Open AccessAssessing sustainable consumption practices on cruise ships
Author(s) -
Feng-Ming Tsai,
TatDat Bui
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
maritime business review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 6
eISSN - 2397-3765
pISSN - 2397-3757
DOI - 10.1108/mabr-12-2019-0059
Subject(s) - cruise , delphi method , construct (python library) , sustainability , dimension (graph theory) , port (circuit theory) , process management , computer science , environmental economics , operations research , risk analysis (engineering) , management science , engineering , business , economics , mathematics , ecology , electrical engineering , artificial intelligence , pure mathematics , biology , programming language , aerospace engineering
Purpose This study aims to examine a hierarchical framework for sustainable consumption (SC) for cruise ships and identify the causal relationships and decisive attributes of cruise ship operation practices that allow cruise organizations to achieve a higher level of sustainable performance. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a hybrid of the Delphi method and a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). DEMATEL methodology helps to construct complex causal relations through digraphs, which depict interrelationships among attributes. The fuzzy set theory assesses experts’ perceptions of attributes given in linguistic preferences. The Delphi method has been previously used to validate attributes and determine the validity and reliability of the construct from qualitative information. Findings A set of three aspects containing 21 criteria were defined based on previous literature and expert consultations. The analysis results show that waste minimization and recycling and recovery are causal aspects that influence efficient resource use. Emission controls on ships, cruise ship alternative energy sources, ballast water treatment systems, water purification systems and nanofiltration systems are also prominent criteria for the improvement of SC during cruise ship operation. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by offering a hierarchical framework for SC literature and confirming the role of this issue in improving the cruise industry sustainability. In practice, as such results provide key attributes for successful performance, the implications are offered for companies developing new activities, either in ensuring compliance with business goals or in decreasing the environmental impact.