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2009

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

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Full-Text Articles in Business

Will Retail Travel Agencies In Singapore Survive: Comparison Between Retail Travel Agencies And Online Reservation Services, Yan Xin Low Dec 2009

Will Retail Travel Agencies In Singapore Survive: Comparison Between Retail Travel Agencies And Online Reservation Services, Yan Xin Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over the last two decades, the tourism industry has grown rapidly. But its evolution has been influenced by various factors such as culture and environmental changes including economic status and competition. Some of these factors, culture for instance, act as constants, providing some form of predictability to the evolution of the tourism industry within a specific society. While other factors, such as economic status and competition, act as variables that drive the industry to reach its potential. Hofstede defined “culture” as a collective programming of the human mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from …


Aaa Five Diamond Designation: Is It Worthwhile To Convert?, Jayme Elizabeth Deck Weight Dec 2009

Aaa Five Diamond Designation: Is It Worthwhile To Convert?, Jayme Elizabeth Deck Weight

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There is very little literature that analyzes the benefits of travel industry ratings and the benefits of achieving a top designation. The purpose of this paper is to determine if it is beneficial to become a AAA Five Diamond property, specifically in Las Vegas, in relation to the cost associated with meeting the standards of the designation. The paper examines all aspects of the conversion to these Five Diamond standards including staffing, training, physical property, financial output, profit, ADR, employee attitude, customer attitude, and overall perception. It also looks at the time involved with the conversion from Four Diamond to …


Loyalty To Relationships: Examination Of Affluent Casino Guest Retention In Las Vegas, Adrian Y. Low Dec 2009

Loyalty To Relationships: Examination Of Affluent Casino Guest Retention In Las Vegas, Adrian Y. Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper analyzes the challenges faced by Las Vegas, Nevada casinos when catering to their affluent guests. As part of the literature review, the paper will examine the various retention efforts taken by luxury products and service providers, along with luxury hotels and hotel casinos in Las Vegas. Personal communications with casino hotel executives provides a real-world comparison of the effectiveness and limitations of various techniques discussed in the literature review.


Leadership Assessment: A Tool For Developing Future Hospitality Leaders, Sam Carlton Dec 2009

Leadership Assessment: A Tool For Developing Future Hospitality Leaders, Sam Carlton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to identify and confirm important key leadership behaviors and characteristics of successful hotel and hospitality leaders with the intentions of validating key leadership theories and making suggestions for future hotel and hospitality leaders. Two very relevant theories of leadership are explored- Transactional and Transformational. The traits and behaviors contained within the theories are identified and subsequently mapped against past and present hospitality industry leaders. As a result, the paper identifies the critical few traits and behaviors necessary for future leaders to be successful. Finally, a tool has been developed to be used to identify …


Post-Katrina New Orleans: The Challenges, Milestones And Progress Of Small Business Owners And Entrepreneurs, Iona Lee Dec 2009

Post-Katrina New Orleans: The Challenges, Milestones And Progress Of Small Business Owners And Entrepreneurs, Iona Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The US Small Business Association reports that 99.9% of all US business can be classified as small. Having less than 500 employees small businesses provide work for just over half of all US private sector workers (2009). Additionally, less than 2% of those businesses have between 100-499 employees (Headd & Kirchhoff, 2009), leaving approximately 97% of all US businesses employing 99 or fewer employees. Given this statistic, it would stand to reason that small businesses have a higher success rate than large ones; however, developing and opening a small business does not occur without risk. The SBA reports that only …


Bone Rattlers Bar & Grill Business Plan, Lovedy Ann Zie Carroll Dec 2009

Bone Rattlers Bar & Grill Business Plan, Lovedy Ann Zie Carroll

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Independent restaurants are important in communities. Not only can restaurants provide the basic need of an enjoyable meal but restaurants also serve as gathering places for social and recreational purposes. People can celebrate special occasions, spend time with family or friends, and/or enjoy the atmosphere at restaurants. A restaurateur must have a solid business plan and understanding of what it means to run a restaurant business in both strong and weak economies. Lack of job security has many Americans leaving the corporate world to start their own businesses and make their own future (Cohn, 2009). According to the U.S. Small …


The Role Of Cultural And Change During Mergers And Acquisitions: Bringing The Pride Back, Geoffrey W. Denight Jr Dec 2009

The Role Of Cultural And Change During Mergers And Acquisitions: Bringing The Pride Back, Geoffrey W. Denight Jr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 1998 a small family run casino operation was acquired by a large Las Vegas Casino Corporation. At the time the two companies had different cultures and there was an immediate clash between the two as the larger corporation sought to change the ways business was being conducted. Compounded by out side economic factors the business experienced a dramatic decline in revenue and employee morale. In this case study, the personalities and outside factors that had an impact on this acquisition will be revealed and the steps taken to change and manage the culture of the company, improve morale and …


An Entry Level Managerial Training Program For Hourly Hospitality Employees, Cynthia Mejia Dec 2009

An Entry Level Managerial Training Program For Hourly Hospitality Employees, Cynthia Mejia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to develop an entry-level managerial training program for line-level hospitality employees. An analysis of the current literature regarding training and motivation will be used as the foundation for the proposed training program. In addition, two central issues will be addressed to ensure the success of the participants in the managerial training program: a) The identification and resolution of perceived obstacles employees face when contemplating advancement, and b) the practice of developing internal employees to increase retention, and thereby reduce the high costs associated with middle management turnover.


Cost-Effective Training And Development Programs In The Hotel Industry During A Recessionary Period, Fiona Clementine King Dec 2009

Cost-Effective Training And Development Programs In The Hotel Industry During A Recessionary Period, Fiona Clementine King

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Training and development are essential in providing employees with the right skills for their present and future jobs. The world today is constantly evolving, with customers demanding more, which in turn adds pressure to companies and their employees. Therefore, in times of recessions, decreasing the budgets of training programs is a way for companies in all industries to manage and minimize their financial losses. The purpose of this paper is to identify the different techniques that the hotel industry could use to maintain the training and development of their employees during an economic recession. This paper will also look at …


The Luxury Casino Hotel Dynamic Price Strategy Practices For The Fit Customer Segment, Lei Chen Nov 2009

The Luxury Casino Hotel Dynamic Price Strategy Practices For The Fit Customer Segment, Lei Chen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research paper compares room rate luxury casino hotel pricing pattern between the periods of 4/1/2009 to 6/30/2009). A good price strategy can help a hotel optimize both price and demand. The price strategy is also the only way a hotel can offset its demand in advance. Price strategy experienced several revolutions after the hotel industry adopted the Revenue management (RM) price strategy from the airline industry, which has changed it profoundly in the past decades. The RM price strategy is, more than ever before, a fundamental influence on RM practice. This is not only because of its financial point …


A Comparison Of Gambling Motivation Factors Between Chinese And Western Casino Players, Lu Ye Nov 2009

A Comparison Of Gambling Motivation Factors Between Chinese And Western Casino Players, Lu Ye

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper explored literature on gambling motivation of Western and Chinese casino players to find out the similarities and differences of their motivation factors. Study found that they are motivated in similar ways by the desire to win, social and early memories. However, the Chinese gamblers exhibit severer cognitive errors, stronger risk-taking tendency and higher level of stress and depression, which explained the common findings of literature that Chinese have higher gambling and problem gambling rates than other ethnic groups. The findings would benefit casino operators in making marketing strategy at the Chinese players as well as problem gambling treatment …


Management And Disaster, Eugene Soraghan Oct 2009

Management And Disaster, Eugene Soraghan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect management has on disaster response and recovery. Specifically, the investigation will determine what management model or methodology seems to produce the greatest effect when preparing for, reacting to, and recovering from a disaster. Any firm with a managerial hierarchy utilizes some methodology or model to organize and oversee its personnel and operations, even if this model may not be consciously recognized by the organization, escape a direct association with a theory, or lack a proper name. While these models may prove effective at internal regulation and profit realization, they consistently …


Applying The Service Profit Chain To The Gaming Industry, Emphasizing On Table Games Dealers, In Las Vegas, David Lee Oct 2009

Applying The Service Profit Chain To The Gaming Industry, Emphasizing On Table Games Dealers, In Las Vegas, David Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gaming has been a significant part of the tourism industry in Las Vegas. Most gamblers come to Las Vegas hoping to win big, but are often disappointed. So what keeps people coming back time and again to contribute to Las Vegas’ economy? The casinos and the gaming industry believe that the unique and individual service guests experience at their establishment is the primary reason why guests return. For example, at Harrah's employees are upbeat and positive in an effort to keep customers returning; at the Venetian the core value instilled in each and every employee is to provide un-matched guest …


The Ged And Alternative Learning Center Diploma As A Factor In Post-Secondary Persistence And Success, Michael C. Autenrieth Oct 2009

The Ged And Alternative Learning Center Diploma As A Factor In Post-Secondary Persistence And Success, Michael C. Autenrieth

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper will be to analyze how graduates of alternative learning high schools and GED certificate holders compare to traditional high school diploma recipients in terms of academic success at post-secondary institutions. A review of the existing literature and statistical analysis of entering students at a private career college will provide both a historical perspective and illustrate pertinent facts surrounding this issue. Analysis of the available information will provide the foundation for future planning and initiatives designed to improve the process or mitigate any identified inequities.


A Case Study To Examine The Application Of Food Cost Theories In Menu Pricing And Cost Control Management Within A New Restaurant Operation, Mark W. Barnard Aug 2009

A Case Study To Examine The Application Of Food Cost Theories In Menu Pricing And Cost Control Management Within A New Restaurant Operation, Mark W. Barnard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cost accounting principles regarding identification and allocation of direct raw material costs are widely endorsed as "best practices" for profit maximization throughout the food service industry. From its potential role in establishing menu prices to the need for constant monitoring in operations, food cost control is emphasized as a primary responsibility in managing back-ofthe- house operations (Berberoglu, 1993; Dopson, 2008). Investigation of this topic has indicated that a large number of operators are satisfied that their operations are supported by quality cost control procedures. Inquiry as to specific components of any reliable cost control system often reveals inadequacies that preclude …


Americans Abroad: International Hospitality Careers, Julienne Chranowski Aug 2009

Americans Abroad: International Hospitality Careers, Julienne Chranowski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is an exploratory research paper reviewing international tourism and hospitality careers with a focus on Abu Dhabi, the capitol of the United Arab Emirates. The paper reviews the cultural aspects of business life in the country and gives Americans the necessary steps to finding a career in this foreign land


Digital/Social Media As An Audience Marketing Tool To Promote Corporate Events, Corie Rand Aug 2009

Digital/Social Media As An Audience Marketing Tool To Promote Corporate Events, Corie Rand

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this professional paper, a case study, is to determine the benefits of using digital/social media as an additional audience-marketing tool in promoting and increasing registration for business-to-business (B2B) corporate in-person events. This case study researches the state of the B2B publishing/media industry, and the media company, Reed Business Information (RBI) is the focus of this study. This paper will address RBI's business need to invest in additional revenue streams, and the potential of applying researched marketing tools that could help to promote and drive registration for events. The impact of applying digital/social media, as a marketing tool, …


Introducing Pr Strategies Into Chinese Exhibition Planning Services, Fei Xia Aug 2009

Introducing Pr Strategies Into Chinese Exhibition Planning Services, Fei Xia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This professional paper focuses on case studies from three Chinese companies’ exhibition experiences. This paper will use the case studies to investigate clients’ perspectives on the planning deficiencies of Chinese exhibition companies or professional associations. Finally, this paper will propose a relatively executable guide that includes an advanced U.S. planning process for Chinese exhibition companies.


Travelocity And The Opaque Booking Model: New Ways To Stimulate Incremental Revenue, Greg Kinchen Aug 2009

Travelocity And The Opaque Booking Model: New Ways To Stimulate Incremental Revenue, Greg Kinchen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In today economy the declining hotel occupancies are motivating hotels to push deeply discounted rates through online travel agency opaque booking models. Online travel sites like Priceline and Hotwire have benefited from the opaque booking model even though overall travel and the economy is down.


Analysis Of Boys Hope Girls Hope Of Nevada, Andrea Sundberg, Brad Giles, Cedric Pittman, Imelda Delatorre, Rebbeca Morris Fridley Jul 2009

Analysis Of Boys Hope Girls Hope Of Nevada, Andrea Sundberg, Brad Giles, Cedric Pittman, Imelda Delatorre, Rebbeca Morris Fridley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

One of the most important components of any business is the ability to effectively market the organization. Marketing is critical in shaping the public's knowledge of services offered and how an organization distinguishes itself from other organizations within a community. This type of recognition ultimately affects an organization's sustainability. To effectively conduct outreach and create an effective marketing strategy nonprofit organizations are increasingly becoming reliant on volunteers to meet these missions. With nonprofit organizations taking on larger caseloads with limited staff, organizations are becoming more reliant on volunteers, which include the Board of Directors, to assist in marketing and fundraising. …


How Color Affects Food Choices, Costa Magoulas Jul 2009

How Color Affects Food Choices, Costa Magoulas

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Color has a very strong influence in the hospitality industry. How much thought has been given to food choices because of color, and how influential is that on customers’ satisfaction of a food product? Staff that prepares food must understand how color and taste work together through presentation and eye appeal to create the WOW factor since customers eat with their eyes first. People associate different foods with different colors. When this perception changes it often has a detrimental effect on the customer’s perception of how that food should taste. Scientific information was gathered on the history of food, the …


Nation Branding: A Case Study Of Singapore, F. Woo Yee Jun 2009

Nation Branding: A Case Study Of Singapore, F. Woo Yee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Nation branding, or country branding is a relatively new concept. The purpose of this paper is to develop a case study of Singapore as a nation brand. It will first review the conceptual foundation of nation branding and study nation branding application. This study will use the case study approach to gain insight into nation branding concept and inspect Singapore as a nation within the parameters of nation branding. The specific objectives of this paper are to first review the conceptual and theoretical foundation of nation branding by leading researchers in the marketing field; second, to examine and define nation …


A Comparison Of Hospitality Human Resources Practices In Greece And The United States: An Analysis Of Human Resources Practices And The Potential Effects On Service Quality, John Philippakos Jun 2009

A Comparison Of Hospitality Human Resources Practices In Greece And The United States: An Analysis Of Human Resources Practices And The Potential Effects On Service Quality, John Philippakos

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Proper approaches to managing an organization’s human resources are becoming more and more scientific. Most human resource managers would agree that the selection, training, and management of personnel are vital factors in the productivity of the operation. Although this statement has been proven repeatedly, in many industries, it is in the hospitality industry that we understand the true importance of human resource management.


The Financial Performance Of Two Singapore Boutique Hotels: A Comparative Analysis, Kah Seng Fong Jun 2009

The Financial Performance Of Two Singapore Boutique Hotels: A Comparative Analysis, Kah Seng Fong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

During the decades when business and international travel expanded, the leading hotels began to set typical formats for their room layouts and décor, their restaurants, and their related services. For example, everyone recognizes that successive corporate decision-makers in hotels like Starwood, Hyatt, and Marriott converted their individual properties so each looked and acted like the others. Part of the motivation toward standardization was intended to comfort the traveler who then could depend on the expected quality no matter where the hotel was located.


Targeting And Positioning Hotel Atlet Century Park In Serving Two Distinct Markets: Commercial And Social, Grace Widiarti Jun 2009

Targeting And Positioning Hotel Atlet Century Park In Serving Two Distinct Markets: Commercial And Social, Grace Widiarti

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hotel Atlet Century Park (HACP) is a government owned hotel located in the sports district in central Jakarta, Indonesia. The hotel was opened in November 1991 and is operated by PT. Lingga Hamparan Krida (PT. LHK), a private company. The hotel occupies 1.7 hectares of land and was formerly a dormitory for Indonesian athletes. With 17 stories and 600 rooms, it was indeed a large dormitory. When the government encountered difficulties in managing such a large dormitory, PT. LHK approached the government to discuss the possibility of converting the dormitory into a three-star hotel. The decision of PT. LHK to …


Decentralizing Police Detectives: Increasing Efficiency Of Property Crime Investigations, Jon M. Zeh May 2009

Decentralizing Police Detectives: Increasing Efficiency Of Property Crime Investigations, Jon M. Zeh

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Beginning in November, 2007, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department implemented organizational changes to the Financial/Property Crimes Bureau by decentralizing all property crime detectives. Although no previous research was found on the decentralization of police detectives specifically, there is existing research on similar concepts that suggest at least two benefits of decentralizing police detectives: improved communication with patrol officers and increased efficiency of investigations. With these benefits in mind, the current study examines the following hypotheses: hypothesis 1: decentralizing property crime detectives will lead to improved quality of communication between property crime detectives and patrol officers; hypothesis 2: decentralizing property …


Maximizing Cash Flows In Integrated Resorts: An Exploratory Study Of The Highest And Best Use Of Available Space, Denise Négrel May 2009

Maximizing Cash Flows In Integrated Resorts: An Exploratory Study Of The Highest And Best Use Of Available Space, Denise Négrel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Through the analysis of the available literature, this exploratory study focuses on the concepts of direct and indirect contribution of amenities to the financial results of Integrated Resorts. In addition, the paper reviews the retail definition of highest and best use and evaluates its possible applications to the hospitality industry. Even if limited in number, studies in the field show that, with the appropriate statistical models, it is possible to estimate the indirect financial contribution of specific amenities to the profitability of Integrated Resorts. Moreover, an unprofitable amenity can justify its presence in an Integrated Resort only by indirectly contributing …


The Swedish Casino Model: A Comparative Study Of Casino Gaming Models, Daniel Sahlin May 2009

The Swedish Casino Model: A Comparative Study Of Casino Gaming Models, Daniel Sahlin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This comparative study addresses the different gaming regulations that exist around the world. The study involves seven different countries, with its center of attention on the Swedish Casino Model which is owned and operated by the Swedish Government. The study of the Casino Models that originate from each country’s gaming legislation and the influence they have worldwide, as well as how and why new Casino Gaming models are developed. Lastly, a discussion is presented on how different Casino Models can have an effect upon each other and how the Sweden Casino Model may or may not effect other nations.


An Examination Of Female Poker Players, Di Ma May 2009

An Examination Of Female Poker Players, Di Ma

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

MSN Encarta defines gambling as the wager “of money or other items of value on an uncertain event, dependent either wholly or in part on chance.” The major types of gambling are lotteries, sports betting including horse racing, and casino games including slot machines and table games (2007). A look at PokerUK.com’s Famous Gamblers of the 18th century to present shows thirteen men and zero women (2007). This gender division has experienced a recent change. In 1999, CNN.com reported that women who gambled increased 20% between 1994 and 1998. This figure doubled the percentage growth for male gamblers. The e-Commerce …


An Examination Of The Non-Gaming Nightlife Entertainment Sector Of Las Vegas Resort-Casinos, Jennifer Miyakubo May 2009

An Examination Of The Non-Gaming Nightlife Entertainment Sector Of Las Vegas Resort-Casinos, Jennifer Miyakubo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper provides an overview of the non-gaming nightlife entertainment sector of Las Vegas resort-casinos. Three qualitative interviews with executives of The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, The Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and The Mirage Las Vegas were conducted to examine their perceptions and needs in the industry. This paper examines the impact the current economic recession is having on the Las Vegas nightlife and also reveals what types of questions resort-casino operators want to know about their customer. This exploratory research is a useful preliminary step that helps ensure that a more rigorous, more conclusive future …