Business Commons^™

Walking Box Ranch Planning And Design Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending October 10, 2010, Margaret N. Rees

Walking Box Ranch

• UNLV Public Safety is assisting in identifying security methods needed to guarantee safety and security at the ranch after project completion. This effort will involve the assistance of Metro CPTED program officers as design proceeds.
• UNLV IT is determining the extent to which they can assist with networking and technology issues as project design moves forward. They may assist in identifying consultants to hire to assist with technology.
• We have solicited research/education proposals from UNLV faculty for projects to be initiated in the coming year. The goal is to provide seed funding for projects that will expand as the facilities …

The Intermountain West Today: A Regional Survey, Ruy Teixeira, Karlyn Bowman

Brookings Mountain West Publications

What does it mean to live in the Intermountain West today? What issues are most and least important to the region’s residents? Do Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah have a collective identity or are state-level differences too great? Is there an identifiable Intermountain West personality? Today we will present the results of a unique survey that attempts to answer these questions.

Premier, Afsha Bawany, Judy Nagai, Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, Gael D. Hancock, Michael D. Rose, Sherri Theriault, Vince Eade, Donna Mcaleer

Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College

No abstract provided.

Unlv / Brookings West: Intermountain West Region Regional Survey, University Of Nevada Las Vegas, Brookings Institute

Brookings Mountain West Publications

The 2010 Intermountain West Public Opinion Survey documents responses from 2,000 residents of the Intermountain West (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah). Gerstein | Agne Strategic Communications conducted the survey from August 23 – September 1, 2010. A minimum of 250 respondents for each state are included in the results for this survey. Respondents included 1,700 landline interviews and 300 cell phone interviews. Gerstein | Agne Strategic Communications provides strategic planning, communications, project management, and research services to a wide range of non-profit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and candidates for elected office.

The survey includes an extensive series …

Unlv Magazine, Tony Allen, Shane Bevell, Donna Mcaleer, Ched Whitney, Cate Weeks

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Study Of China’S Online Catering Market Under The Booming Of Online Group Purchasing, Ben Fei

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to display the feasibility of the U.S. online catering business model applied in China’s market. First, this paper will investigate the Chinese catering dining reservation market, examine the Chinese consumer’s behavior, and analyze the business models of U.S. online catering companies. Second, this paper will study the current Chinese online group purchasing market and Chinese online catering Web sites. According to this information, this paper will find how to apply the well-developed U.S. online business model to the immature Chinese online catering market.

A Study Of Internship Programs In The Bed-And-Breakfast Industry, Pamela Frazier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Effective internship programs can offer both interns and employers significant benefits. For the college student or mid-career changer seeking entrance into an industry, an internship offers practical experience in an area of interest while providing valuable skills, bolstering a professional resume, and increasing a worker’s marketability. For the employer, internship programs can support operational success and reduce employee recruitment costs. Specific to the highly labor-intensive hotel industry, internship programs have been instrumental in filling labor shortages during peak seasons, which allow hotel organizations to consistently provide optimal guest service. An industry known for their high employee-turnover rates, internship programs have …

Exploration Of Chinese Consumer Complaint Behavior In The Hospitality Industry, Meng Li

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper will examine all the factors that would influence Chinese consumer complaint decision-making and choice of complaint response, particularly in the hospitality setting. In addition, it will also explain the most prevalent Chinese cultural values and analyze the potential impact of these values on the Chinese consumer complaint behavior in the hospitality industry. In other words, this paper will examine how consumer complaint behavior would vary under the Chinese cultural influence within the hospitality industry. In the end, the paper will propose a conceptual model of Chinese consumer complaint behavior in the hospitality industry. Such a model is to …

Perceptions Of The Tourism And Hospitality Industry By Singapore Polytechnic Hospitality Students: An Exploratory Study, Justin Matthew Pang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many Singapore polytechnic students are not keen to join the hospitality line even after being enrolled in a 3-year hospitality program. Many students find the nature of the job too stressful and strenuous. Students have also cited reasons such as long working hours, shift work, dealing with unpredictable circumstances in the job environment and having lower starting remuneration as compared other industries (K. Ong, personal communications, June 16, 2010). Other perceived qualitative reasons that have been given by students for not joining the industry would be the semi-professional nature of the hospitality industry as compared to other industries such as …

Taking The Points: The Socialization Process Of A Sports Book “Regular”, Frederick W. Krauss Ph.D.

Occasional Papers

Patrons of a casino sports book use the environment for much more than the instrumental task of sports betting. It is also a place to congregate with other like-minded patrons and through this process complex interactional dynamics develop over time. The social world of the sports book emerges in a designated space for the betting act where patrons meet, interact, and establish a culture to which they adhere.

Envisioning Nevada’S Future: Goals & Strategies For Advancing Our Quality Of Life, Nevada Vision Stakeholder Group, Moody’S Analytics

Brookings Mountain West Publications

Nevada’s severe downturn has brought to light many of the long-term challenges facing the state. Not only is its economy subject to painful swings, but Nevada’s primary drivers— consumer services (primarily gaming, hospitality and housing) and resource extraction—will provide less support than they have in past business cycles. Less economic vitality will make it harder to offer Nevadans the quality of life they expect.

The importance of the economy to quality of life is equally clear—quality of life is a hollow promise without a healthy and supportive economy. Similarly, a proper fiscal structure—both in terms of spending and revenues—is critical …

Green Power Marketing In The United States: A Status Report (2009 Data), Lori Bird, Jenny Sumner

Publications (E)

This report documents green power marketing activities and trends in the United States. Aggregate green power sales data for all voluntary purchase markets across the United States are presented for 2009. The data presented in this report are based primarily on figures provided to NREL by utilities and independent renewable energy marketers. Because data cannot be obtained from all market participants, the estimates presented here likely represent an underestimate of the market size. Key trends identified in this year’s report include:
• In 2009, total retail sales of renewable energy in voluntary markets exceeded 30 million MWh, an increase of …

Does Complimentary In-Room Internet Access Influence Business Traveler's Decision On Hotel Selection In Singapore, Zainal Abiddin Kassim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This exploratory paper begins by examining the influence of complimentary in-room internet access on hotel selection by business travelers to Singapore. Review of literature includes studies done in Asia Pacific, Europe and United States (U.S.) of America on the business travelers’ trends and perceptions of room amenities and the use of internet. The specific objective of this study is, therefore, to assess the importance and benefits of providing complimentary in-room internet access to business travelers in the perspective of the hotels.

In the methodology section, research on hotel websites was conducted to discover how many Singapore hotels are presently offering …

Legalizing Gaming In Singapore: The Ethical Implications, Yeng Tuck Nicholas Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In this day and age when directors of companies are found to be corrupt and governments are not void of graft and bribes, it is not a wonder that people would question the integrity of both companies and governments. Many cities in the world have decided to build mega resorts with gaming facilities for the purpose of economic development that includes employment and tourism. The aim of this study therefore is to contrast and compare the ethical issues and implications of the decisions made not only by the Singapore government but other governments of the US, Macau, the Bahamas and …

The Effects Of Social Media Networks In The Hospitality Industry, Wendy Lim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There are various platforms provided by the social media networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter to the marketing of products and services for the hospitality industry. Social network offers media technologies that can facilitate online functionality and monitoring perspectives wherein the data gathered can be used to develop their services for customer satisfaction. The hospitality industry can market themselves in social media and networking. Hospitality industry can use social media to engage customers and clients in dialogue and recognize their needs. Through these networking sites, hospitality industry can interact with consumers before, during, and after the vacation experience. …

Embracing Self Service Technology For Hotel Productivity Growth, Kee Chuan Neo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper explores the various ways in which self-service technology (SST), if employed by the hotel industry, can actually contribute to the productivity growth in Singapore. The study provides an understanding of customer’s technology acceptance and readiness by utilizing the two widely extended and accepted approaches, Technology Readiness Index (TRI) and Technology acceptance model (TAM). The study also evaluated the four common self-service technology channels: electronic kiosks, the Internet, mobile devices, and the telephone applications. From an investigation on past studies, it is found that Singapore is receptive to self-service technology. Self-service technology thus could bring a highly respectable return …

Improved Back-Of-The-House Processes With Rfid Enabled It Model For Hospitality Industry In Singapore, Chieng We Ng

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is a research paper exploring the ability of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to cope with challenges of back-of-the-house of the hospitality industry in Singapore. Focused on supply chain, food safety and security, the paper reviewed the three integrated service support processes of back-of-the-house that drove the service delivery processes of front-of-the-house in meeting the critical reliability dimension of SERVQUAL model. The RFID mobile technology’s advantages were studied in mitigating risks and meeting compliances within the three back-of-the-house areas. The RFID was further examined as a viable IT solution based on the potential impacts associated with cost-of-not-doing and the …

Technology Enhancement In Hotel Guestroom, Chee Wah Peter Too

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is an exploratory research paper looking on various types of technology, facilities enhancement and devices adopted by hoteliers for their guestrooms to meet the ever increasing demand and expectations from their guests. This paper also explores the technologies and devices that owners use to leverage on business sustainability for their operations. As part of the corporate social responsibility, hotel owners are exploring the opportunities to increase these activities through the use of modern technology and devices to reduce damage to the environment such as using energy saving devices in their properties. Business and leisure travelers who are environmentally conscious …

Is There A Suitable Crm Framework To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Crm Practices In The Singapore Hotel Industry?, Janet Wong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

With the continuous growth of the hospitality industry in Singapore and the increasing interest in CRM, it is becoming more critical to ensure Singapore hotels have in place a best CRM practice to improve customer value and retention. The purpose of this study is to develop a best CRM practice for Singapore hotels. Four frameworks are discussed in the study with Buttle’s modified framework being the best suited because other models took on a more strategic CRM focus or focus their attention on the role of ICT. This framework provides a detailed value chain to understand the CRM practices at …

An Analysis Of The Equity Of Utah’S Public School Funding System, Garrick Peterson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There has not been an equity study of the public school funding allocation system, in the state of Utah, since 1990. The purpose of the study was to conduct an analysis of the equity of the Utah state funding allocation system for K-12 education including a trend analysis for the decade 2000-2009. The conceptual framework for the analysis applies four broad concepts of equity framed by Kern Alexander; (1) communitative equity, (2) distributive equity, (3) restitutive equity, and (4) positivism. The analysis of the Utah State funding system used Berne and Stiefel's methodology and included commonly used statistical measures of …

Hotel Feasibility In The Recessionary Economy Of 2010: A Case Study In Reno, Nevada, Sang-Mun Cho

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the aftermath of the economic crisis of 2008, it became evident that Nevada’s economy felt pains greater than that of the rest of the country. With sinking property values, opportunities may exist for the hotel investor. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the risks and benefits of acquiring a hotel property through the instrumentality of a hotel feasibility report. The literature review includes an evaluation of hotel feasibility analysis, its historical context, criticisms, and recommendations for performing effective studies. The case study part of this paper investigates the broader implications of hotel acquisition in the current recessionary …

Room Rate Parity: A 2010 Study Of U.S. Booking Channels, Neven Sipic

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hotel guests are facing a variety of different hotel rates when booking online. The transparency of the Internet is driving hotel prices towards rate parity. This study investigates room rate parity, room and hotel availability, price consistency, and rate guarantee. The study examines 240 property-date combinations, focusing on ten metropolitan areas, using a sample of 120 hotels for two booking dates, and analyzing three hotels per four hotel segments. The results suggest that Orbitz, an indirect distribution channel, is the best choice when booking rooms in budget and midscale market segments. Furthermore, Expedia offers the best room prices for luxury …

An Analysis Of Supervisor’S Gender And Subordinate Employees’ Job Satisfaction Within The Casino-Entertainment Industry, Nicholas J. Thomas

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study investigates supervisor gender and various dimensions of employee job satisfaction within the casino-entertainment sector of the hospitality industry. Specifically, these dimensions were analyzed from the perspective of three variables related to individual employees: (1) satisfaction with company; (2) satisfaction with department; and, finally, (3) satisfaction with the supervisor. The data for this study was obtained from an employee survey administered to employees in three separate Nevada casino-entertainment properties and their corresponding corporate office. The results of this study fill existing gaps in the academic literature related to job satisfaction and the role of supervisor gender. There are implications …

Adjustments In Inter-Cultural Communication Of Expatriate And Host National In Local Operation, Hanna Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Due to the global expansion of international hotel chains into culturally isolated countries, such as China, many hotels are in need of qualified staffs in local operation where a strong culture exists. When expatriate managers are sent abroad for overseas assignments, they are often confronted with the conflicts that are caused by inter-cultural differences between expatriates and host nationals. This paper examines several aspects of cultural and interpersonal issues involved in the conflicts, and seeks to determine any necessary adjustment from the information gathered by telephone interviews with the current expatriate managers in Beijing, China. Furthermore, the study discusses essential …

A Start To Finish Guide To Opening A Bed & Breakfast: The Business Plan., Ellen A. Fredette

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background Beds and breakfast are the small business component of the hotel industry. Like all types of small businesses, many fail due to poor planning or misguided management. As more new entrepreneurs enter the market due to the decline of the economy and the unreliability of corporate America, it is important to identify the proper components of a business plan for beds and breakfast and to outline a successful operations model. A study of business plan and bed and breakfast operation models is included here. Results Existing literature suggests several components of a successful business plan. These include a detailed …

An Analysis Of The Placement Of Music In Miami Beach Hotels, Richard R. Hertan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In recent years, there has been a shifting trend of music’s use in hotels. Hotel companies are now using music to enhance their servicescapes at their individual properties. Hotel companies such as Hyatt, Omni, Hilton and Starwood hotels are strategically using music to enhance their servicescapes while others simply sit on the sideline failing to see music’s strategic value (Torrini, 2006). W hotels even ventured a step further by hiring a Director of Music to strategically utilize music to enhance the hotel servicescape. This professional paper details the placement of music in public areas of hotels in Miami Beach, Florida. …

Complimentary Rewards In Las Vegas Casinos: A Literature Synthesis And Recommendations For Profitable Complimentary Reward Programs, Katharine S. Meczka

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study summarizes academic theories and industry applications related to loyalty marketing schemes, drawing on literature pertaining to casino marketing, behavioral learning theory, loyalty marketing, and economics. Specifically, this study attempts to understand the market conditions and program structure under which Las Vegas Strip casinos may profitably utilize complimentary rewards through increasing short-term revenue and generating long-term loyalty. This literature synthesis provides important professional implications for casino marketers both in terms of effectively designing complimentary reward programs and sustaining profitable business during recessionary times.

The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Disaster: A Case Study On The Projected Economic Impact On Tourism Among The Gulf States Of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, And Florida, Richard Andrew Robinson Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This case study found that from May through July 2010 most reports from Gulf area hospitality providers noted a significant drop in tourism revenue due to the BP oil spill. During this period, anecdotal accounts from business owners in the area described a sales decrease of 50% or more in some tourist spots. A University of Southern Mississippi study found that for that state alone non-gaming hotels experienced a 50% drop in sales with a total factored direct/indirect shortfall of $119,400. A Moody’s report, released in July, calculated the economic damage to tourism for that period to be $1.2 billion. …

An Analysis Of Sustainable Tourism Certification Programs In The United States, Kelly Bricker

Caesars Hospitality Research Center Grant

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of state sustainable tourism programs, utilizing the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) as a measure of baseline sustainable tourism effectiveness.

The Decision To Implement Self-Service Technology And Its Impact On Service Performance And Operating Costs, David A. Cranage, Alinda Kokkinou

Caesars Hospitality Research Center Grant

As the initial investment required by SST is high, decision-makers have increasingly been asked to anticipate whether the objectives of SST implementation, namely waiting time reduction and operating cost reduction can be achieved. However, it is difficult to estimate how adding a SST alternative to an existing service delivery process will impact these performance measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using simulation, how the implementation of self-service technology in a service delivery process would impact customer waiting times and system operating costs in the context of luxury resort check-in.