Business Commons^™

Gender, Role Models, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy And Career Intentions: Implications For Entrepreneurial Education, Ciara Marie Lavelle - O Brien

Theses

This thesis explores gender, role models, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and career intentions of secondary school students in Ireland. Most prior research includes entrepreneurial education as an important factor in the decision to start a business. Few studies include the importance of entrepreneurial perceptions, role models, self-efficacy, and career intentions combined and what implications this may have for entrepreneurial education. Previous studies cite the importance of role models for potential entrepreneurs but ignore how the role model is perceived or who the role models of this generation (Gen Z) are. This study used a semistructured questionnaire and the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) …

An Exploration Of The Motivations And Behaviours Of Generation Z Festival-Goers In Ireland., Sinéad O'Mahony

Theses

The current study explores the motivations and behaviours of Generation Z festival-goers in Ireland. The goal of this research is to identify the motivations and behaviours of Generation Z festival-goers in Ireland. Generation Z comprises those who were born between the years of 1995 and 2009 (e.g., Goh and Lee, 2018). This area is largely under-researched, especially in Ireland. This study investigated early Generation Z, those aged between 18 and 23 years old at the time of the present study. A mixed method approach was utilised in the current study. A sample of early Generation Z festival-goers (n=131) completed an …

What Supports Are Needed To Encourage And Assist Community Festivals And Events To Succeed And Grow? An Empirical Study., Helen Mcdwyer

Theses

Abstract: Communities are motivated to host festivals and events for a myriad of reasons. They generate important economic and social benefits for an area with increased visitor numbers, increased local spending and greater community cohesion. Festival and event tourism is an important segment of the overall tourism product in Ireland, particularly in an area such as Kerry where there is a heavy reliance on tourism. Many festivals and events in Kerry are organised by community and voluntary groups and yet these groups are increasingly pressurised to increase the professionality of their offering to compete for regional funding and sponsorship. Changes …

Farm Deaths And Injuries: Changing Farmer Attitudes And Behaviour On Farm Safety, Kieran O'Connell

Theses

While the Irish agricultural sector accounts for just 6% of the working population of Ireland, it consistently has the highest proportion of fatal incidents of any sector - generally ranging from between 35% and 45% of all workplace fatalities in any given year (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). This was again evident in 2014 where 55% (30 of the 56) of the fatal workplace incidents were in the agricultural sector (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). Agriculture has an ageing workforce with the average age of an Irish farmer now standing at fifty-seven and farmers are eight times more likely to …

An Exploration Of The Smart Cities Concept: The Case For The Cork Region, Marguerite O'Connor

Theses

The term “Smart City” has gained a lot of attention from policy-makers, business leaders and citizens in recent years. The definition of what a smart city is differs depending on the city, region or individual that you ask but most definitions define it as local governments’ projects and initiatives that are implemented through some form of information and communication technologies, which are designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens and stakeholders whilst maintaining a sustainable future. This study aims to build an understanding of what the Smart cities concept actually means to Cork and the implications of Information …

Social Acceptance Of Renewable Energy : Exploring A Citizen Centric Paradigm, Paul O'Brien

Theses

The energy landscape in Ireland is being transformed. Energy policy is geared towards substantially decarbonising the electricity system by 2050. The implementation of large scale renewable energy generation remains a key policy objective. The scale of the transformation presents challenges in terms of policy and technology, as well as social acceptance.

This study was conducted to explore social acceptance of renewable energy within the context of a broader energy transition. A concurrent mixed method design integrates three distinct strands of primary research. A series of semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary energy professionals explored contemporary social issues, from a developer, utility and …

The Significance Of Social Media And Website Use In The Promotion Of Regional Festivals, Áine B. Organ

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the significance of social media and the use of website in the planning of an event. In any industry, communication is vital to the development process. This communication is especially important in the event planning industry. Communication with suppliers, civil servants, clients and general publics is an element of every event. Promotion falls under the communication process. This promotion can be done via: press releases; fliers; posters; word of mouth; traditional media and social media. Social media is a growing importance in relation to the promoting of events.

Those who have worked …

Analysis Of The Current Public Relations Practices Within The Irish Luxury Hotel Sector And The Importance Of These Practices To The Industry., Aoife Ducatta Lohse

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current knowledge, importance and application of public relations within Irish Luxury Hotels. Another aim was to find out how the public relations theories of relationship management, strategic management and communications are used in the sector.

The research methodology in this study used a mixed method approach. Quantitative research was used in the form of an online questionnaire and qualitative research was used in the form of semi-structured interviews. The online questionnaire was distributed to all luxury four star and five star properties with an online presence in Ireland with an aim …

An Investigation Into The Importance Of Organisational Public Relations For Live Music Festivals In Ireland, Paying Particular Attention To Organisational Identity, Image And Reputation, David Mahy

Theses

This research is concerned with Image and Reputation creation and management within the entertainment sector, specifically with regard to live music festivals and how a Public Relations campaign can successfully create a favourable image with its main target demographics and maintain a positive reputation and corporate identity.

The literature on the subjects of reputation, identity and event management revealed that relationship building and image management with primary groups of stakeholders can be very significant contributors to the success of live music festivals. Successful two way engagement with customers and perspective attendees of the festival can ensure the continued existence of …

How Is Social Media Changing The Public Relations Industry In Ireland: A Case Study Approach, Linda Wright

Theses

This thesis explores how the evolution of social media technologies are impacting on the Public Relations (PR) Industry in Ireland. It attempts to identify if social media has changed the landscape in which PR Practitioners work and if they believe it has changed the PR Industry in Ireland.

This study attempts to fill the gap in Public Relations research and literature and to merge the social media technologies with the existing Public Relations communication tools.

PR Practitioners recognise the need to embrace social media. However a clear gap exists in the PR industry in Ireland. While some have embraced the …

An Investigation Into Recent Developments In The Regulatory Regime For Financial Accounting In Ireland, Mark James

Theses

In the last decade the Irish accounting regulatory regime has been radically reformed from one consisting largely of private sector regulation to one where public sector regulation has increased importance. This change has taken place within a larger international context of the rise of the regulatory state, and a period of greater convergence between regulatory activities internationally. While an extensive body of research on this topic has accumulated in other countries, particularly America, Irish research has generally been focussed on the role of the accounting profession in this development. This study aims to build on the existing literature by focusing …

An Evaluation Of Entrepreneurial Difficulties In Ireland Since The Economic Downturn Of 2008, Edward Keogh

Theses

This Research Study looks at the Irish entrepreneurial landscape in the aftermath of the collapse of the Celtic Tiger, particularly at the small businesses sector. This study also looks at what entrepreneurs think of the effectiveness of the current policies in Ireland in helping entrepreneurs and businesses to cope and survive the current recession. The study looks at people who lost their businesses during the collapse of the Celtic Tiger and asks the question 'Can these people be supported to start-up back into business again?’

A qualitative research approach was undertaken in this study using the semi-structured interview method to …

Golf Tourism In Ireland: An Inbound Perspective, Brian Murphy

Theses

The fact that Ireland has some of the finest natural golf courses in the world is not a new phenomenon, with renowned courses such as Waterville, Ballybunion and Royal Country Down regularly appearing in the list of top ten best golf courses in the world. The sheer ruggedness and natural beauty of many of Ireland’s links golf courses have for many years attracted golfing enthusiasts to our shores. The experience of playing these magnificent courses is only surpassed by the warmth and hospitality which is shared by the local people. Ireland has a reputation for welcoming visiting tourists with open …

The Management Of Sports Sponsorships In Ireland, Noel Collins

Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the management of sports sponsorship in Ireland from the perspective of the sponsoring company and the sports property, and to present an accurate, up-to-date analysis of this relatively unexplored area. Four interviews were conducted with executives of major sports properties while four interviews were also conducted with executives of commercial sponsors who sponsor these sports properties.

The study reveals that Irish sports sponsorships are very well managed and are considered to be very successful by both sponsors and sports properties. The strength of the interpersonal relationships and understanding between both parties is …

Teleworking: An Examination Of The Irish Dichotomy, Deirdre Donovan

Theses

Changing demographics and labour market structures are placing increased pressure on identifying work/life balance solutions, while global competition is forcing companies to look beyond traditional solutions to search for competitive advantage. Recent rapid technology developments facilitate a strategic application of teleworking, which, in suitable organisations, would appear to alleviate both of these issues. Despite this, the limited evidence that exists in the telework literature indicates a dearth of telework in Irish companies, and recent research on the reasons for this, form a gap in the literature.

This study, therefore, empirically examines the key factors that influence the extent of telework …

Little To Large: Critical Success Factors & Implications For Sme's In Kerry And Rural Ireland., Noelle Foley

Theses

This research is unique in that it profiles the growth trajectories of three global knowledge based companies in rural Ireland. The chosen companies were start-up small businesses that became international global leaders in their selected fields. The selected companies range from different industries but share similar growth trajectories and factors which have enabled high growth. There was a gap in research regarding the growth factors which have allowed small to medium-sized enterprises develop into large corporations. This study took an in-depth look at how each company has managed the vital factors in their growth transition in the hope of applying …

Cork City : The Untapped Tourism Potential, Frank O'Sullivan

Theses

This research focuses on Cork City and the attributes of the city, which possess the ability to enhance the tourism product, yet remain largely ignored. The study includes the opinions, perceptions and analysis of key figures in the local tourism industry. The study highlights the key promotional bodies representing Cork City as a tourism destination and their shortcomings.

The research delves into the initiatives and projects charged with enhancing the tourism product. The access providers are examined in terms of their significance and contribution to the local tourism market. The impact of the European Capital of Culture is analysed. Cork …

Is There A Mass Market For Ethical Fashion In Ireland?, Shirley Quinn

Theses

The following research dissertation was carried out with the intention of solving the question of whether there is a mass market for ethical fashion in Ireland. To answer this question, awareness of ethics in fashion among Irish consumers was investigated, along with general attitudes to ethical fashion, and whether ethics affects fashion purchase behaviour. The research was carried out over the space of six months and comprised a triangulated multi-method approach, consisting of primary and secondary research. Quantitative descriptive research was conducted through a questionnaire and the primary qualitative method used was a focus group. Secondary research took the form …

A Framework Of Best Practice For Community Based Tourism Inititives, Cornelius O'Sullivan

Theses

This study commences with a detailed analysis of the tourism industry from a global perspective charting its inception through the time of the Persian, Assyrian, Greek, Egyptian & Roman empires to the present elimate, surpassed then by adherence to future predictions. The study then moves to examine the Irish tourism product by acknowledging the individuals who have pioneered & continue to survey its development. The study in response to its principle aim of creating a Framework of Best Practice for Community Based Tourism Initiatives identifies, discusses & evaluates in detail four core fundamental building blocks for such initiatives. These four …

An Examination Of The Impact The Single European Currency Will Have On Tourism In The Cork And Kerry Region By Ronan Doyle., Ronan Doyle

Theses

This study has been conducted at a time when Ireland’s tourism industry is booming. Following eight successive years of growth there exists an air of invincibility surrounding the sector. However, on P‘ January 2002 the European Single Currency will come into circulation in the form of Euro notes and coins, and with it comes the seeds of change. It could very well profoundly transform Irish tourism and will undoubtedly involve changes in business behaviour and practice. The study examines tourism in Ireland at national and regional level. It explores the foundations behind the European Single Currency and its implications for …

An Economic Assessment Of The Tourism Industry In The Tralee Area And Possible Future Development, Patrick M. Mcelligott

Theses

This study has been carried out at a time when Tralee is trying to develop a viable tourism industry and aims at analysing the impact of this process. It studies Tralee s transition over the last decade from being a commercial town to becoming a recognised tourist destination. The present state of the local tourism product is portrayed and fixture courses of action suggested. This analysis is conducted utilising the views of tourists, tourism operators in the town and current industry thinking. Relevant hterature is examined and questionnaire surveys of tourists and accommodation providers were administered and their results investigated. …

Marketing Planning In Small Manufacturing Firms : An Investigation Into The Theory And Practice Of Marketing Planning By Small Manufacturing Firms In Counties Cork & Kerry., John Patrick Cowman

Theses

As a result of undertaking this study, the researcher hopes to be able to draw conclusions about the practical relevance to small manufacturing firms of the marketing planning concepts set out in marketing literature by writers such as Kotler, McCarthy, MacDonald, Stapelton and others.

This study examines marketing planning in small Manufacturing firms - SMFs - in the Irish Counties of Cork and Kerry.

The essential aims of this study are to try to determine:

(1) How marketing planning is carried out by companies in the target group;

(2) Contrast marketing planning practice among the target population with recommendations for …