Business Commons^™

An Assessment Of The World Wine Auction Marketplace, Michael M. Bowden

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The fine wine marketplace has exploded in recent years, especially within the United States. Driven from super-heated prices this year [2007], American and European wine auctions sponsored by English-language houses realized at least US$333,209,438 in revenues this year, up from last year’s [2006] US$242,803,251 (Goldberg, 2007). It should also be noted that Peter D. Meltzer, from Wine Spectator magazine, stated that “worldwide auctions of fine and rare wines rose 25 percent over 2006 to hit a record $301 million in sales, according to figures just released by the major auction houses” (Meltzer, 2008, P. 128). This charge, especially in the …

Building An Effective Marketing Model For Native American Casinos, Jeffery M. Pletcher

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 1987 the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that, as sovereign political entities, federally recognized Native American tribal entities could operate gaming facilities free of state regulation. Soon after, Congress introduced the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which maps out the conditions under which Native American tribal entities are permitted to operate casinos and bingo parlors (Kilby, Fox, & Lucas, 2005). These terms and conditions for Native American casinos under IGRA regulation are Class II gaming methods. Class II gaming is defined as the game of chance commonly known as bingo (regardless of electronic, computer, or other technological aid) (Kilby …

Market Feasibility Studies: Hospitality Decision Making, Kim Mangino

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The specific purpose of this paper was to create a teaching case, while analyzing data that was collected in an effort to determine whether or not the particular organization had achieved “excellence.” The resulting teaching case aims to be an additional resource in organizational behavior and mainstream business classes across the globe, as it provides an example of a highly successful company that is facing basic, fundamental organizational issues. Ideally, this research will provide readers with an avenue for scrutinizing major issues in the hospitality industry and potential solutions. The case is most appropriate for upper division undergraduates or graduate …

Measuring Gaps In Customer Service At Spas: Are We Offering Our Customers What They Want?, Patricia Mittelstadt

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Currently, there is no academic standard or format that spas use to rate themselves against other spas, not is there one for spas to rate themselves on improvements based on previous surveys. This paper will offer a format for each individual spa and groups of spas, to find what the clientele’s expectations are. It will also determine if the spa is meeting or exceeding these expectations, and will create a format for all spas to use, based on the SERQUAL analysis developed by Parasuraman, Berry, and Zeithaml (1991). This tool will allow spas to survey their customers to see if …

Determining Organization Excellence, Elliott Moseley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The hotel and hospitality industry are flourishing at a greater and more rapid pace in the global context than ever before and with each new projected location there is a certain inevitable risk faced by investors in that property. The level of risk varies from one situation to the next and such potential owners/investors must be able to act and plan with confidence when investing in hotel real estate. This confidence can be accomplished with full understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of economic and market analyses within any particular location. One important tool that these individuals use is market …

A Review Of The Hotsos Implementation At The Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino, Sarita Noyola

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this professional paper is to develop a case that analyzes the implementation of a guest service response system at a full service hotel resort. The term implementation will refer to the following: the start to completion process and steps utilized to install a new method into hotel operations. The definition of system, for the purposes of this report is a technological solution that utilizes limited manual processes and relies upon computers, mobile devices and computer programming. For the purposes of this report the term full service hotel resort will refer to a casino resort and hotel that …

Telling Our Story — Case Study Of The Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Initiative, Chad Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is a case study of the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism initiative: planning began in 2005 and development began in 2008. This initiative resulted from the perceived need to create local employment, provide incentives to continue the culture and language of the Cherokee people, develop social and political good will in and outside of the Cherokee Nation area, enhance the brand of Cherokee Nation gaming and develop long term capacity in entertainment marketing. The opportunities identified included stimulating and reaching higher end Cherokee art and crafts market, encouraging development of more culturally authentic and fine Cherokee arts and craft, offering …

Incentive Program For The Cherokee Nation Enterprise Floor Staff, Justin Teel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many promotions at Cherokee Casino Resort are mass marketed and are not designed for a specific guest. Often guest are unaware of the promotions that are taking place while they are visiting the resort. The Floor staff is not making the effort to promote products that Cherokee Casino Resort invests in. Floor staff can increase the amount of participants with their day-to-day contact with the guest. The purpose of this paper is to create an outline, structure, and implementation timeline for an incentive program that can be effect in motivating the staff as well as increase revenue for the casino. …

Service Dimensions Of Service Quality Impacting Customer Satisfaction Of Fine Dining Restaurants In Singapore, Ko King Lily Harr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper is an exploratory study of customer satisfaction of fine dining restaurants in Singapore. Since there is a causal relationship between customer satisfaction and service quality and services literature and studies have shown that service quality is an antecedent of customer satisfaction, this paper seeks to find out the service dimensions of service quality, which lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction. This study suggested that the service dimensions of assurance, empathy and tangibles are the most important to customers’ evaluation of service quality, and thus, may have a positive influence customer satisfaction. The service aspects of each of …

Online Leisure Hotel Selection Criteria And Booking Behavior Of Young Middle-Income Singaporeans, Kin Wai Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Internet has changed the face of purchasing and customer behaviour over the last decade or so. Traditional concepts of marketing must be reviewed and businesses must be ready to fully embrace the online marketplace. The hotel industry is no different and evidently, has much to gain from this new medium with online sales figures climbing annually (Carroll & Sileo, 2007; PhoCusWright, 2006).

Studies have shown that more and more consumers are moving towards the Internet to find their products and services and ultimately making the purchase online (Starkov & Price, 2003). Singaporeans make for interesting subjects in this area, …

Managing Halal Quality In Food Service Industry, Siew Fun Vivienne Soong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Muslim world population survey conducted in 2005 found that Islam is the fastest growing religion on earth, both through birth and adoption. There were 2 billion Muslims scatted around 148 countries and the figures are rising each day. It is estimated that by 2010, the Muslim population will exceed 3 billion (Evans, 2005). The recorded growth rate for Muslim population is as follows: the Europe Muslim population of around 25 million increased at a rate of 140% over the past 10 years, America’s by 25%, Australia’s by 250% and Asia’s increased by 12% over the same period. The healthy …

A Comparative Analysis Of Mice Destinations Between Macau And Singapore, Cheong Su Richard Tan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Macau is probably best known worldwide for its gaming industry which has always been a staple of its economy and has surpassed Las Vegas as the world’s biggest gambling market in 2006 (Cheung, 2007). After its return to Chinese rule in 1999, the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) government decided to diversify its economy and liberalized the gaming market with an aim to transform the territory into a centre of gaming, cultural events, conference and exhibition (Pao, 2004). Recognizing the economic benefits of MICE, the SAR government aims to nurture the city into a prominent MICE destination (Macau Government Tourist …

Technology And Social Anxieties, Attitudes And Behavioral Intentions Of Singaporeans Towards Using Self-Service Technology (Sst), Mukesh Kumar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The interactions between customers and service organizations, known as service encounters, have generally been between front-liner and consumers. Gradually however, these encounters are changing with the introduction of self-service facilities that are quickly replacing service staff. The use of self-service technology has seen an incredible amount of growth globally over the last few years. Self-service technologies are currently being used in more diverse ways for new services than once thought possible. The expenditure on self-service kiosks is expected to rise by 88% and the dollar value of transactions taking place through self-service technology should exceed 1.3 trillion by 2007 (Avery, …

Effects Of An Upbeat And Positive Attitude In Customer Service Interactions, Brent Pritchett

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In an extension of research demonstrating the effects of an upbeat and positive attitude in customer service interactions, the experiment and case studies examined in this paper identified evidence in support of displaying a positive behavior during customer service interactions. In the experiment, casino table game dealers were identified that exuded a consistent upbeat and positive attitude. These dealers were compared to other dealers who were inconsistent in their behavior. The experiment revealed that dealers, who engaged customers with a positive attitude, earned more in tipped income. In a series of case studies, service surveys were taken from customers that …

The Relationship Between International Expansion And Firm Performance: An Investigation Of U.S.-Based Restaurants And Firms, Soyeon Jung

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study has three objectives. First, based on the above argument, this study aims to examine whether there is an association between international expansion and U.S.-based restaurants performance in terms of accounting-based measures. Second, this study intends to examine how the performance of service firms will indeed change within an observed time frame of international expansion. Finally, the research hopes to provide insights and assistance both to academics and to company strategists who are in charge of the international operations of service firms.

Expatriate Training For The Hotel And Gaming Workforce: Don't Leave Home Without It, Chien Chien Serene Lim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Globalization is fast becoming the new trend of the hospitality industry. It remains as a highly complex and controversial concept that is not a new phenomenon. Researchers have suggested that globalization is likely an irreversible forceful process that will change the face of businesses (Mrak, 2000). In the recent Global Relocation Trends Survey conducted annually by GMAC Global Relocation Services (2007), it was reported that more than two-thirds (69%) of the multinational corporations surveyed reported an increase to the number of international assignments. This is the highest percentage that was ever reported, with more companies (65%) indicating their intent in …

The Waiting Game, Dennis Moore

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A study of wait times in the hospitality industry, and the guest satisfaction as related to those waits. When faced with waiting, what are the perceptions of the customer, and what can be done to help shorten the perception to help guest satisfaction. Finally, to look into the technology that is available today and in the near future, and what some industries have done to help alleviate the wait time to satisfy their customers’ needs.

An Analysis Of The Environmental Content Of Las Vegas Strip Hotels, Andrew M. Levey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the environmental content of hotel properties websites. The central question of this study is whether Las Vegas Strip properties have gone green, or plan to go green. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the frequency of the environmental content of twenty-three Las Vegas Strip hotels’ websites as well as five upcoming hotel projects and one hotel expansion project on the Strip. The twenty-eight hotels are all located along Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as the Strip. All properties examined have over two thousand rooms each. The goal is to determine how prevalent and important …

High Occupancy Strategy At Thehotel: Is It Worth The Negative Impacts?, Joe Tidwell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

THEhotel in Las Vegas, Nevada operates on a high occupancy throughout the year. Taking advantage of traffic flow through other areas of the property while maintaining a high reputation for customer service on the rooms side is the most efficient way to produce profit that will please the executive team, the guests, the employees and the shareholders of MGM Mirage.

Variable Check-In Time: Raising Room Revenue With Multiple Daily Check-In Times, Matthew Kaplan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

An exploration of a new theory of hotel room valuation and pricing called “Variable Check-In Time”. The theory holds that hotels could increase room revenue by instituting multiple daily check-in times, rather than the typical, universal 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. room-day. In doing so, hotels could accommodate guests for more hours per day, thus raising the room night’s salable value. The paper presents the concept of the room-hour and of room-hour utility, making a quantitative case for increased room revenue on utility-maximization grounds. A model for the optimization of room-hour utility is presented, as well as a demonstration of …

Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy: An Examination Of Harrah’S Entertainment, Inc., Michael Mehling

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This professional paper is going to examine marketing communications, specifically the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy. The paper will look at how to develop an IMC strategy, discussing the necessary components. The author will then apply Harrah’s current strategy of their Total Rewards program to the IMC model discussed in the literature review.

Developing A Managerial Plan To Guide The Planning Process For Charity Events, Nicole Molina

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper was to develop a managerial plan to guide the planning process for charity events. A guideline was developed, tested and refined based on a case study of the Prostate Cancer Foundation charity held in October, 2007 at Wynn Las Vegas. A strategy arose from an adaptation of the standard business plans outlined by the Small Business Administration. The resulting business plan, detailed event checklist and timeline will be a guiding tool when planning other charity events.

Manager Retention And The Steamboat Ski Resort, Michael D. Gumbiner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The material for this paper centers on the Steamboat Ski Resort Corp. The ski resort was chosen for this study because of its need for a management retention plan. Steamboat was ranked as a top 10 international ski resort in North America by Snow Country Magazine (“Top 50 ski resorts,” 1997). It has maintained this distinction for many years. It has been noted for its idealistic “champion power” and its unpopulated vast terrain. In particular, it has always scored high in the customer experience categories for exceptional down-home friendly people. A chart, prepared by Net promoters.com, on customer and employee …

Hotel Energy Use Contributes To Global Warming, Christine Faja

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Before learning about the consequences of global warming and the efforts hotels are making to reverse the effects, it is important to get a better understanding of what exactly is the phenomenon that scientists call global warming. According to the EPA (2006), the earth’s climate has changed several times since the beginning of Earth’s existence. The earth is hotter than ever. NASA has reported that the earth’s average surface temperature has risen from 1.2 degrees to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900. They also found that the warmest years have occurred within the last 15 years, with 1998 and 2005 being …

Exploring Revenue Management In Spas: Yield Management Concepts In The Spa Industry Today, Elaine M. Balkoulis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The primary goal of this paper is to further explore the applications of yield management in the spa industry and identify the techniques that are currently used by spa operators. The paper will also evaluate the most popular spa software systems utilized. Furthermore, the paper will investigate the existence of yield management features in the current spa software systems. In addition an effort will be carried out to examine the spa patrons’ perception on yield management strategies in the spa environment.

Developing A Dining Customer Satisfaction Measurement And Response Tool, Mike Distefano

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There are many customers and guests who depart a hotel or its dining and entertainment facilities with a "bad taste" in their mouths due to customer service situations that either went wrong completely, or simply did not meet those particular guests' expectations. This frequently results in the seeking by guests of better service experiences by going to the competition, which ultimately represents lost or foregone revenue. These are situations from which management could have actually benefited. It is merely a matter of construing them as opportunities to consummate long-term customer relationships. This misconception is often due to ignorance or oversight …

Hotel Restaurant Concept Selection Considerations: Which Factors To Take Into Account?, Michiel A. Bakker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hotels fulfill a variety of roles in our society. For many travelers and vacationers, a hotel is a home away from home. A wide range of social and meeting activities are held in a hotel such as weddings, meetings, tradeshows, conventions and family reunions. Hotels provide employment for many and support the local community through the collection of taxes such as sales, payroll and hotel. Various facilities and services can be offered or housed in a hotel such as guestrooms, meeting rooms, spa and fitness facilities, restaurants, bars, casinos, parking facilities and business centers. Depending on the location and function …

Multi-Brand Hospitality Operations Branding Strategies, Rikki Tanenbaum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this professional paper is to identify the optimal brand architecture for MGM MIRAGE’s Project CityCenter through synthesis of a review of branding strategies throughout the hospitality industry and a review of Project CityCenter’s goals. As Project CityCenter represents such a massive undertaking from both a financial and marketing perspective, a review of strategies external to MGM MIRAGE is critical; this paper endeavors to highlight branding strategies for potential adoption at Project CityCenter. The project’s significance is affirmed by Terri Lanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, “Project CityCenter confirms a cultural and lifestyle revival of city living, …

Attendee Attentiveness: Perceptions Of The Impact Of Menu Selection, Elisa A. Hobbs

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Most professional meeting planners are meticulous in planning everything about a meeting. Unfortunately, selecting the correct choices of food is often overlooked. If planners are informed of the role food plays on attendees’ attention, energy and attitudes, they may come to realize that they are contributing not only to the well being of their attendees, but also to the impact of the meeting itself (Boisclair, 1997). As a meeting planner, it is important to serve attendees meals that produce high energy and attentiveness in order to ensure that attendees are alert and maintain the highest level of performance throughout the …

Teleconference Training Within Commercial Customer Service At Us Bank, Christy Snyder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Research suggests that effective employee training methods are of key importance in the service industry today. The service industry uses customer service as a means of differentiating its product (Davis, 2005; Farrell, 2005; Feiertag, 2005; Furunes, 2005; Higley, 2004a; Jenkins, 1984; Simons, 2005; Walsh, 2004). “Friendliness and a willingness to serve others are the tools of the hotel trade, and training is the sharpener that refines the tools into hospitality machines” (Higley, 2004b). Training is integral in creating a positive environment for customers. If organizations want to ensure customers have this type of environment, employees must have both service and …