A Discussion of Methods Employed in Analyzing the Impact of Short-Term Entertainment Events

Abstract

As economists pay increasing attention to short-term entertainment events, it is constructive to evaluate the current methodology employed in studies. This study points out that the basic issue addressed by studies is the difference between what did happen and what might have happened—a difficult subject. Other criticisms are raised concerning definitions employed, the survey technique, the multiplier, and appropriate sampling and statistical techniques.

Event experiences: measurement and meaning

“…It is not surprising that quantitative methods have tended to dominate events research. A significant number of studies of event visitors began to appear in the 1980s, spurred on largely by the realisation that events could generate significant economic impacts for the host location (Davidson & Schaffer, 1980). Simple counting of visitor expenditure through surverys was replaced by more sophisticated approaches attempting to measure service quality in the 1990s (e.g.…”

Estimating the Economic Impact of Event Tourism

“…Two papers published in the 1980s were some of the first to examine the subject of the economic impact of entertainment events. Davidson and Schaffer (1980) outlined the conceptual basis for an economic impact assessment, isolating the economic impact associated with a specific event. Marsh (1984) provided a case study of the economic impacts of a youth hockey tournament in a small town.…”

“…However, the most pervasive shortcomings of past impact analyses appear to involve problems in properly defining the direct economic impact of tourist events (Tyrrell & Johnston, 2001;Baade & Matheson, 2001;Chhabra et al, 2003;Davidson & Schaffer, 1980). In particular, many studies have not properly distinguished between the direct economic impact of an event and the total expenditures of event participants and visitors.…”

Participant Experiences in a Special Sporting Event: the Case of the United Games in Bathurst, Australia

“…Burns and Mules, 1986;Davidson and Schaffer, 1980;Frisby and Getz, 1989;Getz, 1991;Groves, 1989;Hall, 1989;Mazitelli, 1989;McKay, 1986;Ritchie, 1984) have shown that their impact can be evaluated from many different angles. Ritchie (1984) proposed six types of impact that need to be considered: physical/structural; socio-cultural; psychological; political; economic; and tourism.…”