In search of better, more cost effective ways to deliver instruction and training, universities and corporations have expanded their use of e-learning. Although several studies suggest that online education and blended instruction (a “blend ” of online and traditional approaches) can be as effective as traditional classroom models, few studies have focused on learner satisfaction with online instruction, particularly in the transition to online learning from traditional approaches. This study examines students ’ perceptions of integrating online components in two undergraduate business courses where students completed online learning modules prior to class discussion. The results indicate that participants in an elective course rated the online modules significantly better than those in a required course. Overall, participants in the elective course rated the online modules marginally positive while those in the required course rated them marginally negative. These outcomes suggest that instructors should be selective in the way they integrate online units into traditional, classroom-delivered courses. This integration should be carefully planned based on learner characteristics, course content, and the learning context. For most participants of the study (83 percent), this was their first experience completing an online learning activity or module. In addition, the largest dissatisfaction factor reported among the participants was the time required to complete the online modules. Future research is encouraged to explore: (1) how previous experience with technology and online learning affects students ’ attitudes towards and success with e-learning; and (2) the effects of interspersing online units that are considerably shorter in length into the traditional classroom model. This additional research can provide greater insight into which factors promote e-learning success.

Abstract. This research focuses on the development of methodologies of tourism-related integration services. The authors define an adaptive Smart User Model and develop a methodology to build and manage this Smart User Model in the next generation of open environments in order to offer the user a variety of highly personalized services. In addition, the Smart User Model is able to capture any type of explicit or implicit information concerning the user from several domains in order to add to its knowledge of user preferences and interests.

Abstract. The rapidly growing web technologies and electronic commerce applications have stimulated the need of personalized and group decision support functionalities in eTourism intermediary systems. The goal of this paper is to propose a functional framework and design process for building a webbased customer-oriented decision support system to facilitate personalized and community tourism services. Major decision support functions include personalized data and model management, information search and navigation, product/vendor evaluation and recommendation, do-it-yourself travel planning and design, community and collaboration management, auction and negotiation, as well as trip tracking and quality control. A system implementation approach as well as a system prototype will also be presented and discussed. 1

The development and deployment of a marketing decision support system (MDSS) represents an emerging trend in the field of marketing in which the increased application of decision support system (DSS) technology enhances decision-making. This research reviews recent advances in MDSS applications and technology in order to identify potential benefits and limitations of MDSS. The research supports the consideration of an MDSS as a valuable decision-making tool.

Abstract not found