ERP and Application Status: A Review of Vietnam’s SMEs

This article was studied due to the necessity of applying ERP systems in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By researching, this study analyzes the evident problem in applying ERP systems in SMEs in Vietnam. It presents a review of ERP systems and states the operational definition as well as the reason of the low rate of ERP application in SMEs in Vietnam. The implications will be consistent with the Vietnamese SMEs to deploy ERP into effect

Developing sustainable tourism: critical perspectives from Baria-Vungtau province, Vietnam

A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of Philosophy.This study investigates the critical perspectives of sustainable tourism from Baria-Vungtau Province, Vietnam. The research was conducted according to an interpretivist paradigm utilising of several interviewing and observational techniques. The informants included twenty-one local citizens, ten people from tourism businesses and one local leader, who were sourced from a diversity networks. The interpretations and understandings of sustainable tourism in a non- western context is an under-researched area and the results enhance knowledge of how the concept plays out in a defined cultural and political setting. Following thematic data analysis, the interpretations of sustainable tourism by local stakeholders were found to be multidimensional with six key themes: (i) tourism with environmental and natural resource protection and conservation; (ii) tourism that optimises the usage of available resources of the region; (iii) tourism with careful land-use planning; (iv) tourism with shared economic benefits for local stakeholders; (v) tourism that focusses on both natural environment and socio-cultural aspects; and (vi) tourism that can receive more tourists and increase the investment return rate. Regarding the responses of local stakeholders towards current policies that support sustainable tourism, four main themes were identified: (i) these policies are not effective enough and there should be more action plans; (ii) these policies should be applied more strictly; (iii) some more policies should be created; and (iv) these policies should be publicised more. The awareness and comprehension of the impacts of sustainable tourism development by local stakeholders are classifiable into six key themes that illustrate its dualistic character: positive and negative environmental effects, economic effects, and socio-cultural effects. The positive effects are those that sustainable tourism aims to achieve, and which differentiate it from conventional tourism. The negative aspects can be minimised when sustainable tourism is implemented consistently and thoroughly. Besides, three key themes were identified in terms of the barriers encountered by local stakeholders to their participation in sustainable tourism development in the region: operational, structural and cultural. Operational barriers included lacking information about sustainable tourism, a lack of co-operation between local stakeholders, and the centralisation of public administration of tourism. Structural barriers include a lack of trained potential employees and a lack of financial resources for the local authority and local tourism businesses. Finally, cultural barriers include a lack of time to participate in tourism activities, and low levels of awareness of environmental and social issues in local communities were identified. II action plans; (ii) these policies should be applied more strictly; (iii) some more policies should be created; and (iv) these policies should be publicised more. The awareness and comprehension of the impacts of sustainable tourism development by local stakeholders are classifiable into six key themes that illustrate its dualistic character: positive and negative environmental effects, economic effects, and socio-cultural effects. The positive effects are those that sustainable tourism aims to achieve, and which differentiate it from conventional tourism. The negative aspects can be minimised when sustainable tourism is implemented consistently and thoroughly. Besides, three key themes were identified in terms of the barriers encountered by local stakeholders to their participation in sustainable tourism development in the region: operational, structural and cultural. Operational barriers included lacking information about sustainable tourism, a lack of co-operation between local stakeholders, and the centralisation of public administration of tourism. Structural barriers include a lack of trained potential employees and a lack of financial resources for the local authority and local tourism businesses. Finally, cultural barriers include a lack of time to participate in tourism activities, and low levels of awareness of environmental and social issues in local communities were identified. The study makes a contribution to knowledge by enhancing local stakeholders' understanding of sustainable tourism development in non-Western context. Four key sub-themes of where this contribution to knowledge enhancement is made are: (i) enriching the understandings of interpretations by local stakeholders of sustainable tourism development within a non-Western community; (ii) contributing to the emerging debate on the effects of sustainable tourism development in developing countries; (iii) adding to the understanding of the barriers of local stakeholders in taking part in sustainable tourism development in a developing country and (iv) political structures in Viet Nam do facilitate sustainable tourism development

Enhancing Auditor Independence in Developing Countries in Context of Globalization – Evidence in Vietnam

Purpose: Globalization brings many opportunities and challenges for developing countries. So, does globalization create a motivation to improve the auditing profession's ethics? Independence is one of the most important components of auditing professional ethics, which must be maintained throughout the audit process. This article delivers a full insight into identifying factors that enhance the auditor independence promoted in the international integration process. Design/methodology/approach: This article approached from international integration process that affect auditor independence from auditors’ awareness, working environment and professional association. This article used a mixed approach based on the experimental methodology. This article used the archival research method and group discussions method to analyze and assess the research problems and verified by experimental data. The article took the group discussions with experts and survey 280 directors, auditors, auditor assistants who are working in 70 auditing firms. Findings: The results showed that globalization support auditors, audit firms, and professional Association to improve auditor independence. Especially, the factors that enhance the auditor independence driven by international integration: Knowledge, Technology, Competition, Management, Monitoring. Practical implications: The article implied to improve auditor independence in the context that Vietnam is strongly integrating internationally. Originality/value: The article has taken a new approach on auditor independence from globalization in Vietnam

SOME REMARKS ON THE SELF-ORGANIZING FEATURE MAPS

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Eart

Automated Trading System

This is a final report which is part of the dissertation for the Master course Computation Finance. The title of this dissertation is "Automated Trading System". As the name explains itself, this project is about building an automated trading system which employs the statistical arbitrage trading algorithm. In general, the project contains a mixture of computer science and quantitative finance. For the purpose of simplicity, the system is designed with a simple user interface and streamlined business logic compare to a real world commercial trading system. The purpose of building this system is to build a starting point so that having a profitable trading algorithm implemented into the system will increase the probability of having a profitable trading system. The build phase of the project utilizes Visual C++ programming language within the .NET framework

Smart Cities, Healthy Citizens: Integrating Urban Public Health in Urban Planning

Urban planning that incorporates public health considerations is crucial for the development of smart cities that prioritize the well-being and health of their citizens. This study presents key findings on integrating urban public health into urban planning to create environments that promote physical and mental well-being. The study identifies and explores several crucial considerations for achieving this integration.The first consideration is healthy urban design, which involves designing urban spaces and infrastructure that promote physical activity, accessibility, and safety. Walkable neighborhoods, well-connected sidewalks, bike lanes, and efficient public transit systems encourage active transportation. Incorporating parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities provide opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, while inclusive and accessible public spaces reduce pollution and noise.Air quality and pollution control emerge as another vital consideration. The study highlights the importance of implementing policies to mitigate air pollution, reduce emissions, and promote clean energy sources. Designing urban areas to minimize exposure to pollution sources, increasing green spaces and urban forests, and utilizing smart technologies for monitoring air quality are key strategies for improving air quality and mitigating the heat island effect.Ensuring accessible healthcare and services is essential for equitable public health. The research emphasizes the need to strategically locate healthcare facilities to serve both urban and underserved areas. Attention should be given to the needs of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income communities, and individuals with disabilities. The integration of telemedicine and digital health solutions can enhance access to healthcare services.Promoting active transportation and safety is crucial in urban planning. The study highlights the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety through well-designed crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and lighting systems. Dedicated cycling infrastructure, traffic management strategies, and smart traffic systems contribute to reducing accidents and improving road safety.Noise pollution management is an often overlooked aspect of urban planning. The research emphasizes the significance of designing buildings with sound insulation and implementing zoning regulations to separate noise-sensitive areas from noise-generating activities. Green buffers and sound barriers are effective in mitigating noise impacts, while monitoring noise levels and enforcing regulations minimize excessive noise.The study also underscores the importance of integrating elements that promote mental health and social well-being into urban planning. Creating inclusive and socially connected neighborhoods, designing public spaces that encourage socialization and relaxation, and prioritizing the provision of community centers and social services all contribute to mental health and well-being.Data and technology integration play a crucial role in informing urban planning decisions and improving public health outcomes. The study highlights the value of collecting and analyzing health-related data to identify health disparities, understand the impact of the built environment on health, and guide decision-making processes. Utilizing smart technologies, such as wearable devices and health monitoring systems, promotes individual health awareness and facilitates targeted interventions.Evaluation and monitoring are essential components of successful urban planning. Continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact of urban planning decisions on public health outcomes, collecting data on health indicators, and using this information to assess intervention effectiveness and inform future planning efforts are critical for sustainable development.Integrating urban public health considerations into urban planning enables the creation of smart and healthy environments that support the well-being of citizens. This holistic approach ensures that urban development fosters economic growth, technological advancement, and the health and happiness of the people who live and work in these cities

Distribution patterns of reptiles and amphibians in Puerto Rico

This study examined the question of whether a big island can be divided into many smaller islands with the same pattern of area-species curve as that of the complete island. To address this question, this study used data on the number and distribution of amphibians and reptiles on Puerto Rico and landbridge islands of the Puerto Rican Bank, which were fragmented from the big island about 10,000 years ago. In Puerto Rico, the data show correlations between the number of species and area available at different elevation levels and between species and area after removing effects of elevation. These patterns are different from the patterns of correlation between area and the number of reptiles and amphibians on 29 islands on the Puerto Rican Bank. The area-species curves of the elevationally and areally subdivided "islands" on Puerto Rico tend to have steeper slopes than the curves of the Puerto Rican Bank islands. Analyses of area and the number of those species on fragmented habitat islands at different elevations also indicated correlation between them. However, patterns of correlation seem not to be the same at each altitude. The slope of the area-species curve seems to decrease with increasing elevation levels. Other patterns of species distribution of Puerto Rico's herpetofauna are: there are linear relationships between the number of species and elevation, the number of species and distance from the coast, and the number of species and the species range areas. Multiple regression analyses of three variables: area, precipitation, and elevation, suggested that variation of species distribution in Puerto Rico is partly caused by interactions among these variables. Elevation plays an especially important role in explaining reptile and amphibian distribution. The rainfall variable had the least effect on determining herpetofauna diversity. The study results suggest that area-species correlation is a consequence of habitat heterogeneity on the island