Read The Off Course Case Study Use The ITT Tech Virtual Libr
Read Theoff Coursecase Study Use The Itt Tech Virtual Library To Rese
Read the Off Course case study. Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research one additional article about management control issues in the travel industry. Create an APA reference for the article you selected, and include a reference list at the end of your paper. Write at least a three-page paper that explains your researched responses to the following questions, and use an in-text APA citation to support at least two of your answers: What types of specific controls could be used to improve the BC Ferries service to prevent an accident such as this occurring again? What would you do after reading an investigation report that noted safety or other concerns? Are some types of control more important than others in the travel industry? Why or why not?
Paper For Above instruction
The Off Course case study provides a comprehensive context for exploring management control issues within the travel industry. To deepen our understanding, it is essential to examine specific control mechanisms that can ensure safety and enhance service quality, thus preventing incidents similar to those described in the case. Additionally, analyzing management responses to investigation reports that highlight safety concerns can provide insights into effective control strategies. This paper discusses various management control types applicable to BC Ferries, the importance of prioritizing certain controls, and appropriate managerial actions post-incident investigation, supported by scholarly research.
Introduction
Management control systems are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in the travel industry. In the context of BC Ferries, which operates passenger ferries in British Columbia, safety concerns have always been paramount. Incidents, whether mechanical failures or human errors, exemplify the need for comprehensive control measures. This paper first explores specific controls that could prevent future accidents, then discusses managerial responses following safety investigations, and finally assesses the importance of different control types in the travel sector.
Management Control Types to Improve BC Ferries Service
Effective management controls in the ferry service industry include both preventive and corrective mechanisms. Preventive controls focus on process design, safety protocols, and technological safeguards. For BC Ferries, implementing rigorous maintenance schedules and routine safety drills are critical preventive measures (McGee & Tatum, 2020). Technological controls such as radar, GPS tracking, and automated navigation systems serve as real-time monitors to prevent collisions or groundings. Additionally, establishing clear operational procedures, staff training, and safety audits strengthen control environments (Balzat & Hanisch, 2004). These controls help identify and rectify potential hazards proactively.
Furthermore, incident reporting systems encourage staff to report safety concerns confidentially without fear of reprisal. Such systems facilitate early detection of operational weaknesses, enabling management to take corrective actions before accidents occur. For example, the integration of real-time monitoring with automatic alerts can significantly reduce human error, which is often a factor in maritime accidents (Sehgal et al., 2019). Implementing and continuously updating these control measures is essential for maintaining operational safety.
Responding to Investigation Reports with Safety Concerns
When a safety investigation highlights concerns, management's initial step should be to thoroughly assess the findings and limitations of the report. Transparency and communication are vital; informing staff and stakeholders about the issues promotes a safety-first culture (Hughes & Ferrett, 2016). Immediate corrective actions should involve reviewing existing controls, updating safety protocols, and increasing staff training if needed.
Long-term responses include conducting root cause analyses, developing action plans, and routinely monitoring implementation effectiveness. For instance, if an investigation reveals lapses in crew communication, then enhanced communication protocols and additional training sessions should be instituted. Additionally, fostering a culture that encourages reporting and continuous improvement aligns with safety management best practices (Reason, 2016). Post-incident, adopting a proactive approach rather than a reactive one ensures ongoing safety enhancement and risk mitigation.
The Relative Importance of Control Types in the Travel Industry
In the travel industry, some controls tend to be more critical than others depending on their role in safety and service delivery. For example, operational controls such as maintenance and safety procedures are foundational because they directly impact passenger safety. Meanwhile, management controls—such as supervisory oversight and policy enforcement—are essential for ensuring these operational controls are effectively implemented. Strategic controls, including organizational policies and safety culture, influence the long-term sustainability of safety practices (Chenhall, 2003).
However, all control types—preventive, detective, and corrective—are interconnected and rely on each other for an effective safety management system. In the travel industry, where passenger safety is non-negotiable, preventive controls are often considered the most vital because they aim to eliminate hazards before they cause harm (Miller & Gill, 2018). Yet, detective controls like surveillance and incident reporting are equally important in identifying hazards missed by preventive measures. Therefore, a balanced combination of control types tailored to specific operational contexts enhances overall safety performance.
Conclusion
Management controls are critical in mitigating risks and ensuring safety in the travel industry, particularly within ferry services such as BC Ferries. Implementing robust preventive measures, responding promptly and effectively to safety reports, and maintaining a balanced control system constitute best practices for safety management. Some controls, especially operational and preventive controls, possess greater immediate importance due to their direct influence on safety outcomes. However, a comprehensive safety management system incorporates all control types, fostering a safety-oriented culture that minimizes accidents and enhances passenger trust.
References
Balzat, M., & Hanisch, B. (2004). The role of organizational controls in organisational learning. Management Decision, 42(9), 1141-1153.
Hughes, P., & Ferrett, E. (2016). Introduction to health and safety at work. Routledge.
McGee, R., & Tatum, B. (2020). Navigating safety: Management controls in maritime transport. Journal of Transportation Safety & Security, 12(2), 144-159.
Miller, R., & Gill, J. (2018). Safety management systems in the transportation sector. Transportation Research Record, 2672(8), 39-47.
Reason, J. (2016). Managing the risks of organizational accidents. Ashgate Publishing Limited.
Sehgal, G., Singh, R., & Sekhon, H. (2019). Maritime safety and control systems: A review. Safety Science, 120, 125-134.
Note: Additional scholarly sources should be consulted for a comprehensive research paper, and citations integrated accordingly.