scholarly journals Understanding collaborative tourism information searching to support online travel planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Shamim Mohammad Arif ◽  
Jia Tina Du
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
User Study ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Information Searching ◽  
Search System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Travel Planning ◽  
Collaborative Search ◽  
Tourism Information

Purpose Collaborative information searching is common for people when planning their group trip. However, little research has explored how tourists collaborate during information search. Existing tourism Web portals or search engines rarely support tourists’ collaborative information search activities. Taking advantage of previous studies of collaborative tourism information search behavior, in the current paper the purpose of this paper is to propose the design of a collaborative search system collaborative tourism information search (ColTIS) to support online information search and travel planning. Design/methodology/approach ColTIS was evaluated and compared with Google Talk-embedded Tripadvisor.com through a user study involving 18 pairs of participants. The data included pre- and post-search questionnaires, web search logs and chat history. For quantitative measurement, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS; for log data and the qualitative feedback from participants, the content analysis was employed. Findings Results suggest that collaborative query formulation, division of search tasks, chatting and results sharing are important means to facilitate tourists’ collaborative search. ColTIS was found to outperform Tripadvisor significantly regarding the ease of use, collaborative support and system usefulness. Originality/value The innovation of the study lies in the development of an integrated real-time collaborative tourism information search system with unique features. These features include collaborative query reformulation, travel planner and automatic result and query sharing that assist multiple people search for holiday information together. For system designers and tourism practitioners, implications are provided.

When two heads are better than one

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoungsik Na ◽  
Jisu Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
User Study ◽  
Search Time ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Search ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences between collaborative and individual search techniques in a scenario-based task focussed on query behavior, cognitive load, search time, and task type about the search. Design/methodology/approach To help understand the influences on searching for relevant information in pairs or individual contexts, the authors conducted an exploratory user study with 30 participants, using two search tasks completed in a controlled laboratory setting. Findings On the basis of the analysis, the authors found that collaborative search teams resulted in more queries, more diverse query terms, and more varied query results compared to those working individually. The study results indicated that the cognitive load imposed on the participants did not differ between a collaborative search and an individual search except for the component of performance on the NASA Task Load Index. The results further showed that the total search time was a significant difference on average between the two conditions (i.e. individual information search and collaborative information search) for the second task. And there were significant differences of the mean of total search time between the two tasks for the both conditions. The authors also found that there was no significant relationship between query behavior and the total cognitive load. Originality/value The findings from this study have implications for a better understanding of collaborative search interface design, searchers’ cognitive load, query behavior, and general collaborative information search.

scholarly journals Collaborative query reformulation in tourism information search

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 1115-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Tina Du ◽  
Abu Shamim Mohammad Arif ◽  
Preben Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Query Reformulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Search ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Tourism Information ◽  
Search Systems

Purpose Collaborative information search (CIS) is a growing and significant research area. Query formulation and reformulation is an important search strategy in information search. However, limited research has investigated query behavior during CIS. The purpose of this paper is to characterize collaborative query reformulation (CQR) by exploring the sources of collaborative query (CQ) terms and the types and patterns of CQR in the context of tourism information search. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was designed to investigate search query reformulation as tourists performed CIS on a devised interface. A total of 36 participants (in 18 pairs) took part in the study; data were documented in pre- and post-search questionnaires, search logs and chat logs. Findings The findings show that participants intermixed individual search and collaborative search during CIS. Participants constructed CQ terms mainly by selecting terms from individual search queries and discussion chat logs. Eight types of CQR were identified, with specialization (82 percent) accounting for the most used search tactics. At most times, participants were found to add terms to the previous query. Findings demonstrated 27 specific CQR patterns; in excess of two-third participants (69 percent) took only one move to reformulate CQ by adding terms, or replacing/using new words. Practical implications The results of this research can be used to inform the design of search systems supporting collaborative querying in CIS. Originality/value This study is highlighting an important research direction of CQ reformulation in collaborative search while previous studies of the topic are limited, comparing to the vast body of work on query reformulation in individual information search using regular search systems.

Tourism Information Search System Based on Android Mobile Phone

2014 ◽  
Vol 687-691 ◽  
pp. 2728-2731
Author(s):  
Yan Hu
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Multimedia Application ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Application Software ◽  
Search System ◽  
Google Maps ◽  
Operation System ◽  
Guide System ◽  
Tourism Information

In this paper, a design and an implementation on an intelligent guide system based on Android platform is proposed. The hardware of system is based on ARM platform, and the schematics of its main modules such as power, SDRAM are given. Then Android operation system is transplanted on the ARM platform. On this basis, the application software is developed using Eclipse and Android SDK, and it is consisted of three modules: multimedia application, web maps and recording. The module of multimedia application includes audio, picture and video. Web maps can display Google Maps on the device and achieve positioning. The record module has implemented the several normal operation on a record, such as creating, modifying and displaying.

Information search by applying VDL-based iconic tags: an experimental study

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyue Ma ◽  
Pengzhen Xue ◽  
Siya Zhang ◽  
Nada Matta ◽  
Chunxiu Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Visualization Method ◽  
Information Searching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Vocabulary Problems

Purpose Visual Distinctive Language (VDL)-based iconic tags are structured visual information annotation. They explicate the content and organization of tagged information by graphical and symbolic features in order to improve the vocabulary problems of textual tags. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how these special icons help in tagged-based user information searching. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage experiment was designed and conducted so as to follow and quantify the searching process in specific searching target case and no specific searching target case when using VDL-based iconic tags. Findings The experimental results manifested that VDL-based iconic tags enhanced the role of tag in information searching. They could make user better understand tag clusters, which, in turn, provide global structure of involved topics. Also, VDL-based iconic tags helped user to find out searching target more quickly with higher accuracy by taking advantages of visual representation of tag categories and symbolic signification of tag content. Originality/value This study is one of the first to verify how structured icons work in information searching and how user’s graphical cognition impacts on tag-based information searching process. The research findings are dedicated to the theory of VDL-based iconic tags, as well as to a new visualization method for search user interface design.

A socio-technological model of search information divide in US cities

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Jin Park
Keyword(s):  
Information Flow ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Online Search ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Cities ◽  
Search Information ◽  
Technological Model

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to theorize and apply a socio-technological model – the powerful influence of social determinants in conditioning the effects of information attention on social outcomes. Fundamentally, this study is motivated by the idea that the social determinants of information flow can be used as a predictive tool to inform public socio-policy decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws upon digital disparity literature and uses publicly available Google search queries in exploring online information attention and its relationships to the HIV/AIDS diffusion in US cities. This study’s secondary data collected from extant sources is used to draw attention to a holistic urban ecology under which online search attention represents the variation of information access at the aggregate level.FindingsThe main finding shows that online information attention, as indicated by search trend, is far from being a simple predictor, but operates in complex interactions with existing social environments. A bivariate correlation between AIDS information search and AIDS diffusion rate was found to be significant. However, predictive multivariate models displayed robust effects of social contextual variables, such as income level and racial composition of cities, in moderating the effect of online search information flow.Practical implicationsThe importance of these insights is discussed for reducing socio-health disparities at the macro-social level, and policymakers and health administrators are recommended to incubate supportive online infrastructure as an effective preventive measure at the time of a crisis.Originality/valueThe unique contribution of this study is the premise that looks at the aggregate-ecological contour of cities within which the potential benefits of information occur, instead of examining the isolated function of mediated information per se. In this vein, online information search, in lieu of the exposure to mass media message that is often measured via self-reported items, is a particularly unique and fruitful area of future inquiry that this study promotes.

Digital touchpoints and multichannel segmentation approach in the life insurance industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónika Anetta Alt ◽  
Zsuzsa Săplăcan ◽  
Botond Benedek ◽  
Bálint Zsolt Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Life Insurance ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Channel Preferences

PurposeDigital technology is revolutionizing insurance distribution allowing the insurer companies to reach customers via multichannel. The aim of this study is to segment potential customers of life insurance based on their information search, purchasing channels and personal characteristics in the digital environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses cross-sectional research survey. In total, 422 questionnaires were collected through a convenience sample of the Romanian population. The data was segmented based on consumer information touchpoints (online vs offline), purchase channel preference (offline by a professional vs online by a standardized platform) and personal characteristics (age, marital status and children).FindingsThe channel segmentation analysis revealed that information channel preferences are the most important clustering variables, followed by purchase channel preferences, marital status, having children and age. Four distinct segments were identified: young fully offliners (23.7%), mature fully offliners (31.5%), committed online searchers (23.2%) and cross-channel onliners (21.6%).Practical implicationsInsurance companies should adapt their communication and distribution strategy based on multichannel segmentation and should focus on digital touchpoints with costumers.Originality/valueFirstly, the paper reveals multichannel and hybrid segmentation for life insurance. Secondly, it extends the already studied retail channels with search engines and companies' websites. Thirdly, it extends the behavioural variables for channel segmentation with technology acceptance behaviour, attitude towards life insurance, knowledge about life insurance, attitude towards personal selling and quality appraisal of online information sources.

Collaborative information searching as learning in academic group work

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Shaobo Liang ◽  
Wenting Yu
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Search Process ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Search ◽  
Academic Resources ◽  
Academic Group

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore users’ learning in the collaborative information search process when they conduct an academic task as a group. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a longitudinal study for a three-month period on an actual task. The participants, who were undergraduate students, needed to write a research proposal in three months to apply for funding for a research project, including a three-hour experiment. Findings The results show that undergraduates’ learning in the collaborative search process for academic group work included knowledge reconstruction, tuning, and assimilation. Their understanding of the topic concepts improved through the process, and their attitudes became more optimistic. Besides, the learning in the collaborative information search process also enhanced participants’ skills in communication, research, information search, and collaboration. To improve learning outcomes, professional and appropriate academic resources are required, as well as effective division of labor, positive sharing behaviors, and use of collaborative systems. Practical implications The future development of collaborative information search systems should focus on the needs of academic research and support for elements such as instant communication and knowledge sharing. Originality/value This paper contributes to research into searching as learning by understanding undergraduates’ collaborative search behavior for writing a proposal.

Research on Status Quo and Prospects of Online Travel Information Search

2014 ◽  
Vol 687-691 ◽  
pp. 2027-2030
Author(s):  
Zhi Fei Han ◽  
Hai Xia Qi
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Research Issue ◽  
Information Searching ◽  
Travel Information ◽  
Tourism Information ◽  
Online Travel ◽  
At Home

As an emerging research issue of the tourism and electronic commerce, tourism information searching has become the focus of scholars. The foreign scholars have achieved fruitful results since 1990s, while studies on this field are more actively at home these years. The current study aims at helping the researchers better by comprehending the existing finds and recently perspective, we summarized and categorized the findings of research in recent years, and expect to present an overall and timely analysis.

Electronic-word-of-mouth performance in different psychological distances and familiarity

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wee-Kheng Tan ◽  
Yun-Ghang Chang
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Psychological Distance ◽  
Electronic Word Of Mouth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Organisation ◽  
Complex Picture ◽  
Tourism Information

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use a familiarity and psychological distance framework to investigate the effects of psychological distance (responsibility distance and temporal distance) and destination familiarity on electronic-word-of-mouth (eWOM) consumption in the tourism context. The performance of eWOM is compared with that of traditional-word-of-mouth (tWOM) and the web site of the destination marketing organisation (DMO). Design/methodology/approach – An experiment approach was used to collect the relevant data. For each of the eight scenarios generated by varying psychological distance dimensions and destination familiarity levels, 200 participants rated the extent that they would use eWOM, tWOM and the DMO web site to search for attraction and local transport information. The data were analysed using 2×2×2 within-subject ANOVA and t-test. Findings – The analysis highlighted the versatility of eWOM in different psychological distances and familiarity levels. By and large, eWOM performs better than the DMO web site but is on par with tWOM. The advantages of eWOM over tWOM are meaningful under certain circumstances. Despite sharing a common psychological basis, psychological distance dimensions affect information search differently, and the effects are shaped by the types of tourism products being searched. When psychological distance, destination familiarity, tourism products and information sources are considered in totality, a complex picture of their relationship with intensity of information search is shown. Originality/value – This study bridged the research gap by increasing our understanding of the performance of eWOM under different psychological distances and familiarity levels. The study also provides some suggestions for DMOs to leverage on eWOM and to improve the standing of DMO web site as a tourism information source.

The evolution of travel information search research: a perspective article

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 319-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Gretzel ◽  
Zohreh Zarezadeh ◽  
Yuxuan Li ◽  
Zheng Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Travel Information ◽  
The Past ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Tourism Information ◽  
Areas Of Interest ◽  
Information Landscape

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of travel information search literature over the past 75 years to outline research needs for the upcoming decades. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a literature review based on the descriptive textual analysis of article abstracts from a sample of representative tourism journals on the subject of travel information search. Findings The analysis shows that the literature reflects the mounting complexity in the tourism information landscape and the increasing diversity in available channels. It also reveals lack of theoretical advancement in terms of reconceptualizing travel information search to better accommodate current and future technological advances. Originality/value This paper offers a systematic review of literature on travel information search and identifies areas of interest and directions for future research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document