Number of Accidents in the Cargo Industry - Research Proposal Example

Title: Ехрlоring thе Rеlаtiоnshiр bеtwееn Trаining of Sеаfаrеrs and Number of Ассidеnts in the Cargo Industry (2003-2013) 1.0 Introduction Over the years, a number of maritime studies have provided compelling evidence depicting that, 80% of all maritime incidences and accidents are caused by human error (Hetherington et al. 2006; Kristiansen 2005; Ziarati 2006). Many of these studies suggest that acts of commission or omission on the part of seafarers or ship operators play a significant role in instigating shipping accidents (Hanzu-Pazara et al. 2008; Hetherington et al. 2006). The lack of effective seafarer training has particularly been cited in many studies as one of the underlying human factors that contribute to accidents in the shipping industry (Antao & Suares 2008). A considerable number of studies have suggested that in order to minimise accidents in the shipping industry, effective training is essential (Clini et al. 2010; Hetherington et al. 2006; Rothblum 2000). Some studies have explored the relationship between training and shipping accidents and have found that training enhances competence by facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to various aspects of job performance. In essence these studies suggest that, training has a positive impact on job performance and is instrumental in averting and reducing maritime accidents associated with human error (Emad & Roth 2008). In a bid to avert and minimise accidents in the shipping industry over time significant efforts have exerted towards improving seafarers training. In 1978, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) developed the International convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping (STCW). This convention outlines the minimum requirements for the training and qualification for seafarers. Moreover, member countries of the IMO have also developed standards and requirements for seafarer training in order to improve training. Besides this, many maritime training institutions have exerted significant effort towards improving training by introducing new training programs and directing more resources towards increasing the effectiveness of training offered (IMO 2013). Over time, a number of statistics on maritime accidents have shown a pattern of reduction in the shipping losses and fatalities from shipping accidents. IMO data particularly show an annual declining casualties from shipping accidents between 2006 and 2011with the exception of 2010 (IMO 2012, Butt et al 2012).Simialrly,data from Lloyd’s Register particularly show a decline in the number of vessels lost globally from 2000 to 2010 (ACGS 2012). Based on these statistics, it is worth questioning whether training has contributed to the recent decline in the number of shipping accidents or whether there are other factors which have played this role. It is for these reasons that this study seeks to eхрlоre thе rеlаtiоnshiр bеtwееn trаining of sеаfаrеrs and the numbеr of aссidеnts in the shipping industry between 2003-2013. Scope and Objectives of the Study This study will examine the implications of seafarers training. It will critically explore the relationship between training of sеаfаrеrs and the numbеr of aссidеnts in the cargo shipping industry between 2003-2013. It will seek to establish whether training has contributed to a reduction in maritime accidents. Some of the key research questions that this study will seek to address include; What does training in the shipping industry involve? What are the implications of seafarer training? What is the relationship between trаining of sеаfаrеrs and the numbеr of aссidеnts in the cargo shipping industry? Has training contributed to a decline in shipping accidents in the cargo industry? This study will also seek to approve or disprove the following hypothesis Hypothesis: Training of seafarers contributes to a decrease in the number of shipping accidents in the cargo industry. 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 The Link between Training and Number of Shipping Accidents in the Cargo Industry A number of studies such as those carried out by Clini et al (2010) and Hetherington et al (2006) have examined the underlying causes of accidents in the cargo industry and recommended the need to improve training in order to curb accidents. Besides this commissions set to investigate the causes of accidents in the shipping industry have also emphasised on the need to improve training in order to minimise accidents in the cargo industry. For instance, following the Bourbon incident which led to the loss lives of eight crew members, the Commission investigating the accident recommended the need for improvements in training in order to enhance the level of expertise of ship operators and minimise accidents (Norwegian Royal Commission 2008). In essence, training is considered as a suitable intervention that can enhance the determinants of individual job performance (Campbell & Kuncel 2001). According to Emad & Roth (2008), training mediates job performance by equipping personnel with knowledge and skills that enhance competence in various occupational tasks. They further argue that training has a positive impact on job performance and safety especially in high risk occupations such as the maritime industry. It is instrumental in preventing the effects of accidents associated with human error (Emad & Roth 2008). A study carried out by Hale (1989) examined the relationship between training and industrial accidents and found that, when training is effectively conducted accidents rates are less frequent. Barnett et al (2006) also argue that the quality of maritime training is crucial in the reduction of environmental protection, maritime safety and promotion on safety in shipping. Moreover, incident reports from a several shipping accidents have cited poor training as one of the causal factors of the accidents (Wagenar & Groeneweg, 1987; Kristiansen, 2005, Hetherington et al 2006, Ziarati, 2006). Similarly, analyses of casualty reports in many maritime accidents have reported crucial omissions or deficiencies in the training received by mariners as major contributors of accidents. Some of these reports have particularly pointed with fatal consequences (Kristiansen 2005). 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Research Design and Paradigm In order to address the identified research objectives, this study will employ a qualitative research design. Generally, a qualitative research design can be described as an inquiry approach that is based on the use of various interpretative techniques which help to describe, decode and interpret research issues so as to establish meaning (Merriam 2009; Klenke 2008). A qualitative research design can also be considered to be a form of scientific research that uses a set of predefined procedure to critically investigate research issues in-depth by gathering relevant data, using the data to answer the identified research questions and subsequently generating findings that are applicable beyond the study (Mack, Woodsong & Family Health International 2005). This study will use a qualitative research design mainly because of its suitability when it comes to addressing the identified research objectives. One of the key benefits associated with the use of this research design is that it is convenient for exploring the intangible aspects of research such as behaviour. This approach has the capacity of examining the “human side” of a research issue and subsequently generating textual descriptions. Unlike a quantitative research design which focuses on exploring issues in breadth, qualitative approach explores and interprets complex research issues in-depth. It provides detailed information thus enabling researchers to avoid generalisations (Mack et al. 2005). Moreover, the nature of this study will necessitate the use of an interpretivist research paradigm or philosophy. This paradigm is based on the notion that, issues in the social world particularly those involving human beings are not mechanistic, they involve varying realities that must be understood in their natural setting. Furthermore, this paradigm is based on the assumption that knowledge is subjective. Therefore, in order to establish meaning researcher must consider and interpret different views and perspectives (Klenke 2008). An interpretivist research paradigm will be adopted in this study mainly because of it provides a suitable framework to explore in-depth the relationship between training of sеаfаrеrs and number of aссidents in the cargo industry. This paradigm accentuates on producing descriptive analyses based on in-depth interpretation of various views and perspectives (Klenke 2008). 3.2 Methods of Data Collection and Analysis In this study content analysis will be used as the main method of data collection. Content analysis is a method of data collection that involves reviewing various literature sources in order to collect data that will be used to answer the identified research questions. It involves studying the content of various relevant literatures and empirical documentations in a bid to find information. Content analysis is a widely used qualitative research method that largely involves drawing out and interpreting meaning from the context of both text and numerical data (Hsieh & Shannon 2005). In this study, the use of content analysis as the main method of data collection will generally involve reviewing literature sources such as books, journals, official reports and websites in order to collect data that shows the relationship between training of sеаfаrеrs and number of aссidents in the cargo industry. Some of the benefits associated with the use of this method include the fact that it is cost-effective since it involves collecting data from previously published research work. In addition to this, content analysis provides an in-depth and extensive scope of information that one can refer to so as to address the identified research objectives (Vogt, Gardner, Haeffele 2012). As a research method content analysis is an objective and systematic approach of describing and quantifying phenomenon. It allows a researcher to test theoretical issues in order to enhance understanding of data (Elo & Kyngas 2007). Following the data collection process, the data gathered will be subjected through a process of data analysis. Data analysis can generally be described as a process that involves compiling, organising, analysing and interpreting data so as to extract useful information that can be used answer the identified research questions. In this study the process of data analysis will be based on the grounded theory. This theory is an approach of data analysis commonly used to analyse qualitative data. It involves a systematic generation of theory based on inductive and deductive reasoning. Using this approach, data collected is analysed without taking into account any underlying theory. It is afterwards grouped into similar categories or concepts and interpreted in order to provide explanation regarding specific research issues (Allan 2003). Title – Abstract Introduction Literature Review Methods Expected results Discussion 3.0 Methodology -500words References Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) (2012). Safety and Shipping 1912-2012, Retrieved April 15 2014 Antao, P. & Suares, C.G. 2008,”Causal factors in accidents of high-speed craft and conventional ocean-going vessels”, Reliability Engineering and System Safety vol 93, no,1, pp.1292–1304. Butt, N., Johnson, D., Pike, K., Pryce-Roberts, N. & Vigar, N., 2012, 15 Years of Shipping Accidents: A review for WWF Southampton Solent University, Southampton Solent University, School of Maritime and Technology, Southampton. Clini, F., Darbra, R. M., & Casal, J., 2010, “Historical analysis of accidents involving domino effect”, Chemical Engineering vol 19, 335-340 Elo, S. & Kyngas, H., 2007, “The qualitative content analysis process”, Journal of Advanced Nursing vol 62, no. 1, pp. 107-115. Emad, G. Roth, W.R., 2008, “Contradictions in the practices of training for and assessment of competency: A case study from the maritime domain,” Education and Training vol 50, no 3, pp 260 – 272. Hanzu-Pazara, R., Barsan, E., Arsenie, P., Chiotoroiu, L. & Raicu, G. 2008, ‘Reducing of maritime accidents caused by human factors using simulators in training process’. Journal of Maritime Research vol 5, no.1, pp. 3-18. Hetherington, C., Flin, R. & Mearns, K. 2006, “Safety in Shipping: The Human Element”, Journal of Safety Research 37, pp.401-411. Hsieh H.-F. & Shannon S., 2005, “Three approaches to qualitative content analysis”. Qualitative Health Research vol 15, pp. 1277–1288. Kristiansen, S., 2005, Maritime Transportation: Safety Management and Risk Analysis, Elsevier Butterworth –Heinemann, Burlington, MA. International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2012, Casualty Statistics and Investigations: Loss of life from 2006 to date. Retrieved on April 15, 2014 from International Maritime Organization (IMO) (2013). International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW). Retrieved April 15, 2014 Rothblum, A.R., 2000, Human error and marine safety. Paper presented at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo,Orlando, Florida. Ziarati, R., 2006, Safety at Sea – Applying Pareto Analysis. 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