Hospitality Administration and Management Commons^™

How Stereotyping Affects Customer Service, Nicole Ruiseco

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper presents different ways in which stereotyping affects service in the hospitality industry. Specifically the food service industry, this sector is where interaction between guest and employee is the entire experience. Stereotyping a guest happens in a number of different ways. The negative stereotypes that are associated with guests are what effects the type of service a guest receives. When a guest is unhappy with customer service the point of the whole experience is diminished. Finding a way in which to reduce the amount of negative stereotypes associated with guests is critical in improving service and guest satisfaction. Having …

How Corporate Social Responsibility Influences Employee Job Satisfaction In The Hotel Industry, Chia-Chun Saprina Chiang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether strategic CSR programs in the hotel industry influence individual job satisfaction. Based on Valentine and Fleischman’s study in company ethics programs and employees’ perceived CSR, job satisfaction is related to many significant organizational factors and is usually a major concentration of business research that investigates employee-based phenomena (Valentine & Fleischman, 2008, p. 160). In addition, this paper will seek for the literature supporting the positive correlation between a company’s strategic CSR activities and its employees’ job satisfaction. In other words, this study will identify whether and how employees’ perceptions of their …

Las Vegas Visitor Demographics: Be Careful What You Wish For, Joseph Akinsete

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Targeting the correct customer is one of the most important components to owning and running a successful company. To have a great product that is marketed to the wrong customer, will result in lost profits and missed opportunities.

Over the last 20 years Las Vegas has seen two drastic changes in its target customer and visitor demographics. By the late 1980’s gaming revenue in Las Vegas was down as other areas in the country started to legalize gambling. In an attempt to stimulate visitor numbers the city was reinvented in the image of Disney. Themed hotels such as the Luxor …

The Opportunities And Risks For The U.S. Educators Of Exhibition Majors Entering The China Education Market, Wei Jia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper provides a general introduction for American exhibition educators who are interested in launching joint programs with or exporting certifications into China. The study describes the status of exhibition and tourism education in China, and then presents an analysis of the exhibition certification programs of both China and the United States. Based on a comparison of the two systems, recommendations are made regarding . American educators could use this study as a reference for introducing their certification or higher education programs into China.

The Discussion Of First Mover Advantage In The Chinese Hotel Industry, Yuheng Zheng

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

China’s tourism industry has become an important player in today’s tourism market. It has been reported by the WTO (World Tourism Organization) that China will become the world’s No.1 tourist destination by 2020 with more than 100 million tourists travelling to China every year (WTO, 1999; Pine and Qi, 2004). For international hotel groups, entering a new market like China is challenging. Cultural differences, government policies, entry modes and entry timing strategies all affect the potential success of the company. This paper will focus on timing strategies for foreign companies that want to enter the Chinese lodging industry and to …

Brand Extensions For Hotels’ Food And Beverage Expansion To The Outside Of Property: A Case Of Westin Chosun Hotel In Korea, Claire Hyun Jung Kim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

First, this paper will explain the term “brand” in general (i.e. brand, brand equity, brand image, and brand extensions) and allow readers to understand the broad concept as they begin reading. The paper will then look into the growing importance of F&B business in the hospitality industry. From the overview of the industry’s branding strategies for their F&B business management, the readers will notice that the hotels in Korea have focused on brand extensions. This paper will then introduce and examine the case of Westin Chosun Hotel in Korea which property has been known for successfully using brand extension techniques …

An Intercultural U.S.-China Restaurant Service Process Model: U.S.-China Servpro Restaurant Model, Pearl Teo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The globalization of markets has created many opportunities for service firms to expand internationally. China is an example of a country that has seen the growth of international service companies over the last two decades. The liberalization of economic and legal policies in China has provided the impetus for growth and development. Among one of the growth sectors of foreign services companies is western restaurants.

The Powerful Mythology Surrounding Bugsy Siegel, Larry Gragg Ph.D.

Occasional Papers

Journalists, authors, filmmakers, and historians have been interested in Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel for over six decades. Collectively, they have crafted a cohesive mythological narrative of Siegel’s life one focused upon “rags to riches” success and his contributions to the development of Las Vegas, Nevada. Most attribute to Siegel the inspiration for not only the Flamingo Hotel‐Casino, but also for the glamorous, classy, flashy resort city Las Vegas became after World War II. This paper describes the development of the myth since Siegel’s murder in 1947 as well as how it has been sustained.

Adapting Disneyland’S Service Strategy To Korea’S Everland Theme Park, Haesun Paik

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Disneyland is an American amusement park located in Anaheim, California, owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. On July 18, 1955 the park was first opened to the public (Absolute Astronomy, 2009). Tourists come from all over the world to experience Disneyland not only for theme park, but also for its well-known quality of service, proven time and again by returning visitors. Behind the Disney World being the first, Disneyland is the second most visited park in the world having more than 14,800,000 visitors (TEA and ERA, 2008). Korea is one of the fastest growing countries in Asia and …

How Closely Is Ceo Compensation Tied To Performance? An Examination Of The U.S. Restaurant Industry, Michael C. Dalbor, Seonghee Oak, Toni A. Repetti

Hospitality Faculty Research

The purpose of this research is to assess the elasticity of CEO compensation in the U.S. restaurant industry. Using a sample of 30 restaurant firms for the years 1993 through 2006, we find that a 1% increase in current year firm return yields an increase of approximately .43% for salary, bonus and stock options, .20% for salary and bonus and 2.74% for bonus and options. Mergers do not appear to impact CEO compensation significantly. Our findings are within the range found by many previous researchers.

Profitability And Return On Investment From Casino Amenities, Lonnie Bryant, Doug Walker

Caesars Hospitality Research Center Grant

We empirically analyze the return on investment of different casino resort amenities (e.g., casinos, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment). We model casino corporation stock prices using regression analysis of cross-sectional time series data. Stock prices are explained by variables that represent firm-level investments in and revenues from different functional areas of the typical casino resort, and two macroeconomic control variables. Results are sensitive to the dependent return variable chosen; and revenue variable results differ from expenditure variable results. This suggests that subsequent research should focus on market-specific analyses, which may help to determine which amenities provide greatest returns in particular …

Not Undertaking The Almost-Impossible Task: The 1961 Wire Act’S Development, Initial Applications, And Ultimate Purpose, David G. Schwartz

Library Faculty Research

For a Camelot-era piece of legislation, the Wire Act has a long and unintended shadow. Used haltingly in the 1960s, when the Wire Act failed to deliver the death blow to organized crime, 1970’s Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) became a far better weapon against the mob. Yet starting in the 1990s, the Wire Act enjoyed a second life, when the Justice Department used to it prosecute operators of online betting Web sites that, headquartered in jurisdictions where such businesses were legal, took bets from American citizens. The legislative history of the Wire Act, however, suggests that it was …

The Burger King Revolution: How Las Vegas Bounced Back, 1983-1989, David G. Schwartz

Library Faculty Research

Most who have considered Las Vegas history have concluded that not much happened in Las Vegas gaming between the openings of the original MGM Grand (1973) and Mirage (1989). In fact, several structural changes during the 1980s had already reversed a declining appeal. Responding to three crises—competition from Atlantic City, a national economic downturn, and the MGM Grand fire—Las Vegas casino operators began to draw more extensively on a middle-class mass market. Capitalizing on the “Burger King Revolution,” Strip casinos drew more gamblers who, on average, played less, and slot machines displaced table games as the industry’s leading revenue producer. …

Will Retail Travel Agencies In Singapore Survive: Comparison Between Retail Travel Agencies And Online Reservation Services, Yan Xin Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over the last two decades, the tourism industry has grown rapidly. But its evolution has been influenced by various factors such as culture and environmental changes including economic status and competition. Some of these factors, culture for instance, act as constants, providing some form of predictability to the evolution of the tourism industry within a specific society. While other factors, such as economic status and competition, act as variables that drive the industry to reach its potential. Hofstede defined “culture” as a collective programming of the human mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from …

Cost-Effective Training And Development Programs In The Hotel Industry During A Recessionary Period, Fiona Clementine King

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Training and development are essential in providing employees with the right skills for their present and future jobs. The world today is constantly evolving, with customers demanding more, which in turn adds pressure to companies and their employees. Therefore, in times of recessions, decreasing the budgets of training programs is a way for companies in all industries to manage and minimize their financial losses. The purpose of this paper is to identify the different techniques that the hotel industry could use to maintain the training and development of their employees during an economic recession. This paper will also look at …

Bone Rattlers Bar & Grill Business Plan, Lovedy Ann Zie Carroll

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Independent restaurants are important in communities. Not only can restaurants provide the basic need of an enjoyable meal but restaurants also serve as gathering places for social and recreational purposes. People can celebrate special occasions, spend time with family or friends, and/or enjoy the atmosphere at restaurants. A restaurateur must have a solid business plan and understanding of what it means to run a restaurant business in both strong and weak economies. Lack of job security has many Americans leaving the corporate world to start their own businesses and make their own future (Cohn, 2009). According to the U.S. Small …

An Entry Level Managerial Training Program For Hourly Hospitality Employees, Cynthia Mejia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to develop an entry-level managerial training program for line-level hospitality employees. An analysis of the current literature regarding training and motivation will be used as the foundation for the proposed training program. In addition, two central issues will be addressed to ensure the success of the participants in the managerial training program: a) The identification and resolution of perceived obstacles employees face when contemplating advancement, and b) the practice of developing internal employees to increase retention, and thereby reduce the high costs associated with middle management turnover.

Aaa Five Diamond Designation: Is It Worthwhile To Convert?, Jayme Elizabeth Deck Weight

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There is very little literature that analyzes the benefits of travel industry ratings and the benefits of achieving a top designation. The purpose of this paper is to determine if it is beneficial to become a AAA Five Diamond property, specifically in Las Vegas, in relation to the cost associated with meeting the standards of the designation. The paper examines all aspects of the conversion to these Five Diamond standards including staffing, training, physical property, financial output, profit, ADR, employee attitude, customer attitude, and overall perception. It also looks at the time involved with the conversion from Four Diamond to …

Post-Katrina New Orleans: The Challenges, Milestones And Progress Of Small Business Owners And Entrepreneurs, Iona Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The US Small Business Association reports that 99.9% of all US business can be classified as small. Having less than 500 employees small businesses provide work for just over half of all US private sector workers (2009). Additionally, less than 2% of those businesses have between 100-499 employees (Headd & Kirchhoff, 2009), leaving approximately 97% of all US businesses employing 99 or fewer employees. Given this statistic, it would stand to reason that small businesses have a higher success rate than large ones; however, developing and opening a small business does not occur without risk. The SBA reports that only …

Loyalty To Relationships: Examination Of Affluent Casino Guest Retention In Las Vegas, Adrian Y. Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper analyzes the challenges faced by Las Vegas, Nevada casinos when catering to their affluent guests. As part of the literature review, the paper will examine the various retention efforts taken by luxury products and service providers, along with luxury hotels and hotel casinos in Las Vegas. Personal communications with casino hotel executives provides a real-world comparison of the effectiveness and limitations of various techniques discussed in the literature review.

Leadership Assessment: A Tool For Developing Future Hospitality Leaders, Sam Carlton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to identify and confirm important key leadership behaviors and characteristics of successful hotel and hospitality leaders with the intentions of validating key leadership theories and making suggestions for future hotel and hospitality leaders. Two very relevant theories of leadership are explored- Transactional and Transformational. The traits and behaviors contained within the theories are identified and subsequently mapped against past and present hospitality industry leaders. As a result, the paper identifies the critical few traits and behaviors necessary for future leaders to be successful. Finally, a tool has been developed to be used to identify …

The Role Of Cultural And Change During Mergers And Acquisitions: Bringing The Pride Back, Geoffrey W. Denight Jr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 1998 a small family run casino operation was acquired by a large Las Vegas Casino Corporation. At the time the two companies had different cultures and there was an immediate clash between the two as the larger corporation sought to change the ways business was being conducted. Compounded by out side economic factors the business experienced a dramatic decline in revenue and employee morale. In this case study, the personalities and outside factors that had an impact on this acquisition will be revealed and the steps taken to change and manage the culture of the company, improve morale and …

The Luxury Casino Hotel Dynamic Price Strategy Practices For The Fit Customer Segment, Lei Chen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research paper compares room rate luxury casino hotel pricing pattern between the periods of 4/1/2009 to 6/30/2009). A good price strategy can help a hotel optimize both price and demand. The price strategy is also the only way a hotel can offset its demand in advance. Price strategy experienced several revolutions after the hotel industry adopted the Revenue management (RM) price strategy from the airline industry, which has changed it profoundly in the past decades. The RM price strategy is, more than ever before, a fundamental influence on RM practice. This is not only because of its financial point …

A Comparison Of Gambling Motivation Factors Between Chinese And Western Casino Players, Lu Ye

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper explored literature on gambling motivation of Western and Chinese casino players to find out the similarities and differences of their motivation factors. Study found that they are motivated in similar ways by the desire to win, social and early memories. However, the Chinese gamblers exhibit severer cognitive errors, stronger risk-taking tendency and higher level of stress and depression, which explained the common findings of literature that Chinese have higher gambling and problem gambling rates than other ethnic groups. The findings would benefit casino operators in making marketing strategy at the Chinese players as well as problem gambling treatment …

Premier, Stuart H. Mann, Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, April Seelig, Robyn Hadden, Gael D. Hancock, Mj Maynard, Dina Zemke, Joe Micatrotto, Gaylene Levesque

Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College

No abstract provided.

The Ged And Alternative Learning Center Diploma As A Factor In Post-Secondary Persistence And Success, Michael C. Autenrieth

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper will be to analyze how graduates of alternative learning high schools and GED certificate holders compare to traditional high school diploma recipients in terms of academic success at post-secondary institutions. A review of the existing literature and statistical analysis of entering students at a private career college will provide both a historical perspective and illustrate pertinent facts surrounding this issue. Analysis of the available information will provide the foundation for future planning and initiatives designed to improve the process or mitigate any identified inequities.

Management And Disaster, Eugene Soraghan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect management has on disaster response and recovery. Specifically, the investigation will determine what management model or methodology seems to produce the greatest effect when preparing for, reacting to, and recovering from a disaster. Any firm with a managerial hierarchy utilizes some methodology or model to organize and oversee its personnel and operations, even if this model may not be consciously recognized by the organization, escape a direct association with a theory, or lack a proper name. While these models may prove effective at internal regulation and profit realization, they consistently …

Applying The Service Profit Chain To The Gaming Industry, Emphasizing On Table Games Dealers, In Las Vegas, David Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gaming has been a significant part of the tourism industry in Las Vegas. Most gamblers come to Las Vegas hoping to win big, but are often disappointed. So what keeps people coming back time and again to contribute to Las Vegas’ economy? The casinos and the gaming industry believe that the unique and individual service guests experience at their establishment is the primary reason why guests return. For example, at Harrah's employees are upbeat and positive in an effort to keep customers returning; at the Venetian the core value instilled in each and every employee is to provide un-matched guest …

A Case Study To Examine The Application Of Food Cost Theories In Menu Pricing And Cost Control Management Within A New Restaurant Operation, Mark W. Barnard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cost accounting principles regarding identification and allocation of direct raw material costs are widely endorsed as "best practices" for profit maximization throughout the food service industry. From its potential role in establishing menu prices to the need for constant monitoring in operations, food cost control is emphasized as a primary responsibility in managing back-ofthe- house operations (Berberoglu, 1993; Dopson, 2008). Investigation of this topic has indicated that a large number of operators are satisfied that their operations are supported by quality cost control procedures. Inquiry as to specific components of any reliable cost control system often reveals inadequacies that preclude …

Travelocity And The Opaque Booking Model: New Ways To Stimulate Incremental Revenue, Greg Kinchen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In today economy the declining hotel occupancies are motivating hotels to push deeply discounted rates through online travel agency opaque booking models. Online travel sites like Priceline and Hotwire have benefited from the opaque booking model even though overall travel and the economy is down.