Conference papers

Making Space for Home; the Second Home

Deirdre Quinn et al. — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:47:10 PST

Lost in Translation: Interpreting and Presenting Dublin’s Colonial Past

Theresa Ryan et al. — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:10:38 PST

As Alderman (2010: 90) has recently written, the potential struggle to determine what conception of the past will prevail constitutes the politics of memory. This paper aims to investigate the politics of memory at play in determining how Dublin’s colonial heritage is constructed and represented to tourists. Dublin’s profile as a tourism destination has grown recently. It attracted 5.4 million visitors in 2009 (Fáilte Ireland 2010). Culture and heritage underpin both its touristic appeal and the city’s official efforts to represent itself as a destination. Much of Dublin’s most iconic built heritage is strongly associated with its development as a colonial capital.

Many decades after independence, contemporary Ireland is a vastly changed place. Yet the process of dealing with colonial heritage in tourism contexts is not unproblematic. This paper begins to unravel both the construction and the representation of the city as a tourism destination to investigate how the city is remembering/forgetting its colonial heritage. Its approach is interpretivist, and methodologically, its efforts focus on one hugely important site: Dublin Castle, the seat of English administration in Ireland for 700 years. Centrally located in a prime tourist area to the south of the city centre Dublin Castle is the 6^th most visited fee-paying attraction in the state (Fáilte Ireland 2010). Data are gathered through:

In-depth interviewing with key personnel involved in the multiple sites operating as distinct tourist ventures within the Castle
Discourse analysis of the Castle’s promotional and informational literature
Analysis of the tour guiding narratives offered to tourists.

The findings point to a selective narration of history in various aspects of the Castle’s operation as a tourist attraction. They lend support to the argument that tourism constitutes a mechanism through which places can actively seek to reclaim and recast historically important places of memory.

Contrasting Influences of Entrepreneurs on Destination Development

Theresa Ryan et al. — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 04:32:55 PST

This article argues that contemporary debates concerning the impacts of globalisation on the development of local tourism areas uncovers a dynamic interplay between global and local forces. Moving beyond traditional arguments that view tourism places as outcomes of global forces (Relph, 1976; Castells, 1993; Barnet & Cavanagh, 1995; Dunning & Hamdani, 1997) the research presents an overview of the significance of local entrepreneurs on tourism destination development.

The article draws from existing literature on models of tourism development including; Chrystaller (1963), Miossec (1976), Butler (1980), Gormsen (1981), Lundgren (1982), Keller (1987), Lewis (1998), Ritchie & Crouch (2003), as well as literatures on entrepreneurship (Russell & Faulkner, 2004; Hovinen, 2002; Koh & Hatten, 2002). It contends that while the influence of local family businesses and entrepreneurs is identified and examined in the literature it tends to be viewed as a static process captured at a given time and related only to the activity of the individual entrepreneur. This research goes further by viewing entrepreneurial activity as dynamic and creative, with the ability to influence tourism development over long periods of time.

The research takes a case study approach, using two case studies in Ireland to investigate entrepreneurial activity in Killarney, Co. Kerry, a developed tourism area and Clifden, Co. Galway, a developing tourism area In Ireland. The research identifies not only the way in which entrepreneurs can trigger change and development at a tourism destination at a particular time but also how this influence can continue through the further involvement of family members long after the original entrepreneur is involved. In addition, the research shows how the influence of entrepreneurs can differ between destinations and the way in which this can impact on the development of the area.

The overall aim of this research is to contribute to existing international research on tourism area development. There is a dearth of literature on the development of tourism places in Ireland and this research seeks to redress this deficit. In the context of the highly globalised and extremely competitive conditions that characterise the international tourism market place, the research also aims to produce new knowledge and valuable insights to inform policy making debates on tourism development.

The Influence of Social Milieu on Tourism Development

Theresa Ryan et al. — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:21:02 PST

Social Tourism & Sustainable Policy: a Natural Fit, or a Forced Relationship?

Kevin Griffin et al. — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:00:25 PST

The issue of Social tourism (the title of which is a much contested term) has been on the European agenda for a number of years. In Ireland, while there is a multitude of Social tourism provision there is little or no recognition for it at an official level, with the largest share of provision being at the voluntary / NGO level. At the same time, across Europe a variety of official structures promote 'tourism for all'.

This paper reflects on the various approaches that could be taken to promote Social Tourism and have it recognised as an agenda item for Irish policy makers, and concludes that in the current economic climate, a business case needs to be made.

Process Modelling Support for the Conceptual Modelling Phase of a Simulation Project

Cathal Heavey et al. — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:22:49 PDT

While many developments have taken place around supporting
the model coding task of simulation, there are few tools
available to assist in the conceptual modelling phase. Several
authors have reported the advantages of using process
modelling tools in the early phases of a simulation project.
This paper provides an overview of process modelling tools
in relation to their support for simulation, categorizing the
tools into formal method and descriptive methods. A conclusion
from this review is that none of the tools available
adequately support the requirements gathering phase of
simulation. This is not surprising as none of the process
modelling tools were developed for explicit support of simulation.
The paper then presents results of research into
developing a new process modelling method for simulation.

Requirements Gathering for Simulation

John Ryan et al. — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:22:48 PDT

This paper discusses the current shortfalls in support for the pre-coding phases of a discrete event simulation project. The paper then presents a process modelling technique, Simulation Activity Diagrams (SADs), developed to specifically support the initial requirements gathering phases of a simulation project. The paper concludes with an outline of proposed future developments to the modelling technique.

Simulation Activity Diagrams

John Ryan et al. — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:22:46 PDT

This paper presents a technique, Simulation Activity Diagrams (SAD), developed to lessen the modelling burden during the initial requirements gathering phases of a simulation project. The technique also allows the capture and visual communication of detailed information, to manufacturing personnel, which may otherwise be lost in detailed programming code.

Implementation of the DIT-ACHIEV Model for Sustainable Tourism Destination Management: Killarney, Ireland, A Case Study

Kevin Griffin et al. — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:29:50 PDT

The DIT-ACHIEV Model is a model of sustainable tourism indicators developed in a previous research project undertaken by the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, Dublin Institute of Technology. The indicators represent six fields of interest – Administration, Community, Heritage, Infrastructure, Enterprise and Visitor (Flanagan et al, 2007). This current research addresses the implementation of the DIT- ACHIEV model in an Irish tourism destination, with the objective to assess whether it can be implemented by the local community in any tourism destination.

The methodology used to implement the model is based on recommendations by Goodey (1995) and Denman (2006). Goodey suggests that a local network of interested parties is required to achieve sustainable tourism (1995). Denman proposes that a multi-interest working group should be created and wide public consultation is necessary for sustainable tourism. The model is being piloted in Killarney and Carlingford, Ireland; the two destinations were selected via a competitive tender process. This paper will discuss the challenges encountered following the methodology in Killarney.

The Future Direction of Institutes of Higher Education in Ireland and Their Pathway of Transformation: A Case Study of the Dublin Institute of Technology's "Operation Transformation" as a Leading Example of an Institute of the Future

Ann Conway — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:10:59 PDT

This paper is an outline proposal for an EdD thesis with the University of Sheffield which has been accepted. The principle aim of this research is to investigate what might an institute of education be in the future through viewing the current changes afoot in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and the underlying reasons for these changes to take place. It is not proposed that DIT is the ideal example but it is one example of Irish higher education (HE) in transition to be more students focused and flexible for future demands. The HE system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges. Ireland is a society undergoing major change economically, but also demographically through recent migration and mobility of workers from all over Europe and beyond. In an economy as open as Ireland’s it is vital that higher education operate to a maximum effectiveness responding to changing societal needs. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recommended that Institutions need to compete globally and changes are being implemented to effect these recommendations. Such changes are already transpiring within the DIT as it has already undergone some operational structural changes which have seen the old Faculties of Tourism and Food and Faculty of Applied Arts merging to form one College of Arts and Tourism.

Student Perspectives on How Higher Education in Ireland Can Help Meet the Needs of the Irish Economy

Ann Conway et al. — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:17:26 PDT

This paper will be in three parts; the first section will examine the current tertiary education situation in Ireland amid the global economic crisis and will review what higher education’s contribution be to help alleviate the crisis. Building stronger links with the academy and the economy to help raise skills,
efficiency and productivity is becoming more important in ensuring global competitiveness and retaining equality and accessibility in the academy (see Gaffikin and Morrissey, 2003: 98 [14]). The second section will look at the merge of entrepreneurship and education. As the lifelong learning society is conceptualised largely in terms of maintaining a flexible and competitive economy in the knowledge society, the concept of an entrepreneurial society will be proposed to fill the gap which has emerged since the exit of many international companies for cheaper labour elsewhere. Within all levels of education entrepreneurship should be encouraged and embedded in the curricula from the earliest stages as a prevention rather than cure to the current economic crisis in Ireland. The final section will illustrate a brief analysis of students’ perspectives on how higher education can help meet
the ever-changing needs of the Irish economy.

Sustainable Tourism Indicators:Issues and Challenges in the Development of a Sustainable Tourism Management Model

Kevin Griffin — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:02:20 PST

While it is generally agreed that sustainability is the only long term path for tourism the question of how it should be measured (or attained) remains a challenge. Based on a 2 year EPA funded project this paper traces the development of indicators for sustainable tourism and discusses how they would be of considerable benefit to both government agencies and tourist interests, in the determination of management objectives for an area. It outlines a model of sustainable tourism indicators which was developed and suggests how this model could be adopted by tourism managers.

The objectives of the paper are to explore the challenge of balancing the three pillars of sustainability - environment, economy and society in the development of a practical model of sustainable tourism development. In addition to examine how indicators can be used to develop a viable tourism product in both the immediate and long term and thereby ensure a broad range of sustainable principles are adhered to in the management of this important industry.

Economic, Environmental and Social Performance of the Irish Tourism Sector: Towards Sustainability

Kevin Griffin et al. — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:11:02 PST

Ireland is promoted a clean, green tourism destination, famous for it’s landscape, environment, natural habitats and biodiversity. However, is this image still realistic and is it an image that can be sustained as Ireland develops post 2006? This question is examined through the course of this paper and relevant tourism policies are drawn on to illustrate this issue further.

Over the past decade, Irish tourism has performed quite well and has made a strong contribution to the national economy[1]. An efficient government sector, a competitive air and maritime transport sector, a strong partnership between public and private sector, significant investment in public and private tourism facilities and an effective international brand image built through coherent overseas marketing campaigns can be considered some of the major factors which contributed to the successful performance of Irish tourism[2]. It is argued that Irish tourism is now, however, at a turning point and should increasingly focus on delivering a quality value for money experience to the international and resident visitor[3].

In its 2003 Report, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, the Tourism Policy Review Group concluded with conviction that Irish tourism is arguably, the most important and successful sector of Irish-owned enterprise since the foundation of the State[4]. The industry possesses the capacity and the capital stock to achieve further growth in the future at a time when many indigenous sectors – particularly farming and traditional manufacturing – face major structural and trading difficulties[5].

All stakeholders in the tourism sector at national, regional and local levels have a role to play in preserving and enhancing the environment that is pivotal to sustaining and developing the tourism industry. Amongst the current tourism mechanisms and policy orientations, the OECD notes that significant governmental efforts have been made to support further sustainable growth in the tourism industry and prolong the good performance registered in the last ten years[6]. Sustainable tourism requires that all stakeholders focus on alleviating the pressures and impacts generated by tourism and that sustainable management policies, practices and schemes be adopted and developed[7]. This paper therefore examines how tourism policy can be strengthened and adequate infrastructure be provided to ensure that further development of tourism can be achieved ensuring economic, environmental and social sustainability.

[1] Conclusion of the National Tourism Policy Review of Ireland, OECD (June 2004) page 1

[2] Conclusion of the National Tourism Policy Review of Ireland, OECD (June 2004) page 1

[3] Conclusion of the National Tourism Policy Review of Ireland, OECD (June 2004) page 1

[4] New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action (September, 2003) page II

[5] ITIC Submission to NDP 2007-20013 (March 2006) Summary page 1

[6] Conclusion of the National Tourism Policy Review of Ireland, OECD (June 2004) page 1

[7] ‘Ireland’s Environment’, Environmental Protection Agency (2004) page 204

Revenue Maximisation; An Examination of the Influences of Heuristics and Biases on the Yield Management Decision Process in Dublin Hotels

Tony m. Kiely — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:01:38 PST

Yield management in hotels has been described as a method of profitably managing fixed room capacity. A critical element of yield management is the decision strategy employed, as this determines the degree to which optimum financial solutions are generated. Recent research has indicated that the use of technology assisted decision optimising models, specifically the management science model of decision making, would greatly improve decision optimisation, by minimising the need to employ guesswork in achieving financial goals. However, despite this assurance, yield management remains couched in uncertainty through being inextricably associated with forecasting future demand for a perishable product in an increasingly volatile and competitive environment. The consequential pressures on decision-makers have afforded the opportunity for human idiosyncrasies to play a significant role in the decision-making process. The primary objective of this paper is, therefore, to gain an insight into how decisions are constructed in the yield management environment of Dublin hotels. The study reviews current literature on management science as a decision-making option. It also assesses heuristics and biases associated with decision-making, and their influence on rational decision protocol. The methodology employed phenomenological and hermeneutical techniques, with discourse analysis, in accessing and analysing data. The research findings reveal that within Dublin hotels, the management science model of decision-making has been sidelined in favour of decision strategies, wherein “human intervention” plays a more significant role. The findings also suggest that this “human intervention” has subconsciously facilitated an environment for decision-makers to fall into psychological traps, with the potential to make systematically biased errors, through satisfaction of ego needs and rationalising the irrational.

Whistle Past the Church No More, Perceptions on Added Value to Industrial Tourism in Dublin's Liberties

Tony m. Kiely — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:01:36 PST

Situated in the Liberties area of Dublin, and within a short walk of Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse serves as an iconic key attractor for up to one million visitors annually. The success of this visitor attraction can be directly attributed to a “brand immersion” strategy, which emotionally links the visitor with the brand through cultural identification alignment. Yet many tourists, in accessing Ireland’s premier tourist attraction, often pass within the shadows of a cluster of lesser known, but nonetheless significant church heritage sites. While acknowledging that at the extreme ends of an experience continuum “brand visitation” and “church visitation” experiences can be quite different, with outcomes ranging from brand alignment, to the church’s offering of peace, nostalgia, knowledge acquisition, “atmosphere”, or indeed, the gaining of spiritual merit, the fundamental motivation to visit these disparate attractions can be similar, with each being perceived as offering a form of intangible, post-modern, curiosity-driven cultural experience. However, delivering this multifaceted tourist experience can often be compromised by a requirement to optimise the allocation of existing resources, within a framework of competing supply and demand factors. This is further complicated by the time pressured decision process facing the short break tourist, who will often look for added value before committing valuable time to visit a single attraction in a less attractive part of the city. This apparent need for added value would suggest an opportunity for the development of a localised product bundling strategy for the short break visitor. Consequently, this exploratory paper will examine the possibility of blending the church visitation experience in the Liberties area of Dublin with that of the highly promoted “must see” visit to the Guinness Storehouse, from a supply side perspective, which hopefully will provide the basis for a demand side perspective to be assessed at a later date. The methodology employed is mainly qualitative, involving unstructured interviews with key informants. The study’s findings may be used to explore the possibility of developing a heritage trail, using the concept of “synergy through good citizenship”, as applied across these “once adversarial” stakeholders.

Competencies; A New Sector; Developing a Competency Model for Three Star Hotels

Tony m. Kiely et al. — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:01:34 PST

This paper is a working paper based on a current Hotel Management Skillnet project, which is due to be completed by December 2001. This project arose from previous research by the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute (IHCI), the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), the Tourism Research Centre (TRC) and University College Dublin (UCD) into continuing professional development in the hospitality industry. The purpose of this paper is to outline the processes involved in the development of a competency based framework for use by middle managers of three star Irish hotels within rooms division and the food and beverage department. A competency has been defined by Boyatzis (1982) as “ an underlying characteristic of a person, a motive, trait, skill, aspect of ones self image or social role, or a body of knowledge, which he or she uses.” The requirement to develop a competency model resulted from discussions with the hotel industry and from evidence of the benefits of competency modelling in other industry sectors. While a sizeable volume of secondary research has been carried out into the design and benefits of competency modelling, there has been little evidence of primary research into models relating to the hotel industry. Secondary research provides an overview of existing generic competency models. Additional secondary research such as Human Resource Competencies – An Empirical Assessment, Ulrich D, Brockbank W, Yeung AK, and Lake DG (1995) and Emerging Competency methods for the Future, Athey TR, Orth MS (1999), among others provide a framework for the primary research. Also examined are the development of competencies and their potential application through reports such as the IMI “ Getting the Best from the Competency Approach” and IBEC “ A Benchmark of Personal Excellence for the Owner – Manager”. Competency models and frameworks have been applied and customised across a broad range of industry sectors. This paper seeks to address the need for an innovative and fresh approach to HRM within the Irish hotel sector. The primary research is conducted among three star hotels nation wide, giving equal representation to all regions of Ireland. Job analysis techniques are used as the basis for the primary research. These include critical incident technique, repertory grid and functional interviews. The research is conducted among general managers and middle managers of three star hotels. While this study examines the three star hotel market, it is recommended that further research be conducted among four and five star properties. It is envisaged that the outcomes of this project will help assist managers in three star hotels to benchmark their most important role challenges at a middle managerial level against others in similar roles. The resulting tool-kit will attempt to bring an integrated approach to human resource management in three star hotel establishments.

The Web Development Process:Hits & Misses.

Patrick Horan — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 02:28:20 PST

This presentation involves an in-depth investigation into the uses, and possible uses, of the Internet in the Tourism Industry. It outlines the techniques involved in the planning and development of a Web Site. Ir examines the stages involved in the planning, designing, implementing and maintaining an effective web presence.

Webonomics: Better Business Through the Web

Patrick Horan et al. — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:33:31 PST

Develop an effective online presence to reach a worldwide audience

Doing Business on the Internet.

Patrick Horan et al. — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:33:30 PST

What strategies should you be considering to drive business to your website? How should you invest you budget for independent technology initiatives? Learn how to evaluate different electronic distribution strategies, and how to reach the 'segment of one' by building new marketing strategies for GDS, the Internet, travel agents and tour operators.

Independent Strategies for the Future.

Patrick Horan et al. — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:33:28 PST