The Application of Cluster Analysis in the Research on Central European National Park Websites
Purpose: The article aims to present and compare the features of the websites of all national parks located in Central Europe. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article applies the following research methods: the descriptive method and selected descriptive statistics and cluster analysis methods. Findings: The research hypothesis which was adopted is that the national parks in Central European countries, even though they do have a common tradition, and the goals of their functioning seem to be coinciding with the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the national park websites differ in terms of the scope of the information they provide. The scope of the information provided by the national park websites justifies the division into website classes, which enable to determine the thematic scope, targeting a specific audience, and the role of a national park in a given region. Practical Implications: The research results may be applied i.a. by the management of protected areas (e.g., national parks, landscape parks) for the assessment of websites, as well as for the analysis and verification of the spectrum of information which is made available on these websites. Originality/Value: Applying cluster analysis methods for the assessment of websites. A comparison of the level of national park website development. A possibility of comparing the results with other national park websites around the world.