Marshalee N. Foster and Stephen L.N.H. Rhoden
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are technologies that make a global impact by optimizing manual and time-intensive processes using data analytics and robotics, thus…
Abstract
Purpose
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are technologies that make a global impact by optimizing manual and time-intensive processes using data analytics and robotics, thus making the task more efficient, effective and less time-consuming. This is represented in the cyber-physical context, in which humans and technologies are allowed to coexist and learn from each other.
Design/methodology/approach
The logistics and supply chain sector consists of numerous partners and stakeholders, and despite the limited inclusion of automation and AI within the sector, there are still many manual and repetitive tasks.
Findings
Stakeholders in the logistics and supply chain sector are creating awareness and slowly implementing AI and automation within their operations. The majority of shipping and logistics is done through the maritime sector, and this is expected to increase in line with the world’s population.
Research limitations/implications
Research was limited to Jamaica and a few other countries in the Caribbean. Broadening the scope to include other regional shipping and logistics industry stakeholders would be helpful.
Practical implications
The removal of sometimes mundane and even more complex manual processes in the logistics supply chain will give rise to more efficiencies and possibly increased revenue.
Social implications
Creating awareness in the Caribbean of international trends is a challenge. Empowering people to use automation and AI for the mitigation and adaptation of climate change and other disasters is yet to be fully realized. However, those who took part in the study did show a significant inclination toward the use of automation and AI in their every-day lives.
Originality/value
The purpose of this paper is to examine statistical data on the understanding of automation and AI within education, the port authority and major operators in the shipping and logistics sector throughout the Caribbean.
Details
Keywords
Ibrahim Ajagunna, Fritz Pinnock, Evette Smith Johnson and Richard Teare
The purpose of this paper is to profile the WHATT theme issue: “The fourth industrial revolution: What are the realities for maritime- and tourism-dependent countries?”, with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to profile the WHATT theme issue: “The fourth industrial revolution: What are the realities for maritime- and tourism-dependent countries?”, with reference to the experiences of the theme editors and writing team.
Design/methodology/approach
Structured questions were used to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.
Findings
This paper identifies the ways in which both industry and education need to change and embrace emerging technologies with particular reference to tourism and maritime provision and infrastructure in the Caribbean region.
Practical implications
The theme issue outcomes provide indicators and action points for tourism and maritime industry stakeholders and for academics involved in planning and delivering learning support to these industries.
Originality/value
This paper draws on discussion and applied research with industry to identify and assess the likely impact of the fourth industrial revolution in tourism- and maritime-dependent countries. Taken together, the theme issue collection of articles provides a rich picture of the changes occurring and prospects for the future.