Digital Commons Network^™

Adapting To Disruption: How Traditional Licensed Accommodations Are Embracing Airbnb Through Collaborative Competition, Maria Matthews, Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Rodrigo Lucena

ICHRIE Research Reports

This paper examines how licensed accommodations respond to Airbnb disruption. It focuses on the emerging strategy of ‘collaborative competition,’ where licensed accommodations use Airbnb’s platform as a distribution channel, blending collaboration, with competition. The study highlights a significant shift in business strategy in response to Airbnb's disruption, illustrating initial resistance and retaliation to strategic engagement. This study contributes to the broader understanding of the impact of Airbnb on licensed accommodations and highlights the importance of agility, innovation, and strategic collaboration in the face of disruption, offering valuable insights for both academics and practitioners in the field of hospitality management.

Effectiveness Of Generative Ai In Craft Beer Promotional Campaigns For Small Breweries, Christopher Eastment, Jangwoo Jo

ICHRIE Research Reports

The study explores the effectiveness of Generative AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), in creating promotional campaigns for small breweries, with a focus on Burns Family Artisan Ales' Cold Spell IPA. It assesses the potential of LLMs in crafting narratives and marketing strategies, balancing creativity and relevance to the brand's identity. The research examines the LLM's capabilities in producing both textual and visual content, evaluating their alignment with marketing objectives and brand ethos. The findings reveal strengths in textual content creation but limitations in visual content, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The study contributes insights into integrating AI in …

Harnessing The Power Of Large Language Models (Llms) In Crafting Employee Manuals: A Case Study Of A Small Local Restaurant, Camille Rawinski, Jangwoo Jo

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study examines the efficacy of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4, in creating employee manuals for small businesses, focusing on a family-owned restaurant. Addressing the psychological contract theory, the research explores how LLMs can aid in drafting manuals that articulate implicit employer-employee expectations within the unique context of small businesses. The study involves a comprehensive content analysis of an LLM-generated manual, evaluating its legal compliance, operational relevance, and alignment with the restaurant's culture. Results highlight LLMs' potential in addressing resource and expertise constraints while also underscoring challenges such as ensuring legal accuracy and maintaining the nuances of the psychological …

Can Travel Pledges Influence Tourists’ Sustainable Travel Behavior?, Faizan Ali, Usman Khan, Kamila Arkhash

ICHRIE Research Reports

Environmental awareness is growing and understanding the impact of sustainability pledges on tourist behavior is crucial. This study investigates the effectiveness of such commitments in shaping eco-friendly travel choices. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 475 participants, we examine the influence of sustainability pledges on environmental knowledge, tourist inspiration, and connectedness with nature. Furthermore, our findings highlight the key role of environmental concern in shaping attitudes towards sustainability travel pledges. Practical implications from these findings offer actionable strategies for industry practitioners to promote sustainable tourism, emphasizing the integration of sustainability pledges into promotional materials, the design of inspiring …

Automated Customer Assistance Is Not Customer Service, Chris Roberts Phd, Lisa Young Phd, Misty M. Johanson Phd, Mary Jo Dolasinski Phd

ICHRIE Research Reports

For development of the theory of service, the focus is on the constructs of service. The theory is expanded to encompass the various business models of service and the service encounter including but not limited to guest satisfaction, service quality, service and technology, service system design, and customer relationship management. Consideration is given to the aspects of the service transaction and what constitutes service, where a labor component of a firm’s product has been transferred to the customer. Lastly, self-service and automation are considered in the context of the user experience. A model of the theory of service is presented.

Service Quality Dynamics: Exploring The Impact Of Novelty On Customer Enjoyment And Satisfaction With Serving Robots, Buket Yasar, Eun-Kyong (Cindy) Choi, Hyun-Woo (David) Joung, Heelye (Jason) Park

ICHRIE Research Reports

This report examines the influence of customer novelty on enjoyment and satisfaction in the context of serving robots within the foodservice industry. With a focus on addressing concerns surrounding service quality, the study utilizes the SERVQUAL model to evaluate reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness. Moreover, it investigates the levels of enjoyment and satisfaction in robotic service interactions. Through a comparative analysis of two distinct consumer segments, Explorers and Traditionalists, the study reveals that Explorers, characterized by novelty-seeking behavior, express higher satisfaction with robotic service. The findings suggest that businesses can enhance satisfaction by leveraging novelty in human-robot interactions. Furthermore, …

They've Got Game

DePaul Magazine

DePaul alumni occupy positions across the sports industry. Specialized business and communication programs aim to increase those stats.

Meta-Sustained Nurturing Greener Events Using The Metaverse Technology, Conner Brown, Christopher Eastment, Smita Singh Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

The case study focuses on the integration of sustainability principles with metaverse technology in the field of event and meeting management. The primary goal is to tackle global challenges by embedding sustainable practices that align with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. This educational approach utilizes immersive simulations that allow students to develop and propose solutions to real-world sustainability issues. The content encourages students to understand the interconnectivity of different sustainability practices and their applications. By leveraging technology, the case study aims to enhance educational experiences and promote sustainable behaviors. …

Empowering Inclusivity: Leveraging Technology For Designing Accessible Events, Smita Singh, Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, Jazmyn Johannassen

ICHRIE Research Reports

In the evolving landscape of meeting and event management, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity is paramount. This literature review delves into the technological advancements in creating universally accessible events. From assistive listening devices to augmented reality for sensory enhancement, we dissect various tools and methodologies. By analyzing a spectrum of scholarly articles, case studies, and real-world applications, the review underscores the transformative power of technology in removing barriers and fostering inclusivity. The findings advocate for proactive adoption of these technologies, reiterating that inclusivity in meeting and event design is not just ethical but imperative today.

Research, Planning, And Development Of A University Retirement Community (Urc): A Strategic Lodging Opportunity, Tevfik Demirciftci, Britt Mathwich, Fred Demicco

ICHRIE Research Reports

University Retirement Communities (URCs) are a growing trend among universities and senior living. URCs are an intriguing concept that benefits retirees and universities as they bring alums back to campus for their residences. This study investigates the interest level and preferences of Colorado Mesa University's alums and retired professors for an on-campus URC. This research is the first phase of the planning process for developing and operating a successful URC.

Keywords: University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRC), Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Senior Living Communities, Active Adult Communities

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Adoption Of Amusement Park Mobile Applications, Thomas Schrier

ICHRIE Research Reports

Many amusement parks across the US have developed mobile applications. Considering the potential business impact of mobile applications, it is important to understand amusement park visitors’ perceptions and attitudes toward mobile applications. This study proposes a conceptual model that incorporates variables from the technology acceptance model, the task-technology fit theory, and the theory of planned behavior. These variables will be used to investigate the attitudes, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of amusement park visitors. Structural Equation Modeling will be utilized to test the conceptual model. This study can provide amusement park operators with guidance for the improvement and efficiency of mobile …

Event Technology And Attendee Experience: A Systematic Review And Research Agenda, Jijun (Jackie) Chen, Shinyong (Shawn) Jung

ICHRIE Research Reports

The events industry is experiencing growth, both as a sector of the tourism industry and in the technology that impacts the attendee experience during an event. While research into event-related technologies is robust, there is not much research on the specific roles that technology can play in facilitating attendees’ experiences at an event. This study proposes to use the PRISMA approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of technology-enabled experiences within the context of events. Results will drive future research in this area of study.

Toxic Leadership: Managerial Implications For Tourism And Hospitality Business, Alessandro Cavelzani

ICHRIE Research Reports

There is growing attention on research about dysfunctional management issues, specifically regarding toxic leadership, which lead to deleterious consequences in business. When a leader enacts toxic behaviors rather than providing support and realistic directions, it will cause severe stress, burnout, and passive-aggressive dynamics on their team, negatively affecting guest experiences. Therefore, this transactional paper aims at developing managers’ awareness of the toxic leadership issue, enlightening how to recognize and detect it. Also, to contribute to reducing job stress and promoting mental health at the workplace, we suggest some recommendations on how companies can handle the toxic leadership phenomenon by enhancing …

Time-Inconsistent Preference In Booking Hotels: Role Of Quasi-Hyperbolic Discounting In Booking Timing And Price Options Change Over Time, Meiying Liu

ICHRIE Research Reports

In hotel booking decision-making, consumers must incorporate booking timing and cancellation policy with different price options to deal with uncertainty in the upcoming travel and their utilities that aggregate spending and enjoying on the hotel booking. To fill the gap in the literature that omitted the consumers’ time-inconsistent booking behavior over time and the mechanisms behind booking decisions and timing decisions, this study investigates consumers’ preference between two price options related to cancellation over time and their preferred booking timing. Quasi-hyperbolic discounting model in behavioral economics is applied to explain time-inconsistent behavior by lab experiment.

Depaul Digest

DePaul Magazine

College of Education Professor Jason Goulah fosters hope, happiness and global citizenship through DePaul’s Institute for Daisaku Ikeda Studies in Education. Associate Journalism Professor Jill Hopke shares how to talk about climate change. News briefs from DePaul’s 10 colleges and schools: Occupational Therapy Standardized Patient Program, Financial Planning Certificate program, Business Education in Technology and Analytics Hub, Racial Justice Initiative, Teacher Quality Partnership grant, Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury collaboration, School of Music Career Closet, Sports Photojournalism course, DePaul Migration Collaborative’s Solutions Lab, Inclusive Screenwriting courses. New appointments: School of Music Dean John Milbauer, College of Education Dean Jennifer …

For More Dementia-Friendly Facilities In Tourism And Hospitality, Paola Ossola

ICHRIE Research Reports

Some tourists – such as seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women, obese people, people with allergies, etc. – might have physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities that limit their tourism experiences. These tourists may require access accommodations. Nevertheless, only a small number of hotels and other hospitality facilities have been catering to these needs beyond the legal minimum so far. To address this gap, we recommend the implementation of sustainable practices for enhancing accessibility in hotels and other hospitality facilities that specifically focus on meeting the needs of senior tourists who may be living with dementia. For doing so, the first …

Understanding Attitudes Towards Change, Organizational Diversity & Inclusion Strategies And Anti-Racist, Multicultural Engagement, Lynda D. Gonzales

College of Business Theses and Dissertations

Building on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study focuses on employees from YMCAs across the United States and explores the relationships between individual resistance to change (RTC), attitudes towards organizational diversity & inclusion strategies (AODI) and engagement in anti-racist, multicultural (AMO) efforts. Utilizing the Resistance to Change Scale, the study argues that higher RTC results in lower engagement in AMO activities. Additionally, the study explores AODI predicting more positive attitudes result in greater AMO engagement and that AODI will moderate the relationship between RTC and AMO. A demographically representative total of 141 YMCA employees participated from across the …

Virtual Reality Images As A Tool In Hotel Promotions: Is It Effective And Worth Investment?, Lisa Slevitch, Tilanka Chandrasekera, Luis Mejia Puig

ICHRIE Research Reports

This report examines how traditional photos compare to two different types of virtual reality (VR) images (static and 360°) when used as promotional tools for hotels. An experimental study by Slevitch et al.(2022), which utilized multiple types of measures, served as the foundation for the recommendations. The results showed that static VR images performed the same way as traditional photos, however the 360° VR images had a more positive impact on participants’ emotional responses and were more engaging than other images. This suggests that 360° VR images are better for hotel promotions, especially when initial impressions, such as interest and …

Level Up Eco-Friendly Hotel Stay: Guest Power Up And Save Energy With Gamification, Aili Wu, Juhee Kang, Wei Wei, David J. Kwun

ICHRIE Research Reports

Executive Summary

Hotel businesses endeavor to achieve successful green practices for long-lasting business success. The key issue is to promote consumers’ willingness to participate in such practices. Despite increased environmental awareness among today’s consumers, a relatively large percentage of consumers hesitate to actively engage with green practices because they are unwilling to sacrifice their comforts and convenience for their paid experience. This report introduces a gamification approach to hotels’ green practices through an investigation of how game components motivate guests’ energy-saving participation. This report finds that the energy-saving game can improve hotel guests’ willingness to save energy and even revisit …

Moderating Effects Of Relationship Length And Contact Frequency On Customer Citizenship Behaviors, Laee Choi, Mi Ran Kim

ICHRIE Research Reports

Studies show that contact frequency and relationship length impact co-creative and in-role behaviors with service providers. However, their influence on extra-role or customer citizenship behaviors (CCBs) remains unexplored. This study delves into the moderating role of relationship length and contact frequency within the CCB model. Utilizing an online survey (n = 665), the study unveils that perceived justice’s impact on affective commitment is not moderated by contact frequency, whereas the impact is stronger in short-term than in longer-term relationships. The perceived support-affective commitment-CCBs relationship is stronger in high contact than in low contact group. Similarly, the relationship is stronger for …

Professional Partners

DePaul Magazine

DePaul students draw on specialized skills to serve business and industrial clients.

2021 Depaul University Library And Art Museum Climate Survey Report, Wendall Sullivan, Subcommittee For The Survey And Report, Idea Committee, Depaul University Library, April Hummons, Dorian Rodriguez-Spicer, Christine Mcclure, Matthew Krause

Climate Surveys and Reports

In the fall of 2021, the DePaul University Library and Art Museum’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) Committee decided to conduct a survey of the library’s climate to establish a baseline for its work. The survey was sent to all full and part-time library staff and ran for six weeks. One of the goals of the IDEA committee is to bring awareness of implicit biases, micro-aggressions, exclusionary practices, and structural racism and discrimination within Library and Art Museum operations, environment, and culture; to review, audit and propose internal polices and processes for the Library and Art Museum to implement IDEA …

Tourist Behaviors During Tourism Activities – Part Three, Chris Roberts, Mary Jo Dolasinski, Joel Reynolds

ICHRIE Research Reports

This series of three reports was developed to discuss tourist behaviors in three key areas of the hospitality industry: lodging, dining, and activities and events. A primary purpose was to provide insights from the user’s perspective, as the majority of content comes from the provider’s point of view. One paper focused on tourist’s behaviors in lodging and another focused on tourist’s behaviors while dining. This paper focused on tourist’s behaviors in activities and events. The goal was to provide valuable insights to assist practitioners in better understanding tourist’s behaviors and to develop strategies to provide the best experience possible.

All Together Now

DePaul Magazine

New initiatives across campus, such as the Social Transformation Research Collaborative, Social Impact Incubator program and College of Law curricular changes, amplify DePaul’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Empirical Assessment Of Big Data Technology Adoption Factors For Organizations With Data Storage Systems, Ahmad B. Alnafoosi

College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations

Many organizations have on-premises data storage systems. Data storage systems are evolving in multiple ways. One way is the adoption of Big Data. Big Data is a data storage system with the ability to analyze large volumes, velocity, and a variety of data. Per the Economist, data is now the most valuable resource (Parkins, 2017). Big Data holds the promise of unlocking a substantial value of data stored. Yet many organizations are not implementing Big Data. There is a need to identify key factors affecting adoption for such organizations. The literature review revealed multiple gaps in studied adoption factors (un-studied …

An Empirical Study On Email Use, Stress, And Employee Job Satisfaction In A Covid-19 Environment, David J. Bouvier

College of Business Theses and Dissertations

April 2020, COVID-19 (COVID) changed the world and how society functions, transforming the means in which we communicate. Face-to-face interactions were abruptly and immediately replaced with technology mediums. The increase in technology use changed our interpersonal communication habits, placing greater reliance on new and existing electronic methods. Although new forms continue to evolve, the predominate electronic communication method utilized is email. This research uses grounded theory on stress and technology acceptance, and further assesses perceived email volume changes to analyze the relationship of these constructs to job satisfaction during COVID. The data was collected from 147 employees of a mid-sized …

The Effect Of Management’S Focus On Sasb Measures On Financial Performance: A Study Of The Health Care Supply Chain Sector, James C. Morell

College of Business Theses and Dissertations

Publicly traded companies are coming under increasing pressure from investors and the media to demonstrate their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability, and there are many ESG models competing for the attention of the board and senior management team (Burke, 2020, Fatemi, 2017, and Jebe, 2019). In response to this pressure the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) has prepared a “Directors’ Guide to the SASB Standards” for eleven industries (Value Reporting Foundation, 2021). The objective of this study was to provide evidence to support the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s claim that organizational adoption and strategic focus on its …

Spring/Summer 2022

Business Exchange

Business Education Reimagined; Scholarship Honors Legacy of Professor Sandra Shelton; Revised Bachelor’s in Business Degree Curriculum Debuts This Fall; School of Accountancy & MIS Names New Director; Sulin Ba Appointed Driehaus College of Business Dean; Real-World Consulting Projects Prepare Students for Careers; Alumnus Brian Ruben: “Paying It Forward Is the DePaul Way”

Parsing The Pandemic: A Special Report

DePaul Magazine

This special report takes a look at four sectors—transportation, hospitality, entertainment and education—and examines how the pandemic affected their operations, what lessons they learned and how they are changing to ensure a bright future.

Fall/Winter 2021

Business Exchange

Flexibility Is Our New Norm; $8 Million Bequest Supports Student Scholarships; Women in Entrepreneurship Institute Partnership Supports Business Founders of Color; College Named a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner; MacArthur Foundation Grant Supports Housing Research; Navigating the New Workplace Norms; Professor Introduces Students to Fintech Innovations; Accounting Graduate Brews Coffee Business with Soul