bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring barriers to effective e‐learning: case study of DNPA
Authors: Annansingh Fenio , Bright Ali 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a case study which examines and analyses a information communication technology training programme conducted using an e‐learning platform at the Dartmoor National Park Authority, UK.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a mixed method approach which involved the use of questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews. Data analysis for the survey was accomplished using descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulation, while the interviews utilised coding and data structuring.FindingsThe results indicate that an analysis of user's needs prior to training is essential. This should involve both trainee and manager to help ensure their commitment to the training. In addition, the provision of sufficient information prior to training is necessary to allay any concerns trainees may have, likewise mentors should be used to reduce user resistance. Knowledge of the characteristics of trainees would also be useful.Research limitations/implicationsFor companies offering an online e‐learning training programme, it is imperative that they identify trainee concerns quite early in order to minimise drop‐out rates and resistance to future training programmes. Further studies need to be conducted on academic qualifications and the likelihood of drop out among trainees.Practical implicationsThe paper makes a number of practical recommendations that organisations could use to help mitigate barriers to future e‐learning programmes.Originality/valueThis paper further extends the body of theory on e‐learning and provides new insights into the barriers of e‐learning.
MHS: a context‐enabled regulated framework for pervasive services
Authors: Syukur Evi , Wai Loke Seng 
Published: April 2010

PurposePervasive computing environments such as a pervasive campus domain, shopping, etc. will become commonplaces in the near future. The key to enhance these system environments with services relies on the ability to effectively model and represent contextual information, as well as spontaneity in downloading and executing the service interface on a mobile device. The system needs to provide an infrastructure that handles the interaction between a client device that requests a service and a server which responds to the client's request via Web service calls. The system should relieve end‐users from low‐level tasks of matching services with locations or other context information. The mobile users do not need to know or have any knowledge of where the service resides, how to call a service, what the service API detail is and how to execute a service once downloaded. All these low‐level tasks can be handled implicitly by a system. The aim of this paper is to investigate the notion of context‐aware regulated services, and how they should be designed, and implemented.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a detailed design, and prototype implementation of the system, called mobile hanging services (MHS), that provides the ability to execute mobile code (service application) on demand and control entities' behaviours in accessing services in pervasive computing environments. Extensive evaluation of this prototype is also provided.FindingsThe framework presented in this paper enables a novel contextual services infrastructure that allows services to be described at a high level of abstraction and to be regulated by contextual policies. This contextual policy governs the visibility and execution of contextual services in the environment. In addition, a range of contextual services is developed to illustrate different types of services used in the framework.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is a high‐level model of a system for context‐aware regulated services, which consists of environments (domains and spaces), contextual software components, entities and computing devices.
A formal description framework and a matchmaking technique for web service composition
Authors: Karunamurthy Rajesh , Khendek Ferhat , Glitho Roch H. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeA web service is a software system designed to support interoperable machine‐to‐machine or application‐to‐application interactions over networks. Descriptions enable web services to be discovered, used by other web services, and composed into new web services. Web service composition is a mechanism for creating new web services by reusing existing ones. In order to compose a web service, the right primitive services have to be discovered. A matchmaking technique enables discovering these services. Web services have functional, non‐functional, behavioral, and semantic characteristics. These four aspects of web services provide different key information about the service; therefore they have to be considered for description, matching, and composition. The purpose of this paper is to propose a formal description framework and a formal matchmaking technique that allows describing and discovering web services by considering their four characteristics.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the description framework combines two existing languages for functional, semantic, and behavioral description, along with a simple and new language for non‐functional description.FindingsA case study is used to illustrate the description framework and the matchmaking technique. The implementation and performance evaluation of the matchmaking technique is presented. The framework formalizes and integrates the languages in a common semantic domain in order to match and manipulate the different aspects together and formally. Isabelle is used by the matchmaking technique for discovering the partially and fully matched services.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper lies in the new description framework and the new matchmaking technique.
Web browser for children using bubble metaphor
Authors: Iwata Mayu , Arase Yuki , Hara Takahiro , Nishio Shojiro 
Published: April 2010

PurposeIt has become common for children to browse web pages. However, there is no web browser that takes into account children's characteristics on information acquisition. Therefore, even though such general pages have a variety and detailed information, children cannot effectively use the internet with current web browsers, e.g. they have difficulty in understanding the contents and easily get bored when browsing general pages. The purpose of this paper is to propose a children‐oriented web browser, which aims to keep children's interest on pages and help them understand the contents of the pages.Design/methodology/approachThe paper designed and implemented a web browser for children using a bubble metaphor, which converts general pages into a children‐friendly presentation. The browser is displayed in an undersea scene and presents contents of a web page in bubbles of different sizes, speeds, and colors. Furthermore, it presents the details of the content in a picture book style in a way that children can easily understand.FindingsThe paper conducts a user experiment with 13 children between four and ten years of age. The experimental results show that the browser changes general pages into a children‐friendly presentation and make a web browsing fun for children.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first investigation into the web browsing characteristics of children. The findings may be useful to researchers who are interested in the relationships between children and the web, as well as information acquisition of children.
Convergence of collaborative web approaches and interactive TV program formats
Authors: Bachmayer Sabine , Lugmayr Artur , Kotsis Gabriele 
Published: April 2010

PurposeTV changes in several disciplines concurrently: from analogue to digital, from scheduled broadcasts to on‐demand TV on the internet, from a lean‐back (passive) to a lean‐forward (active) media, from straight watching to the consumption of content connected to additional services, from the sole TV viewer to the viewer being part in social networks and communities regarding to the TV content, etc. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the adaptation of design and realization of TV program formats to the changes that happen to television. In addition, the paper would like find out how to support the design of interactions, dynamic narrations and content types as well as the role of the internet within these processes and this application area.Design/methodology/approachCurrently, there exist many approaches towards the development of social, collaborative, and interactive TV program formats and systems. Within the scope of this paper, the authors present latest case studies and example program formats for each case. The paper examines them concerning their interaction possibilities and architecture as well as the influence and utilization of the web. Finally, the paper provides a simple categorization according to the narration character, content, and interactivity types of the listed TV program formats.FindingsCaused by the collaborative and interactive characteristic of the web, a big influence of the web concerning the hardware‐ and content‐sided development of TV is discovered. Nevertheless, the web's potential is absolutely not exploited in this area, neither to give more dynamic to the narration, nor to appreciate the content type or the interactivity. Finally, the paper identifies a high effort, occurrence and development in the interactivity, in contrary to the narration characteristic and content types.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one representative, example TV program format enabling interactions by the viewer for each case in the paper, has been chosen. The authors make no claim to be complete, in covering all genres, possibilities of interaction or TV program formats existing for the field of interactive/social/collaborative TV.Originality/valueThis paper presents an extension of a previous paper presented at the MoMM2009.
Tourism in the Amazon: identifying challenges and finding solutions
Authors: Sinclair Donald , Jayawardena Chandana (Chandi) 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the tourism sector in the Amazon regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname and then discuss the manner in which tourism activity assists the protection of the Amazon rainforests. The paper also describes the manner in which the first World Hospitality and Tourism Themes Roundtable on Tourism in the Amazon is organized in 2009.Design/methodology/approachTeams of researchers from the Ministries of Tourism, the private sector and academia in the Member Countries of Treaty for Amazon Cooperation collaborated to address, in ten‐page papers, the question “Does sustainable tourism offer solutions for the protection of the Amazon rainforest?”FindingsThe paper provides valuable information on the current state of tourism policy and practice in the Amazon Member Countries. It also articulates the challenges that attend the development of sustainable tourism as a mechanism for the protection of the Amazon.Practical implicationsTourism policy officials and managers, should benefit from the discussions of the prospects and challenges that attend the practice of sustainable tourism in the Amazon region. They will also find interesting guidelines and recommendations for action based upon the many destinations and tourism regions under examination.Originality/valueThe issue of sustainable tourism and the rainforest is very topical and this paper will be of immense value to scholars, researchers and tourism practitioners.
Strategies for the development of sustainable tourism in the Amazon rainforest of Bolivia
Authors: Lima Cortez Sandra 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the strategies being adopted by the Government of the State of Bolivia to develop sustainable tourism both as a means of protecting the Bolivian Amazon and a mechanism for the realization of the “Living Well” vision of the national government.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a synopsis of the principal trends in Bolivia within the last decade and then discusses the main tourism destinations of the Bolivian Amazon. The paper then outlines the strategies being adopted to develop a Bolivian brand of sustainable tourism and closes with the presentation of a vision of the Bolivia tourism of the future.FindingsThe findings confirm that in the case of Bolivia, tourism is an activity imbued with a high political ideal, and not merely a force that is at the mercy and direction of market forces and private entities. Tourism development is organically linked with concepts of community self‐actualization.Practical implicationsAs an explication of the current tourism policy of the Government of Bolivia and a discussion of the strategies currently in operation to develop sustainable tourism and enshrine the “Living Well” principle, the paper has obvious relevance at all levels of the tourism implementation pyramid in Bolivia, as well as for planners in the Amazon region as a whole.Originality/valueThe Bolivia tourism strategy clearly has some unique characteristics in the context of the Amazon. This paper, therefore, brings to light an alternative national perspective with respect to tourism development in the Amazon region.
Developing sustainable tourism in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil – premises, actions, challenges
Authors: Lino Rodrigues de Jesus Vinicius 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a number of premises to develop sustainable tourism in the Amazon region of Brazil and to identify a series of actions implemented by the Government of Brazil in the last five years for the effective development of this activity in the Amazon rainforest.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the global picture of tourism and then focuses on the development of tourism at the national level over the last decade, paying particular attention to some of the strategies needed to pursue sustainable tourism development. This is followed by a discussion of the initiatives adopted by one of the principal players in the region – the Programme for Ecotourism Development in Amazonia of the Ministry of the Environment. Finally, the paper explores some of the main challenges that both the public and private sectors will face in the coming years as they attempt to accelerate the development of sustainable tourism in the Amazon region.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that while significant challenges beset the development of sustainable tourism, the Government of Brazil is committed to the pursuit of the policies and strategies that would maximize the economic benefits of tourism in the Amazon while maintaining and even strengthening the integrity of its environment and its constituent cultural forms.Practical implicationsAny paper that examines policy prescriptions, especially with regard to protection of the rainforest, has immediate relevance to various layers of authorities and practitioners. This paper would be of interest to planners at both the federal and state levels in Brazil as well as the non‐government organizations and private sector entities concerned in the development and operation of sustainable tourism.Originality/valueThis paper lays a solid basis for cross‐sectoral research that examines the contribution of specific industrial sectors to the protection of the rainforest in the Amazon of Brazil.
Tourism strategies for “advantaging” the Amazon rainforest region
Authors: Victoria Reyes Maria 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the work in progress by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) in Ecuador, in collaboration with other national and international entities, to develop a sustainable tourism product in the Amazon region of the Republic of Ecuador.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the main tourism trends in Ecuador over the past decade and then gives quantitative data regarding tourism resources in the six provinces of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is followed by a discussion of the partnerships, national, and international, enacted by the MINTUR to advance the development of sustainable tourism. The paper ends with an insight into the form of tourism deemed most desirable as a means of creating economic and human welfare benefits as well as environmental sustainability.FindingsThe paper is a clear presentation of a country committed to the task of “advantaging” a particular region – the Amazon – through the adoption of policies and the implementation of a strategic plan that aims at optimizing development based on the natural, ecological, and cultural wealth of the region.Practical implicationsTourism planners, entrepreneurs, and operators would derive much benefit from the concepts advanced and strategies explained in this paper.Originality/valueWith its discussion of the strong Ecuadorian base in community and ecological tourism this paper offers some fresh perspectives on the planning complexities to be addressed in the development of sustainable tourism as a mechanism for rainforest protection.
Does sustainable tourism offer solutions for the protection of the Amazon rainforest in Suriname?
Authors: Sijlbing Harrold A. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the tourism sector in Suriname drawing attention to some key initiatives for conservation and protection of the rainforest in Suriname. The paper also identifies the principal prospects, challenges, and weaknesses that attend both the planning and management of tourism in Suriname.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes and draws evidence from articles, research papers, scholarly publications and official documents and supplements those findings with interviews with key officials and actors in the tourism sector. The paper reflects a balance of multiple perspectives in its investigation of the role of sustainable tourism initiatives in the effort to protect the rainforest of the Amazon region of Suriname.FindingsSuriname has been making strong efforts to expand the management of the area of forest that is under protection despite the increasing encroachments from mining activities. Apart from those challenges on the ground, there are also challenges of an institutional nature in the weak regulations and legislative framework necessary to conserve and protect rainforests through sustainable tourism activity.Practical implicationsAs the tourism authorities of Suriname plan to accelerate growth in the tourism sector and to double arrivals within the next three years, the issues addressed in this paper relating to sound rainforest management and most sustainable tourism practices should not escape the attention of tourism planners in Suriname.Originality/valueSuriname promotes itself as “the beating heart of the Amazon.” This paper reveals some of the strong sustainability credentials of Suriname that have also received world recognition even as it presents a sobering picture of the clear and present threats to that sustainable future.
Tourism in the Amazon: conclusions and solutions
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana (Chandi) , Sinclair Donald 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to present answers to the strategic question: “Does sustainable tourism offer solutions for the protection of the Amazon rainforest?” It also aims to capture the essence of conclusions of eight papers written by 11 tourism experts to the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue on tourism in the Amazon, South America.Design/methodology/approachThe paper integrates all solutions suggested in these eight papers and sought to provide a succinct response to the strategic question.FindingsWhile providing a helicopter view of the key challenges of sustainable tourism development in the Amazon, this paper proposes implementable solutions to those challenges. Using the 2009 WHATT roundtable discussion in Brasilia as the foundation, this paper addresses some of the most significant issues affecting the Amazon and its people in the context of tourism in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. In conclusion, 12 key suggestions are made for the Amazon, which envisions healthy and sustainable growth of tourism for its people.Originality/valueThis paper provides fresh perspectives on many relevant issues by analysing inputs, viewpoints, comments, and suggestions of many regional tourism experts. Readers with interests in the Amazon or similar tourism destinations around the world would benefit from this paper.
Diffusion of VoIP in Chinese large enterprises: the cases of Air China and Harvest Fund
Authors: Assimakopoulos Dimitris , Wu Herman 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis research paper aims to apply the technology‐organization‐environment (TOE) framework to describe and discuss the critical factors concerning the diffusion of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) innovations among Chinese large enterprises, in particular, Air China and Harvest Fund.Design/methodology/approachThe paper deploys a dual case study methodology and extensive triangulation, including review of archival data, in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders, and a questionnaire survey.FindingsKey factors were identified that have significant influence on the VoIP adoption by Chinese large enterprises. These factors were grouped under the TOE framework to facilitate analysis. Based on the rich data set, the paper identified the following key factors for successful adoption, implementation, and use. Managers of large companies seem to consider reliability of a new technology as the most important factor to be considered for feasibility study and budget approval. At the same time, top management support is extremely important in China. For the top executives, especially those with government background, any major decisions must not only be financially sound but also politically correct. In addition, compatibility with pre‐existing systems, following technology trends and ease of use were also viewed as critical factors influencing the initial adoption of VoIP technology and also affecting its success of implementation and subsequent use.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is exploratory in nature including a dual‐case study design. Further descriptive or/and explanatory studies may help confirm the identified factors and provide additional evidence and explanations why these factors are critical for the diffusion of VoIP among Chinese large companies. Second, a future research avenue is the deregulation of the sector by the Chinese government. Further study can focus on what kinds of benefits can be derived from deregulation as in other countries or regions and how to deregulate current restrictions and foster the development of this market in China. Third, the companies studied in this paper are large companies with a history of government control. With the gradual rise of private companies in China, a future researcher could study the key influential factors for VoIP adoption for these companies.Originality/valueOut of these critical factors, the paper identifies two rarely mentioned factors that are critical among Chinese large enterprises: first, technology trend; and second, the innovation's return on investment (price/total cost of ownership). The paper also spells out management implications for practitioners in large Chinese firms.