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Research Project
Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation
Funder
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Publications
TRevPAR as hotels performance evaluation indicator and influencing factors in Portugal
Publication . Santos, Luís Lima; Malheiros, Cátia; Gomes, Conceição; Guerra, Tânia
In a global competition current scenario, measuring the performance of hotels is increasingly important for managers who, to take decisions, need management indicators and tools. The most common operating indicators are occupancy rate and RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room). The goal of any hotel is to be as profitable as possible, so they must work on increasing revenues and decreasing costs. To increase revenues the focus has been on revenue management practices, and there is already several software that help hoteliers to define the most appropriate price for each customer. Therefore, managers mostly seek to increase accommodation revenue, however from a total revenue management perspective revenue from other departments must also be considered. The TRevPAR (Total Revenue Per Available Room) appears as a more
comprehensive indicator that takes into account all hotels revenue sources. The purpose of this research is to study and highlight TRevPAR influence factors, since this information have practical implications in the hotel managers’ decision. This methodology was carried out through the analysis of 948 hotels from 2010 to 2017. The sample was obtained by crossing two databases: SABI platform and Portuguese National Tourism Registry (RNET). The tested determining factors were the hotel's location, size, number of stars and services. An original and exhaustive study in terms of services meets the purpose, thus, the influence on TRevPAR was tested on outdoor and indoor pools, tennis, golf, spa, meeting rooms and restaurants. The findings show a global increase over the years analysed (2010-2017) in TRevPAR. The location, size and number of stars
influence TRevPAR, as do most services.
COVID-19’s impact on the restaurant industry
Publication . Gomes, Conceição; Malheiros, Cátia; Campos, Filipa; Santos, Luís Lima
The restaurant industry contributed to the creation of wealth and employment until the end of 2019, when it reached maximum values. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, this sector suffered a very serious economic and employment crisis. The analysis of this situation is imperative to mitigate the consequences for the restaurant industry and to prevent impacts in future crises. The main purpose of the present study is to compare the years 2019 and 2020, analyzing the profitability, payroll costs, headcount, and indebtedness of the restaurants, to verify the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in Spain and Portugal. Quantitative research was applied, where a descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing were conducted. SABI database was the secondary data source used in this research. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on profitability, efficiency, and indebtedness in the restaurant industry, being a generalized situation in both countries, in all regions except for Ceuta. The results also confirm the importance of this study for managers and academics since all the variables under study worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. This
study represents a contribution to managers and stakeholders in the restaurant sector by allowing the comparative evaluation of each restaurant with the average of the variables by location and the definition of proactive strategies. Practical implications are proposed to mitigate the effect not only of COVID-19 but also of other pandemics or economic crises that may arise in the future, preparing managers and stakeholders to adapt to change and promoting the financial sustainability of the restaurant industry. It is recommended to increase the disclosure of statistical indicators and financial ratios of free access, which allows the improvement of the analysis of different variables that are important for professionals in the restaurant industry.
The use of diversified active learning methodologies in mathematics classes: A case study with pre-service teachers
Publication . Hall, A.; Pais, S.
Mathematics is one of the school subjects where demotivation, dislike and failure are frequent concerns. It is necessary to engage students in the classroom and look for resources that make classes attractive and engaging, thus leading to meaningful learning experiences in mathematics. Active learning methodologies provide alternative options to traditional lecturing, actively engaging students in the learning process. The use of a single methodology may not be the best option to address this problem. A diversified approach that incorporates various methodologies and their combinations appears to be a preferable solution, as diversity not only leads to a more dynamic teaching style but also attends to the variety of preferences and needs of the students. In this work, we present a case study where we implemented and combined a range of active learning strategies to enhance student engagement and success in mathematics. Across one semester of
undergraduate coursework, we emphasized collaborative group work and discussion groups, integrated
peer teaching, flipped classroom, and role-play methodologies, used game-based learning through
Kahoot! and Quizizz, and regularly incorporated mathematical magic tricks. The participants in the study
are pre-service teachers from a Portuguese higher education institution enrolled in a first year mathematics course. In order to understand how these methodologies were perceived by the students, a survey was
conducted. Our findings suggest that this multi-faceted approach effectively increased student interest
and improved learning outcomes in mathematics.
Assessing students' engagement levels during lockdown: a survey in tourism degrees
Publication . Chagas, L.; Pires, A.; Pais, S.
In early 2020, the crisis of a new virus and a pandemic context took the world by storm. All sectors of society were affected: health, economics,… and education was no exception, with all levels suspending face-to-face classes, which were replaced by online activities.
In view of this situation, several doubts and uncertainties emerged among educators, but one question stood out: how to proceed with teaching activities in the online format without compromising the commitment and engagement of the students?
Within this context, the teachers involved in this study sought to adapt the activities and teaching materials to the exclusive use of technology and promoted asynchronous tasks, which could be developed independently by the students.
In order to understand how the profound changes in Higher Education were experienced by students, a quantitative survey was conducted. The participants in the study are undergraduate students from a Portuguese Higher Education institution attending the curricular units of Statistical Analysis and English.
Taking school outdoors: Mathematical trails as a teaching resource
Publication . Ambrósio, H.; Hall, A.; Pais, S.
Everybody should have opportunities to experience mathematical learning, solve challenges, and become more knowledgeable. Indeed, governmental recommendations present in the introduction of the mathematics Portuguese curriculum state that “No human being should be deprived of the opportunity to learn and benefit from the unique scientific and cultural heritage that mathematics represents” [1, p. 2]. We have designed a mathematical trail, in the village of Vieira de Leiria, in which geometric /mathematical elements stand out. Our aim is, first of all, to promote the interest in the study of mathematics, through observation of the surrounding environment, in particular of outdoor elements with decorative art. We also intend to establish mathematical links that make mathematics a useful, important subject, with connections to the world around us. The trail has an educational component and explores specific topics of the mathematics curriculum of the 5th and 6th years: isometries and symmetry. This activity, in the form of a rally-paper with a sequence of challenges and problems along the trail, encourages students to explore the concepts in a different, more playful and interactive way. Furthermore, it involves students in the discovery, preservation and enhancement of Portuguese heritage.
In order to assess the perceptions of the students regarding the pedagogical approach used in the experience, a questionnaire was applied. This paper describes this teaching experience and the main results of the applied questionnaire. We conclude that this teaching experience had a very positive impact on the students, contributing to a better understanding of the covered curriculum, the importance of mathematics and its relation to everyday life, as well as feeling more motivated to study mathematics.
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Funders
Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UIDB/04470/2020