[Stress management in the event industry of Hong Kong]

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Stress” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Stress” and its relation with “Event industry in Hong Kong”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Stress” and tries to gauge its effect on “Event industry in Hong Kong”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Stress” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Stress” on “Event industry in Hong Kong”.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Stress1

Event Industry1

Hong Kong Event industry- a stressful industry2

Definition and overview2

Successful Event Management3

The history of the event3

Specific objectives of the event3

Timeline5

Capital Structure5

Management Concerns5

Franchise Concerns7

Maintaining an existing franchise affiliation8

Obtaining a more appropriate franchise affiliation9

Condition Concerns10

Fixed Expenses11

Problem Statement12

Research Aim and Objectives12

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW14

Stress14

Causes of Stress15

Impacts/consequences of stress16

Stress in the events industry20

Managing stress and how to evaluate effectiveness of stress management22

Research Design24

Literature Search25

Keywords26

Definition of Qualitative Research26

Research Method27

Literature Selection Criteria27

Search Technique27

Theoretical Framework28

Difference28

Pros and cons of chosen methodology29

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS31

Prevention, reduction and management of stress31

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION37

REFERENCES45

APPENDIX51

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Stress

Stress is a growing problem that people are facing the world over. Statistics clearly reveal that 75% of the general population goes through at least some kind of stress over a period of every two weeks (Blumenthal & Tweedy 2002, 569-589). Across the globe, millions of people are suffering from stress-related diseases because of the unhealthy lifestyle factors which they adopt.

Stress leads to heart diseases, strokes, high blood pressure and many other ailments including the weakening of immune system which, in turn, paves way for various diseases to take over. It has been observed that in order to overcome stress, people adopt harmful ways like that of alcoholism and drugs, cigarette addiction and in many cases, suicidal attempts and suicides, too.

For health experts and professionals, figuring out ways to cope up with stress has become a challenge in the contemporary field of medicine and they are trying to emphasize on lifestyle factors which contribute to protection from stress. Therefore, the topic of lifestyle factors and its impact on stress is of immense significance (Blumenthal & Tweedy 2002, 569-589).

Event Industry

The recession and concurrent downturn in travel activity and spending are having a direct effect on most events in the U.S. Demand levels have decreased dramatically, causing occupancy rates to fall to levels at which it is difficult to maintain efficient operations. In response, most events and markets have begun to use price as a marketing tool, initiating discounts and special offers, if not actual price decreases, in ...