Carpenter,
Gaylene., and Blandy Douglas. Arts and
cultural programming: a leisure perspective. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Publishers. 2011. Print
This book takes the perspectives of
one aspect of leisure: art and culture. In the introduction chapter, the types
of programs in art and culture and their connection with leisure. Leisure
concepts have also been highlighted and applied to arts and cultural
programming. In the second part of the book which comprises chapters 4-8, the
book focuses on the application of the theories and concepts covered in the
introductory chapters in the programming of arts and culture programs. Aspects
such as management of programs, cultivation of program audiences, and even the
marketing of the programs have been explained at length. Even though this
resource largely dwells on arts and cultural planning, it is important to note
that the same is very relevant to leisure programming. Arts and culture can be
said to be part of the wider field of leisure and any insights in terms of
programming are bound to be useful insights in the wider field of leisure
programming.
Carpenter,
Gaylene., and Murray, Susan. “Leisure behaviours and perceptions when mid-life
death is imminent: A case report” Journal
of Park and Recreation Administration 20.4 (2002): 12-36. Print
Based on an analogy of a leisure
service professional diagnosed with a terminal illness in her prime, this paper
explores the perceptions on pleasure by individuals faced with mid-life death.
It evaluates the psychological well being of such individuals and goes on to
evaluate how their perceptions change in relation to leisure and other facets
of life. The article observes that persons facing such crises tend to turn to
leisure in order to face their fears and tend to value special programs with
sufficient levels of involvement. Leisure has also been noted to provide
chances for renewal of identity and personal meaning. This article can have a
multiplicity of audiences ranging from leisure professionals to the general
public. Health officers could also use the findings to advise their patients
appropriately on how to cope with their crises. Leisure programming specialists
would also be well advised to use the information to design programs that allow
rediscovery of meaning and personal identity.
Chon,
Kayne., Kandampully, Jay., Mok, Connie., and Sparks, Beverly. Service Quality Management in Hospitality,
Tourism and Leisure. Binghamton, NY: The Hawoth Hospitality Press, 2001.
Print.
This text provides an in-depth
introduction to the field of tourism, hospitality and leisure. In addition to
describing the three objects separately as products, goods and services; it
goes on to bring out the unique characteristics of the same. The book appears
to put more emphasis on the question of quality in hospitality and pleasure.
Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 are all dedicated towards various aspects of service
which range from the definition of quality to the exploration of the importance
of positive service encounter. In reference to leisure programming, the book
provides a good background understanding the leisure that is the subject of
leisure planning and its overall goal. The concept of competitive advantage in
leisure has also been explored. This is an important resource that would not
only help in the basic understanding of the concepts of hospitality and
leisure; but also ensure that the planning process focuses primarily on quality
and unique service encounter experiences.
Cochran,
Lynda., Rothschadl, A.,and Rudick, Jodi.
Leisure programming for Baby Boomers. Champaign,
IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. 2009. Print
This book identifies baby boomers
are persons who were born in the 1960s and are characterised as individuals
that sees itself as different from the rest of the society. Their tastes and
preferences in terms of products and services as well as lifestyles and
political views tended to be a little different. This book delves into the specific
views of this generation and uses it to form a framework for programming where
each element in the programming framework is linked to the specific traits and
lifestyles observed in the baby boomers. Even though the field of leisure
programming is wider than envisioned in the book, the basic principles guiding
“leisure programming for baby boomers” are the same where the need to
understand the customer needs and develop programs that satisfy those needs is
crucial. This resource is highly relevant to the field of leisure programming
and one that should be referred to by leisure programmers from the different
leisure and recreation dimensions.
Fennell,
David. Ecotourism programme planning. New
York: CABI Publishing. 2002. Print
This book equates ecotourism as
nature based with the main attractions being physical features, wild animals
and others. It is part of leisure and the principles applied for programme
planning in ecotourism would be the same with differences only emerging in the
specific programs for the different types of programs. For instance, in
ecotourism where viewing of wildlife may be concerned, the programs should
factor in the kind of beasts that clients would want to view and their movement
patterns at different times of year and specific times of day when they can be
viewed with ease. The programming process has also been viewed in light of the
supply chain systems with an emphasis on the need to collaborate with other
players in the tourism sector. This resource’s relevance to leisure programming
is clear. In addition to focussing on the principles of leisure programming, it
promotes a deeper understanding of ecotourism hence broadening the perspectives
of the leisure programmers.
Gartner,
W., and Lime, D. Trends in outdoor
recreation, leisure and tourism. New York: CABI Publishing. 2000. Print
This book is about trends in
recreation and leisure and it starts by evaluating the factors that affect
demand for leisure and use of resources. Factors such as technology,
demographics, and cultural dimensions are among those that have been covered.
The book then explores policy issues that have impacted the leisure and
recreation sector since the World War II. The main changes that were observed
include changes in labour laws, requirements for assurance of security and
safety of clients, and increased vigilance on the need to conserve the
environment. Knowledge of the trends in recreation and leisure helps in
understanding the needs of the market as well as predicting future trends based
on changing demographics and anticipated technological advances. These pieces
of information are crucial in leisure programming where quality and customer
satisfaction are among the most important principles applied.
Gass,
Priest., and Gass Michael. Effective leadership
in adventure programming. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. 2005.
Print
As the title indicates, the main
focus is adventure (a section of leisure) programming and the leadership
requirement needed in the programming. It highlights the main leadership skills
needed in the leadership roles as organisational skills, safety skills,
environmental skills and technical skills. By highlighting the skills needed by
leaders in the programming, the book brings out the nature of the programming
processes and the overall expectations on each of the parties involved in it.
Also highlighted clearly is the philosophy that informs the adventure planning
process, its aims, and expectations both from the financial, social and
environmental perspectives. The decision making models such as the decision
tree have been highlighted with examples on how the suitability of different
options can be established for better decision making. Focus on the ethics of
the programming function cap the complexity of the planning process. This book is
very helpful in deepening understanding of leisure programming from the
perspective of leadership.
Gitelson,
Richard., Hultsman, Wendy., and Biaett, Vern. “Programs that work: a comparison
for gathering marketing information at special events” Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 20.4 (2002): 185-196.
Print
This article focuses on fact finding
to establish whether events have been able to produce the desired results. The
authors discuss methodologies on how data can be collected and the types of
analyses that would be useful in determining whether the given events are
successful. Post programme research is an important process in determining the
effectiveness of leisure programmes. This is especially useful in the process
of ensuring that continuous improvement is achieved with the input of the
clients on their satisfaction levels and future preferences as the main
ingredients. This article is target at organisers of special events and
scholars. However, it is equally applicable to the field of leisure programming
as far as the need to ensure there is creativity and continuous improvement is
concerned.
Havitz,
Mark., and Dimanche, Frederic. “Leisure involvement revisited: Drive properties
and paradoxes” Journal of Leisure
Research 31.2 (1999): 122-149. Print
This scholarly article focuses on
the issue of involvement in leisure and contains a review on past researches
that have attempted to link the levels of satisfaction to the level of
involvement by leisure clients. This article advocates for the enhancement of
quality of leisure through better program designs that ensure that levels of
involvement are facilitated only to the extent that they do not become
bothersome and therefore interfere with the ability of the customers to enjoy
leisure. Even though the article appears to address recreation and leisure
scholars for purposes of stimulating further research, its findings are very
relevant to leisure programming. The main principle governing leisure
programmers is the underlying need to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
The programmers would therefore be interested in finding out whether they could
increase satisfaction by increasing the levels of involvement. The application
of this resource is however bound to be limited in the context of leisure
programming as no realistic conclusions relevant to the field have been
provided.
Hurd,
Amy., Anderson, Denise. The park and
recreation professional’s handbook. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Publishers. 2011. Print
This is a writing targeting
professionals in the leisure sector and it concentrates on highlighting the
technical aspects of the practice. Specific focus on programming is in chapter
2 where the programming planning process has been explored in depth. Special
aspects of programming such as creativity, programming for people with
disabilities and the strategic importance of coordinating with other industry
players have also been covered in depth. In accordance with the presentation in
this writing, leisure programming is a complex process that must involve the
application of strategic thinking. It should cover approach to facility
management, budget control and the management of human resources. The
analytical skills used for weighing different options in the decision making
process have also been provided. This writing is an important resource for
leisure planners as it provides insight on all aspects of the leisure
programming process as well as the philosophical viewpoints relevant to the
process.
Hurd,
Amy., Barcelona, Robert., Meldrum, John. Leisure
services management. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. 2008. Print
The focus of this book is on
management. The general foundations of management have been covered in the
first 2 chapters where leadership, management and corresponding trends over the
years have been identified. Chapter 3 narrows down on leisure management where
the specific functions of managers in the leisure sector have been highlighted.
The book also brings out the issues that leisure managers would need to deal
with from time to time especially as pertains to the preservation of the
environment, duty to communities and clients, employment regulations and
others. Issues affecting management in the leisure sector as very relevant to leisure
planning. Aspects such as legal issues that would apply to leisure managers
also applies to leisure planners who would need to design the leisure
activities in a manner that ensures compliance with all the relevant laws. This
book therefore introduces a unique angle by highlighting the legal issues that
would need to be reviewed in leisure planning.
Kassing,
Gayle., et al. Dimensions of leisure for
life: individuals and society. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
2011. Print
This comprehensive coverage of
leisure and leisure programming explores the different dimensions of leisure.
It explores leisure’s importance to individuals and societies in the first
part. In part 2 which contains chapters 3-5, leisure is viewed as a lifestyle
where its connection to well being and other societal activities is explored.
Historical developments of leisure from the historical times to modern times
have been explored with its connection to changes in technology and focus on
sustainability clearly brought out. In the last part (Chapters 12-16), leisure
is explored in the modern world settings in the society and also in relation to
geography and also physiological changes for the average member of the society
in their entire life spans. The in-depth understanding of leisure as promoted
by this book is critical in the leisure programming process as it is the deep
understanding that ensures that effective leisure programs are generated.
Kassing,
Gayle., et al. Introduction to recreation
and leisure. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. 2012. Print
This book is divided into 3 parts.
Part one contains the introduction which outline the foundations of recreation
and leisure. The history of recreation and the philosophies of recreation are
among the contents of this part. In part 2, leisure and recreation is explored
in light of a delivery system. In other words, the systems that have developed
over time through the private and public sectors to deliver leisure have been
explored. The different types of recreation depending on the need and
composition of clients such as faith based recreation, correctional recreation,
and others have also been explored at length with an emphasis on their aims and
implications for the delivery systems. Part 3 narrows down on the programming
process and seeks to bring out how leisure programs can be effective. What
makes this resource unique is perhaps contained in Chapter 19 where the
international approaches to leisure have been explored with a special emphasis
on Brazil and China.
Kunstler,
Robin., and Daly, Frances. Therapeutic
recreation leadership and programming. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Publishers. 2011. Print
The uniqueness of this book is in
the fact that it focuses on the therapeutic benefit of leisure with the same
being used as a means through which people can resolve some of the health
issues they may be having. It attempts to link this unique approach to leisure
programming with the effectiveness of the programs being linked to their
ability to deliver on the therapeutic need of clients. The leadership role in
terms of designing the programs, monitoring them to ensure that they deliver on
the desired goals and timely reviews for improvement have also been covered in
this book. This resource is useful in bringing out the uniqueness of leisure
programming where the nature of the leisure activities and the need description
of the clients play a major role in the choice of programs and the running of
the same.
McLean,
Daniel., and Hurd, Amy. Recreation and
leisure in modern society. 9th Ed. Sadbury, MA: Jones and
Barlett Learning, LLC. 2012. Print.
This book explores different aspects
of leisure with the underlying aim of bringing out the extent to which the
concept of leisure has evolved over time. With the basic components of leisure
in mind, the book explores changes in terms of composition and attitudes from
historical times to the modern times. In addition to this, it explains at
length socio-cultural perspectives of leisure and goes ahead to outline the leisure
service system which has been developed over the years where the main
stakeholders in the leisure programming process are government, NGOs and
related recreation agencies. The perspectives highlighted in this book are
critical to the leisure programming process as they help in appreciating the
different market developments that planners must be aware of. Understanding the
changes in perceptions and attitude also help in generating programs that can
provide the levels of satisfaction needed.
Raymond,
Poff., Zabriskie, Ramon., and Townsend, Jasmine. “Modelling family leisure and
related family constructs: a national study of US parent and youth
perspectives”. Journal of Leisure
Research 42.3 (2010):365-391. Print.
This scholarly article links family characteristics
as observed in their structural relationships, the functioning of families, and
family leisure satisfaction among others. This article categorises family
leisure into two: core and balance. Core family leisure is regular, low cost
and on average quite accessible. Participation in sports, outing and the like
belong to this category. Balance family leisure comprises of activities that
are uncommon and mostly designed to provide unique and new experiences.
Vacations, camping, fishing trips and special events belong to this category.
The authors also cover the dynamics of family leisure satisfaction as well as
communication and these are aspects that could be very useful to the leisure
programmers who would need to know how to satisfy clients who come in family
units. Knowledge of family communication could also be helpful in understanding
how to effectively market the leisure programs produced.
Rossman,
Robert., Schlatter, Barbara. Recreational
programming: designing leisure experiences. 5th Ed. Champaign,
IL: Sagamore Publishing, LLC
This resource is very specific on
programming and explores the different processes and approaches to programming.
Among the outstanding topics covered are goals and objectives in program
development where emphasis is laid on the importance of strategy in
programming. It also explains the different perspectives that need to be taken
while designing programs and even provides examples of program designs while
emphasising the need for a creative approach to ensure that each program is
unique in its ability to provide value to customers. The book also covers the
operational aspects of programs where staffing, promotion of programs and even
proposed pricing strategies have been provided. The need to ensure continuous improvement
has been emphasised through materials on evaluation and monitoring approaches.
This book appears to target leisure programming professionals who may need to
use the information provided to ensure their programs provide the desired
value.
Russell,
Ruth., and Jamieson, Lynn. Leisure
program planning and delivery. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
2011. Print
This book provides a solid
foundation for leisure programming by highlighting the importance of programmed
leisure. It then discusses leisure programming in depth by highlighting the
professional aspects of leisure programming as well as the programming
principles that should be in the programmers’ minds. The main principles relate
to the need to ensure quality, satisfaction of customers, efficiency,
environmental preservation and the aspect of monitoring performance and
facilitating future improvements. The contribution of this book to the field is
further enhanced by its holistic approach where planning, monitoring and
operational aspects of leisure programming have been highlighted. It also
covers leadership aspects. This book appears to target an audience that is new
to the field and provides clear insights into the subject matter: in a manner
that allows persons new to the field to not only understand it but also take
part in effective leisure planning.
Stalker,
Glenn. “Leisure diversity as an indicator for cultural capital” Leisure Sciences 33 (2011): 81-102.
Print
This article addresses the question
of diversity of activities and its impact on the level of leisure satisfaction.
It also explores the question of culture and its influence on how individuals
and societies enjoy leisure activities. Among the relevant theories that have
been put in discussed are the role attachment theory and the disengagement
theory. Where role attachment is strong, diversity may not be embraced
especially where it requires the abandonment of perspectives held. The
preference of diversity has also been explored based on gender, age and other
demographics with an aim to understand how different members of the society
view diversity. The article finds that diversity of activities does indeed
contribute to the levels of leisure satisfaction among contemporary leisure
clients. This dimension of customer satisfaction in leisure services could
provide valuable insights to leisure programmers who may embrace the idea of
diversity to promote the levels of satisfaction.
Torkildsen,
George. Leisure and Recreation
Management. 5th Ed. New
York: Routledge
This book starts with a general
introduction to leisure and management as the foundation for greater emphasis
on leisure planning and programming. It begins with exploring the historical
perspectives on leisure and their subsequent evolution with a keen eye on the
underlying motive of players in the recreation sector: to satisfy the customer.
The author observes that leisure is about satisfaction of human needs and one
must understand such needs in order to satisfy them. He decries the fact that
many leisure programmers tend to be ignorant about such needs. In this book,
the concepts of programming which start from the planning processes to the
actual management of the programs have been highlighted. This book appears to
target an audience with a light background in leisure and recreation and acts
as a guide to effective leisure programming. Its rich background of the topic
is also useful in ensuring that the leisure programmers do not lose sight of
the principles that should guide their work.
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