Showing items 1 - 11 of 11

Your selections:

Good, better, best practise – a comparative analysis of official destination websites

  • Authors: Louw, Candice
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: E-tourism , Tourism websites , Official destination websites
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/259378 , uj:27289 , Citation: Louw, C. 2017. Good, better, best practise – a comparative analysis of official destination websites. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6(3):1-13. , ISSN: 2223-814X
  • Description: Abstract: The uplifting financial impact that tourism may have on local and global economies of scale has resulted in tourists becoming a highly sought-after commodity capable of turning almost any tourism destination and its attractions into thriving exports. With the rapid evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the introduction of smart technologies in particular, however, tourism has become not only more accessible, but arguably also more competitive with an online, try-before-you-buy tourism experience now becoming a reality. Subsequently, the battle is no longer for top offline destination only, but also for online destination of choice. An opportunity thus exists for Official Destination Websites (ODWs) to take advantage of these, and additional opportunities, to enhance a prospective tourist’s online, pre-tourism experience. By analysing seven of the world’s most popular destinations’ capital city ODWs, we come to realise that ODWs have become an integrated, rather than independent, part of facilitating tourism. As such, the importance of developing, implementing and maintaining an ODW to increase the likelihood of a possible tourist conversion from mere browser to buyer is highlighted. Finally, the similarities and differences between the analysed ODWs are also listed in an attempt to guide prospective tourism destinations in their endeavour to establish a new ODW, as well as allowing destinations with an existing ODW to possibly implement improvements.
  • Full Text:

Towards a smartphone application user security competency evolution model

  • Authors: Louw, Candice
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Smartphones - Security measures , Mobile computing - Security measures , Operating systems (Computers) - Security measures
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/261505 , uj:27576
  • Description: Ph.D. (Computer Science) , Abstract: With the phenomenal growth that has been observed in the smartphone industry over the past few years it has become more evident that smartphones are not just about the hardware and device manufacturer anymore, but also the supported Operating System (OS) and content enriching applications (apps). Stock-standard, static OSs are a thing of the past and have given way to dynamic, customisable OSs that support the installation of additional, mobile apps on the fly. Such freedom, however, comes at a price. Smartphone apps that are written by cyber criminals are naturally also able to harness the full capabilities of these smart devices and access the information stored on them – possibly without a user’s knowledge or consent. With the recent introduction of wearable devices that act as an extension of the smartphone, cyber criminals may now produce apps that are even more invasive to the smartphone user’s everyday life. With smartphone usage becoming more popular, in both personal and professional capacities in an overlapping fashion, cyber criminals can now potentially gain access to not only personal user information, but also sensitive organisational information stored on these devices. By introducing the Smartphone Application User Security Competency Evolution (SAUSCE) model, this thesis aims to provide a model that may be used to demonstrate the typical competency evolution that a smartphone user may undergo by asking 5 main questions including: (1) Is the user in possession of a smartphone? (2) Does the user make use of the smartphone in their possession? (3) Does the user customise the smartphone by downloading and installing apps? (4) Is the smartphone rooted or jailbroken/are apps installed that require root or privileged access? (5) Are developer options active on the smartphone/does the user write their own apps and deploy them on the device? The reasoning behind why exactly these 5 questions are asked becomes clearer as the thesis progresses. As a result, the model may be used to establish a particular smartphone user’s competency level which, in turn, simplifies the task of providing level-appropriate training and/or awareness. Additionally, the proposed model may also be used (by individuals, organisations, institutions etc.) in determining whether a specific user could, for example, be classified as a potential risk to (their own or organisational) information security. Initial verification of the model’s use in an operational environment (university) proved its viability and ability to be successfully utilised in establishing the maturity of not only an individual, but also groups of individuals as a whole. The versatility of the model was further illustrated through its successful implementation by a variety of approaches including a web portal, hybrid Android smartphone app, online questionnaire and paper-based questionnaire. Future work could include exposing the model to a wider audience for more in-depth evaluation, ultimately obtaining feedback from a more diverse audience, facilitating further refinement.
  • Full Text:

Modeling personally identifiable information leakage that occurs through the use of online social networks

  • Authors: Louw, Candice
  • Date: 2015-06-30
  • Subjects: Online social networks - Access control , Online social networks - Security measures , Data protection
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13846
  • Description: M.Sc. (Computer Science) , With the phenomenal growth of the Online Social Network (OSN) industry in the past few years, users have resorted to storing vast amounts of personal information on these sites. The information stored on these sites is often readily accessible from anywhere in the world and not always protected by adequate security settings. As a result, user information can make its way, unintentionally, into the hands of not only other online users, but also online abusers. Online abusers, better known as cyber criminals, exploit user information to commit acts of identity theft, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and password recovery, to mention only a few. As OSN users are incapable of visualising the process of access to their OSN information, they may choose to never adjust their security settings. This can become synonymous with ultimately setting themselves up to becoming a victim of cyber crime. In this dissertation we aim to address this problem by proposing a prototype system, the Information Deduction Model (IDM) that can visualise and simulate the process of accessing information on an OSN profile. By visually explaining concepts such as information access, deduction and leakage, we aim to provide users with a tool that will enable them to make more informed choices about the security settings on their OSN profiles thereby setting themselves up for a pleasant online experience.
  • Full Text:

The digital disruption of virtual reality and the future of the steel roller coaster : an initial industry analysis

  • Authors: Louw, Candice , Louw, Brenda Lotriet
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Digital disruption , Virtual reality , Roller coaster
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/276349 , uj:29569 , Citation: Louw, C. & Louw, B.L. 2018. The digital disruption of virtual reality and the future of the steel roller coaster : an initial industry analysis. , ISSN: 2223-814X
  • Description: Abstract: In the overlapping realms of digital design, engineering, tourism/leisure and thrill seeking, roller coasters are sought after attractions capable of drawing millions of visitors to amusement and theme parks located all over the world. More recently (from 2015) however, numerous new and existing roller coasters have been retrofitted to accommodate a Virtual Reality (VR) experience overlay – evidence of the infiltration of the digital disruption in yet another industry. Subsequently, in this paper, we firstly endeavour to examine the global footprint of the European Steel Roller Coaster Industry (ESRCI) as an export of the European economic region, while secondly, determining to what extent Virtual Reality (VR) has already infiltrated the industry. As a result, an exploratory study was conducted to identify the operational roller coasters of 23 European-based steel roller coaster manufacturers, also noting the country in which each roller coaster is operating. The results were used to establish a global footprint of the ESRCI, while an indication is also given to whether any of these manufacturers’ operational roller coasters have already been retrofitted with VR. Initial findings confirm that although the concept of the VR enhanced roller coaster is still fairly new (introduced in 2015), the effects are already wide spread with 8 of the 23 ESRC manufacturers having been affected by VR additions to one or more of their operational roller coasters within the 3 year time frame (2015 – 2017). While VR product development and integration strategies are still in the early stages, as it currently stands, VR is identified as a key role player and complementary technology for further consideration in the roller coaster industry going forward. Moreover, by adopting a manufacturer and industry centric point of view on the subject matter, this paper provides a point of departure for examining the current usage and trends of VR in the ESRCI, which may be transferrable to the roller coaster and amusement industries at large. This, in turn, may advance future discourse in the understanding of whether VR poses a threat to new roller coaster infrastructure development, is a complimentary asset to existing roller coaster infrastructure or is merely a passing fad.
  • Full Text:

Airport Wi-Fi service delivery and monetisation strategies – an international perspective

  • Authors: Louw, Candice
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Airports , Air travel , Free Wi-Fi
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398881 , uj:33226 , Citation: Louw, C. 2019. Airport Wi-Fi Service Delivery and Monetisation Strategies – an International Perspective. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 8(5):1-8. , ISSN: 2223-814X
  • Description: Abstract: With internet connectivity becoming an important enabler to knowledge sharing, information access and communication, free Wi-Fi offerings are becoming more prevalent not only in a business context, but also in a leisure context. When looking at the tourism industry in particular, airports are often the point of embarkation and debarkation for very many data hungry travellers that are operating outside of their service provider’s jurisdiction. In both the case of the business and leisure traveller, free Wi-Fi offerings have become crucial to ensuring their further mobility. As a result, this research analyses the approaches taken by a selection of international airports spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America in delivering free Wi-Fi on their premises. The typical approaches taken in order to monetize this high frequency, high demand service are subsequently identified, also noting whether end user Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is collected in the process. Initial findings from the selection of 25 airports from 15 countries indicate that advertising based revenue models, premium (upgraded at a cost) internet service business models, as well as sponsor/third party internet service provision business models are most popular when it comes to airport Wi-Fi service delivery and monetisation. Overall, unique user identification (by means of collecting PII) to make use of these free Wi-Fi services at airports is required by 9 out of 25 (36%) airports, indicating that while Wi-Fi is still regarded as a high-value resource in certain jurisdictions (most notably in South Africa), liberalisation of access is becoming a global reality. The results of this study may be used not only by other airports, but also other high frequency tourist destinations, innovation hubs, entrepreneurial co-working spaces etc., who wish to introduce their own free Wi-Fi services or to diversify their existing revenue streams.
  • Full Text:

Game, settings, match – the impact and future of wearable technology in fitness and healthcare

Online, community-driven e-commerce platforms and the rise of lifestyle commerce – a conceptual study

  • Authors: Louw, Candice , Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: E-commerce , Digital Business Models , Internet Culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402440 , uj:33677 , Citation: Louw, C. & Nieuwenhuizen, C. 2019. Online, community-driven e-commerce platforms and the rise of lifestyle commerce – a conceptual study.
  • Description: Abstract: Aim – During times of financial hardship, e-commerce undertakings often employ creative strategies to engage customers in novel ways in order to survive. In this paper, we explore the concept of lifestyle commerce to assist in this endeavour, also identifying core role players and components that differentiate the underlying business model from traditional e-commerce. Findings – Lifestyle commerce requires inspiration; inspiration requires content; content requires community. The real value of lifestyle commerce thus lies in its interconnected, communities of users who form part of an engaged customer network. Conclusions – With lifestyle commerce, one should take care of the community, and the business will take care of itself. This arguably emergent property of lifestyle commerce is a core aspect to take into consideration in future online lifestyle commerce undertakings and evidently also, their acquisition. The aim of lifestyle commerce is thus to grow an engaged customer network, as opposed to simply building a static customer base.
  • Full Text:

Virtual reality enhanced roller coasters and the future of entertainment – audience expectations

  • Authors: Burt, Malcolm , Louw, Candice
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Virtual Reality , Roller coaster , Amusement park
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402718 , uj:33715 , Citation: Burt, M. & Louw, C. 2019. Virtual reality enhanced roller coasters and the future of entertainment – audience expectations.
  • Description: Abstract: Roller coasters are often acknowledged as the icons of amusement and leisure with their towering structures forming an integral part of any theme or amusement parks’ prestigious ride infrastructure. As with any infrastructure roller coasters come at a high cost, but inevitably also become outdated. By leveraging the power of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, there is an opportunity to integrate innovative, creative and captivating new VR experience overlays with existing roller coasters, thereby generating new interest in older ride infrastructure. While VR additions to roller coasters are still a fairly recent introduction (as of 2015), the adoption rate is high. Despite this observation, very little research has been conducted pertaining to the VR enhanced roller coaster experience – and even less so from an end user’s perspective. This is a shortcoming in current research literature which merits further investigation. As a result, in this research, we examine existing literature (pertaining to the core elements of best-practice VR experiences) and original data gathered from VR roller coaster thrill seekers (pertaining to their likes, dislikes and expectations of current VR enhanced roller coaster experiences). Based on our findings we present a model, Burt’s VR Entertainment Primer, which identifies six categories (Description of VR Experience, Rules of Entertainment, Queuing & Headset On/Off Boarding, Audio/Video Experience, Hardware Experience, General Findings) with supporting elements that should be taken into account in order to develop a successful VR enhanced roller coaster experience overlay. Due to the generic, user-centric nature of the model, it may possibly also extend itself to the VR amusement and entertainment industries within a broader context, thereby supporting the innovative application and assessment of VR in entertainment overall.
  • Full Text:

Digitalisation strategies for SMEs : a cost vs. skill approach for website development

  • Authors: Louw, Candice , Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Digitalisation , Entrepreneurship , Online Presence Maturity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/411288 , uj:34556 , Citation: Louw, C. & Nieuwenhuizen, C. 2020. Digitalisation strategies for SMEs : a cost vs. skill approach for website development.
  • Description: Abstract: In the age of the digital revolution, websites are a critical component in establishing an online organisational presence. The main aim of this paper is to deliver a model that may provide guidelines, specifically for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including those in resource-scarce contexts, in determining the most viable strategy to setting up and managing their own website. The research is exploratory in nature and adopts an approach similar to that of action research which is facilitated through the hands-on investigation of numerous website components, platforms and development techniques. The deliverance of the Combined Cost and Technical Skill Model for Website Development contributes not only to the theory on web development, but also offers guidance to SMEs with planning their web development strategies, specifically when taking into account the core components of cost and technical skills in resource-scarce contexts. This, in turn, may assist SMEs with increasing their online presence maturity, possibly also allowing them to compete with larger organisations at an international scale.
  • Full Text:

Digitalisation strategies in a South African banking context : a consumer services analysis

  • Authors: Louw, Candice , Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Digital banking , Digitalisation , Online banking
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/453207 , uj:40003 , Citation: Louw, C. & Nieuwenhuizen, C., 2020, ‘Digitalisation strategies in a South African banking context: A consumer services analysis’, South African Journal of Information Management 22(1), a1153. https://doi. org/10.4102/sajim. v22i1.1153 , ISSN: (Online) 1560-683X
  • Description: Abstract: Background: In the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, Internet-only/digital-only banks are offering alternative approaches to facilitating online transactions and banking in the absence of physical branches. As a result, traditional, offline banks may possibly experience increased pressure in growing and retaining their customer base. Objectives: The objective of this study is to understand the fundamental differences between traditional and digital-only banks’ business models and digital user experience strategies from a consumer services perspective. As a result, in this research, we established to what extent traditional South African banks have embraced service digitalisation and compared this to the services offered by South Africa’s first digital-only bank (launched in early 2019). Method: By means of convenience sampling, we selected the five biggest traditional banks and the first digital-only bank in South Africa (as recorded at the start of July 2019) and conducted a comparative analysis of the core digital services that were offered to consumers. Results: Overall, mobile-optimised services were identified as a key digital business strategy, thereby highlighting the importance of a mobile-first approach not only to traditional and digital-only banking services strategies but also to digital business model formulation in general. Conclusion: While the overall South African banking landscape and banking user experience may be moving towards digital-first and mobile-first, the need for access to banking technology and services 7 days a week necessitate not only mobile-first, but accessible-foremost (i.e. access to infrastructure that facilitates access to online banking technologies, both remotely and on premise) banking business models.
  • Full Text:

Digitalization strategies for SMEs : a cost vs. skill approach for website development

  • 1
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact