Business Commons^™

Mountain Monitor-3rd Quarter 2011, Mark Muro, Kenan Fikri

Mountain Monitor Quarterly

Economic recovery in the Intermountain West’s major metropolitan areas edged forward in the third quarter of 2011, after idling for much of the year. Nationally, high technology and automotive-oriented metros showed the strongest signs of recovery; in the Intermountain West, manufacturing-intensive and technology-oriented metros had the strongest quarter. Employment and output grew in most metropolitan areas, and the unemployment rate fell throughout the region. At the same time, the housing market freefall came to an end—or at least paused—across most of the region, as home prices ticked upwards for the first time since the Monitor began tracking recession and recovery. …

Unify, Regionalize, Diversify: An Economic Development Agenda For Nevada, Mark Muro

Brookings Mountain West Publications

Nevada stands at a crossroads, yet it appears ready to remap its future.

Silver Staters sense that the current economic slump has not been just a temporary reversal but a challenge to the state’s traditional growth model—one that has revealed an economy over-dependent on consumption sectors, prone to booms and busts, and too little invested in innovation and economic diversification. And yet, for all that Nevadans have been early to recognize that the current slump will beget, in some places, innovation and renewal, and in other places erosion—and so requires action.

To that end, this report draws on an intense …

Betting On The U.S. Market A Discussion Of The Legality Of Sports Gaming Businesses, Glenn Light, Karl Rutledge, Quinton Singleton

Occasional Papers

Over time, the US sports gaming industry has progressed dramatically beyond what the US anti-gaming law drafters envisioned. The result is a system of mostly antiquated laws controlling modern industry causing confusion across the board. This discussion, therefore, intends to shed light on the US sports gaming legal framework, including analysis of the preeminent US laws that regulate the sports gaming industry and a brief review of various sports gaming businesses that fall within the US legal rubric.

Nevada Gaming Licensing Qualifications, Standards, And Procedures, Robert D. Faiss, Gregory R. Gemignani

Occasional Papers

The process of acquiring a Nevada gaming license is long and consists of several procedures. Although the process is time-consuming, it is far from Byzantine or obscure; each step, as defined by statute and precedent, flows logically from the one before. This paper provides an overview of licensing process in Nevada, with additional information on the reasoning behind several of the procedures involved.

Walking Box Ranch Planning And Design Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending October 10, 2011, Margaret N. Rees

Walking Box Ranch

• UNLV participated in two meetings with BLM regarding updating the current Task Order, obtaining a two-year no-cost extension for the two Assistance Agreements, and to develop the future WBR operating agreement between BLM and UNLV.
• Weather station progress included: 1) A study to review the recent developments in various building envelope components and their effects on the energy sustainability of a building has been completed and published, 2) Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) Vs Photovoltaic (PV) technology: A detailed comparison of ground source heat pumps and photo voltaics has been initiated, 3) A study to identify the most suitable and economically …

Premier, Judy Nagai, Robyn Hadden, Marian Alper, Carolyn Linck, Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, Afsha Bawany, Jae Hyo Park, David Mikowski, Erica Bobak, Jennifer Weinman

Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College

No abstract provided.

Chinese Culture And Casino Customer Service, Qing Han

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

With the tightened competitive conditions in the gaming industry, it is essential for casino management to focus on customer service. Chinese customers are very important for the Las Vegas gaming market. Even though the games offered by the casinos are the core value that Chinese customers seek when visiting a casino, a warm, comfortable and intimate service will enhance their gaming experience as well. Understanding important Chinese culture factors such as superstitions, gaming characteristics and communication styles can help casino employees enhance the quality of the service they are able to offer to Chinese customers, thereby increasing satisfaction and retention.

A Transition Of Leadership: Can The Young Generation Of Macau Catch Up, Kin Man Yolanda Lao

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the attitude and motivation levels of young professionals in the gaming industry in Macau. To give a more holistic view with justification on the problem, this paper is orientated with a literature review in the areas of leadership and management styles in Western and Asian cultures, and with a case application of Wynn Macau as a life example. The discussion of this paper is supported by interviews with senior executives, and a summary of human resources strategies in terms of recruitment, training, and motivation both on a department level and on …

Attracting And Retaining Quality Managers: The Critical Factors, Ketan Shah

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this professional paper is to develop options and a plan of action for what it takes to obtain and retain quality hotel management in the Midwest. Typically when we find quality general managers, they don’t want to move to the Midwest and don’t like smaller towns. More specifically, I hope to come up with a plan of action that I can present to my father and his partner to help the company obtain and retain quality general managers.

The Jasmine Revolution And The Tourism Industry In Tunisia, Mohamed Becheur

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction:

The tourism industry is one of the most important industries in the world since it employs “more than 250 million people worldwide” (Coshall, 2003, p. 4). This industry, which includes transport, lodging, and catering, is expected to generate $12,119 billion of revenues and 279,346,000 jobs in 2016 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2006). The tourism industry worldwide is also expected to indirectly and directly contribute 10.9% to Gross Domestic Product (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2006). However, the tourism industry is an extremely sensitive and vulnerable activity which can be impacted significantly by important events such as terrorism, political insecurity, and natural disasters …

Vegas Keys Vip Business Plan, Michael Ferreira

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to create a business plan for Vegas Keys. The business plan will focus on ways in which the company can generate revenue/profit while establishing it for years to come. Through research the paper will determine who are the main competitors, how much investing is needed to fully establish the company in Las Vegas and how much revenue would the company have to generate to be considered in the top five of companies in Las Vegas. The problems the paper will solve is how to solve the disconnect between groups and nightlife companies, …

Understanding The Decline Of Sales Of Destination Club Products, Heidi Goetz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to identify and confirm factors leading to the decline of sales of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club products.

How To Conduct A Successful Tea Tasting Event, Kaye L. Polivka

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hosting a tea tasting event can be challenging for small tea shop owners or owners new to the industry. Knowledge of tea is not a guarantee a tea tasting will be a success. This handbook will be a reference for tea rooms, coffee shops, spas, restaurants, hotels, and gourmet retail outlets or shops to use when planning a tea tasting events. The objective is to provide tea rooms, coffee shops, spas, restaurants, hotels, gourmet retail outlets or shops and others in the tea industry with the tools to hold a successful tea tasting event. Each tea tasting event will have …

Seeking Further Education: A Rubric For Evaluating Organizational Behavior Phd Programs, Douglas M. Quist

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Statement of Objective

The objective of this study is to first understand the origins and history of organizational behavior. In addition, this study will analyze five organizational behavior programs at the following schools: Harvard, Stanford, Purdue, Cornell, and University of Utah. These schools have highly publicized marketing programs and range in their business school rankings. The rubric will serve many functions but will primarily use as a guide for acquiring a greater understanding of said programs. There is a plethora of information available and this study will organize and simplify such information from five universities. Looking at programs side by …

Total Rewards Compensation: A Viable Solution, Patrick Wesley Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Total rewards customer loyalty programs represent a viable solution for domestic gaming operators in today’s current economic environment. Total rewards customer loyalty programs provide domestic gaming operators with an unparalleled tool in understanding, identifying, and realizing their customer’s desires. The design of total rewards customer loyalty programs provides domestic gaming operators with the ability to remain fluid and allows quick adaptation to ever changing market conditions. Research suggests that total rewards customer loyalty programs provide domestic gaming operators with a viable financial solution that provides equitable value to customers alike. This paper will analyze the structure of customer loyalty programs …

A Review Of San Francisco’S Lodging Industry: Past Performance And Future Implications, Adam N. Szilagyi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past performance of the San Francisco lodging industry in order to identify future growth potential.

Rct Hospitality Consultants, Llc: The Making Of The Business Plan, Rachel C. Tyler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction

Owning a small business is the dream for many Americans. Now more than ever this is true as many people have been laid off and are looking to utilize their skills while being their own boss. The focus of this paper is to determine if the author should start a consulting company full-time.

A hospitality consulting business with a focus on sales and marketing has been a goal of this author’s and as we emerge out of a recession. As possibility of a double-dip recession exists it is important to have a business framework that leads a small business …

Using Self-Service Technologies To Solve The Problem Of Labor Shortage In Macau’S Lodging Industry, U Ka Kit

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Macau, the world's leading gaming destination, is suffering from labor shortage. Hotels operators found it difficult to compete with the casinos for the limited human resources. In this article, the author suggests self-service technologies (SSTs) as a possible mean to solve the labor shortage problem in Macau's lodging industry. The literature review shows the seriousness of the problem, and analyze the pros and cons of SSTs, the main reason its implemented and how it is perceived by the customer. Then, base on the review, the author provides five step implementation guide of SSTs in hotel. The author also presents recommendations …

Developing An Employee Training Addendum For A Sustainable Hospitality Operation, Devonne A. Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As sustainability has become an important part of everyday life for American consumers, it is important that the hospitality industry do whatever it takes to meet their needs. Consumers expect businesses that they patronize to have policies in place for waste reduction, air and water conservation, and improved air quality and environment. Without the support of the front line employees, however, a hospitality operation has no chance to obtain sustainable success in these arenas. By creating addendums to previously existing employee handbooks, businesses are able to provide their employees with new policies and expectations of sustainable behaviors. This professional paper …

Targeting A Niche Market In Las Vegas Gaming Industry, Sookyung Yeo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the most profitable Chinese group in the Las Vegas gaming market in order to develop a customized marketing strategy for the group.

Leveraging Slot Gaming Technology To Gain A Competitive Advantage, Philip Zarlengo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The slot gaming industry is being revolutionized by a recent explosion of new technologies that offer a wealth of management opportunities for casinos and offer a more interactive gameplay experience for players. These new technologies increase the excitement of gameplay while extending time on device (TOD) and revenue for the casinos. This preliminary business proposal informs casino managers on the latest in slot technologies and provides a guideline for their successful implementation.

A Sense Of Place: Examining Music-Based Tourism And Its Implications In Destination Venue Placement, Richard Bret Campbell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Music, and the ability to make it, understand it and interpret it, is one of the characteristics that make us uniquely human. However, when it comes to seeing the performance of live music, there are other variables that come into play when determining where to see a concert. The potential connection between people, music, and a “sense of place” are explored in this examination of music-based tourism. Based on information from journals and related news media, and using parallels to the sports tourism industry, the paper found a distinct connection between humans and music in the context of human development, …

Identifying New Pari-Mutuel Igaming Offerings In The United States, David W. Downes

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to develop a competitive landscape of current offerings in the online fantasy sports and online pari-mutuel wagering market in the US and to determine potential differentiated pari-mutuel sports iGaming offerings based on that landscape.

To Start A Hospitality Student Investment Club At Schenectady County Community College, Regina A. Mintzer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Statement of objective

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the needs for investment knowledge at an early age, understand the power of financial independence for a successful future, explore the employment opportunities associated with participation in a campus investment club, and implement an investment club on a college campus targeted to hospitality industry students.

Preparation Of A New Business: Shanghai Studio, Wai Hung Wu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this professional paper is to develop a business plan for a hair salon studio concept that emphasizes customer focus and social responsibility.

Labor Shortage And The Development Of Gaming Industry In Macau, Liz Chiu Nga Ming

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the labor shortage in Macau directly affects the growth and development of the gaming industry. As Macau is currently facing similar situations like PRC China, the blooming economy became the main cause for companies to use lucrative salaries to attract quality employees from different sources, including school dropouts as well as current employees from other organizations. In the long run, this could cause a negative impact to the industry as the companies might be forced to promote immature and inexperienced employees to senior positions in order to fill the …

A Comparative Analysis Between Three Types Of Meeting & Event Planners, Megan Casey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this professional paper is to provide a comparative analysis of the skill sets needed for association meeting planners, corporate event planners, and independent meeting and event planners so that recommendations can be made on ways in which these planners can transition from one type of meeting planning position to another. More specifically, this paper was created for those who are looking for information about meeting and event planning careers to help determine a future career path for themselves for which they would be well suited.

The Viability And Necessity Of Desertxpress And The Future Of Las Vegas, Charles Alexander Wellington

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this professional paper is to determine the effects of the DesertXpress, an interstate high-speed rail which will connect Las Vegas, NV and Southern California and will provide critical information as to the viability and economic strength that the high-speed rail will bring to the region.

Literature Review On Turnover - To Better Understand The Situation In Macau, Ut Lon Im

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Macau is enjoying the prosperity brought by the increase of gaming operations. However, this rapid development imposed a great challenge in Human Resources Management. The hospitality industry is experiencing a high turnover rate, which affects the service quality and long-term sustainability. Major causes of turnover were reviewed from Western based and Asian based literature. Local studies were also included to provide a better picture of the turnover causes in Macau. Some recommendations were made to help retaining talented employees.

The Future Development For Slots In Macau To The Mainland China Market, Sok In Leong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

There are lots of optimistic comments to slots industry in Macau. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight overview and examine the future development of Macau slot market to Mainland China player.