Technology and Innovation Commons^™

Reflections On Co-Creating, Developing And Evaluating Virtual Reality Fieldtrips (Vrf): The Student’S Perspective, Catherine Gorman, Jennifer Stewart, Louise Bellew

Conference papers

To ensure graduates have the skill to work within the tourism industry, and spurred on by the paradigm shift in teaching due to Covid 19, this research focused on developing innovative solutions using technology. Using virtual assessment techniques, industry co-created evaluation, and integrated assessment, it explored how virtual field-trips can be developed as part of remote teaching methods. To provide context to the topic of sustainable tourism and technology, a student-led virtual seminar with industry was undertaken linking with TU Dublin Green Week 2021. In place of a fieldtrip using Google Earth and Screen-casto-matic, students created videos incorporating the sustainability …

Using Sequential Mixed Methods To Evaluate The Contribution Of Absorptive Capacity (Acap), Anthony Paul Buckley, Francis Martin Behan

Conference papers

How might Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) (Cohen & Levinthal 1990,,Song et al. 2018) contribute to indigenous firm innovation and growth and how might the effects of this construct be evaluated at both firm and policy level? This paper demonstrates how a mixed methods research design and data analysis strategy can address the research question outlined above. Within the ‘mixed methods’ research genre, the design approach argued for here is for a ‘sequential mixed methods research’ approach. This is where one methodology is followed sequentially by another to add robustness to the overall findings from a study. The approach can also be …

The Persistence Of Omniscience In Knowledge Management: Implications Or Future Research, Conor Horan, Conor P. Horan, John Finch

Conference papers

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the persistence of omniscience in Knowledge Management (KM) research. Omniscience as a concept has two dimensions ubiquity and utility. This idea of ubiquity is more prevalent when the management goal focuses on processing or transferring pre-existing knowledge efficiently to those who can make use of it. Ubiquity assumes that knowledge is freely available within the firm i.e. is omnipresent, waiting for it to be processed or transferred. The idea of utility assumes that knowledge and its relevance is fully understood by the firm. The firms and its managers are assumed to know the value and quality …

An Exploratory Study Of The Role And Contribution Of University Knowledge Transfer Offices (Ktos) In Knowledge Transfer And Value Creation, Anthony Paul Buckley, Paul Maguire, David Gardiner

Conference papers

Developed European countries place emphasis on innovation as an important growth driver. Higher educational institutions, within these developed countries, actively participate in regional economic initiatives to proactively transfer and commercialise knowledge to business and society. This knowledge transfer is now performed in a more direct way than heretofore and the commercialization remit is now regarded as the Universities 3rd mission. This is in addition to its traditional remits of education and research. This study explores the effectiveness of the University knowledge transfer process and the contribution that knowledge transfer offices play in knowledge transfer and commercialisation (Value creation).

This study …

Applications Of Optimisation In Serious Games Design: An Integrated Framework, Ayman Tobail, Amr Arisha

Conference papers

It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the need to get out of the traditional learning methods especially in complex fields such as operations management (OM) and supply chain management (SCM). Simulation-based serious games have been identified as a promising learning tool to leverage the learning ability for the current generation known as virtual era generation. Literature lacks for formal guidelines to design and implement a simulation-based serious game to achieve learning, entertaining, keeping an active instructor role, and collecting real-time learning efficiency indicators. This study proposes a comprehensive framework and implementation for simulation-based serious game AUSUM (AUtomobile SUpply chain …

The Study Of Traditional And Non-Traditional Marketing Communications: Target Marketing In The Events Sector., Gordon Geraghty, Ann T. Conway

Conference papers

There is a vast array of information on marketing but there is little literature on event marketing, specifically target marketing for events. The event sector is one that is constantly changing; the need to reinvent, innovate and self-disrupt is part and parcel for a sector that seeks to constantly entertain and turn a profit, so too is the marketing sector.

The research was carried out using face-to-face in-depth interviews and 1 focus group, all of which were audio recorded with the consent of the participants. The sample comprises of event and marketing professionals. The analysis focused on research’s objectives and …

Exploring The Values Of Mobile Phone Technology In Tanzania Tourism Smes, Deirdre Lillis, Renatus Mushi

Conference papers

SMEs have been one of the reliable

sources of income and employment worldwide. Mobile

technologies have widely been used in performing a

number of activities for SMEs. Mobile phone

technology is maintained by a single or few operators

which leave endusers

with huge relief as they no longer

deal with technical issues. However, despite the notable

advantages of using mobile phone technology in SMEs,

their values have been explained in a generic way.

Specifics on direct and indirect benefits and concerns

on particular aspect and circumstances have not been

explored. The main challenge is that it is difficult to

single …

Teacherpreneurs: From Vocation To Innovation, Anthony Paul Buckley, Kisito Futonge

Conference papers

The global market for e-learning is projected to reach $255 billion by 2017 with a compound growth average of 23% since 2012 (GSV Advisors, 2012). The shift towards digital learning has attracted a wave of digital entrepreneurs who are creating e-learning content, learning platforms, educational apps and online marketplaces. Nowhere is this more evident than in the online 'K-12' market (50 per cent share of the global e-learning market). The term K-12 refers to 12 years of formal primary and secondary education from kindergarten (K) or nursery – essentially pre-university level education. The purpose of this paper is to investigate …

Augmented Reality And The Events Curriculum: The Students' Perspective, Mary O'Rawe, Alex Gibson

Conference papers

The emergence of Augmented Reality (AR) as a ground-breaking technology has transcended both business and academic sectors. Despite its rapid rise commercially, evidence of the benefits of AR in the classroom at higher education is slower to emerge, with only a limited focus to date on its specific relationship with curriculum development and learning outcomes. To respond to the changing characteristics of the higher education learning environment, and the shift towards mobile learning (M Learning) and ubiquitous learning (U Learning), it is clear that educators should reflect these trends in curriculum design and didactic methods. This paper presents the findings …

The Phenomenon Of Online Reviews - Digital Headache Or Golden Opportunity For The Tourism Sector?, Jennifer Lawlor, Geraldine A. Gorham, Colin O'Connor

Conference papers

This conceptual paper presents a research agenda for tourism operators by examining the literature pertaining to the phenomenon of online reviews in the tourism sector. The objective is to examine tourist motivations for posting online reviews and their potential impact on the consumer decision making process. Furthermore, this paper seeks to explore how tourism operators may respond to, and act upon, this source of customer word-of-mouth.

Understanding Customer Actions During Self-Service Technology Failures In Multichannel Service Environments, Jennifer Lawlor, Petranka Kelly, Michael Mulvey

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Application Of Lean Thinking Using Simulation Modelling In A Private Hospital, Ayman Tobail, Patrick Egan, Waleed Abo-Hamad, Amr Arisha

Conference papers

Timely access, prompt responses to patient needs, and availability of resources to deliver quality service are the key priorities of healthcare systems, in particular hospitals. To cope with these constraints, healthcare managers have turned into lean thinking and approaches in their attempts to reduce non-value added activities and save costs by reducing wastes. This paper presents a case study of a private hospital in Dublin that used integrated approach of value stream mapping and simulation modeling to assess lean implementation in admission and discharge processes. Simulation enabled the strategic management to examine the outcomes of three possible improvement scenarios on …

Forex Trading Using Metatrader 4 With The Fractal Market Hypothesis, Jonathan Blackledge, Kieran Murphy

Conference papers

This paper reports on the results of a research and development programme concerned with the analysis of currency pair exchange time series for Forex trading in an intensive applications and services environment. In particular, we present some of the preliminary results obtained for Forex trading using MetaTrader 4 with a new set of trend indicators deigned using a mathematical model that is based on the Fractal Market Hypothesis. This includes examples of various currency pair exchange rates considered over different time intervals and use of the indicators in a live trading environment to place a buy/sell order.

The Impact Of 3pl’S Green Initiatives On The Purchasing Of Transport And Logistics Services: An Exploratory Study, Pietro Evangelista, Maria Huge-Brodin, Karin Isaksson, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

There is a lack of research investigating the interaction and reciprocal influences between the buyer perspective and the supplier of transport and logistics services. Studies on the buyer perspective analyse the selection criteria to buy 3PL services, while research focused on green 3PL services examine initiatives undertaken by these companies to provide more environmentally sustainable services. The objective of this paper is to fill this void through an explorative case study analysis on the environmental attitude of 3PL companies in order to derive relevant implications for buyer’s behaviour. The results provide useful guidelines to buyers for understanding awareness, initiatives as …

Basic Insight; It’S All About People But Technology Gets You Closer, Patrick Horan, Andrew Frew

Conference papers

After three years of difficult trading conditions Irish tourism needs to move towards recovery. Given that we are waiting next month for one of the toughest budgets in the history of the state, talk of recovery might seem a little premature. Nevertheless we know that economic conditions in some of our key source markets abroad continue to improve, and so consumer sentiment in these countries is likely to recover faster than here at home. In order to position itself for recovery, tourism will need to do two things. Firstly it will need to continue to offer value to a weakened, …

A Review Of Key Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Self-Service Technologies In Tourism., Petranka Kelly, Jennifer Lawlor, Michael Mulvey

Conference papers

During the past ten years self-service technologies (SSTs) have attracted research attention especially in the banking, retail and airline sectors. The infusion of technology in the service encounter has been identified as being advantageous to both the service provider and the consumer. Service provider companies may reduce costs, increase consumer satisfaction and tap into new markets which have been made accessible via the Internet. From a consumer’s point of view, SSTs can save money and time, provide convenience, and in some cases, enjoyment. All the above mentioned advantages are achievable only if SSTs gain adoption among consumers. In light of …

Bridging The Gap Between Academics And Industry, Colm O'Kane

Conference papers

The benefits of close collaboration with industry for undergraduate design students have been repeatedly emphasised in the literature. This paper describes the operation of a design competition as a collaborative project between the DIT School of Manufacturing and Design Engineering and an external company. Small groups of design students were set a design brief and guided through the year by company representatives and by their academic supervisors. Along with giving an example of problem-based learning and showing how academic projects can remain relevant to the commercial design field, this paper gives an example of what approaches can be taken to …

Factors Affecting Retailer Adoption Of The Internet In Ireland, Roisin Vize, Joseph Coughlan, Aileen Kennedy

Conference papers

To date, most of the commentary on the impact of the Internet on retailing in Ireland has been anecdotal and there is a paucity of academic empirical research examining the factors affecting Internet adoption by retailers in Ireland. The primary aims of this research are to identify the key factors perceived as being influential in determining the resultant level of adoption among traditional retailers in Ireland and to examine the extent and level of its’ adoption in the Irish retail sector. This paper represents the results from an exploratory investigation employing multiple case studies as the first of a two-stage …

Destination Website Emetrics, Patrick Horan, Andrew Frew

Conference papers

The priority of the research is thus to establish which criteria are important for destination websites and to determine a mechanism for their measurement. These criteria are divided into both macro- and micro- level metrics which each combine to provide information that is actionable from a business’ perspective. This work lays the foundation for the anticipated outcome of this research, a robust methodology for measuring the effectiveness of destination websites coupled with a suite of actionable eMetrics that will accurately relate to the key business goals of a destination website.

Electronic Distribution Effectiveness Amongst Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises In The Hotel Sector, Patrick Horan, Andrew Frew

Conference papers

This paper examines the factors that affect electonic distribution amongst SMEs in the hotel sector.

Creating The Human Resources For Enhancing Innovation In Regional Economies, Brendan Goldsmith

Conference papers

No abstract available

Wto/Ifitt Research Paper – E-Metric Evaluation, Patrick Horan

Conference papers

This discussion paper evaluates electronic channel-choice strategies and outcomes amongst hotel SMEs and discusses the initial steps associated with constructing a methodology to generate a set of metrics for evaluating the DMS electronic channel.

Destination Websites Effectiveness Benchmarking, Patrick Horan, Andrew Frew

Conference papers

This presentation examines the steps that should be taken in order to construct a comprehensive framework to evaluate the effectiveness of destination management systems from a hotel SME's perspective.

Creating The Human Resources For Technology: The Case Of Ireland And The Specific Role Of Dit., Brendan Goldsmith

Conference papers

No abstract available

Analysis Of The Volume, Value And Conversion Performance Of A National Destination Marketing System Website., Patrick Horan, P Mccarthy, Andrew Frew

Conference papers

In 1998, the Scottish Tourist Board sought to develop a ‘real time’ database covering all tourism products and services throughout Scotland through visitscotland.com. Since then over £3m has been invested in this project with some 15,000 businesses and 17,500 products covering the whole spectrum of tourism business now searchable through the Web. The claim has been that there would be an increase in business being generated, initially with bookings through the more traditional channels such as telephone, fax, mail as well as e-mail and there has also been the anticipation that the official national tourist board website would generate significant …

Failing To Make That Connection:An Analysis Of The Web Reservation Facility In The Top 50 International Hotel Chains, Patrick Horan, Peter O'Connor

Conference papers

Consumers increasingly expect to be able to locate and book suitable hotel accommodation in a single seamless process over the World Wide Web. By assessing the facilities provided by the top 50 worldwide hotel companies, the current level of sophistication of hotel Web reservations facilities is established. Factors such as the provision of search facilities, on-line availability and rate quotations and security are examined. In addition, a comparison is made between the information obtained over the Web and that available through each company’s call centre in an attempt to assess the accuracy and credibility of data obtained through Web reservations …

Webonomics: Better Business Through The Web, Patrick Horan, Peter O'Connor

Conference papers

Develop an effective online presence to reach a worldwide audience.

“The World Is What You Make It” - An Application Of Virtual Reality To The Tourism Industry, Patrick Horan

Conference papers

Sooner or later, nearly everyone with a web site wants to know how much traffic their site is getting. Other information, such as how long your visitors are staying on your site, which pages they are visiting, and how often they return will also help you develop a better site. There are various ways of gathering this information, some of which are more accurate than others. This paper identifies the different methods of finding this information and uncovers some of the problems associated with these methods.

Virtual Reality Applications In The Hospitality / Tourism Industry, Patrick Horan

Conference papers

In this paper the possible applications of VR to the Tourism Industry are discussed. In order to develop an application for any industry one must first get a clear understanding of that industry. Once this is achieved the next step is to develop an application to suit the needs of the Industry. The Industry in question here is the Tourism Industry and this paper begins by discussing the Tourism Industry and more specifically the relationship between Tourism and technology. This is absolutely essential in order to understand how the use of VR will impact on the Tourism Industry in the …

A Case For The Use Of Application Generators In The Creation Of Software For The Hotel Industry, Peter O'Connor, Ciaran Mcdonnell

Conference papers

The article makes the case for the use of Program Generators in producing software for the Hotel and Catering Industry