https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118824 2026-04-14T05:51:41Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145289 Title: Challenges and directions to achieving sustainable pathways in the city of Valletta Abstract: The purpose of the research focuses on how sustainable tourism is being interpreted in Valletta by different stakeholders, while also concentrating on the existing difficulties and opportunities to implement this type of tourism in the city. A qualitative approach was applied and data was collected through one-to-one semi-standardised interviews with a variety of people including residents, members of the Valletta local council, and high-profile individuals of diverse entities related to tourism. The findings show that tourism played an important part in bolstering Valletta’s economy and environment, however, factors such as noise pollution, building alterations, high property prices, and lack of broad consultation, policies, and planning are undermining Valletta’s image as a sustainable place where people live and visit. At the same time, despite not having the same interpretation of what sustainable tourism means, all the stakeholders expressed the strategies and plans they wish to implement to see Valletta’s sustainability moving forward. The conclusion based on the research conducted is that although sustainable tourism is made up of the social, economic, and environmental pillars, not all pillars are being given the same importance. This explains the problems referred to in the dissertation, as different priorities are leading to an unstable environment where the term ‘sustainability’ is not being fully reached. This issue demonstrates that a holistic strategic plan including proper and equal consultation with each of the stakeholders is required to ensure that Valletta continues to offer a satisfying experience to every person living, working, and visiting the city. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145183 Title: Investigating the blind and visually impaired visitors' experience at St John's Co-Cathedral, Malta Abstract: This dissertation investigates the museum experience of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta, for blind and visually impaired visitors. To understand the current tourism product offered by St John’s Church and Museum, the research methodology used is of a qualitative nature. The readiness of St John’s Co-Cathedral Church and Museum was investigated how blind and visually impaired visitors are accommodated. A qualitative methodology was applied, using ethnographic and case study elements. This study examines, as an ethnography, the lived experiences of the blind and visually impaired visitors at St John’s, through interviews, observations, and participation. St John’s corporate approach of its Church and Museum, towards the blind and visually impaired visitors is analysed in a case study setting, aiming to discover potential gaps between theory and practice. The aspect of a case study included semi-structured interviews with staff and clergy, observations on the work floor, participation as a sighted visitor, content analysis of the museum’s website and brochures, its website accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, while other matters such as accessibility issues, the tactile environment, on-site audio guides, and assistive technologies were assessed too. The findings shed light on the needs of the blind and visually impaired visitors and the current state of St John’s Museum preparedness, while offering recommendations for enhancing accessibility, ensuring equitable engagement for all visitors of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143458 Title: Complex environments, simple strategies : an in-depth profitability analysis of MACD, RSI and Bollinger bands for technological equities Abstract: This study focused on technical analysis through Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Bollinger Bands, both individually as well as their combination, to test their performance compared to the Buy-and-Hold strategy, using it as a benchmark. This research, unlike many previous studies, had a specific targeted sector which was the technological one. It also tried to bridge the gap between different research results regarding whether simple indicators were able to outperform the passive Buy-and-Hold strategy. This was done on high performing stocks from the NASDAQ stock exchange and was taken on 5- year and 20-year periods. The results showed that these indicators, as well as their combinations, severely underperformed the Buy-and-Hold strategy, reaching to just 50% of its profits in the 5- year period and 25% in the 20-year period. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140268 Title: The impact of an increase in foreigners on the waiting times in healthcare in Malta Abstract: The increasing presence of foreign residents in Malta has raised questions about its impact on essential public services, including healthcare. As Malta’s only major public hospital, Mater Dei Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) is critical to meeting the healthcare needs of both locals and foreigners. With the continuous growth of the foreign population, concerns have emerged regarding potential strains on the system, particularly in terms of increased waiting times in emergency care. This study investigates the impact of foreign residents on waiting times in Malta’s healthcare system, specifically at Mater Dei Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). The objective is to assess whether foreign residents experience longer waiting times than Maltese residents and to identify the main factors contributing to these delays. Using data spanning from 2017 to 2023, the research employs an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model to examine various determinants of ED waiting times, including nationality, age, gender, arrival type, triage level, and the need for admission. The methodology involved comprehensive data cleaning and preparation of over 600,000 anonymous observations from Mater Dei’s records to fully adhere to ethical considerations. Separate regressions were run for the years 2017, 2020, and 2023 to account for temporal variations, particularly the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that although nationality has a statistically significant impact on waiting times, its influence is relatively low compared to other variables. These findings underscore the need for policy measures to manage ED demand, particularly for non-native populations, and improve the overall efficiency of Malta’s healthcare system. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z