Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Roger Mayer
Abstract
Hawaii's commercial consumers pay the highest electricity rate in the United States;these costs are expected to rise 3-3.5% in 2021. Management in the Hawaiian resort industry that lacks adequate knowledge of controlling these rising costs is at a competitive disadvantage. Utilizing the diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies used in the resort industry to control energy costs. The participants comprised of 10 energy management professionals with successful experience managing energy consumption in the resort industry. Data were collected through telephone interviews, archival documentation, and field notes. Using Yin's 5-step process of collection, dismantling, aggregation, and interpretation, 3 themes emerged, including technology implementation, data analytics, and behavior modification. One key recommendation is for business managers to use data to drive decision-making to mitigate risks associated with energy price volatility to maximize economic returns. The implications for positive social change include the potential to lower dependence on fossil fuels and improve the overall environment by reducing harmful pollutants responsible for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
Recommended Citation
Whitesides, Justin, "Effectively Managing Energy Costs in the Resort Industry" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9838.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9838
