Business Commons^™

More Than Just A Workplace: A Case Study Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Marriott International Inc. Hotels, Julia Selin

Experience Industry Management

Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are essential for a hotel to function. Having diversity is an important aspect of a company because it allows for multiple perspectives that bring new ideas together, and most importantly multiculturalism. The purpose of this study was to examine the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the workplaces of Marriott International Inc. Hotels. Research for this study was conducted using a case study. The results indicated that Marriott values diversity, which is seen though corporate programs and global initiatives. Marriott is an international company that helps create job opportunities around the world and forms mentor …

The Possibilities Are Limitless: A Case Study Of The Best Practices Of User Experience For Apple Inc., Chloe Richardson

Experience Industry Management

In recent years, society has followed the development of user experience practices in technology companies. User experiences contribute to emotional connections between the company and the consumer, memorable experiences associated with the brand, and the design of products. The purpose of this study was to examine the best practices of user experience for Apple Inc. The research for this study was conducted using a best practice case study guide developed by the researcher that examined the user experience Apple provides. The results of this study indicate there are numerous ways Apple creates user experiences. Apple was recognized as a leading …

Secret Ingredients: A Comparative Analysis Of Fine-Dining Experience Design For Selected Michelin Star Restaurants, Spencer Green

Experience Industry Management

The elevated nature and intentional design of fine dining set it apart from the normalcy of eating food and create an environment where guests are valued. The purpose of this study was to compare the fine-dining experience design practices of selected Michelin star restaurants. Restaurants Azurmendi and Per Se were selected for examination in this study. Both restaurants’ Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews were analyzed using an instrument developed by the researcher. Conclusions were drawn from the findings, indicating that Azurmendi and Per Se have well-executed experience design practices with few areas for improvement in customer service, atmosphere, and food and …

The Center Of Success: A Case Study On Hilton's Company Culture, Elsie G. Lamo

Experience Industry Management

Company culture is an essential element to the success of any organization. This is especially true in the hospitality industry where positive employee experiences are vital to customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the company culture of Hilton. Data were sourced primarily from Hilton websites, third-party websites, and academic articles. This study found that Hilton’s culture is shaped by compelling mission, vision, and value statements that drive every organizational aspect. Additionally, award-winning reward, recognition, and training programs sustain and reinforce a culture that grants Hilton a unique competitive advantage. To maintain market leadership, Hilton must continually …

The Wine Stone Inn, Kendall N. Doud

Agricultural Education and Communication

The Wine Stone Inn is a new 12-room boutique hotel currently being built in Old Town Orcutt, California. The hotel is seeking a grand opening that will attract vintner business, agribusiness, and agricultural vendors for the hotel, and help promote local wineries and breweries in the Santa Maria Valley. Orcutt is a growing township, which is becoming very attractive to visitors because of the walking distance to restaurants, local pubs, wine venues, and other businesses that project growth in the future. Agribusiness makes up a small percentage of the corporate market and agritourism is a growing segment in this area. …

Marketing The Arts: A Comparative Analysis Of The Social Media Practices Of Select Performing Arts Centers, Lindsey Morin

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Performing arts centers (PACs) provide a cultural hub that aids in increasing civic engagement and social capital within a community. Attendance in the performing arts has been on the decline, which threatens the cultural richness of communities across the country. The purpose of this study was to examine the social media marketing practices of select California performing arts centers. The PAC, San Luis Obispo, San Diego Symphony and Segerstrom Center for the Arts were selected to be examined in this study. This was done by strategically analyzing the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for each of the three PACs utilizing …

Rock The Runway Event Proposal, Jamie R. Foxen, Hayley Silva

Communication Studies

EVENT OVERVIEW

We will host a fundraiser to raise money for the non-profit Do It for the Love, by putting on a concert and fashion show. The concert and fashion show not only represent our passions, but will be an effective way to raise as much money as possible while making it an enjoyable experience for our guests. We will have 15-20 silent auction items for guests to bid on. Additionally, we hope to generate funds from the sale of Sextant wine by the glass at the event. This event will be a perfect and unique way to bring together …

Setting The Standard: A Study Of The Walt Disney Resort Service Model, Kelsey Freeman

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Companies are constantly seeking new ways to keep up with the changing expectations of customers. In the hospitality industry customizing guest service to each individual guest is a step that can be taken to create lasting relationships. The Walt Disney Resorts are worth examining for their high rate of return. The purpose of this study was to analyze the best practices and success of personalizing guest experience at the Walt Disney Resorts. The researcher used a case study checklist to gather information about the efforts Disney makes to customize guest experiences.The study found that allowing guests to customize their vacation, …

Bicycle Tourism Plan For Economic Development: A Template For Rural Agricultural Towns And A Case Study For The City Of Winters, California, Marisa Rene Lee

Master's Theses

Bicycling is a method of tourism transportation that is healthy, non-invasive, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable. It allows freedom, mobility, and sightseeing potential that is not made possible by other modes of transit. Thousands of bicycle tourists travel from all over the globe annually to explore California on touring bikes via established cycling routes and robust determination. Thousands of additional domestic and international visitors take weekend trips, plan family vacations, travel for business, or tour California from abroad, many of whom are excellent candidates for local and regional bicycle touring at a more gentle intensity level.

The increasing popularity and …

Corporate Event Planner’S Marketing Strategy: An Assessment Of Effective Website Design, Hayley V. Bauarschi

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Marketing is a key element in a company’s development. Remaining in the public eye helps ensure business as well as generate new clients. A continuous marketing tool companies use to remain visible is a website. In order to be effective, a website needs to engage and encourage users to connect with a company. The purpose of this study was to analyze the visual appeal and aesthetic design of websites for selected corporate event planning companies. The researcher studied certain components that reflect a successful website and then created a matrix based off research to collect data. The data helped to …

Loyalty Programs: An Examination Of The Best Practices In Selected Luxury Chain Hotels, Julie Poincenot

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Loyalty programs enable companies to reward their return customers. In the hotel industry, a loyalty program is a useful and beneficial tool to improve their customer service and entice their guests to stay with them on return visits. The purpose of this study was to conduct a best practices study on loyalty programs in luxury hotel chains. The researcher used a best practices matrix to examine the loyalty programs of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Omni Hotels and Resorts, and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. The study found that companies should benchmark their programs by aligning their benefits with companies similar to …

Weddings And Sustainability: A Case Study Examining Green Practices At Green With Envy Events, Jessica Roth

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Green with Envy Events is a sustainable event planning company based out of San Diego, California. This company was used when conducting a case study examining sustainable wedding practices. The research was gathered using internet research, academic journals, and information from the Green with Envy Events website. The company demographics were examined and the company’s sustainable practices were analyzed by comparing various aspects to a complete checklist. It was found that there are numerous sustainable materials and services that can be used, that sustainable materials and services are a better option than non-sustainable materials and services, and that the company …

Assessing The Need For Personalized, Jewelry-Based Customer Loyalty Programs Within Top Las Vegas, Nevada Luxury Casino Resorts, Melissa Brick

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Luxury markets have begun to expand from material items into places, experiences, and lifestyles. As the popularity of the luxury travel increases, resorts may benefit from incorporating some type of luxury aspect into a guest’s stay. The purpose of this study was to assess the current need for personalized, jewelry-based, luxury customer loyalty programs focused on wealthy visitors to resort casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The researcher created an over the phone interview script and interviewed representatives from 15 top luxury resort casinos in Las Vegas, NV. Existence of customer loyalty programs and ‘high-roller’ customer loyalty programs were found to …

Environmental Sustainability Practices In The Hospitality Industry Of Orange County, California, Lauren Doherty

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

The hospitality industry is growing rapidly in its practice and implementation of green initiatives in order to preserve the natural environment and successfully meet the needs and desires of green-minded consumers. The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental sustainability practices in the hotel and special events industries of Orange County. Data was collected from participants representing seven different hotel and event venues in Orange County. The instrument used consisted of semi-structured, with some forced-choice interview questions pertaining to the sustainability practices of each property. The results indicated that the seven properties are actively establishing and practicing environmental …

Satisfaction Of Vendors Who Participated In Sunset Magazine’S Savor The Central Coast Event, Jillian Armstrong

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

The San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau hosted the first food and wine event “Sunset Magazine’s Savor the Central Coast” that showcased the county’s best food and wine. Within the tourism industry stakeholder and Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) involvement in the community are crucial to tourism success. The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction of vendors who participated in the event. This study was conducted through the online survey application SurveyMonkey. The results of the survey indicate that overall, vendors were fairly satisfied with the event; however, they would like to see booth space …

Application Of Communication Concepts And Variables To Event Coordination: Flavor Of Slo, Sarah Hedayati

Communication Studies

No abstract provided.

Motivations For Camp Staff To Work At Camp, Jessica M. Cresci

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Camp staff are the heart of summer camps and can affect how the summer runs. The purpose of this study was to identify the motivations for staff to work at residential summer camps with special regard to any differences in motivations between staff who attended camp as a camper and staff who never attended camp as well as between international and national staff. This study used cluster sampling measuring 21 possible motivations. A link to an online survey was sent to eight camps as identified on the American Camp Association website. The top six motivations for staff to work at …