Conceptual Framework

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CHAPTER4. METAPHOR-BASED ALLIANCE PRATNER RECOMMENDATION MECHANISM

This chapter describes the implementation details of metaphor-based alliance partner recommendation system and it serves as an artefact in terms of algorithms as specified in research framework in Figure 1.1. The primary purpose of this chapter is twofold.

First, it elaborates the connections between different concepts including computing metaphor, image building and alliance partner selection and how to integrate them into the system architecture. Second, it offers a comprehensive description of system modules and exhibits its ability to provide a solution to manage partner selection and attractive and unique image building. Throughout this chapter, we will provide several examples to demonstrate the required data and related computations in terms of algorithms and formula performed at each step in the process so as to justify the feasibility and creativity of the system.

4.1 Conceptual Framework

The underlying conceptual framework of this study is shown in Figure 4.1 prescribing the basic concept guiding our system design. The primary goal of our method is to identify possible alliance partner compositions for attractive and unique image building. The aim of this implementation, then, is to support this process by leveraging computing metaphor technique. By integrating different existing computing techniques, we further pursue a new metaphor-based frame for problem solving.

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directly contributing to the success of tourism destination and businesses. Image building, in essence, highly depends on the capabilities and resources possessed by business owners. To comprehensive image building, b

missing elements from partnerships. Additional benefits coming from partnerships include integrative tourism products portfolio development, information and knowledge sharing, and better customer service (

alliance formation, alluring images are likely to build and more tourism products are able to be developed. Through this positive and iterative process, a highly collaborative value network of a local area is built and thus drives this are

more successful and prosperous.

Figure

Nevertheless, there exists a huge gap between the image building and partner selection. How do business owners know which partners they should choose in order to build a specific image? Is there any easier and systematic way that can help them

Image directly contributing to the success of tourism destination and businesses. Image building, in essence, highly depends on the capabilities and resources possessed by business owners. To comprehensive image building, business owners can acquire the missing elements from partnerships. Additional benefits coming from partnerships integrative tourism products portfolio development, information and knowledge sharing, and better customer service (Hamel et. al. 1989). With successful alliance formation, alluring images are likely to build and more tourism products are able to be developed. Through this positive and iterative process, a highly collaborative value network of a local area is built and thus drives this are

more successful and prosperous.

Figure 4.1 The conceptual framework

Nevertheless, there exists a huge gap between the image building and partner selection. How do business owners know which partners they should choose in order ic image? Is there any easier and systematic way that can help them

Metaphor Computing directly contributing to the success of tourism destination and businesses. Image building, in essence, highly depends on the capabilities and resources possessed by usiness owners can acquire the missing elements from partnerships. Additional benefits coming from partnerships integrative tourism products portfolio development, information and With successful alliance formation, alluring images are likely to build and more tourism products are able to be developed. Through this positive and iterative process, a highly collaborative value network of a local area is built and thus drives this area being

Nevertheless, there exists a huge gap between the image building and partner selection. How do business owners know which partners they should choose in order ic image? Is there any easier and systematic way that can help them

Computing Metaphor

Partner Recommendation

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complete this job? Our study is intended to answer these questions. Metaphor here serves as a good starting point to reduce this gap owing to the following reasons.

First, metaphors are genuinely useful in defining abstract concepts like images.

In fact, destination images are often depicted in the form of metaphors (Vanolo 2004).

For example, Hawaii is just like a paradise. Second, the notion of metaphor as an excellent facilitator for the design idea creation and innovative thinking is gaining credence. On the top of this, we believe metaphors have great potentials to discover unfamiliar solution to partner compositions problem. Third, available computing metaphor theory forms a theoretical grounding that the analysis of metaphors can be automatically completed. As mentioned above, the employment of metaphor is then justified.

This conceptual framework can be summarized by pointing out six interrelationships that delineate the nature and contributions between concepts. These interrelationships consist of following:

(1) Metaphors are wonderful meaning carriers that help people understand abstract concept (e.g. images) on more concrete level.

(2) Computing metaphor technique forms a sound basis for us to analyze metaphors exploringly and automatically.

(3) The true power behind metaphors is the ability to explore unfamiliar design alternatives and establish novel associations with the problem so that new possible partner compositions may be uncovered.

(4) Through using our recommendation system, business owners are able to identify partners to form a featured alliance.

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(5) By forming alliance, the lacking capabilities or resources can be complemented to build attractive and unique images.

(6) With highly development of local partnership network, the tourism destination will have more chances to succeed.

The framework described in Figure. 4.1 provides a guide that demonstrates the big picture of this study. Next, a brief introduction of image model is provided. Based on the conceptual framework, the system architecture is developed and exhibited in the following subsections. However, prior to the presentation of our system architecture, the assumed modelling of images for destinations, businesses and customers will be briefed first.