Hospitality Enterprises Research Articles

Small hospitality enterprises and local produce: a case study

PurposeContemporary academic research generally discusses positive spillovers that consumption and purchase of local foods/produce may have for consumers, farmers and local economies from which these products come. In a hospitality industry context, local produce can enhance culinary experiences as well as benefit regions and businesses that promote it. However, to what extent are hospitality businesses aware and receptive to the range of local products available? Furthermore, are small hospitality enterprises (SHEs), particularly those near rural areas, actively involved in utilising local products on their menus? And if so, to what extent is this demand driven or an attempt to seek out a unique selling proposition on the part of SHEs? The present paper seeks to answer these questions from the hospitality operators' perspective.Design/methodology/approachA total of 21 SHEs located in the southern United States were interviewed via telephone and face‐to‐face.FindingsDespite their close geographical proximity to farms that grow fresh produce and a near‐by farmers' market open in the summer, SHEs' involvement with local foods in this study is very fragmented. In fact, more respondents are not involved in purchasing local products than those who are, while others are only marginally involved. Furthermore, convenience of direct deliveries by out‐of‐state food distributors and unawareness of existing fresh local produce availability are reasons expressed for not engaging in efforts to buy locally.Research limitations/implicationsThe narrow geographical area chosen and low number of participating businesses in this study may not allow for making generalizations with regards to the findings.Practical implicationsThe dysfunctional nature of the current relationship identified between SHEs and local food producers may be conducive to very unfavourable long‐term impacts for both parties, including lost sales opportunities by not providing fresher, higher quality produce that appeals to increasingly discerning customers.Originality/valueThe present study offers new insights into the relationship between SHEs and local food producers, an area that has been largely neglected in contemporary research.

Human resource management practices in Indian hospitality enterprises: an empirical analysis

The study has a two-fold purpose: to investigate the importance of human resource management (HRM) practices and to investigate whether this set of HRM practices in the Indian hospitality enterprises depends on the demographic characteristics. A structured instrument was developed to examine the HRM practices (Jyothi and Venkatesh, 2006; Cho et al., 2006; Kandula, 2004; Jameson, 2000; Guest et al., 2000; Wood, 1999; Hoque, 1996). Based on a survey of 57 hospitality managers' perceptions on HRM, practices were assessed by a 27 HRM practices and 5 demographic variables. Factor analysis was performed to identify HRM practices, and one-way ANOVA was employed to test the association of the demographic variables with HRM practices. Results indicated that the set of harmonized terms and conditions, formal manpower planning, flexible job description, formal system of induction, production/service staff responsible for their service, social appreciation and recognition may constitute the most important HRM practices in the Indian hospitality enterprises. Further, the results revealed that there is a positive relationship between HRM practice variables and category and type of sample enterprises, but there is no relationship between HRM practice variables and age and size (capital or employees). The study makes a modest attempt to add information to the very little empirical knowledge available referring to the HRM practices in the Indian hospitality industry.

Application of management accounting techniques in Indian small and medium hospitality enterprises: an empirical study

Indian small and medium size hospitality enterprises (SMHEs) are an important factor for the socio-economic development in terms of GDP and employment generation in the country. However, economic reforms initiated since 1990s have created both opportunities and threats for the local entrepreneurs. Many multi-level transformations were needed, so they will be able to adapt in the new era. In most cases these transformations had several difficulties to be accepted by Indian SMHEs. The aim of this paper is to investigate and report the importance and usage of management accounting techniques in Indian SMHEs, and to identify the major barriers that are experienced by Indian SMEs in the hospitality industry in their efforts to implement management accounting techniques in their businesses. Empirical data were collected through a structured questionnaire over 429 Indian hospitality small and medium enterprises. The findings suggested that management accounting techniques have a great impact on different firm's aspects especially on cost reduction and quality improvement. Further results indicate the major obstacles for application of management accounting techniques in Indian SMHEs relating to ownership and size characteristics and extensive high cost.

Staffing issues among small hospitality businesses: A college town case

Many studies have reported on the operational challenges that hospitality businesses face, including shortage of skilled labor and high turnover. To date, however, little attention has been paid to whether these challenges differ for small hospitality enterprises (SHEs). In particular, little is known about SHEs located in college towns, where plentiful labor supply of job-ready applicants is available on a constant basis. The present study explores labor issues with 21 small and medium hospitality owners and managers. The findings not only demonstrate that attracting labor is a daunting undertaking among participating businesses, but also that both turnover and other staffing related problems are on top of their list of challenges. These problems are of such nature that other issues, including getting the word out about their businesses or facing competition appear to be rather minor in comparison. Furthermore, only the least participants seem to understand the value of keeping staff for as long as possible; accordingly, these few operators have developed basic yet critical initiatives to promote employee retention. The importance of retaining valuable employees becomes paramount as it may reflect on several areas of the operation, including consistency and quality of service. However, despite its importance, the employee retention component appears to be missing.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

An enterprises human assets or, put more conventionally, its human resources tend to be one the most significant costs for most hospitality enterprises. In most hotels the payroll is the single biggest cost item, whilst in restaurants and bars it is usually second only to material costs. Furthermore, human resources are usually the first point of contact between an enterprise and its customers. The effective management of these human resources is therefore vital to the success of the enterprise.

Why should Hospitality Management Focus more on the Construct of Basic Assumptions? A Review and Research Agenda

Over the years, hospitality research has accumulated a massive literature on social cognition from the perspective of guests, leaving the field of employee cognition an understudied area of research. The construct of basic assumptions has been appointed in the literature as a potent alternative to study employee cognition at individual as well as aggregated level. However, the investigation of the construct from the perspective of hospitality management research and practice has been scarce. The purpose of the article is to present a systematic review of theoretical and empirical literature on the construct and address its potential for understanding and implementing management of employee cognition in hospitality enterprises. Our results reveal that the construct has been employed empirically in several research directions, but no articles in relation to hospitality or management were identified. Based on the literature review and analysis, this article discusses three issues that are central to our understanding of the construct (i.e. structure and functioning of basic assumptions, their formation, and level of analysis) and identifies two criteria the construct has to meet in order to be applied in hospitality research and practice, i.e. relevant content and proper assessment. The potential implications for tourism research and practice are drawn, and future research directions are suggested.

Knowledge-based network participation in destination and event marketing: A hospitality scenario analysis perspective

This paper examines how enterprises may decide to bring about effective network collaboration even though present mediation forms have proven inadequate. One of the main problems of these enterprises is that they lack a clear picture of the potential future “modular business”. The Dutch hospitality sector faced such dilemma and commissioned a scenario study, a tool that can aid the interactive process of future image formation, in the midst of uncertainty, and support decision-making. The findings indicate that modern ICT may offer support to establishing hospitality networks that shape a physical and virtual environment for the delivery of services to developing client demands. These findings enable entrepreneurs to participate in efforts to enhance their ICT capabilities and moderation of effective knowledge sharing within a destination and event marketing platform. The resulting understanding should lead stakeholders to ‘re-create’ the past view of hospitality towards emerging, strategic options for hospitality enterprises.

An examination and application of current lodging valuation practices

Lodging enterprises use a mix of approaches to estimate the value of their real property. Some approaches are formal, comprising theories and models while others are informal, operating by ad hoc rules of thumb. There is a wide variation and complexity between each valuation technique, with each offering benefits as well as limitations. While there are many approaches to valuating hospitality enterprises, three approaches are generally utilised to determine the value of lodging properties. These include the cost approach, the sales comparison approach and the income capitalisation approach. This paper presents an overview of the common valuation methods used in determining the value of hotels. The paper uses hypothetical data to illustrate the application of the income approach and the direct comparison approach.

‘I'm Not Just a Housewife’: Gendered Roles and Identities in the Home‐Based Hospitality Enterprise

This article explores an under‐researched form of commercial hospitality provision by analysing the gender dynamics in the distinctive occupational setting of the home. The primary contribution is to extend understanding of traditionally female occupations by adding to accounts in the literature on gendered identities and occupational roles in small and micro enterprises. It is based on in‐depth interview findings from 33 home‐based commercial hospitality proprietors in Scotland. These enterprises perform the twin functions of private home and providing revenue‐generating, short‐term accommodation. The findings reveal three broad categories of proprietor; the female sole proprietor, proprietor couples and the male sole proprietor, all of whom reinforce traditional gender‐based roles and stereotypes. As an extension of domestic labour, commercial ‘home hosting’ is inherently gendered. It is argued that this is very pronounced in home‐based commercial hospitality where home and business spheres overlap.

Cruise Operations Management

Philip Gibson's monograph provides a comprehensive overview of the hotel, restaurant and corporate office sides of managing a cruise line and cruise ship and its associated systems. Taken as a whole, this book provides a much welcome addition to the area of management of hospitality and tourism enterprises, and in particular in the cruise sector. With its focus on the service economy, this book meets a long overdue need for a text on hospitality management processes and issues facing the cruise services sector. It is designed for newcomers and veterans alike, interested in developing or shaping their perspectives on cruise tourism and managerial work in tourism studies. It is relevant both as a textbook for degree-level programmes on tourism and as an important reference for human resource practitioners who are keen to be informed of the discussion of impacts and issues in modern cruise tourism management.

EEnabled Internet Distribution for Small and Medium Sized Hotels: The Case of Athens

Advances in information and communications technologies (ICTs) have strategic implications for a wide range of industries. Tourism and hospitality have been dramatically changed by the ICTs and the Internet and have gradually emerged as the leading industry in online expenditure. The Internet revolutionized traditional distribution models, enabled new entries, propelled both disintermediation and reintermediation and altered the sources of competitive advantage. This paper explores the strategic implications of ICTs and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of Internet distribution for small and medium-sized hospitality enterprises (SMEs). Primary research in Athens' hotels demonstrates the effects of the Internet and ICTs for secondary markets, where there is lower penetration and ICT adoption. Interviews and questionnaires identified a number of strategies in order to optimize distribution. The analysis illustrates the strategic role of ICTs and the Internet for hospitality organizations and small and medium-sized organizations in general. Most hotels employ a distribution mix that determines the level and employment of the Internet. The paper demonstrates that only organizations that use ICTs strategically will be able to develop their electronic distribution and achieve competitive advantages in the future.

Whole brain leadership development for hospitality managers

This article posits a model to describe a learning process that may be applied to the development of leadership practices of hospitality managers who are current practitioners in hotels, resorts and other hospitality establishments. The premise of the model is found in the academic disciplines of science and philosophy as they relate to leadership and learning theories. The article concludes with a suggested seven‐step method that may be used to enhance leadership development among workers in hospitality enterprises.

The Concept of Risk in Finance and Strategy: Are We Arriving at the Crossroads?

ABSTRACT This paper points out the divergence in treatment of risk in the fields of strategy and finance and seeks to encourage research that addresses this issue. The objective of the paper is to advocate a greater synthesis of these fields in order to create a greater understanding of how risk must be commonly viewed by both strategists and financial executives. This goal can only be accomplished by understanding how economic forces in the remote business environment affect demand for services and products that in turn affect the revenue streams of hospitality enterprises. This must be followed by a better understanding of the causal relationships that exist between the variables that affect the key value drivers associated with the cost structure of these enterprises.

Mission statements exposed

In the strategic management literature mission statements are said to be an inseparable part of corporate strategy. It has been argued that they have an impact on the performance of the organization, yet the evidence is unclear. This study is an investigation into the relationship between the financial success of hospitality enterprises and their mission statements. Mission statements of 30 top hospitality enterprises were evaluated. This sample is of significance as it represents some of the largest corporations, and about 200 of the largest brands in the hospitality industry. The mission statements were scored and these scores were tested for correlation with three financial performance indicators. The results indicated that while there was a statistically significant correlation between the mission statements and the annual turnover, there was no significant correlation with the net profit margin or the return on equity. The article concludes by considering how firms may improve their performance by better managing their mission statements.

Knowledge Discovery in Database for Tourist Destinations

The knowledge discovery in database (KDD) with data mining is a useful tool for the destination management, and more hospitality enterprises and tourist destinations will adopt it in the future. Destination knowledge management requires a multidisciplinary approach and an understanding of tourism. Research and information technology together are imperative to be successful in KDD and data mining. Since useful knowledge management systems must be timely, the destination knowledge discovery system can be a perpetual prototype requiring frequent updating with emphasis on speed in responses and updating. This article discusses various aspects of KDD including operational issues, applications, and data mining. In addition, a hypothetical example of the KDD is provided using Cheju Island in South Korea.

Developing an online access strategy: Issues facing small to medium-sized tourism and hospitality enterprises

This paper examines the use of the Internet as a marketing and promotional tool within the tourism and hospitality industries. Taking the situation in Australia as an example, the use of the Internet as a promotional tool has not taken hold among small to medium tourism enterprises. It has been suggested that this reluctance to embrace the Internet is due to a range of impediments such as high costs and issues related to adopting new technologies. This paper suggests that a poor understanding of the technology combined with the plethora of jargon and confusing information concerning Internet marketing and promotion is more likely to be the main cause of the slow uptake. This paper also outlines some of the main considerations in developing a site and/or choosing a special-interest site or portal to join. Finally, the case of a special-interest site that serves small to medium businesses is looked at.

The Impact of Multimedia on Employment: Evidence From Small and Medium Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises in the UK

The Impact of Multimedia on Employment: Evidence From Small and Medium Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises in the UK

The Expansion of Technology in Small and Medium Hospitality Enterprises With a Focus on Net Technology

The Expansion of Technology in Small and Medium Hospitality Enterprises With a Focus on Net Technology

Networking in the Homestay Sector

This paper provides a case study on the management of private home accommodation used to house overseas guests who are primarily registered as students with the English as a foreign language sector. It uses network analysis to focus on the significance of social and also business networks and their implications with regard to the understanding, management, regulation and support of this neglected segment o f the hospitality sector The findings are considered to have a wider relevance to the small hospitality enterprise.

Quality Issues in Hospitality Web Site Design and Operation

In order to attract and retain online visitors, a hospitality enterprise needs to be mindful of and consider the quality of web site design and interactivity. The fact that the Internet development cycle has given rise to the concept of an “Internet Year” as a three-month period, illustrates the rapidity of technological advancement and underscores the need for benchmarks of quality. Although web sites debuted as a static display of text and images, advanced web authoring tools offer designers an array of dynamic, interactive, and multimedia techniques. The hospitality business web site, once developed as an electronic brochure, has likewise emerged into an interactive collection of important business productivity applications designed to complement the firm's strategic plan. A web site is deemed more effective if it: avoids clutter, restricts extraneous and irrelevant content, and minimizes download time. As the industry seeks to solidify one-to-one customer relationships, through invigorated brand loyalty, web sites are being expected to play a central role. It is for these reasons that quality benchmarks of web site design and operation assume an increasingly important role in corporate strategic planning.