Web Acceptance and Usage Model: A Comparison between Goal-directed and Experiential Web Users

In this paper we analyse the Web acceptance and usage between goal-directed users and experiential users, incorporating intrinsic motives to improve the particular and explanatory TAM value –traditionally related to extrinsic motives-. A field study was conducted to validate measures used to operationalize model variables and to test the hypothesised network of relationships. The data analysis method used was Partial Least Squares (PLS).The empirical results provided strong support for the hypotheses, highlighting the roles of flow, ease of use and usefulness in determining the actual use of the Web among experiential and goal-directed users. In contrast with previous research that suggests that flow would be more likely to occur during experiential activities than goal-directed activities, we found clear evidence of flow for goal-directed activities. In particular the study findings indicate that flow might play a powerfulrole in determining the attitude towards usage,intention to useand, in turn,actual Web use among experiential and goal-directed users

Antecedents of perceived playfulness: an exploratory study on user acceptance of general information-searching websites

Understanding user acceptance of the Internet, in particular user acceptance of general information-searching sites, is important in assessing its effectiveness. Such sites provide users with various information options while navigating the Internet. A well-designed general information-searching site helps to ensure a positive user experience and therefore repeat usage. This study extended existing research into user acceptance of the Internet. It explored the antecedents of Playfulness. Results indicated that website characteristics play a dominant role in influencing a user's experience of Playfulness and that cognitive aspects and motivations for searching are also important. Implications are discussed

Potential future climatic conditions on tourists : a case study focusing on Malta and Venice

The main purpose of this study is to quantify important climatic shifts that took place over Malta and Venice that could be considered as a determining factor on their choice as two prime tourist destinations. Rather than making use of traditional tourist climate indices, this study identifi es long-term trends in weather variables and their derived bioclimatic indices. These climate derivatives are based on a set of high temporal observations (some of which are collected every 30 minutes) and are thus able to capture valuable information that traditional monthly distribution cannot provide. The derivatives obtained from the elementary meteorological observations showed that the level of comfort experienced by visiting tourists over the long term is deteriorating due to increased heat stress. Nonetheless, the increased occurrence of optimal wind speed conditions, as well as a reduced occurrence of gale storms and wind chill events is making these destinations more attractive. A careful study of the output of IPCC climate model projections sheds light on a critical future bioclimate condition during current peak visiting months (July and August) at both destinations. This may imply a required shift, as a form of adaptation, of the visiting periods at these two destinations. This study should allow tourist planners to determine which weather element is a likely future obstacle to the overall bioclimatic suitability of outdoor tourism activities.peer-reviewe

An exploratory study of the implications of free admission to museums and monuments : perceptions and effects on visiting behaviors.

What perceptions of free admission to museums and monuments do French visiting and non-visiting audiences have ? What are the consequences of such perceptions on individuals' perceptions, visit-planning and behavior patterns in museums and monuments ? Research conducted between 2002 and 2003 tried to answer these questions by multiangulation applied to data production and analysis. Results show that free admission alter the perceptions of museums and monuments, it is secondary in planning and implementation of visit-planning, and finally it can spark a learning process from the visit that results in the appropriation of a free admission scheme. Conclusions are related to the need to create involvement toward the visit and communicate on free admission at first.Free admission, price, museums and monuments, multiangulation

Personality filters for online news interest and engagement

Our many online routines leave behind trails of data about our identities, habits, preferences and connections. These data serve as filters when we seek out information, yielding relevant results and content of interest. However, commercial and political parties can use the same data to personalize persuasive messages, and some even use psychological profiles to target individuals. With this revelation come concerns that news can be framed to appeal to individual personalities. This study investigates the relationship between personality and news engagement among predominantly young Norwegian adults across different news angles. It addresses the Big Five personality traits as well as rational and experiential information-processing styles. The results provide support for our hypothesis on the relation between neuroticism and lowered news engagement, although the effect sizes are small. When exploring iso- lated news stories, we find greater differentiation among the participants, suggesting that individuals’ news interest really does start at the headline.Personality filters for online news interest and engagementpublishedVersio

Designing Mobile Service experiences, an exploratory study

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study on the relevance of experiential factors when using services. The multidisciplinary approach is stressed seeing that is an important contribution in terms of service design interfaces. The project aimed at identifying elements for designing service experiences and for contributing to an improved service design and testing process. The paper presents a study carried out on a group of participants in a creative training course on innovation. This study challenged participants to create a tool for modelling a new mobile loyalty service. Its main objective was the development and increase of this kind of experience tests instrument based on the interaction of several techniques

New Learning Theory and its Resultant Impact on Achieving Economic Objectives: An Experimental Organisation Development (OD) Approach with respect to Local Tourist Guides at Thenmala and Periyar Tiger Reserve

There are different approaches to OD. But all models of OD is concerned with behaviour modification of employees and hence to improve their efficiency and that of the organisation. Here the researcher has developed Variable Analysis Model of OD. The concept is very simple if any problem of the employee in his internal or external environment (Independent Variable) gets sorted out; it would result in behaviour modification (Dependent Variable) of the employee. Here when the tourist service quality problems got sorted out through REL, it resulted in behaviour modification of the local tourist guides. Behaviour modification led to lower level of tourist complaints and greater economic benefits for the local tourist guides. When REL was applied, tourist complaints came down to below one percent in Thenmala and PTR. In both the destinations, there is a significant improvement in local tourist guides' economic benefits after the introduction of REL. Less complaints from the part of tourists, obviously show greater customer satisfaction. When the customer satisfaction levels of tourists improved considerably, it resulted in generous tip from their part. It has been empirically proved that behaviour modification of local tourist guides' is negatively correlated with problems in their working environment. Hence the research hypothesis stands. Key Words: OD, Variable Analysis Model, Welfare Economics, Dependent Variable, Independent Variabl

A knowledge structures exploration on social network sites

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a method for combining perceived community support, relationship quality and the extended technology acceptance model in the same empirically derived associative network. The research also examines the moderating role of accumulation of knowledge (based on beliefs and opinions) derived from social interactions. Design/methodology/approach – The Path fi nder algorithm is a valid approach for determining network structures from relatedness data. Such a graphical representation provides managers with a comprehensible picture of how social behaviours relate to loyalty-based dimensions. Findings – As the bene fi ts of community participation and integration might be differently evaluated by new and long-term users, the research examines the associative network by levels of user familiarity. This study indeed contributes to the analysis of enduring social bonds with respect to individuals ’ decision-making processes, as it provides details representing speci fi c relationships between diverse concepts based on true- loyalty. Practical implications – The application of Path fi nder to the study of online social services and user behaviour appears to have potential for unveiling the structures of social network sites members and designing successful strategies for prospective community managers. Originality/value – This is the fi rst study to the author ’ s knowledge that empirically tests a theory- grounded framework for integrating individual characteristics and relational driver and focuses on associative structures evidenced as a representation of the most salient loyalty-based concepts by also studying the moderating effects of familiarity.Junta de Andalucía SEJ-580