Business Commons^™

The Wine Tasting Experience: A Profit Generator, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The Wine Tasting Experience - A Profit Generator. This conference presentation addressed strategies and advice in relation to how to ideally use wine within your business as a profit generator, it offered various approaches, tools, and themed strategies which can be adopted for use in the hospitality industry. Wine is a multi dimensional beverage which offers infinite opportunities to businesses and as consumers tastes changes businesses operators much also seek new and exciting ways to attract customers to this ancient beverage.

Memories And The Wine Tourism Experience, Margaret Connolly

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

An Investigation In The Methodological Approaches Used In Doctoral Business Research In Ireland, Paul Mc Manus, Sue Mulhall, Mohamed Ragab, Amr Arisha

Conference papers

The sizeable increase in doctoral business research in Ireland over past decades is characterised by a diversity of research paradigms and the methods applied. To achieve research objectives, doctoral researchers should identify the methodological framework of inquiry that they will use to address and answer their research question. This involves taking a stance on divergent philosophical assertions such as ontology and epistemology, which reflect how they view the world. Researchers often proceed to select what is believed to be the best- suited research approach – either qualitative, quantitative, or a mixture between them – with their corresponding subset of data …

An Investigation Of The Factors Influencing Consumer Wine Choice, Margaret Connolly

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Influence Of Holidaying In Wine Producing Countries On Consumer Wine Choice, Margaret Connolly

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Careers In Culinary Arts, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The purpose of this presentation was to give individuals interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts the advice and access to education surrounding this field. Culinary arts covers the multidisciplinary field and areas of practice and study which includes culinary performing arts (cooking), gastronomy (food studies), bakery and pastry arts, food and beverage studies (bar, restaurant, barista), wine studies , food product development and health, hygiene and nutrition. So many individuals have come into this industry and gained local, national and international success.

Poitín – A Spirit Of Rebellion And Inspiration, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Abstract: Poitín is Ireland’s most ancient spirit distilled in rural locations for many centuries, its dark and chequered history continues to intrigue tourists and people alike, often referred to as Ireland’s Mescal, Cachaca or Grappa. This drink which preserved many rural communities and saved them from falling into poverty, driven underground for over 300 years it is making a significant comeback. This paper will explore the evolution of this ancient Irish spirit from its earliest mentions to its modern day popularity in the world of distilled spirits. Poitín is history in a bottle it is inextricably woven into the fabric …

Service, Sale And Marketing Of Alcohol For The Tourism, Hospitality And Retail Industries, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The responsible service, sale and marketing of alcohol for the tourism, hospitality and retail industries is crucial those working in the tourism, hospitality, culinary arts and retail industries including those in supervisory and management positions. This presentation explored a wide range of topics associated with sale and service of alcohol in these inter-related industries. Its aim was to provide attendees with a greater awareness of the effects of alcohol, and of their moral and legal obligations to act responsibly when supplying alcohol beverages or when dealing with alcohol misuse in their respective workplace. This presentation was also created to coincide …

Overcoming Fraud & Dishonesty In The Hospitality Industry, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The licensed industry is an increasingly competitive market place, many bars have responded by empowering staff and undertaking structural and management reforms in recent years. Undoubtedly, these changes have significantly raised the levels of customer service and enhanced customer satisfaction. Paradoxically these changes, combined with the responsibilities allocated to bar staff and management to supervise and manage bars with autonomous control have created more fertile conditions, scope and opportunity for dishonest actions by staff members.

The way licensed premises approach the issue of staff fraud is changing in response to the increased risk. Many bars have historically been anxious to …

Work-Family Balance Practices Among Irish Hotel Employees In A Human Resource Management Context, Kathleen Farrell

Conference papers

The study explored work-family balance among Irish hotel employees. Employees of a 5*, 4* and 3* hotels were surveyed in a unionised hotel group, a non-unionised hotel group and two family-run hotels, including a 4* and a 3*. Two thirds of those surveyed were front-line employees and a total of 246 (22%) returned questionnaires were used for data analysis. Regarding work-family supports, there was a considerable range varying from hotels with no supports, hotels with one support and hotels with all eight supports available. Company benefits were not associated with numerical flexibility, but company benefits were associated with functional flexibility …

Reducing Conflict And Violence In Hospitality Establishments., James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Bar owners and staff members must be more concerned about safety and security issues. This is the result of a variety of factors, most notably recent legislative changes at national and international level and the subsequent high costs of assaults (including costs relating to litigation and compensation). Poor health, safety and security standards place staff members and customers at risk of serious injury if not death; employers suffer in terms of lost productivity and potentially higher premiums and the morale of the staff, as well as the industrial relations climate in the bar, can be adversely affected. At a minimum, …

Waste Management And Energy Recovery: A Significant Business Issue, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Waste Management and energy recovery has become a significant business issue for hospitality establishments in recent years. Hospitality establishments have to be more concerned about waste in their businesses and be able to adopt systems to reduce, reuse and recover waste. This challenge is the result of a variety of factors, most notably the charges involved in waste removal and cost of every businesses energy needs. Costs have grown dramatically, landfill capacity has become increasingly scarce and expensive. Stringent legislation has been introduced around the world to ensure optimum waste management and energy recovery practices in hospitality businesses. Opportunities have …

Seeing Others As Others See Us, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The many challenges to the bar industry today include increased competition from a variety of entertainment sources, Bar owners recognize that other establishments are providing a similar offering sometimes at lower prices. This realization has brought about an increased focus on the care of customers and their viewpoints. Customers encounters can include attitudes of indifference from staff and poor overall service. Dissatisfied customers usually talk to others about their dissatisfaction and the negative effect of this outcome can paralyze, all your best pro-active customer and marketing efforts. It costs, on average, five times as much to win a new customer …

Cocktails: Profitable Assets Or Expensive Beverage Offerings, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Cocktails have become very popular in the majority of hospitality and licensed premises in recent years. Customer demands for contemporary and classic cocktails has driven demand. The training, innovation, equipment, new brands and exotic glassware, have all contributed to the overall success and interest in these drinks. It is crucial before you decide to enter into the cocktail area of your overall drinks offerings to ensure that you have all the elements required to build success and maintain a healthy business. Many establishments in the past have entered in the cocktail area only to exit after a short space of …

Are Your Cellars Safe?, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Bar owners have to be more concerned about health, safety and security issues. This is the result of a variety of factors, most notably recent legislative changes at national and international level and the subsequent high costs of accidents (including costs relating to litigation and compensation). Poor health, safety and security standards place staff members and customers at risk of serious injury if not death; employers suffer in terms of lost productivity and potentially higher premiums’ and the morale of the staff, as well as the industrial relations climate in the bar, can be adversely affected. At a minimum, bar …

Managing The Responsible Service Of Alcohol: Are We Meeting Our Obligations?, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Recent research studies indicate that customers and individuals are drinking no more than their parents were drinking 15 years ago but the frequency, strength of drinks, and amount of drinks consumed per session has increased. These irrational drinking patterns have created a binge drinking culture. Bar staff and management have the task of serving and dealing with all types of people from all walks of life and status of society, this is an enjoyable and rewarding part of the job. However there are many occasions when they have to deal with people who may well have on occasion for various …

Using An Iconic Story To Bring Communities Together To Develop A Tourism Experience, Denise O'Leary, Mary Rose Stafford

Conference papers

Tourism destination governance is concerned with the development and management of a destination; who is involved and how they are involved. Although the term governance was traditionally associated with politics and government structures it has become more broadly applied in recent years to also describe more grassroots approaches involving various community stakeholders such as individual business owners in tourism product and service provision, business owners in other sectors, community leaders and community residents Morrison (2013). Turbulence in the market has forced the tourism industry to move away from centralised, government-led, hierarchical type of governance towards more participatory approaches where stakeholders …

Craving Alcohol, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Individuals involved in the treatment of alcoholism for decades have argued that men and women crave alcohol essentially because they enjoy the effect it offers. This effect is so mysterious that, while adults will confess that these cravings are potentially dangerous to their health and wellbeing, during consumption their reasoning and belief of these facts will alternate between the true and the false. In essence these individuals' alcohol cravings life actually seems to them the only normal life. Some will demonstrate conditions of discontentment, irritability and restlessness, until they can regain the experience and ease obtained by consuming a couple …

Building Co-Operation Between Tourism And Culture In The West Of Ireland, Bernadette Quinn, Ziene Mottiar, Theresa Ryan

Conference papers

Redressing regional imbalance is now a key challenge in Ireland. Dublin is the destination of choice for more than two fifths of the market and the number of visitors holidaying outside of the Dublin region has declined significantly between 2003 and 2009. One way of redressing regional imbalance is to harness the tourism potential of the cultural sector. Spread throughout the regions is a wealth of cultural activity and a well developed infrastructure of venues staging vibrant arts activity of international calibre, be it in visual arts, film, literature or the performing arts. This activity engages 2.3 million Irish citizens …

An Investigation Of Business Tourism Development: A Case Study Of Wexford Town, Ireland, Gereva Hackett, Detta Melia

Conference papers

The challenging global economic recession continues to affect all business sectors around the world. Wexford town, like any other region is experiencing challenges in this environment. Uncertainly is impacting on bookings and travel. Included in this uncertainty is the fact that a return to recessionary times cannot be ruled out. However, it has been suggested that tourism is the only major sector of the Irish economy that can cheaply and quickly add to growth in the economy (ITIC, 2011; Failte Ireland, 2011; Davidson, 2011; Casey and O’Rourke, 2011). Wexford as a town has been underutilised in terms of its potential …

Shaken Not Stirred – The Evolution Of The Cocktail Shaker, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The paper 'Shaken not Stirred – The Evolution of the Cocktail Shaker' was presented at the 1st Dublin Gastronomic Symposium which was held at the DIT, College of Arts & Tourism in 2012.

Trends In The Food And Beverage Sector Of The Hospitality Industry, Detta Melia

Conference papers

The hospitality sector in Ireland represents an important part of the tourism industry and comprises hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs, guesthouses and self-catering operations. The largest component within the Irish hospitality sector is hotels. In addition to hotels, food and beverage operations comprise a significant proportion of the industry. These businesses operate in a highly competitive environment as a consequence of a number of factors. First, there is a downturn in the global and domestic economies with a corresponding decrease in business across the tourism industry (Failte Ireland, 2010; Pitta, 2010). Second, there has been a rise in market demand …

A Review Of Key Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Self-Service Technologies In Tourism., Petranka Kelly, Jennifer Lawlor, Michael Mulvey

Conference papers

During the past ten years self-service technologies (SSTs) have attracted research attention especially in the banking, retail and airline sectors. The infusion of technology in the service encounter has been identified as being advantageous to both the service provider and the consumer. Service provider companies may reduce costs, increase consumer satisfaction and tap into new markets which have been made accessible via the Internet. From a consumer’s point of view, SSTs can save money and time, provide convenience, and in some cases, enjoyment. All the above mentioned advantages are achievable only if SSTs gain adoption among consumers. In light of …

Implementation Of The Dit-Achiev Model For Sustainable Tourism Destination Management: Killarney, Ireland, A Case Study, Kevin Griffin, Maeve Morrissey, Sheila Flanagan

Conference papers

The DIT-ACHIEV Model is a model of sustainable tourism indicators developed in a previous research project undertaken by the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, Dublin Institute of Technology. The indicators represent six fields of interest – Administration, Community, Heritage, Infrastructure, Enterprise and Visitor (Flanagan et al, 2007). This current research addresses the implementation of the DIT- ACHIEV model in an Irish tourism destination, with the objective to assess whether it can be implemented by the local community in any tourism destination.

The methodology used to implement the model is based on recommendations by Goodey (1995) and Denman (2006). Goodey …

Critical Success Factors And Performance Management And Measurement: A Hospitality Context, Detta Melia

Conference papers

This paper reports on research carried out in the hotel sector of the Irish hospitality industry on critical success factors and their impact on performance management and measurement. The paper outlines the industry context and reviews the literature on critical success factors. This literature presents a discussion of the concept of critical success factors (CSFs) in the context of performance measurement and the hospitality industry, which are considered necessary for organisational prosperity because of the impact they have on the organisation’s potential performance. Critical success factors are those factors capable of providing the greatest competitive leverage upon which resources should …

Challenges Facing Professionals In The Hospitality Industry, Frank Mcmahon

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Managing A Flexible Workforce, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The greatest cost to most Irish Licensed premises is staff. When establishments say that they are ‘people based’ and their important assets are their people they usually mean it, yet very little investment has gone into staff management systems. Effective staff management systems can help to reduce the costs involved in recruiting and training employees and, most importantly, help to reduce the result that absenteeism causes on maintaining quality customer service. This special presentation addresses these issues and offers some practical solutions to these challenges.

The Pig In Irish Cuisine Past And Present, Mairtin Mac Con Iomaire

Conference papers

The inspiration to research and present this paper came from a folklore tale about how Saint Martin created the pig from a piece of fat. The paper will explore the pig in Irish cuisine and culture from ancient times to the present. The paper will discuss the pig in Irish literature and mythology; outline the role the emergence of the potato had on domestic pig keeping, and trace the rise of commercial processing in the nineteenth century to the present day. It will highlight a number of traditional Irish dishes using pig meat and illustrate how today’s chefs have incorporated …

Tourism: A Soft Touch For Increased Taxation, Frank Mcmahon

Conference papers

This paper reviews the changes which are taking place internationally in the taxation of the tourism industry and the reasons why tourism is especially susceptible to increased taxation. It compares VAT rates in European countries and assesses the relationship between those rates and increases in international tourism receipts, concluding that there is not the direct, negative relationship which hotel associations frequently cited in their submissions to government. The canons of taxation, first devised by Adam Smith are applied to current tourism taxation: some distortions caused by taxation are identified. Finally, some topical taxation controversies are outlines, examples of positive taxation …

Some Developments In Information Technology In The Irish Hotel And Catering Industry, Sean Connell, Elaine Sunderland, Ciaran Mcdonnell

Conference papers

This paper describes the current and potential future use of computers in the Hospitality Industry in Ireland. It briefly outlines two research projects which are being carried out in the Dublin College of Catering in the application of computers to the Industry.