Fritz Pinnock, Ibrahim Ajagunna and Sandra Casanova
The purpose of this paper is an assessment of logistics services and tourism infrastructure in the Caribbean. The objective is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is an assessment of logistics services and tourism infrastructure in the Caribbean. The objective is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of the logistics and tourism environment in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
Given the low levels of implementation of logistics services in Barbados and Jamaica, this study is exploratory, and it is hoped that future studies can build on this assessment of Barbados and Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean.
Findings
Governments across the Caribbean need to recognize that the development of an effective logistics industry rests with improved technology, a proper legislative framework, the development of competent human resources and modern infrastructure development.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to Barbados and Jamaica, and so it is not representative of the rest of the Caribbean, as economies like Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic have stronger trans-shipment and cruise tourism activities.
Practical implications
With the low pace of logistics development in the Caribbean, the demand for logistic services, which involve planning, managing and executing the movement of goods and information within global supply chains, will continue to be largely by firms’ desire to outsource some or all logistics-related activities to specialists.
Social implications
The need to plan for the development of a competent and certified pool of human resources to support the development of a logistics and tourism industry is critical. This therefore requires the development of specialized skills, knowledge and the competence of a flexible and agile workforce.
Originality/value
The focus on Barbados and Jamaica provide an adequate picture of the logistics markets and regulatory frameworks in different contexts of the Caribbean, including an economy directly connected with the global marketplace with a relatively diversified product structure, and another less extensively connected and diversified product structure.
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Ibrahim Ajagunna and Sandra Casanova
The aim of this paper is to examine the post-pandemic prospects for the luxury yacht industry in the coming decade in contrast to those for mega cruise ships.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to examine the post-pandemic prospects for the luxury yacht industry in the coming decade in contrast to those for mega cruise ships.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employed a qualitative approach via an examination of industry analysis and discussion with industry experts in tourism, cruising and luxury yachting.
Findings
Based on industry analysis and discussion with key stakeholders, the finding is that the luxury yacht industry responded well to its market from the onset of the pandemic, and will continue on this path in both luxury and sporting yacht categories. To regain customer support after the long period of travel restrictions, cruise lines will have to significantly reduce their prices in order to stimulate demand. This, coupled with approximately 40% reductions in load capacity is a blow to the industry. Hence, this calls for the industry to commit itself to the present safety protocols, which are an added cost to their operations. In contrast, the luxury yacht industry is presented with a golden opportunity as a result of these constraints as it can stimulate revenue through charters and rentals.
Practical implications
There was never anticipation of a global pandemic that would bring tourism operations to a total halt. The question is, what recovery strategies have been employed by the small island states that have invested millions of US dollars over the last two decades in expanding or developing new cruise ports? Given the historical perspective for Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Jamaica, the Port Authority of Jamaica can reposition the Marina to take advantage of the new opportunity that has been created for the yacht industry by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Social implications
It is likely that more Caribbean nationals will be employed on luxury yachts as compared with the less than 5% of Caribbean nationals employed on cruise ships prior to the pandemic.
Originality/value
The economies of most Caribbean Islands and many other small island developing states (SIDSs) are heavily dependent on tourism; specifically cruise tourism during the cruise season. Some of these countries continue to anticipate a quick recovery for the cruise industry. This anticipation may not yield an immediate result because of the protocols that are needed in response to the pandemic. This paper shows that in the mid to long-term, the returns from significant investment in port development must be realized and the luxury yacht industry presents one such opportunity. This paper is helpful because the present outlook for cruising is not good, and so a new approach and strategy must be put in place to develop new products.
Ibrahim Ajagunna, Fritz Pinnock, Tom M. Amonde and Richard Teare
This paper aims to profile the WHATT theme issue “Tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean: Will there be a symbiotic relationship?” by drawing on reflections…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to profile the WHATT theme issue “Tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean: Will there be a symbiotic relationship?” by drawing on reflections from the theme editors and theme issue outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Structured questions are 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
The paper draws on academic and practitioner perspectives to examine the interrelatedness between tourism development and logistics in the Caribbean and concludes that there is much common ground.
Practical implications
This paper outlines challenges and new approaches to the management of tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean.
Originality/value
The present paper profiles the main developments that need to occur to maximize benefits for the people and economies of the Caribbean region.
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Xenia J. Mamakou, Sandra Cohen and Dimitris Manolopoulos
Enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) have provided new challenges in the management of organizations’ internal and external risks, and their adoption has triggered…
Abstract
Purpose
Enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) have provided new challenges in the management of organizations’ internal and external risks, and their adoption has triggered groundbreaking changes to internal audit practices. This study aims to shed light on the use of ERPs in internal auditing by identifying interrelations between postevaluations of the ERPs’ quality dimensions with internal auditors’ satisfaction, intentions to continue using such systems and perceived benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on a unique data set of internal auditors’ responses on a structured questionnaire, and by using the DeLone and McLean’s (2003) Information Systems success model as the conceptual framework, this study tests the research propositions by using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The findings report statistically significant positive relationships among all three ERPs’ quality dimensions (system, information and service quality) with internal auditors’ satisfaction and intention to continue using these systems. Moreover, the study found that the benefits perceived by internal auditors were significantly influenced by their satisfaction with the system and their intention to continue using it.
Originality/value
The authors survey ERP postevaluation success factors in two unique contexts: internal auditors and Greece. Thus, the authors ground on previous research findings in diverse professional groups and national environments. In parallel, this study lends conceptual clarity and empirical evidence to a small but growing number of studies examining the implications of individuals’ perceptions, intentions and behavioral reactions in the context of ERP implementation.
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The purpose of this paper is to make an effort in identifying and exploring the factors which may affect the success of ERP implementation in Indian retail sector. This paper also…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to make an effort in identifying and exploring the factors which may affect the success of ERP implementation in Indian retail sector. This paper also analyses the between the factors and their impact on the successful implementation of ERP using the structured equation modeling (SEM) approach. “Organizational,” “Technological,” “People” and “Project Management” are the examined factors.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model is created that explains the factors which may affect the success of ERP implementation. Hypotheses were also developed to evaluate the interrelationship between affecting factors and success of ERP implementation. Empirical data is collected through survey questionnaire from practitioner like project sponsors, project managers, implementation consultants and team members who are involved in ERP implementation in retail sector to test the theoretical model.
Findings
Using SEM, it is found that 62.7 percent of the variations of ERP implementation success can be explained with the help of the model suggested in the research study. The finding also confirms that there is significant positive interrelationship between “Organizational,” “Technological,” “People,” “Project Management” and success of ERP implementation in Indian retail sector.
Research limitations/implications
The research is subject to the normal limitations of survey research. The study is using perceptual data provided by project sponsors, project managers, implementation consultants and team members who are involved in ERP implementation in retail sector, which may not provide clear measures of performance. However, this can be overcome using multiple methods to collect data in future studies.
Practical implications
Findings from this paper can provide greater understanding in the area of ERP implementation. This study will provide valuable insights to researchers, practicing managers and those who are planning to implement ERP in retail sector.
Originality/value
The study integrates the affecting factor with success of ERP implementation, i.e. “Organizational,” “Technological,” “People” and “Project Management” are the key drivers for the effectiveness and success of ERP implementation in Indian retail sector. Very few studies have been performed to investigate and understand this issue. Therefore, the research can make a useful contribution.
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The purpose of this paper is to report on outcomes for carers of people with dementia who use the services of Hawthorn House, a day respite centre in rural Western Australia that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on outcomes for carers of people with dementia who use the services of Hawthorn House, a day respite centre in rural Western Australia that is based on the Eden Principles.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative and qualitative data from carers was collected and analysed. Quantitative data included the General Health Questionnaire‐12, Zarit Burden Interview, and Eden survey. Qualitative data was from semi‐structured interviews. Validation was confirmed and then simple statistics were generated from the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used with the qualitative data.
Findings
Carers of people with dementia who use the services of Hawthorn House confirm that the Eden Principles are an integral part of Hawthorn House and report better than average health, less stress/burden and better quality of life. Many attribute this to the services they receive from Hawthorn House.
Research limitations/implications
Participants for the study were self‐selecting.
Practical implications
The paper provides verification that the Eden Principles can lead to meaningful and important benefits for carers of people with dementia.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to report on the use of the Eden Principles in a non full‐time respite centre for people with dementia in rural Australia. Further, it describes quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life outcomes for carers as a result of being associated with the centre.
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For many years it has been speculated that some learning and attention problems in children are related to underlying problems in neurological functioning. In fact, the IDEA (1997)…
Abstract
For many years it has been speculated that some learning and attention problems in children are related to underlying problems in neurological functioning. In fact, the IDEA (1997) definition of learning disabilities utilizes terminology that specifically includes neurological processes and conditions: Specific learning disabilities means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. The term includes such conditions as perceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not include children who have learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps, of mental retardation, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.This chapter begins with a review of the role of neuroimaging in advancing an understanding of the basis and nature of learning and attention problems. The ever-increasing sophistication of neurodiagnostic technology has made it possible to obtain more precise information about neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of behavior, including learning and attention. Advances in technology have greatly increased the ability to study the functioning of the brain during the performance of relatively complex mental activities. With this advanced technology it is becoming increasingly possible to visualize normal and abnormal brain functioning, including important components of basic academic skills. The chapter includes a discussion of the recent evidence about the neurological basis of learning and attention problems.
Poonam Garg and Atul Garg
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing the enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation success in Indian retail sector. Additionally, the study also…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing the enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation success in Indian retail sector. Additionally, the study also addresses the relationship between factors that influence ERP implementation and the success of ERP implementation empirically. Strategic, Technological, People and Project management are the examined factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data were collected through survey questionnaire from practitioner like project sponsors, project managers, implementation consultants and team members who were involved in ERP implementation in retail sector.
Findings
The results of the study has empirically verified that Strategic, Technological, People and Project management factors are positively influencing ERP implementation success. All four hypotheses were supported by results of the study.
Practical implications
This study will provide valuable insights to researchers, practicing managers and those who are planning to implement ERP in retail organization.
Originality/value
Very few empirical studies have been performed to investigate the influencing factor of ERP implementation and types of relationships between factors that influence ERP implementation and the success of ERP implementation in Indian retail sector. This study examines how Strategic, Technological, People, and Project management factors are influencing ERP implementation success in retail sector of India. Therefore, the research can make a useful contribution.