Adoption and Implementation of Environmental Management Systems in Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Hotels in Blackpool

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research coordinator, colleagues, and peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

Maintaining a strong environmental management system calls for effective and efficient strategies undertaken by small and medium enterprises (SME's), which shall enable the company and the associated competitors in the society. The paper aims to understand the credibility and significance of environmental management systems and their reputation with respect to the small medium enterprise (SME) hotels, residing and functioning in Blackpool. With this paper, we shall be able to identify the key factors that are responsible for effective environment management systems, implemented in the realm of hospitality.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Aim of the Research5

Significance of the Study5

Research Aims and Objectives5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Tourism and the Environment6

Brief History of Environmental Management Systems9

Environmental Management in Business12

Environmental Management in the Accommodations Sector16

Motives19

Facilitators22

Constraints22

Outcomes25

Environmental Management Systems and Certification29

Enhancement of Benefits31

Special Recognition or Awards33

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY34

Mixed Research35

Classification of research methods36

Multi-method studies36

Mixed-method studies36

Steps in mixed methodology37

Strength and weakness of the mixed research:37

Strengths37

Weaknesses38

Search Technique38

Research Design39

Research Instrument39

Literature Search40

Inclusion and exclusion criteria41

Reliability/Dependability41

Informed Consent43

Confidentiality44

Validity44

Ethical Considerations47

Search rationale48

Critical Appraisal tool48

Appraisal limitations48

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS50

Environmental Management in the hotels of Blackpool50

Survey Analysis52

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION69

Challenges Encountered in Establishing an International Market Presence69

Internal Advantages of Environmental Management Systems71

External Advantages of Environmental Management Systems73

Recommendations and Further Research74

REFERENCES76

APPENDIX86

Questionnaire for Environmental Management System86

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The factors inducing international firm growth are generally categorized into a dichotomy of positive and negative factors that align with the determinants of general firm growth. In this latter instance the owner-manager adopts a passive and risk-adverse approach in the choice of the market and the type of market entry strategy adopted (Cremins, 2006, Pp 41). Additionally, a variety of micro and macro environmental factors contribute to a firm's decision to export. These include factors associated with the customer and competitive, social, cultural, economic and technological characteristics of the international business environment, and provide positive or negative determinants for SME internationalization (Coviello, and McAuley, 1999, pp 22).

Once the decision to export is made the owner-manager needs to evaluate the suitability of their product or service in its current form for acceptance in new international markets. The level of adaptability required and the availability of financial resources to support the modification of the product or service, and in functional areas such as international marketing, selling, production and distribution, will impact on the feasibility of the export activity. Concurrently, the owner-manager must assess their own commitment to international firm growth and the availability of the necessary knowledge and skills to do ...