Dissertation defence (Information Systems Science): PhD Ting Long
Time
19.6.2025 at 12.15 - 16.15
PhD Ting Long defends the dissertation in Information Systems Science titled “Individuals' Continuance Intention of Theme Park Mobile Apps” at the University of Turku on 19 June 2025 at 12.15 (University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, LähiTapiola lecture hall, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, Turku).
Opponent: Principal Lecturer (Associate Professor) Paul Jackson (Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom)
Custos: Professor Reima Suomi (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0233-0
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Theme park mobile apps (TPMAs) are increasingly used to support visitor experiences, helping people find attractions, avoid long lines, and enjoy more convenient and sustainable visits. However, getting people to continue using these apps over time remains a challenge.
This dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for understanding continuance intention in TPMA use, grounded in perceived value theory and uses and gratifications theory. It categorizes user beliefs into five dimensions: aesthetic-related, functional-related, hedonic-related, social-related, and environmental-related. Functional beliefs are composed by: real-time information, map navigation, virtual queues, online ordering, and recommended routes.
The study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on three rounds of survey data from China and Europe.
The main findings of this study reveal that functional beliefs, hedonic beliefs, environmental beliefs, and user attitudes are direct determinants of continuance intention. However, this study did not identify a statistically significant relationship between social beliefs and continuance intention. Besides, satisfaction is influenced by functional and hedonic beliefs, while delight is shaped by functional, hedonic, and aesthetic beliefs. From a configurational perspective, online ordering emerges as a core condition driving continuance intention, while other app functional values serve as peripheral conditions.
This study makes several contributions to TPMA research. It extends traditional IS studies by incorporating environmental beliefs, showing their significant impact on continuance intention. It also highlights the critical role of user delight, alongside satisfaction, in shaping continued use. The findings show that delight—sparked by enjoyment, usefulness, and design—encourages ongoing engagement. In addition, continuance intention increases revisit intention, linking digital experience with physical return. The study also reveals that user characteristics such as cultural background, residence type, smartphone use, and visit frequency influence users’ behavior, offering practical insights for designing more engaging, sustainable, and user-centered TPMA experiences.
Opponent: Principal Lecturer (Associate Professor) Paul Jackson (Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom)
Custos: Professor Reima Suomi (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0233-0
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Theme park mobile apps (TPMAs) are increasingly used to support visitor experiences, helping people find attractions, avoid long lines, and enjoy more convenient and sustainable visits. However, getting people to continue using these apps over time remains a challenge.
This dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for understanding continuance intention in TPMA use, grounded in perceived value theory and uses and gratifications theory. It categorizes user beliefs into five dimensions: aesthetic-related, functional-related, hedonic-related, social-related, and environmental-related. Functional beliefs are composed by: real-time information, map navigation, virtual queues, online ordering, and recommended routes.
The study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on three rounds of survey data from China and Europe.
The main findings of this study reveal that functional beliefs, hedonic beliefs, environmental beliefs, and user attitudes are direct determinants of continuance intention. However, this study did not identify a statistically significant relationship between social beliefs and continuance intention. Besides, satisfaction is influenced by functional and hedonic beliefs, while delight is shaped by functional, hedonic, and aesthetic beliefs. From a configurational perspective, online ordering emerges as a core condition driving continuance intention, while other app functional values serve as peripheral conditions.
This study makes several contributions to TPMA research. It extends traditional IS studies by incorporating environmental beliefs, showing their significant impact on continuance intention. It also highlights the critical role of user delight, alongside satisfaction, in shaping continued use. The findings show that delight—sparked by enjoyment, usefulness, and design—encourages ongoing engagement. In addition, continuance intention increases revisit intention, linking digital experience with physical return. The study also reveals that user characteristics such as cultural background, residence type, smartphone use, and visit frequency influence users’ behavior, offering practical insights for designing more engaging, sustainable, and user-centered TPMA experiences.
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