Theme 1: Culture / Heritage and Sustainability

Research

Research themes

RICH research clusters thematically around 6 themes:

Theme 1: Culture / Heritage and Sustainability Research areas: Planning and Policy; Sustainable Design; Energy Performance; Social Issues

Theme2: Culture / Heritage and Tourism Research areas: Cultural Tourism; Gastronomy; Museology; Virtual Locality

Theme 3: Culture / Heritage, Place and Identity Research areas: Destination Marketing and Branding; Language and Cultural Expression; Material Culture and Representation

Theme 4: Culture / Heritage and Environmental Management Research areas: Environmental Impact Analysis; Spatial Data Analysis; Conservation; Environmental Management

Theme 5: Culture / Heritage and Applied Management Research areas: Heritage Management; Built Heritage Financing; Destination Management; Cultural Sector Management

Theme 6: Digital Heritage Research areas: Knowledge Management; Location based/Aware Services; ICT in Culture/Heritage; Digital Music; Spatial Information Systems; Semantic Web in Heritage; Visualisation Theme 1: Culture / Heritage and Sustainability

Historic Landscape Character Assessment – Kiltiernan/Glenamuck; Glencullen; Barnacullia

These three projects are Historic Landscape Character Assessments (HLCA) of areas within Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. They are being undertaken by Dr. Kevin A. Griffin (RICH), Dr. Pat Dargan (RICH) and by Dr. Ken Boyle of the DIT’s Faculty of the Built Environment. HLCA is a method by which a detailed holistic study of the historical development and environmental significance of an area can be undertaken. The technique presents an overview of the physical, natural, human, and cultural heritage of an area with specific reference to the interaction between the various elements.

The significant feature of the Historic Landscape Character Assessment process is that it offers a dynamic perspective of the history and development of the total landscape, thereby contributing to the promotion of sustainable development within in the study area. Funding Agency: Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

Village Framework Plan with particular emphasis on natural and man- made features and heritage

A village framework plan aims to provide a holistic overview of how the landscape – physical, natural, cultural, social and economic evolves, including identifying, recording and ultimately appraising the heritage characteristics of a study area. It is important to make recommendations as appropriate with respect to protection, conservation, enhancement and restoration of significant heritage elements/characteristics. This project is being conducted by Dr Kevin Griffin (RICH), Dr Pat Dargan (RICH), and Dr Ken Boyle. Funding Agency: Offaly County Council Theme 2: Culture / Heritage and Tourism

Performing Tourism: Venetians in perspective

Almost 20 years ago the Italian Geographer Zannetto (1986) argued that Venice had become something of a Disneyland, stripped of its culture, and resigned to serving the needs of European pleasure-seekers. Subsequent work produced by other Italian geographers (e.g. Minca 2001) has made similar arguments. This study draws on primary data collected among residents of the city’s historic centre. It re-visits these questions and explores issues relating to local identity, ways of living and the contestation of space in one of Europe’s leading tourist cities. This research was conducted by Dr. Bernadette Quinn and its findings have been accepted for publication in a forthcoming volume of the Annals of Tourism Research Funding Agency: DIT Research Seed Funds

Making space for festivity: Irish and Italian case studies in comparative perspective

This empirical study develops earlier research into an international comparative framework with an analysis of carnival practices in Venice, conducted by Dr Bernadette Quinn. Key research questions concern issues of identity and connection with place, the contested nature of meanings produced through festivity practices and the globalisation processes active in the reproduction of festivities. A combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to collect data from a sample of the local population in 2002 and the study’s findings are currently being written up and disseminated. Funding Agency: DIT Research Seed Funds

Dublin Visitor Survey - European Cities Tourism (ECT)

Since 1999, DIT Faculty of Tourism and Food and the Tourism Research Centre have conducted the Dublin Visitor Study on an annual basis. The study investigates visitor experiences of, and attitudes to Dublin using a structured visitor survey questionnaire. The study is part of a pan-European research project taking place in four cities and will eventually provide a comparative analysis of visitor opinion across a range of European cities. The Dublin study is being managed by the Tourism Research Centre. One thousand visitors to Dublin are interviewed annually at a number of tourist attractions in the capital, including The Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral etc. The research examines a number of questions, including, Who are Dublin’s overseas visitors? What are their attitudes and concerns? What activities do they engage in? Do they feel safe in Dublin? Will they come back? Each year the study examines different topics including the value for money in Dublin, short-break holiday taking in the capital, transport issues etc. Funding Agency: Tourism Research Centre (currently) Waterways Corridor Study

The Heritage Council commissioned a Waterways Study as a means to recognise and seek ways to realise the inherent potential of the waterways as a heritage, amenity and tourism resource. The study covers the Upper Shannon Navigation between Lanesboro and Rooskey, and the Royal Canal between Clondra and Thomastown including the Longford Branch. The study was conducted by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds (land planning and design), Cultural Resource Development Services (cultural, historical and archaeological specialists), White Young Green (ecological and hydrological specialists), the Tourism Research Centre at DIT and Brendan Kearney (rural/agricultural development economist). The aims of the study were to:  Identify ways to manage the waterways corridor environment to the benefit of all, i.e. heritage, land and water-based users.  Improve understanding of an area, and by this understanding, ensure retention of the distinctiveness of a place, while allowing for development and evolution of use for the future. A two pronged approach was adopted, involving a physical survey of the study area along with desk research and consultation with the appropriate parties.

The Tourism Research Centre and partners are currently conducting another study for the Heritage Council on the Shannon Navigation - Meelick, Co. Galway to Limerick City, including Lough Derg and the Errina and Park Canals. This project is similar to the one outlined above, incorporating a deeper tourism focus. This project will identify ways and places in which the corridor can, without compromise of the heritage, be used optimally and sustainably by residents, visitors and industry. Project Collaborators/Funding Agency: Heritage Council

Gaelsaoire

Gaelsaoire, the tourism division of Údarás na Gaeltachta, commissioned the Tourism Research Centre to carry out an evaluation of demographic, attitudinal and behavioural patterns of a representative sample of visitors to Holidayworld 2005. Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht Authority, is the regional government agency with responsibility for the economic, social and language/cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas of Ireland. The aim of the research was to identify the profile of visitors to Holidayworld 2005 and their opinions on the Gaeltacht regions as holiday destinations. Funding Agency: Gaelsaoire/Údarás na Gaeltachta Measuring attitudes and perceptions amongst both users and non-users of the National Concert Hall

The Tourism Research Centre was commissioned by the National Concert Hall to conduct market research with the objective of measuring attitudes and perceptions amongst both users and non-users particularly in relation to the NCH’s bi-monthly calendar, wall-chart and advertising. This research was used to assess consumer satisfaction levels towards the venue and its facilities, measure programming success from an audience perspective, determine attitudes towards pricing, and detail the effectiveness of marketing and sales initiatives. It facilitated in developing marketing plans for 2004/05 with the aim of reaching new audiences and bringing new market segments into the venue for the first time. The ultimate objective for the National Concert Hall in commissioning this research was that the results identify new opportunities and assist in providing direction for future marketing campaigns. Project Collaborators: National Concert Hall

Visitor Satisfaction and Attitudes to Irish Festivals

In-depth consumer research of visitors to Irish festivals was carried out by the Tourism Research Centre on behalf of Millennium Festivals Ltd. at eight flagship festivals. The success and strength of the festivals was identified by the research. Those surveyed included national and international festival-goers at eight flagship festivals, namely St. Patrick’s Festival, Galway Arts Festival; Kilkenny Arts Festival; Rose of Tralee; Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Enniscorthy; Wexford Festival Opera; the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival; and the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. The methodology employed was a series of 15-minute face-to-face interviews with visitors to the individual festivals using judgement sampling. A total of over 1,000 questionnaires were completed and a comparative summary report was also provided. Project Collaborators: Millenium Festivals Ltd.

Profile and Satisfaction Survey of Visitors to Killarney Summerfest

The Tourism Research Centre conducted a profile and satisfaction survey of visitors to Killarney Summerfest (early July 2005). The survey established what visitors liked most, least and what activities and events they would like added in the years ahead. Detailed recommendations were provided in relation to improving the programming in 2006 and beyond, the marketing of the festival and also the contribution of the festival to the local economy. Project Collaborators: Killarney Summerfest

Greystones Arts Festival

The Greystones Arts Festival is the largest street theatre festival along the east coast and is sponsored by Carlsberg, the Arts Council and Wicklow Tourism. In July 2004 the Tourism Research Centre was commissioned to carried out research to identify festival attendees profiles, how they heard about the festival, what influenced their decision to attend the festival, suggestions for improving programming content of the festival, identify levels of expenditure at the festival, recommendations to improve the marketing of the festival in order to provide the organisers with useful information for future programming and planning of the festival. The demand study took place in the glorious sunshine over the August Bank holiday weekend in the town. Project Collaborators: Greystones Arts Festival

Wicklow Walking Festival

A review of the walking product in County Wicklow was conducted on behalf of Wicklow County Tourism and the Irish Sports Council by the Tourism Research Centre. The objective was to identify methods to develop and improve walking in Wicklow, especially at the Wicklow Walking Festivals. As part of the research, three hundred walkers who attended the October Walking Festival were interviewed and fifty product providers in the ‘walking’ locality took part in a postal survey. As a result, the Tourism Research Centre made recommendations to develop the walking product in Wicklow with a clear view to optimising the product in a sustainable manner beneficial to the entire locality. Project Collaborators: Wicklow County Tourism, Irish Sports Council

Ballyhoura Visitor Survey and Development of a Manual for Organising Walking Festivals in Ireland

Ballyhoura Country Holidays/Fáilte commissioned the Tourism Research Centre to undertake visitor research at the festival, in addition to conducting workshop sessions with invited participants with the aim of developing a manual for organising walking festivals in Ireland. The objective was to identify methods to develop and improve the walking festival. A manual of best practice for Planning and Organising Walking Festivals in Ireland was developed, providing support to organizers in the following areas: principles to guide organizers; promotion; financing the event; organization; and running the event. The research also developed a methodology for calculating economic benefit of Walking Festivals in addition to identifying methods for expanding Walking Festivals. Project Collaborators: Ballyhoura Country Holidays/Fáilte

Old Jameson Distillery Visitor Attitude Study

Irish Distillers Ltd. commissioned the Tourism Research Centre at the Dublin Institute of Technology to conduct market research at the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin. The research will be used to ascertain whether the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin delivers on and enhances Jameson’s brand objectives. The research also sought to determine visitor satisfaction and attitudes towards the distillery tour and to identify areas for improvement. The Project Collaborators: Irish Distillers Ltd Forecast Future Visitors Numbers Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane

The Tourism Research Centre conducted research on behalf of Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane to estimate likely future visitor numbers to the Gallery in view of their major expansion programme. The research provided the gallery with expert views on future visitor numbers. Project Collaborators: Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane

Dublin City Hall - Visitor Survey for Dublin City Hall

A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted by the Tourism Research Centre amongst a representative sample of visitors to the gallery, spread over three separate periods to represent the high, shoulder and low tourism seasons and different weekdays. The Tourism Research Centre also surveyed visitors to other cultural attractions in Dublin who had not visited the City Hall to identify why they had not visited it and what would entice them to visit the attraction. The aim of this project was:  to profile visitors to Dublin City Hall,  to determine what motivates visitors to come to the attraction,  to provide information for future planning.  Information gathered included: key visitor types, socio-demographic features - e.g. age, nationality, source of knowledge, other attractions visited, previous visits, etc. Project Collaborators: Dublin City Hall

New forms of tourism mobility: insights into the concept of ‘dwelling in travelling’

In recent times, demand for second homes has risen significantly. In terms of human mobility, there is now a growing awareness of how circulation between different places no longer represents an aberration from ordinary, settled life, but rather has become for many a normal part of contemporary lifestyles (Olwig 1997). This research examined this assertion in the light of empirical findings from a case study of second homeowners in southeast Ireland. It revisited the basic question of why people have a second home and explored how they integrate their second homes into their lifestyles. The study’s findings have been published in a refereed journal article and book chapter (Mottiar and Quinn 2003, Quinn 2004). This research was conducted by Dr. Bernadette Quinn and Dr. Ziene Mottiar. Funding Agency: DIT Research Seed Funds

Local – global interactions and the geography of resort development

This research project explored the implications of the Seaside Area Resort Scheme introduced by the Irish government in 1995 in an attempt to rejuvenate seaside resorts in Ireland. It was an empirical study which examined the broad-ranging ways in which the top-down intervention effected social, economic and environmental change at the local level. The conclusions of the study produced a critique of government policy and drew attention to the failings that ensue when local contexts, conditions and resources are inadequately considered by policy-makers operating in broader spatial spheres. The study’s findings have been published in a refereed journal article (Mottiar and Quinn 2001). This research was conducted by Dr. Bernadette Quinn and Dr. Ziene Mottiar. Funding Agency: DIT Research Seed Funds

Authoring landscapes, shaping places. Case studies of the Wexford Festival Opera (1951 – 1997) and the Galway Arts Festival (1978 – 1997).

This PhD research was located within contemporary cultural geography literature and more specifically within the growing geographical literature that focuses on festivities and public rituals. Arts festivals were the focus of analysis and were conceptualised as arenas within which place meanings and cultural identities are reproduced in highly contested and negotiated ways. The study was longitudinal in nature and understanding processes of institutionalisation, change, and local – global interactions was a central preoccupation. Its findings have been published in a number of refereed journal articles and book chapters (Quinn, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2004). This research was conducted by Dr. Bernadette Quinn.

Geographical sounds – perspectives on place, identity and music.

This research project investigated the social and economic significance of the music industry. Located in geographical literature, it initially drew upon Tuan (1977: 16) who argued that while the organisation of human space may be uniquely dependent on sight, the function of the other senses in expanding and enriching visual space should not be ignored. This research project produced a series of working papers, some based on empirical research, and all of which explored the ways in which Irish music is bound up with the reproduction and representation of place, and with forming notions of cultural identity. The research was conducted by Dr. Bernadette Quinn.

A Comparative Study of Festivals in Europe

A European festival researchers’ network comprising 20 academics from leading universities across Europe has recently been formed. An inaugural workshop (May 1 – 2, 2004) held in Brussels began designing a research project that will empirically investigate cultural festivals in Europe. The project is cross-disciplinary in nature and will provide scope for a range of research outputs. Two articles relating to the project have recently been published: Quinn, B. (2005) ‘Festivals and the City’ Urban Studies, 42 (5/6) pp.927-944. Quinn, B. (2006) ‘Problematising ‘Festival Tourism’ in Ireland: Arts Festivals and sustainable development in Ireland’ Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14 (3) pp.288-306. The Coolee Peninsula Co. Louth - a Tourism Feasibility Study

Study of landscape and facilities in the Coolee area with a view towards producing a tourism development plan. Examines physical landscape, archaeology, cultural landscape, built environment etc. A local committee in Coolee commissioned project. This project was conducted by Dr. Kevin Griffin, Dr. Pat Dargan, C Crowley and A Mulcahy. Funding Agency: Local Committee, Coolee

Irish Pilgrimage Tourism

This is an on-going personal research project of Dr. Kevin Griffins which is seeking to evaluate and identify patterns of Irish pilgrimage tourism. Papers have been presented on this topic at the DIT Tourism Study Group Seminar, and at a Cultural Study Group Meeting of the International Geographical Union. Theme 3: Culture / Heritage, Place and Identity

The Renihan Diaries (c.1882 – 1925)

Dr Kevin A. Griffin (RICH) & Kevin M. Griffin have recently published The Renihan Diaries, a rich and detailed view of life, which extends far beyond the specifics of their North Tipperary origins, and provide a rare and valuable insight into Irish rural life. In 1869 Michael Renihan began his teaching career in Boher, Ballina in North Tipperary and lived there until his death in 1927. Due to the foresight of his relations, manuscript diaries that he kept have been preserved, and this book presents and analyses their content. While the diaries could be seen as parochial in content, they provide a rich insight into Irish rural life during this time. Funding Agency: Part-funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland

Continuity Of Settlement In Counties Limerick And Clare: The Role Of ‘Ecclesiastical Sites’ In The Formation Of Settlement,

This doctoral thesis investigates the continuity of Irish settlement with particular focus on the role of ecclesiastical sites in settlement formation. This thesis was undertaken by Kevin Griffin.

Ballina / Boher Parish: Our History and Traditions

This (390 page) book was written by Dr Kevin A. Griffin (RICH) & Kevin M. Griffin as the major Millennium project for the parish of Ballina/Boher in North Tipperary.

Tulla Co. Clare, an ancient church site?

Article published in the Journal of the East Clare Heritage Group, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare. Following this article, a number of further submissions have been invited.

The Restoration of Ardagh Pride of Place and Vibrant Community Participation.

A report was prepared on the development of the town of Ardagh. This report formed the major part of an application for the British Airways International Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The village of Ardagh won the European category of this worldwide competition. This project was conducted by Dr. Kevin Griffin, Dr. Pat Dargan and A Mulcahy Cultural Legacy of CORK 2005

Dr Bernadette Quinn and the Tourism Research Centre undertook research into the cultural legacies emerging from Cork’s designation as European Capital of Culture 2005. The research involved devising a methodology to investigate the changes that are emerging inter alia in respect to media representations of the city, linkages between cultural organisations in Cork city and elsewhere in both Ireland and Europe, and the changing engagement of the private companies in the cultural sector. Project collaborator: Cork City Council. Legacy Committee, Cork 2005

Genealogy Centres Research

Dr. Kevin Griffin and the Tourism Research Centre have been involved in a study commissioned by Irish Genealogy Limited (IGL) to review the operational structure of the Irish Genealogy Research Centres and to recommend a future operational structure. The research identified the main sources of funding for operating and staffing the Centres, as well as the running costs associated with centres. A number of strategies were recommended for centres in order that they can achieve long term sustainability and business growth. Funding Agency: Irish Genealogy Limited.

History by proxy: Imaging the Great Irish Famine

Niamh Ann Kelly is completing her PhD research at the Amsterdam school for Cultural Analysis (ASCA), University of Amsterdam, entitled History by Proxy: Imaging the Great Irish Famine. This project analyses the mechanisms of visual historical representation, as realized in the various modes of visualization of the Great Irish Famine. With the supervision of Professor Mieke Bal, Dr. Hanneke Grootenboer and Dr. Nancy Pedri, this research is pursuing an interest in the appropriation of material culture in historical account and the process of interchange between memory and image, experience and object. The project will ultimately present an analysis of the mechanisms of visual historical representation, as realised in the various modes of visualisation of the Great Irish Famine. Supported by: University of Amsterdam and the Faculty of Applied Arts DIT

North Tipperary Marketing Plan

The need for a North Tipperary Tourism Marketing Action Plan was identified through the County Development Board process. Shannon Development Company, North Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Leader Group and Tipperary North County Enterprise Board funded the preparation of the strategy, which was completed in January 2004. The study focused on auditing and assessing the county's tourism resource base and development potential, analysing the current and emerging market trends, identifying potential tourism opportunities for the county, recommending an organisational framework for implementation and preparing a one-year action plan. Following the strategy, a need was identified to carry out a tourism marketing study, and the Tourism Research Centre recently completed this study. The study involved:  Reviewing all North Tipperary tourism information/literature  Reviewing the national and regional websites and suggest requirements for promoting North Tipperary  Identifying the trends and challenges for North Tipperary in terms of marketing  Developing a marketing strategy for North Tipperary with particular focus on interpretative literature, own literature, public relations, internet marketing, and advertising and cost recommended mediums  Identifying the segments to be reached and recommend an approach for North Tipperary.

VisitNet/Waterford County Council – Waterford Tourism Product Audit and Destination Marketing Research

The Tourism Research Centre compiled a comprehensive tourism product audit and conducted a marketing review of Waterford City and County, on behalf of VisitNet/Waterford County Council. The intention of the project was to shape the way tourism activity in Waterford is developed, managed and marketed in the future. This research was approached from the perspective of ‘researcher as visitor’ and involved site-visits and extensive industry consultation. The project involved reviewing Waterford’s current promotional presence and particular attention was focused on the relevance and awareness of the current branding of Waterford. A market profile review was also conducted in order to identify best prospects and directions for future brand development. The final strand of this research involved a review and assessment of the existing tourism structures in Waterford. The findings and recommendations of the TRC were presented to industry at an open day at Tramore Racecourse in June 2006. Project Collaborator: VisitNet (INTERREG IIIA)/Waterford County Council Theme 4: Culture / Heritage and Environmental Management

Sustainable Tourism Indicators: Towards the Mitigation of negative impacts on Tourism Destinations

This two-year research programme aims to devise and improve methods for the implementation of carrying capacity indicators at a destination level and to facilitate government and tourism business managers in making more informed decisions. This carrying capacity framework will lead to the evolution of an environmentally integrated tourism destination management model and development of an integrated management-training module. The study area chosen – Tipperary Lakeside, Lough Derg - is an identifiable tourism area, which capitalises upon its tourism assets by creating its own identity based on its particular tourism product.

This project is run by a DIT research team (RICH members in two faculties) led by the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, in collaboration with the School of Environmental Planning and Management, and the Tourism Research Centre. Funding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the Environmental RTDI Programme 2000-2006.

Lough Derg Corridor Study

The Tourism Research Centre in association with Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, Cultural Resource Development Services, White Young Green (environmental and hydrological), conducted research on the Shannon Navigation. TRC was responsible for conducting an audit of, and research into tourism, recreation and education facilities, and visitor numbers and attitudes in the area. This project will identify ways (and places) in which the corridor can, without compromise of the heritage, be used optimally and sustainably by residents, visitors and industry. Project Collaborators: Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, Cultural Resource Development Services, White Young Green Theme 5: Culture / Heritage and Applied Management

Developing Partnerships and Networking in Tourism

The Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin and Trinity College, Carmarthen Wales undertook a study on the subject of partnerships and networks in the tourism industry in the counties of Wexford and Carlow in Ireland and Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen in Wales, entitled ParNetourism. The project was funded under the INTERREG IIIA programme and was supported in Ireland by the South East Regional Tourism Authority, (South East Tourism), Wexford Tourism and Carlow Tourism. The research findings and recommendations will be used to develop a best practice manual and training pack for the establishment and sustainability of effective networks in the tourism sector in Ireland and Wales. The partners will disseminate their research findings and train product providers in the regions on how to establish strong, effective and sustainable networks. This will in turn help them to increase visitor numbers to their region. This project was led by Catherine Gorman, Senior Lecturer in Marketing Funding Agency: INTERREG IIIA

Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)

The Tourism Research Centre, in conjunction with the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism and the Faculty of the Build Environment/Futures Academy were awarded funding to address the BIDs concept and the research team comprises of expertise in Planning, Architecture, Enterprise, Community and Tourism Development. The project aimed to explore the concept, which assists in enhancing property values, increasing business profitability and encouraging more visitors to the area and its application in an Irish context. In- depth workshops were held in Dublin and Carlow and highlighted the great opportunities that exist to look at BIDs in more depth. The Business Improvement District (BIDs) is a system by which owners of one or more businesses get together to share common problems and identify shared objectives. It is a sustainable funding system, which has a multi-year approach. BIDs are authorised by governments, through legislation. They are run by NGOs (non-government organisations), but include businesses and local government. BIDs is essentially an economic development tool, intended to improve business, it is organised through the co-operative efforts of business and is independently financed in partnership with local government. Funding Agency: DIT Team Research Support Funding Hill of Tara

The Tourism Research Centre has carried out specific research at the Hill of Tara in County Meath for Cunnane Stratton Reynolds (CSR). The research involved interviewing 200 visitors to the ancient site over a 10-week period and aimed to determine visitor statistics and opinions and to identify potential for development. The findings from this research were to feed into a management plan, developed for the state owned land at the Hill of Tara by CSR. Project Collaborators: Cunnane Stratton Reynolds

Cultural Diversity in the Hospitality Industry

The Tourism Research Centre conducted research on cultural diversity in the hospitality industry. The research was lead by Ms. Detta M. Melia, Management Lecturer from the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism  To identify culturally diverse issues in Irish hotel operations  To assess the challenges that management is facing in managing a culturally diverse workforce.  To conduct research to highlight the gaps  To analyse training needs analysis within cultural diversity employment  To make recommendations in relation to training for the management of a culturally diverse workforce.

An awareness session was held during the first quarter of 2005 to develop the above concept. The research also involved development of case studies of best practice, quantitative survey of HR managers and final report. Funding Agency: Skillnets

SKILLNET - Hotel Management Skillnet (Sept 1999- Dec 2004)

Management of Hotel Management Skillnet (HMS) is an industry led, competency based training initiative funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and run jointly by the Tourism Research Centre and IHCI. It is based on the outputs of two years extensive research into the core competencies required by managers in the hospitality industry. Under the direction of the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute, this research was carried out by the Tourism Research Centre, at the Dublin Institute of Technology, in conjunction with Occupational Psychologists, Goldsmith Fitzgerald Partnership. The research has resulted in the development of the first ‘Competency Model’ specific to managers in the hospitality industry. The competency model has been developed into this training programme and is being delivered to Human Resource Managers, Senior Managers and Middle Managers in member organisations. Theme 6: Digital Heritage

Art-Watching

Art-Watching: Book will be the result of collaboration between a fine artist (Brian Fay), a graphic designer (Brenda Dermody) and an art & design writer (Niamh Ann Kelly). It will consist of digital drawings and texts reflecting upon the collections on display at the Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane. This will be produced as a designed limited edition artwork, winter 2006.

Art-Watching: CIRCA

A published 16 Page Supplement in Circa Art Magazine, Summer 2006,116:113-128. The design of this section was by Information Design/John O’Connor and included: Part A: Artists Pages: Visuals & Text from and tangential to Art- Watching: Book. Part B: Edited by Niamh Ann Kelly: Texts from invited art writers, critics, historians and curators on the subject of ‘watching art’.

Funding Agency: DIT Faculty of Applied Arts Collaborative Creative Practice Awards and by the School of Art Design & Printing. Supported by: Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane and Circa.

ACTIVATE

The ACTIVATE [New Access and Services for Cultural Content] project is designed to trial the use of new technology to provide new modes of access to digitised cultural content via a thematic network. Virtual, non-destructive access will be opened to conservation sites of cultural and historical importance. The project will build and publish templates for thematic portals and content sites, using advances in Internet technologies to improve access. It also builds a virtual reality model of a historic landscape, to show a new way of accessing the rich stores of cultural knowledge about the landscape. ACTIVATE's goal is to produce an out-of-the-box solution, with tools and templates for cultural providers across Europe. The results of the project will be widely promoted. View Activate's Scattery Island Virtual Walkthrough online [www.activate.ie/sites/scatteryVR/]. Charlie Pritchard is leading this project at the Digital Media Centre. Funding Agency: ACTIVATE is supported by the Information Society Technologies (IST) programme and is based around a partnership between An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, Cork City Library, Clare County Library, Silverstorm Limited and the Digital Media Centre at the Dublin Institute of Technology. CHI

The CHI [Cultural Heritage Interfaces] project is about researching a methodology for publishing hypermedia (linked text, images, sound) that can be explored through spatio-temporal navigation (movement). The project builds on research into context and location-aware computing and is also concerned with the ability to create interactivity in this hyperlinked multimedia environment. As such, it has researched areas as diverse as interactive narrative and game design to explore new ways of creating narrative coherence and meaning. CHI combines the familiar web-hyperlink paradigm with a spatial navigation interface. CHI users will be able to view hyperlinked cultural heritage data relevant to their interests and location on hand held (mobile) devices. Thus, the CHI project marries the fluidity of a dynamic website, in terms of content, with the narrative involvement of a spatially navigated computer game. This project is being led by Dr. James Carswell at the Digital Media Centre. Funding Agency: Enterprise Ireland Informatics Programme.

CIPHER

CIPHER [Communities of Interest Promoting Heritage of the European Regions] is a major European R&D project to help the development and use of the next generation of interactive web 'portals' for regional culture and heritage. CIPHER will provide museums, galleries and heritage organisations with new tools for building virtual museums where users can find what they want, where they can design their own tours, select the content that interests them, and learn the 'story' that speaks to their individual experience. Members of the public will be able to make their own, individual 'museum,' which they can share with their family, friends and other like-minded people. Not only will CIPHER bring to life some fascinating data that at the moment are restricted to experts, it will make it possible for individuals to contribute their own pictures, stories or music to enrich the collection. Making this happen will involve some very advanced work in knowledge management, interactive narrative, data mapping and the building of individualised virtual environments. The DMC is most directly involved in the use of presentation agents to the look-and-feel of content to individual users. This project is being led by Eoin Kilfeather at the Digital Media Centre. [www.cipherweb.org] CIPHER Partners: The Open University Knowledge Media Institute (UK), University of Art and Design Helsinki (FI), Technical University of Prague (CZ), The Discovery Programme (IRL) and Internet-Loesungen und Dienstleistungen RiS Gmbh (A). Funding Agency: IST Framework 5 programme. DITCALL

DITCALL [Digital Interactive Tools for Computer Assisted Language Learning] adapts and refines a novel speech-processing algorithm for use in a language teaching application. This algorithm will allow recorded speech to be slowed to any desired speed in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 times normal speed without affecting the pitch and be much more efficient than previous 'slow- down' algorithms, making it feasible to implement in real-time on a multimedia PC. DITCALL is also building a toolkit incorporating the algorithm into a learning system that can run appropriate courseware with plug-ins to third-party tools. Although the system will work with any desired input, a specific training corpus will be tested by a group of students studying English at the DIT who will evaluate the prototype and help refine the system. The project is designed to prepare the commercialisation of the technology, survey the market and plan exploitation by a future campus company. The principal technological innovations lie in Strand 2 – Reduced Speed Playback algorithms. Strand 1 – Language Teaching and Learning – provides the creative motivation and methodological innovation. Strand 3 is the digital media expression of the project, and the locus of the digital media software innovation of the project. This project is being led by Charlie Pritchard in the Digital Media Centre. [www.dmc.dit.ie/ditcall/] for detailed project information Funding Agency: Enterprise Ireland Informatics Programme.

DITME's [Digital Tools for Music Education] principal innovation is the development of a powerful, user-friendly PC-based toolkit for music teaching and learning. While very few trainee musicians can play a difficult piece at 'full' speed, many can play at 80 - 90% of full speed. One way to help the less advanced student would be to enable the recording to be slowed to any desired tempo without changing the key. Such a facility requires independent speed and pitch control and is the first tool of the system. Charlie Pritchard is leading this project in the Digital Media Centre. [ www.dmc.dit.ie/ditme/ ] for detailed project information Funding Agency: Technology Sector Research Grant 2001, Strand 3.

ORPHEUS – Online Alinari Photographic (Heritage) Archive for European Educational System.

The ORPHEUS project aims at making available a range of services targeted to the educational institutions in Europe, enabling them to access the European photographic heritage through the electronic interface of the Internet as a mean of common cultural denominator among the European academies. T.ARC.H.N.A. - Towards Archaeological Heritage: New Accessibility – a model for a virtual museum

The main objectives are to create a virtual museum using a database of archaeological findings to promote a wider access for the European public to their archaeological heritage. The pilot will be based on the Tarquinian Etruscan heritage the development of the Virtual Museum will: . Improve access to the Etruscan Culture, . Whole-context recovery of monuments and artefacts. . Discovering and explaining everyday Etruscan life.

CACHE – Communities of Ambient Culture and Heritage

CACHE is a European Network of Excellence in Cultural Heritage research. CACHE will provide pervasive, context and location aware access to Europe’s cultural heritage in a way that allows the user to tailor the selection of artefacts and their presentation, with a personalised narrative; to access cultural data neglected by formal memory institutions; create and exchange personal archives. The research will address content acquisition, construction, access and storage; Content manipulation; Presentation, distribution and display. The focus is on virtual museology; knowledge management and structuring; database technologies; GIS and spatial referencing; virtual environments, visualisation and multimedia display technologies; management systems; computing platforms; and mobile information technologies for cultural and heritage research. CACHE will relate research to user needs defined by NoE members and a wider body of memory institutions and interest groups. There are 80 partners in 20 European countries and the project is co-ordinated by the Digital Media Centre DIT.

PODS - Development of Positional Data as a Primary Data Source

The objectives in this project can be grouped in three categories: . Positional data collection . Positional data integration . Positional data utilisation More specifically on the development of new positional data sources and the improvement of existing ones, a general data model for positional and movement data stemming from such positioning sources that also includes uncertainty, and the integration of the various data sources, i.e., to minimize the error for specific locations and to complement a sequence of positional measures with data from different sources. The Computer Technology Institute, Patras, Greece, will lead this project. Cultural Heritage Project 2 – An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (ACL)

This project consolidates work already done on establishing the “Ask about Ireland” web portal under the first Cultural Heritage Project. The County Libraries using a specially developed content management system, can now dynamically update the portal. Interactive games based on 7 themes have been incorporated. Based on the form of games and quizzes, these special interactive areas have been developed to engage second level students (between the ages of 12 and 15). Existing 3D content from a previous ACL project, Activate, has been ported to the new site. Activate included a 3D, high resolution “fly-through” of Scattery Island. This model has been updated and enhanced to improve the users “virtual” visit to the island.

Development of a client-server application using open inter-application protocols for a semantic cultural heritage

Both CIPHER and CHI projects have developed sophisticated search and retrieval mechanisms to present databases of cultural heritage content. As these applications stand, the means to interact with these databases is restricted to a proprietary set of web interfaces. This project is developing a ‘carrier protocol’ that will provide much of the plumbing needed to allow much wider, non-proprietorial access to the information in these databases. The research will require an innovative analysis of how generic web services apply to this (cultural heritage) domain. For example the research will need to identify ways in which the narrative database can be queried and return XML formatted (semantically encoded) content. The CIPHER application can support a sophisticated knowledge based query (based on the OCML format) but this is again only available through a web interface. The research in this project requires the development of a mode of interaction between an OCML query and SOAP formatted request. This research would constitute a substantial contribution to the area of knowledge modelling.

National Gallery of Ireland - Virtual Gallery

Following two years of development work, in 2002 the DMC installed a full Virtual Reality (VR) system at the National Gallery of Ireland that allows a ‘virtual viewing’ of the Gallery’s collection through a web browser interface. This has served as a focus for many ideas about the role of databases and VR as a serious presentation tool for entertainment and education. DMC is now embarking on the production of the full gallery in VR and the population of a Gallery’s collection database. The DMC was awarded $50,000 sponsorship from the Hewlett Packard Art and Science programme to assist in the implementation phase of the project. Two distinct products have resulted from this work. They are ‘i3G & Curate’.

i3G Enables galleries and museums make to their digital collections publicly available in a realistic 3D model of their own exhibition spaces. The 3D models are built with great attention to detail allowing paintings and artefacts to be displayed to their best advantage. The collection does not form part of the 3D model but can be “layered” onto a very accurate, high-resolution model of the exhibition space. This enhances the visitor experience by giving users a real sense of the exhibition space, be it a room filled with historic architectural features or a stark minimalist gallery. The models, digital artefacts and media are incorporated into the i3G publishing module so that staff can plan, create and publish collections based on any exhibition spaces, for any chosen theme or audience. These collections can be made available in in-house kiosks, published to cd-rom or made available to a wider audience on the web.

Curate Provides curators and exhibition planners with a valuable planning aid for hanging collections and exhibitions. We supply a realistic 3D model of any gallery and a collection of digital images taken from the paintings. With minimal training and no specific computer skills curators can then plan and modify potential layouts, preview them in the 3D model and produce accurate reports to assist in the hanging process. Few software products directly assist in the curatorial planning process. Curate has been designed to support and give visual substance to the planning and assessment of collection and exhibition layouts. Funding Agency: Hewlett Packard Art and Science Programme Postgraduate Research

MPhil: National Representations of Contemporary Art in Museums: A Critical Analysis of Curatorial Practice in Ireland

This research projects is being undertaken by Ciara Healy and concerns the relevance of constructing a national representation of contemporary art in Ireland, in the context of current international curatorial discourse. The research explores histories of curating in Ireland and contemporary international trends in relation to national representations of art through a reconsideration of theories of post colonialism. Supervisors: Dr. Niamh Ann Kelly and Mr. Kieran Corcoran.

PhD: A comparative study of Cultural Quarter developments in the European Union.

This research project investigates processes and strategies associated with urban regeneration. In particular it is concerned with the development of strategies that allow culture to take centre stage in the overall strategic production of a city. European Union initiatives have been at the forefront of culture-related regeneration initiatives, providing funding for both Dublin and Belfast’s cultural quarter developments. However, though cultural quarter appraisals and evaluations have been undertaken, these are often one-off affairs, for the most part focused on a narrow (primarily economic) interpretation of success. This study will take a holistic approach in assessing the relative physical, social and economic benefits generated in each cultural quarter case; and will revisit and update previous studies on the areas’ regeneration processes to provide a longitudinal observation of emerging and evolving time-related issues. A key thread to be maintained throughout will be the relationships between cultural quarter developments, tourism, and the cultural and artistic sector. Supervisors: Dr. Bernadette Quinn and Dr. Siún Hanrahan.

MPhil: Entrepreneurship in the Cultural Tourism Sector.

This research project is being undertaken by Catherine Flanagan. It focuses on how ‘culture’, in all its different interpretations, is presently reflected in the tourism proposition, and investigates how this may create opportunities for product and market development. The project is particularly concerned with individuals and enterprises in the business of cultural supply, understanding their entrepreneurial motivations, and evaluating the role they play in the creation and enhancement of the image of tourism destinations. Supervisors: Dr. Ziene Mottiar, Dr. Bernadette Quinn and Dr. Pat Dargan MPhil: New and Emerging Communities and the Built Environment - Tools for Engagement

This research is being undertaken by Will Peters. It examines the current levels of engagement of Dublin's Muslim and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities in the decision making structures that shape the built environment. It will offer methodologies which can be applied in the future to increase the involvement of these communities in decision making structures and through a 'demonstration project' illustrate the advantages and challenges of using such methodologies. Supervisors: Dr Ruth Kelly and Mr. Andrew Butt.