title: Theme parks and a structural equation model of determinants of visitor satisfaction — Janfusan Fancyworld, Taiwan

authors: Ryan, Chris

subjects: Taiwan

abstract: The main thesis of this paper is that satisfaction derived from a theme park visit may be of two types — generic — which relates to general ‘push’ needs such as those for relaxation, and site specific — which relate to destination attraction features and ‘pull’ determinants. It is argued that it is the latter that are the more important in determining total satisfaction, which, however, is a composite of both sets of needs and additionally modified by moderating variables of a hygiene nature. This thesis is examined in the context of a theme park, Janfusan Fancyworld, in Taiwan. The main sources of satisfaction appear to be those associated with the atmosphere of the park, the existence of thrill rides, degrees of crowding experienced, having places to rest and a perceived reasonable entry price.

text: Theme parks and a structural equation model of determinants of visitor satisfaction — Janfusan Fancyworld, Taiwan The main thesis of this paper is that satisfaction derived from a theme park visit may be of two types — generic — which relates to general ‘push’ needs such as those for relaxation, and site specific — which relate to destination attraction features and ‘pull’ determinants. It is argued that it is the latter that are the more important in determining total satisfaction, which, however, is a composite of both sets of needs and additionally modified by moderating variables of a hygiene nature. This thesis is examined in the context of a theme park, Janfusan Fancyworld, in Taiwan. The main sources of satisfaction appear to be those associated with the atmosphere of the park, the existence of thrill rides, degrees of crowding experienced, having places to rest and a perceived reasonable entry price.

year: 2010-07

title: Measuring the pedagogical shift: Small-scale review of the New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (NZDipLEX)

authors: Martell-Stark, Cynthia

subjects: Online learning

abstract: This research focuses on the fully online New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (DipLEX) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (TOIT) that was first delivered in 2017. The development of an online program was enabled by the review of qualifications that changed the ownership of the qualification from industry bodies to a national framework. The online program has proven to be successful from an institutional perspective. Nevertheless, it has faced some criticism from the very industry bodies that took part in the initial review process that made the decision to remove industry control. Given this criticism and the review of vocational education and training (RoVE) it is timely to reflect on the qualification and its outcomes for graduates and its relationship to industry. The overarching purpose of this qualitative small-scale study is to evaluate the DipLEX to understand the benefits, if any, that have accrued from the use of constructivist approaches, including communities of learning and problem-based learning in the online environment; to explore the applicability of content and teaching techniques to the employment of legal executives; to determine the transferability of the skills and knowledge in the new DipLEX to legal practice, particularly in the short term (e.g., the first six months of employment); and to identify strengths and weaknesses of the DipLEX. To achieve these aims, interviews were held with five graduates and three employer representatives. The findings from these interviews included a range of sub-themes that stemmed from the overarching topics of learning and transition to work and in employment.
For the graduates, sub-themes included thoughts on the benefits and challenges of online learning, the benefits of applied learning and the graduates’ views on assessment structures, the role of the diploma in their job search, and initial employment and progression experiences. For the employers’ representatives’ the sub-themes included thoughts on the value of the diploma in law firms, the employers’ lack of understanding about the diploma, their wish list for the learning they would like to see included the diploma program and their views about online learning. Further sub-themes included the employers’ observations on firm-based practices within the profession of legal executives, including their recruitment, initial employment experiences, including the importance of professional development and career progression. Based on these findings discoveries of note were made in relation to (1) online learning, (2) disconnections between education and industry and (3) gender dynamics that provided a basis for recommendations to improve the experiences of students in the online DipLEX program. Despite extensive consultation and reviews, this research demonstrates an enduring gap between education providers and industry. This disconnect needs to be addressed as per the vision of Te Pūkenga. In particular, that the structure of law firms includes gendered practices that hinder recruitment and career progression need to be discussed with the students. Finally, this research demonstrates that online learning can be effective, particularly when strong relationships with teachers are maintained and communities of learning are facilitated.

text: Measuring the pedagogical shift: Small-scale review of the New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (NZDipLEX) This research focuses on the fully online New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (DipLEX) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (TOIT) that was first delivered in 2017. The development of an online program was enabled by the review of qualifications that changed the ownership of the qualification from industry bodies to a national framework. The online program has proven to be successful from an institutional perspective. Nevertheless, it has faced some criticism from the very industry bodies that took part in the initial review process that made the decision to remove industry control. Given this criticism and the review of vocational education and training (RoVE) it is timely to reflect on the qualification and its outcomes for graduates and its relationship to industry. The overarching purpose of this qualitative small-scale study is to evaluate the DipLEX to understand the benefits, if any, that have accrued from the use of constructivist approaches, including communities of learning and problem-based learning in the online environment; to explore the applicability of content and teaching techniques to the employment of legal executives; to determine the transferability of the skills and knowledge in the new DipLEX to legal practice, particularly in the short term (e.g., the first six months of employment); and to identify strengths and weaknesses of the DipLEX. To achieve these aims, interviews were held with five graduates and three employer representatives. The findings from these interviews included a range of sub-themes that stemmed from the overarching topics of learning and transition to work and in employment.
For the graduates, sub-themes included thoughts on the benefits and challenges of online learning, the benefits of applied learning and the graduates’ views on assessment structures, the role of the diploma in their job search, and initial employment and progression experiences. For the employers’ representatives’ the sub-themes included thoughts on the value of the diploma in law firms, the employers’ lack of understanding about the diploma, their wish list for the learning they would like to see included the diploma program and their views about online learning. Further sub-themes included the employers’ observations on firm-based practices within the profession of legal executives, including their recruitment, initial employment experiences, including the importance of professional development and career progression. Based on these findings discoveries of note were made in relation to (1) online learning, (2) disconnections between education and industry and (3) gender dynamics that provided a basis for recommendations to improve the experiences of students in the online DipLEX program. Despite extensive consultation and reviews, this research demonstrates an enduring gap between education providers and industry. This disconnect needs to be addressed as per the vision of Te Pūkenga. In particular, that the structure of law firms includes gendered practices that hinder recruitment and career progression need to be discussed with the students. Finally, this research demonstrates that online learning can be effective, particularly when strong relationships with teachers are maintained and communities of learning are facilitated.

year: 2022

title: Experiences of New Zealand Māori mothers’ Engagement with health and social services post-COVID-19 2020 lockdown

authors: Barrett, Nikki Maree

subjects: Childbirth

abstract: Background: 
Despite universal provision of maternity care, Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) experience significant maternal and infant health disparities compared to their dominant Pākehā (non-Māori) counterparts. This paper examined the lived realities of postnatal Māori māmā (mothers) engaging with health and social services. Enablers and barriers were identified to better understand what is required to strengthen health services’ responsiveness to Māori māmā health needs and aspirations. 

Methods: 
Underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research principles, which are grounded in Māori cultural values, emphasising self-determination, and Māori aspirations, a small cohort of 17 expectant Māori māmā were recruited from a Māori childbirth education programme to participate in a three-phase study. Phase three, the focus of this paper, involved seven semi-structured, open-ended telephone interviews with Māori māmā. A thematic analysis, underpinned by a mana wahine (authority inherent in Māori women) theoretical perspective amplified these experiences. 

Results: 
Five themes were identified that encapsulated participants’ engagement and interactions with health and social services. These themes were as follows: (1) right to enact tino rangatiratanga (autonomy) and self-achievement; (2) responsiveness of services; (3) service and system issues; (4) need for greater choice and opportunity; and (5) impact of COVID-19. 

Conclusions: 
This study privileged the voices of Māori wāhine, highlighting their experiences with a complex and often unresponsive health system. Participants valued services that enabled them to exercise tino rangatiratanga. Echoing the experiences of other Indigenous Peoples, incorporating culturally relevant practices into perinatal health services is crucial for achieving health equity and addressing disparities.

text: Experiences of New Zealand Māori mothers’ Engagement with health and social services post-COVID-19 2020 lockdown Background: 
Despite universal provision of maternity care, Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) experience significant maternal and infant health disparities compared to their dominant Pākehā (non-Māori) counterparts. This paper examined the lived realities of postnatal Māori māmā (mothers) engaging with health and social services. Enablers and barriers were identified to better understand what is required to strengthen health services’ responsiveness to Māori māmā health needs and aspirations. 

Methods: 
Underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research principles, which are grounded in Māori cultural values, emphasising self-determination, and Māori aspirations, a small cohort of 17 expectant Māori māmā were recruited from a Māori childbirth education programme to participate in a three-phase study. Phase three, the focus of this paper, involved seven semi-structured, open-ended telephone interviews with Māori māmā. A thematic analysis, underpinned by a mana wahine (authority inherent in Māori women) theoretical perspective amplified these experiences. 

Results: 
Five themes were identified that encapsulated participants’ engagement and interactions with health and social services. These themes were as follows: (1) right to enact tino rangatiratanga (autonomy) and self-achievement; (2) responsiveness of services; (3) service and system issues; (4) need for greater choice and opportunity; and (5) impact of COVID-19. 

Conclusions: 
This study privileged the voices of Māori wāhine, highlighting their experiences with a complex and often unresponsive health system. Participants valued services that enabled them to exercise tino rangatiratanga. Echoing the experiences of other Indigenous Peoples, incorporating culturally relevant practices into perinatal health services is crucial for achieving health equity and addressing disparities.

year: 2025