Doctoral Research Abstract
As primary producers of knowledge, academics are required to create and disseminate research. The advent of internationalization has placed great emphasis on the importance of travel as it pertains to the success of an academic career and the international standing of an institution. However, academics who are highly aeromobile – particularly researchers working in the field of climate change – are now facing allegations of hypocrisy which may compromise the efficacy of their (climate) research. This research will document and analyse the perceptions of academics at the University of Otago on how and to what extent current academic flying practices can be reduced and replaced based on the online working experiences during COVID-19. The energy cultures framework is adopted to consider how social and cultural factors, such as norms, social inequalities, and social networks, interact with motivations and moderators to shape and influence flying behaviours. By exploring the interplay of cognitive norms, practices, and material culture, the gap between academic theory and institutional realities and practices can be systematically explored and fully elaborated. Furthermore, consideration is given to the significant and immediate changes in academic practices that have been brought about by COVID-19. This will afford a timely opportunity to rethink the necessity of academic air travel based on the reformulated COVID-19 academic working environment. This research will encourage academics to engage in critical self-reflection of the cognitive dissonance between personal intentions to reduce air miles and behaviours to the contrary.
Education
Master of Business Administration, Transportation and Communication Management Science, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan (2018)
Bachelor of Business Administration, Airline and Transport Service Management, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan (2012)
Scholarships & Awards
The Transport Research Network (TRN) 2020 Small Project Grants (2020)
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, University of Otago, New Zealand (2019)
Primary Research Interests
Low carbon transportation
Including: Motivations for low carbon transport utilization
Airline management
Including: Turnaround strategies and corporate governance of airlines
Aviation safety management
Including: Risk factors and prevention strategies for ramp safety, controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) and aviation safety management issues
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant (lecturing/tutoring/grading)
Introduction to Tourism (2020), University of Otago, New Zealand
Interpreting Business Data (2020), University of Otago, New Zealand
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (2020), University of Otago, New Zealand
Aviation safety management (2018), National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Publications
Tseng, S.H.Y., Higham, J., and Lee, C. (submitted), Academic air travel cultures: A framework for reducing academic flying. K Bjørkdahl & A Santiago (eds). Academic Aeromobility: Airborne Research in the Anthropocene.
Presentations
Tseng, H.Y. & Chang, Y. H. (2018). Turnaround Management of a Full Service Carrier- the Case of TransAsia Airways. The 22nd Air Transport Research Society (ATRS). Seoul.
Professional Memberships
He Kaupapa Hononga (Otago Climate Change Network) Postgraduate Representative
Transport Research Network
Relevant Experience
Research assistant, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan (2016–2019)
Coordinator, Tariff Management & Interlining Department and Sales Department, TransAsia Airways, Taiwan (2012–2016)
Ground staff (Intern), Ground Service Division, China Airlines, Taiwan (2010–2011)
Certificates:
IATA UFTAA Foundation and EBT Course
SITA Airfare Price
English Tour Leader
ATPCO- Fare Manager 100 and 200, Negotiated Fares and Category 10, Optional Services for Ancillary and Baggage