Thomas Deissinger and Silke Hellwig
This paper proposes to investigate the modernisation of the German Dual System for apprenticeships.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes to investigate the modernisation of the German Dual System for apprenticeships.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper looks at the history of the development of the Dual System and looks at the challenges it faces today.
Findings
The paper finds that Germany, with its long‐standing tradition of dual apprenticeships and the reputation of maintaining its practices rather than changing them, has joined the vocational education and training reform agenda. It also finds that reforms seem inevitable in the face of a partial failure of the traditional mechanisms operating within the existing apprenticeship system.
Originality/value
This paper is useful in highlighting the challenges faced by a traditional apprenticeship system.
Details
Keywords
Baizuri Baharum, Mohd Salehuddin Mohd Zahari, Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah and Muhammad A’rif Aizat Bashir
The importance of shopping streets has long been considered a critical aspect of urban tourism. However, limited exploration focuses on the supply side, especially from the tour…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of shopping streets has long been considered a critical aspect of urban tourism. However, limited exploration focuses on the supply side, especially from the tour operator’s (TO) perspective. This paper aims to investigate TOs’ perceptions and attitudes towards packaging Tuanku Abdul Rahman Street (TARS) as an urban shopping spot in Kuala Lumpur.
Design/methodology/approach
Study data is gathered through qualitative in-depth interviews among 25 TO managers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The coding process was done manually, followed by qualitative data analysis using ATLAS.ti version 8 software.
Findings
The results show that the TOs regarded TARS as a must-visit shopping spot for international tourists. They argue that TARS’s competitiveness as a shopping street depends on the supporting infrastructure and safe environment, which are currently neglected by the relevant authorities and jeopardise the sustainability of TARS as a must-visit shopping street in the future.
Practical implications
This study’s findings generate value-added information on the potential of shopping tourism and TARS as must-visit shopping streets in Malaysia. On the other hand, the TOs’ concern about the lack of supporting infrastructure and unsafe environment generates varying consequences and implications for the individual TOs, tourism policymakers and government-related authorities.
Originality/value
This study offers new insight for urban tourism policymakers, managers and entrepreneurs to capture the attributes of a vibrant shopping street. There is exclusive potential for local tourism operators to take greater responsibility in shopping tourism planning processes and management operations through trustworthy planning partnerships among respective tourism stakeholders related to the shopping street domain.