and staff (CCOHS, 2000).

Logistic regression was conducted to determine the relative influence of professional advice, soc... more Logistic regression was conducted to determine the relative influence of professional advice, social and marketing influencers, and self-efficacy, on university students’ health capital. The results demonstrated that students with high levels of self-efficacy were seven times more likely to have high levels of health capital. Social/marketing influences and professional health advisors were not statistically significant. This has implications for health marketing by universities and health agencies concerned about the wellbeing of university students and future citizens.

This research assesses the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, marketing strategy developme... more This research assesses the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, marketing strategy development, engagement in research and development, and technology investment, as predictors of export activity for women business owners in Atlantic Canada. Utilizing survey research and binary logistic regression, researchers determined that entrepreneurs’ reasons for starting their business were either due to income necessity or to pursue a unique market opportunity had no bearing on their interest to pursue export activities: a result that calls into question previous research in the field. The only factor that had a statistically significant influence on exporting was investment in research and development. Future research is recommended to further examine these relationships.

The Global Journal of Business Research, 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by hotel managers in Canada. An on... more The purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by hotel managers in Canada. An online survey was conducted of 60 hotel general managers across Canada, including 30 male and 30 female respondents. The results indicated that gaining experience and mentoring are the main strategies used for career advancement for men and women. Gaining experience was obtained by asking for challenging projects and moving properties. Some personality factors were identified as “willingness to learn†and “determination†. This study allows a better understanding of how men and women develop their careers in the Canadian hotel industry, an important one consisting of over 8,000 properties and generating revenues of $16.7 billion in 2013 (PKF, 2014). The Canadian hotel industry has little scholarly research. Further research into how work experience can be leveraged more efficiently into career building strategies and how personality factors impact career development is required

ABSTRACTThe consequences of poor eating behaviors can impact, not only the overall health of indi... more ABSTRACTThe consequences of poor eating behaviors can impact, not only the overall health of individuals, but it can negatively impact government and organizational costs. Healthy eating behaviours are influenced by personal, behaviour, and environmental factors, and have been investigated through many theoretical frameworks. In this study, expectancy theory was explored as a tool to understand healthy eating motivations in the context of consumer behaviour. Based on the expectancy theory, six hypotheses were created and tested using a survey conducted at two universities. A total of 188 students completed the survey which included questions on eating behaviors, nutrition knowledge and selfefficacy for healthy eating. An expectancy theory model based on the resulting scores was analyzed through Partial Least Square regression. The six hypotheses were confirmed by the analysis and the null hypotheses were rejected. This indicates that Healthy Eating Behaviour can be positively impact...

College student journal, 2016

Problem There is evidence that university students have poor eating behaviors that can lead to sh... more Problem There is evidence that university students have poor eating behaviors that can lead to short and long term negative health effects. Understanding the influences on eating behaviors will aid universities and health agencies in developing effective healthy eating promotion strategies. Purpose and Method To determine the impact of a range of influencers on healthy eating behaviors, a tested and ethics approved questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of students at two universities. Responses (n=188) were statistically analyzed and logistic regression was conducted. Results Mean daily food group servings were below recommendations for the vegetables/ffuits and grain products groups. The regression models for minimum vegetable/fruit group were statistically significant for healthy eating, media/social and the professional advice influencer scales. For the meal/altemates, the models were significant for budget constraints, professional advice and nutrition self-efficacy i...

"CPRS, the Communication + PR Foundation and Mount Saint Vincent University have partnered t... more "CPRS, the Communication + PR Foundation and Mount Saint Vincent University have partnered to conduct the first Canadian survey of Generally Accepted Practices in Public Relations. This survey is part of the international GAP VIII study, led by the University of Southern California and supported by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. The international partners in this survey include Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Between December 2013 and March 2014 the Canadian team collected data from 122 qualified surveys (with an additional 77 incomplete surveys) and has prepared a data set for the American partners in the GAP study that will allow our data to be included in the international study. The GAP VIII international study does not include data from the specifically Canadian questions which were added to the survey. This data will be analyzed (along with the overall survey) by the Canadian research team and it will offer a distinctly Canadian look at some defining characteristics within our practice. This will also serve to set benchmark data for future research on Canadian public relations practice. International comparisons will be presented by the USC research team in September. The following document provides a summary of responses received for individual questions included in the GAP VIII Canada survey. The respondents in this survey are all senior communication professionals in their organizations and they are Canadian, working within Canada or representing organizations that work in Canada."--Excerpt from introduction

EnglishThis research explored the correlation between gender, formal education, credentials, mobi... more EnglishThis research explored the correlation between gender, formal education, credentials, mobility, and general managers’ salaries in the Canadian hotel industry. The analysis confirmed that men are 3.85 times more likely to earn a salary greater than 90,000thanarefemalegeneralmanagers.Managerswithmorefrequentmovestoobtainbetterpositionswere1.3timesmorelikelytohaveasalarygreaterthan90,000 than are female general managers. Managers with more frequent moves to obtain better positions were 1.3 times more likely to have a salary greater than 90,000thanarefemalegeneralmanagers.Managerswithmorefrequentmovestoobtainbetterpositionswere1.3timesmorelikelytohaveasalarygreaterthan90,000. Completion of formal education programs or industry credentials was not correlated with such high salary levels. Research findings agree with previous literature that gender and mobility are important factors in achieving higher salary levels. However, the hypotheses related to credentials and education did not confirm the findings of previous research. This result may be due to the fact that education and credentials are related to career progression at lower levels of management or salary. This study fills a gap in the literature concerning career progression and s...