Research Proposal: e-Logistics Activities in Hobart, Tasmania Hotels

This research proposal delves into the e-logistics activities within the hotel industry, specifically focusing on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hobart, Tasmania. The study aims to analyze the current e-logistics practices, identify the role of ICTs in supporting decision-making for supply chain logistics, and understand the relationship between e-logistics systems and informational trends. The research will employ a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews with industry professionals at the Backpackers Imperial Hotel to gather primary data and secondary data from academic sources. The proposal outlines the research methodology, including the research philosophy (interpretivism), research method (qualitative), data collection methods, research strategy (case study), and data analysis techniques. The rationale emphasizes the potential of e-logistics to enhance business effectiveness, increase sales, and reduce operational costs, ultimately providing a competitive advantage. The literature review explores the concept of e-logistics, its impact on the hotel industry, and the challenges faced by SMEs in adopting e-business. The study intends to provide recommendations for improvement and contribute to the existing research on e-logistics in the context of SMEs. The report includes a Gantt chart outlining the timeline for the research project.

Research proposal
On
e-logistics activities in hotel industry in Hobart, Tasmania
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Background of the Study..............................................................................................................3
Background of Backpackers Imperial hotel in Hobart, Tasmania...............................................4
Aim of the Study..........................................................................................................................4
Objective of the study..................................................................................................................4
Questions of the Research............................................................................................................4
The Rationale of the Study...........................................................................................................5
Literature Review............................................................................................................................5
Notion of e-logistics.....................................................................................................................5
Concept of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).......................................................................6
Impact of e-logistics in Hotel industry.........................................................................................7
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................8
Introduction..................................................................................................................................8
Research Philosophy....................................................................................................................8
Research Method..........................................................................................................................9
Data Collection............................................................................................................................9
Research strategy.........................................................................................................................9
Research Approach....................................................................................................................10
Interview Questions...................................................................................................................10
Data Analysis.............................................................................................................................10
Research limitation....................................................................................................................10
Ethical Consideration.................................................................................................................11
Gantt chart.....................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13
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Introduction
Background of the Study
In Today’s hospitality market, the advancement in online process of doing work has taken an
indispensable place and is playing its major role with one of its well-renowned co-player which
is considered as logistics. Several models of e-commerce have been altered the setting of the
business significantly and have also changed the way of doing business in hospitality sectors
(Bowersox, Closs & Cooper, 2002). The rapid growth and development of the ICT have
quickened the overview of the online commerce technologies in the modern small and medium-
sized enterprises in the hospitality industry. The hotel business has taken higher benefits of
electronic commerce. The e-commerce is achieving popularity in hotel business globally and it is
enhancing the standards of the business. Although, e-commerce has influenced the majority of
the business fields hospitality and services areas are highly influenced by e-commerce.
Nonetheless, this study will review the Hotels in Hobart, Tasmania which still haven’t
implemented global information technology and is lacking in the competence to take the
assistance of electronic commerce as a medium to conduct the business (Chao & Shah, 2010).
It is important for the hotel industry of Hobart to apply e-commerce system in each of its
business by providing effective customer’s service and designing new products. The e-logistic
system not also facilitates the newer types of web-based business process but also assists the
hotel industry to accomplishment and communicating with the customers, executes the online
process of captivating orders and providing customers services, etc. The hotel industry is a low
margin business and the application of e-logistics helps in reducing the costs in managing the
orders and making interaction with a wide range of trading and suppliers partners and thus,
enhance profitability (Chao & Shah, 2010). Hotel industry in Hobart should ensure two-way
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communications between the suppliers and customers while implementing e-logistics systems.
The implementation of the e-logistics system is also helpful in inventory management in the
hotel industry. This research study will take the case of Backpackers Imperial hotel of Hobart.
Background of Backpackers Imperial hotel in Hobart, Tasmania
The backpackers Imperial Hotel is situated in the main city of Hobart Central Business Districts.
It was first established in 1870 but has refurnished itself in 2013. This hotel provides all the
facilities to its customers and possesses well-furnished rooms.
Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to critically analyze the e-logistic activities of a small-to-medium
business in Tasmania and recommend some improvement taking into consideration the case of
SMEs of Tasmania.
Objective of the study
The objectives of this study are as follows:
 To critically analyses hotel business to demonstrate elementary knowledge of e-logistics
 To understand the e-logistics ICTs to support the hotel’s decisions making for supply
chain logistics
 To understand the e-logistics system and informational trends in Hotel Industry
Questions of the Research
The research questions are as follows:
 What are the e-logistics activities of the small-to-medium business?
 How can e-logistics ICTs support the decision making of the organization for supply
chain logistics?
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 What is the relationship between the e-logistics system and informational trends?
 What is the possible recommendation given for improvement?
The Rationale of the Study
Different small and medium business implement effective strategies in their business operations
but the usage of e-logistics could enable the business organization to enhance the business
effectiveness, increases sales, reduce operational costs and also acts as a competitive advantage.
e-logistics is highly effective as it assists in making organizational relationships with suppliers
and customers. However, it is analyzed that a larger number of the organization has not
implemented the e-logistics system in its organizational supply chain and thus, face numerous
issues in inventory management. This research paper is significant as it will investigate the
influence of e-logistics activities on the hotel industry in Hobart, Tasmania. Moreover, this study
will also make some recommendation for the business to achievement improvement. It is
analyzed that there is very few research which is being conducted regarding e-logistics activities
in SMEs so it could be useful for those researches who want to acknowledge regarding e-
logistics activities in SMEs.
Literature Review
Notion of e-logistics
According to Gunasekaran, Ngai & Cheng (2007), e-logistics was defined as a logistical process
which helps in governing each of the things which are related to the online marketplace. On the
other term, e-logistics can be defined as anything which is performed online taking into
consideration the logistics activities. It is a set of computing communication and an
amalgamation of technology which transforms the key logistical activities towards customer’s
centric activities by sharing of the data. The main motive of E-logistic is to supply effective and
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appropriate products to appropriate people and time (Joseph, Laura & Srinivas, 2004). The process
and activities which are being followed in e-logistics are totally different than the logistic process
such as the method of payment, arrange shipment, insurance, checking of availability of
products, replenishment, contact with customers and also returns.
According to McAdam, Stevenson & Armstrong (2000), e-logistics makes an implication of the
usage of ICTs to maintain provision and execution of the vast range of the logistics activities. It
is not only related to technology but also involves relational configuration, technological
connectivity, and process integration. It is thus essential for the companies to develop a well-
communicative e-logistics strategy which drives the performance of the business by the means of
taking business opportunities through innovation and creation of value in the core business to
oblige the customers in an effective manner.
Concept of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
There is no one definition of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) but it varies by industry to
industry and country to country. However, in general, SMEs are defined as the business which
possesses employees less than 500 in number. It is perceived as the efficient motor for
facilitating the economic development, increasing employment, alleviating poverty and also
supplying the products at an affordable rate to both customers and larger enterprises. It is stated
by Joseph, Laura & Srinivas (2004) that despite restriction of employee’s number, annual sales and
also balance sheet, SME’s possess the capability to make a decision faster, on-time availability
of innovative products and services, speedy responses in the changing market demands and also
flexible personalized services. This is the reason that SMEs are known as a building block for
achieving economic development and growth. It is however analyzed by Halley & Gulihon
(2007) that SMEs who tries to adopt e-business suffers from various issues which act as an
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inhibiting factor. The major issues of SMEs are the shortage of financial resources which
restricts the access to computer due to lack of funds to purchase equipment and technology. It is
stated by Pawar & Driva (2000) that SMEs also face larger issues while dealing with the rapid
change due to lesser availability of information and communication technology. However, cost
management and effective analyses of problems and business process could be helpful for the
manager to implement the e-logistics system in the supply chain.
Impact of e-logistics in Hotel industry
According to Halley & Gulihon (2007), e-logistics is an overarching activity which has greater
importance in the operation of the hotel industry. It helps the hotel organization to make an
effective relationship with the customers. The e-logistics determines the ways to the hotel
industry and helps them in following those paths. It has a direct impact on the Hotel industry as it
assists in creating profits by satisfying the needs of the customers. E-logistics have emerged as a
powerful source of competitive advantage mainly after the transportation of the deregulation and
advancement in information technology which has helped the hotel industry to gain competitive
advantage by the means of competences in speedier delivery of the orders of the customers,
flexibility, reliability and lower cost distribution. Furthermore, it is also analyzed by Pawan &
Driva (2000) that e-logistics processes could be a basis for the competitive profit edge through
the means of transportation and distribution activities. The hotel industry is found to delivery all
the services in an effective manner due to the introduction of the e-logistics platforms. Apart
from this, e- logistics strategies also help in effective redesigning of the business process,
elimination of the traditional barriers and change the viewpoint of the total supply chain. In fact,
the various hotel industry has realized that e-logistics not only provides a competitive advantage
but is an effective strategy to maximize the value chain. Apart from the positive impact,
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McAdam, Stevenson & Armstrong (2000) states that e-logistics also have some negative impacts
on the business operation of hotels. The integration of the e-logistics in hotel industry brings
about various changes in the company’s execution which makes it difficult for the employees to
execute their operation.
Research Methodology
Introduction
Research has termed an investigation which is consummate in order to generate the facts
regarding the topic and establish a knowledge regarding the topic of research. Likewise,
Research methodology plays an important role in the research study which proposes a systematic
review to the researcher regarding the theories and also helps in determining the accurate outputs
of the research questions. This chapter of research methodology will possess sections which
include research methods, research philosophy, research approach, and data collection methods.
Moreover, research limitation and research ethics will also be discussed in this chapter.
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy assists in developing the information and ideas regarding the research. It is
known to have a different type such as positivism, realism, interpretivism. Interpretive contend
are found to collect subjective data and analyses it. (Kothari, 2004). since this research is based
on the subjective approach and its aim is to analyze the impact of e-logistics in the hotel industry
in Hobart so the researcher will give focus on Interpretive philosophy.
Research Method
The research method is of two types namely quantitative research and qualitative research
method. The quantitative research method takes into consideration the data which possess
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number and figures while qualitative research method makes the usage of words to collect the
data. In this research study, since the aim of the study is to analyze the impact of e-logistics in
the hotel industry in Hobart and subjective data is collected so this research study will utilize
qualitative research approach.
Data Collection
Data can be collected through primary and secondary sources wherein primary sources of data
collection can be done by the means of interviews, questionnaire survey, and observation.
Moreover, Secondary data are generally collected by the means of journals, literature, and online
sources among others (Blaxter, Hughes, C. & Tight, 2006). Since this research is regarding the
impact of e-logistics in the hotel industry so the primary data will be collected with the help of
interview wherein employees of the hotel industry will have interviewed and secondary data will
be gathered by the means of journals, articles, and academic websites.
Research strategy
A research strategy is of various forms which include case study, interviews, survey, and
experimental research (Kothari, 2004). It is an effective way of analysing the available resources
in an appropriate manner. This research study will interview the employees and owner of
Backpackers Imperial hotel of Hobart in order to analyse the issues and also bring about the
solution to it.
Research Approach
Research approaches are mainly of two type namely inductive and deductive research approach.
Since this study will analyse the impact of e-logistics in the hotel industry in a subjective manner
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so the inductive approach will be applied. It will assist in analysing the data and achieve meaning
from them.
Interview Questions
This interview will collect information from the owner and employees through questionnaires.
Eight questions will be asked to participants and random sampling technique will be used. This
interview will be accompanied by means of face-to-face interactions wherein the researcher will
personally meet the participants and make the process to continue. Thirty minutes’ time limit
will be kept for the interview.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is the process wherein the gathered data are collected and reviewed to achieve
effective results (Blaxter, Hughes & Tight, 2006). This research study will analyse the primary
gathered data by the means of interviewing the employees and owner of Backpackers Imperial
Hotel. On the other hand, secondary data will be analysed through secondary data analysis
method. The gathered information will be analysed in a proper manner so as to achieve
appropriate and accurate results.
Research limitation
There is a number of issues which come across while researching data. Paid sources are one of
the bigger limitations wherein a larger amount of money is paid to collect the information. The
paid sources limit the research as achieving data and information become very difficult and
complex.
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Ethical Consideration
Ethical consideration plays a vital role in the research study. Work would have achieved failure
if the researcher is not able to apply ethical consideration in their research. It is stated that this
research has applied ethics while collecting primary and secondary data. The privacy of the
employees and owners was considered as prime importance and confidentiality was kept.
Moreover, all of the secondary data are from valid sources and journals. Furthermore, interview
participants were communicated and behaved in a well-organised manner and none of the
participants were harassed.
Gantt chart
Gantt chart is a chart wherein a sequence of horizontal lines demonstrated the amount of work
done in the certain time period. This chart helps the researcher in evaluating the time period
required to complete the task.
This chart has described the work done while making a research proposal from December till April.
Activities December January February March April
Meeting with tutor
Topic selection
Examination of Secondary Data
Collection of primary data
Analysis of primary data
Writing of research proposal
Submission of research proposal
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Conclusion
It had been analyzed that e-logistic plays a major role in achieving success in the hotel industry.
It is capable of making an effective relationship between the customers and the organization. It is
further investigated that e-logistics helps the hotel industry to manage the customers, provides
services in pacer manner and also lowers the cost of the distribution.
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References
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M., 2006. How to Research (third edition). Buckingham, Open
University Press.
Bowersox, D.J., Closs, D.J., & Cooper, M.B., 2002. Supply Chain Logistics Management.
McGraw-Hill, New York.
Chao, H. & Shah, A.M., 2010. Logistic Outsourcing Process in SMEs. Case Studies of Four
Tasmania’s SMEs. Linnaeus University, Kalmar.
Gunasekaran, A., Ngai, E. W. & Cheng, T. E., 2007. Developing an e-logistics system: A case
study. International Journal of Logistics, Vol. No.10, No. 4, pp. 333-349.
Halley, A., & Gulihon, A., 2007. Logistics behavior of small enterprises: performance, strategy
and definition. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 27.,
No. 8. pp. 475-495.
Joseph, S, Laura, M. & Srinivas, T., 2004. E-logistics and the natural environment. Supply Chain
Management: An International Journal, Vol. No. 9, No. 4, pp 303–12.
Kothari, C. P., 2004. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Age International
(P) Limited, Publishers
McAdam, R., Stevenson, P. & Armstrong, G., 2000. Innovative change management in
Pawar, K. & Driva, H., 2000. Electronic trading in the supply chain: a holistic implementation
framework. Logistics Information Management, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 21-32.
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Schramm-Klein, H. & Morschett, D., 2006. The relationship between marketing performance,
logistics performance and company performance for retail companies. International review of
Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 277-296.
SMEs: beyond continuous improvement. Logistics Information Management, Vol.No.13, No. 3,
pp. 138-149.
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