Ahmed Hassanien

An evaluation of the webquest as a computer‐based learning tool

This paper explores the preparation and use of an internet activity for undergraduate learners in higher education (HE). It evaluates the effectiveness of using webquest as a computer‐based learning (CBL) tool to support students to learn in HE. The evaluation undertaken offers insights into learner perceptions concerning the ease of use of the webquest, the success of the learning experience and the adequacy of the interaction and engagement afforded. Although displaying some significant strengths, the webquest design could be further enhanced to offer an additionally enriched learning environment. Importantly, the strengths and weaknesses identified by the learners serve to highlight issues which university teachers and others need to take into account in order to serve the needs of learners using such CBL tool. The findings reveal that students considered that the webquest significantly enhanced their learning. Promising directions for future development are also identified.

Hotel Innovation Through Property Renovation

ABSTRACT There is little doubt that renovation is a costly, ongoing and an essential requirement for hotels to stay competitive in the market. At any one time almost every hotel has recently been renovated, is under renovation, or is waiting for renovation. An examination of the literature uncovers that product innovation and property renovation are inseparable in the hotel industry. This is due to the fact that various levels of innovation can be attained through renovation. Therefore, it is the intention of this paper to concentrate on the process of property renovation in the hospitality industry and its role as a strategic marketing tool for product innovation. This is undertaken through presenting an analysis of a survey of hotel general managers in Egypt.

Podcasting in Tourism Education

ABSTRACT Podcasting has become increasingly popular as a communication medium and is emerging within educational institutions as a means for supporting student learning. However, as a learning object, what constitutes an effective podcast has yet to be fully debated. Using a mixed-method approach, the article analyzes the use of podcasting as a medium for supporting student learning within an undergraduate level one tourism module. The findings suggest that podcasting is perceived by students as an effective learning and teaching method. Further suggestions on the design and organization of podcasts and the guidance and resources required for their use are made. Implications and areas for future research are also proposed.

Drivers and barriers of new product development and innovation in event venues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the role of new product development (NPD) in event venue operations by drawing on existing literature. The paper acknowledges product innovation as an under‐researched field in event venues and explores this within the context of seven diverse operations.Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study analysis methodology the research reveals a number of key findings.Findings – It is revealed that NPD is a fundamental process within event venues but takes a number of different forms, depending on the profit or non‐profit orientation of the organisation. Within this, the findings discuss the different aims, reasons and barriers of NPD.Originality/value – The paper concludes with the key issues to NPD that managers in event venues should be aware of and proposes a number of limitations and areas for future research.

Toward a typology of events venues

Purpose – Events venues are incredibly diverse and yet a coherent typology fails to be apparent in the mainstream literature. Indeed, the focus of research has predominately been on the demand as opposed to the supply side of events venues. The article attempts to ameliorate this gap in knowledge and reviews the literature on current methods of classifying events venues.Design/methodology/approach – To provide a context for the analysis and evaluation of events venues, it is necessary to explore the evolution of events venues classifications. Then, the paper offers a series of different criteria that can be used to explore the concept and scope of events venues.Findings – The main aim of developing a new typology of events venues must be to produce a more effective and efficient classification of this sector. At the same time, the new typology needs to address various criteria that might further differentiate venues in terms of those factors which are outlined in the paper. Indeed, it should be noted that...

Developing New Products in the Hospitality Industry: A Case of Egypt

ABSTRACT Drawing on associated literature and empirical research, this paper makes a contribution towards the engagement and expertise of hotels in the new product development (NPD) process. The study provides an investigation into the development and practices of new products within the hospitality industry in Egypt. This is of considerable interest to both practitioners and academics within the field of hospitality management. The findings reported are based on a survey of marketing managers in different hotel categories. Significant differences between hotels were found based on their categories. Moreover, the results reveal that the 5 star hotels demonstrate a higher orientation towards NPD than the 4 and 3 star groups with regard to their integration of NPD goals into the overall marketing objectives of their firms. Management implications and areas for further research are discussed.

Exploring hotel renovation in large hotels: a multiple case study

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the extent of the use of hotel renovation as a product development tool in the hospitality industry. It aims to gain an understanding of the nature of renovation within the context of large hotels.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is a multiple case study of five star hotels in Egypt. A sample of nine hotels was selected.Findings – The results reveal that Egyptian five star hotels use renovation to achieve different aims and goals. Surprisingly, the cases indicate that Egyptian five star hotels still use renovation as a reactive rather than proactive property management tool. The study suggests that renovation was found to be most successful in organisations that have clearly stated renovation strategies, a good relationship between the managing and owning companies, sufficient funds, and greater customer involvement.Research limitations/implications – While the findings may be applicable to hotels other than five star and located in other parts of the world, ...

Hotel Renovation Within the Context of New Product Development

Abstract This article reports the results of empirical research into the renovation practices adopted by hotels in Egypt, and the perception of general managers in this particular sector. Analyses of questionnaire results suggest that significantly different groupings exist within the respondent hotels studied with respect to the emphasis placed on the objectives, reasons, barriers, forces, and process of renovation activities. The fundamental analysis of this paper is that renovation policy should be driven by an effective plan and guidelines adopted by the decision makers in the hotel. Despite the importance of renovation, owners do not value it as an important marketing tool. There is, therefore, a need for the continued development and investment in renovation in Egypt.

Product innovation in events venues: directions, process and evaluation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore events venues managements attitudes and practices toward new product development and innovation within the event industry.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is a multiple case study of different types of events venues in Scotland. A sample of seven events venues was selected.Findings – The paper shows that most managers consider “market penetration” and “market development” as the most important growth strategies and directions for their venues. The level of risk becomes a major factor influencing the decision making process in NPD and maybe unsurprisingly, finance acts as the key driver. Also, differences amongst the venues are apparent in whether NPD is driven “top down” or “bottom up”.Research limitations/implications – While the findings may be applicable to events venues located in other parts of the world, further research would be required to confirm this.Practical implications – The paper will be useful to events venues, or those advising ...

Restaurants’ social enterprise business model: Three case studies

ABSTRACT This research explores the application of the Social Enterprise business model within the context of the hospitality industry. In order to achieve this goal, a qualitative primary research was conducted through three case studies. The research suggests that hospitality social enterprises encounter many unique challenges as a result of social mission implications. The research provides a foundation for industry and academic recommendations. Most importantly, detailed recommendations such as strategic planning, strict budgeting, and mission/profit balance are derived for hospitality social enterprise managers to improve efficiency and counteract industry-specific challenges.