Search results

1 – 10 of over 17000
Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Santiago Melián-González and Jacques Bulchand-Gidumal

The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of information technology (IT) in the performance of front office employees in hotels. This is done by testing and analyzing up to…

3489

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of information technology (IT) in the performance of front office employees in hotels. This is done by testing and analyzing up to what level the task performance content of receptionists depends on IT and by testing and analyzing up to what level the contents of the service encounters in which they participate depend on IT.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes in-depth interviews with 30 receptionists, using the job task performance model and the critical incident technique in the service encounter model.

Findings

IT takes part heavily in the task performance of front office workers, who rely on IT to get their job done. On the other hand, in service encounters, the value of the human presence is still high, and in most critical incidents, IT do not participate.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was located in the same destination with only two types of hotels.

Practical implications

The dependence of front office employees with IT is so high that some of the receptionists could be substituted by IT in the near future. However, human participation in satisfactory critical incidents is very high.

Social implications

Receptionists should get ready and trained taking into account that the value they provide is higher in tasks that are both not routine and in which face-to-face interactions take place.

Originality/value

Usually, front office employees are managed with human resources view, without taking into consideration specifically how IT has spread into the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

Robert Z. Waryszak and Thomas G. Bauer

Reports a study of selection techniques used for frontoffice staffrecruitment in hotels and motels in the state of Victoria, Australia. Asurvey of 172 establishments with more…

1015

Abstract

Reports a study of selection techniques used for frontoffice staff recruitment in hotels and motels in the state of Victoria, Australia. A survey of 172 establishments with more than 30 rooms indicated that the most frequently used techniques are interview, application forms and references. However, the smaller establishments did not use even these basic procedures to their full advantage. Recommends further studies to ascertain what attributes employers value most as selection criteria of frontoffice staff.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2020

Silvia Ratna, Hamidah Nayati Utami, Endang Siti Astuti, Wilopo and Muhammad Muflih

Find out how the employees’ performance on the implementation of the hotel reservation information system. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effect of the task-technology…

1119

Abstract

Purpose

Find out how the employees’ performance on the implementation of the hotel reservation information system. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effect of the task-technology fit (TTF) on the use of information systems, as well as its effect on user performance and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research type is explanatory research. In explanatory research, the aim is to provide an explanation related to the causal relationship between variables and hypothesis testing. The unit of analysis adopted in this study is the individual of the front office employees who use the star hotel reservation information system in South Kalimantan Province (the population is 239, and the taken are 150 samples, based on the number of indicators multiplied 5).

Findings

The higher the TTF, the higher the level of using information systems. The higher the use level of information systems, the higher the information systems user performance and vice versa in which the higher the user’s performance, the more increase the use of information systems. On the other hand, this study found that the use of information systems and user performance has no significant effect on user satisfaction.

Originality/value

The novelty in this study is shown in the influence between performance variables on the usage and the usage variables on the users’ performance. This study examines the importance of reciprocal usage and user performance relationships based on previous research studies that examine the relationship and that information technology (IT) usage will affect user performance. In addition, the users’ performance will affect the users’ behavior in using IT.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 50 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2007

Asad Mohsin

The aim of the study is to assess customer perceptions of service quality delivered by front office, room service and an in house restaurant/café in the lodgings of Hamilton, New…

1558

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study is to assess customer perceptions of service quality delivered by front office, room service and an in house restaurant/café in the lodgings of Hamilton, New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey and interview technique. A survey questionnaire with the help of local managers in the lodging industry was structured for this study. The study was undertaken at different lodgings in Hamilton involving face‐to‐face administration of the survey instrument. A useable sample of 645 participants resulted.

Findings

The importance–performance analysis showed that responses related to front office, room service and in‐house café/restaurant, the importance is statistically significant, higher than the performance. Gender also reflected statistical significance. Overall, the results indicate that most responses show gaps in importance and evaluations and this suggests managerial implications.

Research limitations/implications

From a practitioners perspective the study provides an opportunity to recognize in ranking order general features that are considered important by the guest staying in lodgings in Hamilton in New Zealand. Additionally, the study also points out the evaluation of those guests, thereby identifying the areas of gaps in service and product quality.

Originality/value

The study has been the first attempt to gauge the importance and experience from the stay of lodging guests in Hamilton, New Zealand. The research also provides an opportunity for a comparative study of service quality offered by lodgings in New Zealand with other parts of the world.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2022

Edward Gamble and Gary Caton

This paper aims to explore the important role boundaries play in back-office framing of environmental engagement. This is of particular interest because it is not clear how…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the important role boundaries play in back-office framing of environmental engagement. This is of particular interest because it is not clear how organizations in an industry without standardized environmental reporting navigate their boundaries behind the scenes and why they engage with the environment the way they do. This element of their environmental identity offers important insights into the emergence of sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by Miles and Ringham (2019) the authors conduct an ethnography of the Montana ski industry. The ethnography includes extensive on-site observations at nine Montana ski areas and interviews with 16 ski area executives, two regulators and a land development executive.

Findings

The authors find three key boundaries – accountability structure, degree of regulatory burden and impact measurement approach – that shape the back-office economic and environmental framing of ski executives (Goffman, 1959, 1974). From these back-office frames the authors identify four front-office cultural performances – community ecosystem, quantitative ownership, approval seeking and advocacy platform – that represent the environmental engagement strategies at these resorts.

Practical implications

Understanding the relationships between boundaries and environmental engagement is an important step in developing appropriate industry-wide environmental accountability and sustainability expectations. The study’s findings extend to other industries that are both highly dependent on the environment and are in the early stages of developing environmental reporting standards.

Originality/value

Ski resorts operate in an industry that is impacted by changes in the natural environment. The authors chronicle the process by which boundaries lead to framing which leads to environmental engagement in this weather-dependent industry. The authors explain the process of environmental identity building, the result of which both precedes environmental reporting and puts such reporting into context. In this sense, the authors show how boundaries are set and maintained in the ski resort industry, and how fundamental these boundaries are to the development of individual companies' environmental engagement strategies.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 36 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Asad Mohsin and Tim Lockyer

The aim of the study is to assess the service quality perception of customers of luxury hotels, New Delhi in India and to help the hotel management identify areas that need…

13645

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study is to assess the service quality perception of customers of luxury hotels, New Delhi in India and to help the hotel management identify areas that need attention to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey and interview technique to accumulate information for analysis using SPSS version 12 and was conducted at different four‐ and five‐star hotels in New Delhi involving hotel guests agreeing to participate. A usable sample of 271 participants resulted with a large majority being male.

Findings

The importance‐performance analysis shows that, for responses relating to front office, room service and in‐house café/restaurant, the importance score is statistically significant to and higher than the performance rating. Overall, the results indicate significant difference between expectations of the guests and actual experiences, thus highlighting managerial implications.

Research limitations/implications

The current study cannot claim to be wholly conclusive as it is limited to a small sample size from only one metropolitan city of India and there could be subjectivity in responses. From a practitioner's perspective the study provides an opportunity to recognise, in ranking order, features that are considered important by the guests staying in luxury hotels of New Delhi in India and to identify the areas of disparity in service and product quality.

Originality/value

It is observed that this is a significant study of service quality in luxury hotels in India; in that sense the study contributes to the literature and provides an opportunity for a comparative study of service quality with other such studies undertaken in different parts of the globe.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2007

Sergio Cavalieri, Paolo Gaiardelli and Stefano Ierace

The purpose of the paper is to overcome the limitations of the current models available in the literature in terms of relation and consistency between business strategy, service…

4737

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to overcome the limitations of the current models available in the literature in terms of relation and consistency between business strategy, service chain configuration and performance measurement systems, and on the alignment between strategic, tactical and operational levels of after‐sales decision‐making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a literature review of after‐sales performance measurement systems and provides a first validation of the proposed integrated model through industrial case studies related to the provision of durable consumer goods in a business to consumer scenario.

Findings

The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the factors which influence the performance of after‐sales, in order to allow enterprises to consistently design their corporate after‐sales service strategic performances with those required at operational levels within a service chain.

Research limitations/implications

Further development must be carried out in order to: enlarge the sample of companies and cases where the model can be applied, with a specific extension on a business‐to‐business industry; extend the model to the whole supply and service chain; enrich the framework in order to consider other aspects, as empathy; and develop a full integration with the SCOR model, including the definition of best practices.

Originality/value

The integration of the strategic and operational views subsumed by the framework would allow enterprises in relating more consistently their corporate After‐sales strategic and operational performance within a service chain and to assess the cause and effect relationship between operational drivers and financial and competitive results.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 56 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2009

Jeffery S. Smith, Lorraine Lee and Mark Gleim

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation on service performance.

1988

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation on service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a case study methodology to explain the impact of RFID on performance. The service profit chain is used as the overarching framework to facilitate the discussion. Qualitative methods in the form of in‐depth interviews, observation, and participation are employed for the collection of data.

Findings

The results in the paper indicate that RFID implementation has a significant impact on the consumer components (quality, value, satisfaction, and financials) of the service profit chain. The implementation also has an effect on the technical aspects of internal operations (internal quality and productivity) but is limited in how it affects the employee components (satisfaction, capability, and loyalty).

Research limitations/implications

The paper denotes the potential impact on performance of RFID implementation through the utilization of a qualitative research approach, which limits the scope of the findings. Also, the focal organizations are non‐profits, which can also hinder generalizability.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to empirically examine the way in which RFID implementation can affect operational and financial performance. In doing so, valuable insights are gained as to how RFID can be used to improve existing performance. Additionally, areas are identified that can be investigated to further benefit from the implementation.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1998

Bart Van Looy, Paul Gemmel, Steven Desmet, Roland Van Dierdonck and Steven Serneels

Notes that the nature of the service process makes the measurement of productivity and quality more difficult. In this paper a methodology to delineate relevant indicators of…

3143

Abstract

Notes that the nature of the service process makes the measurement of productivity and quality more difficult. In this paper a methodology to delineate relevant indicators of productivity and quality for services is developed. For both types of indicators, process analysis is a starting point. Insights from activity‐based management are introduced to work out productivity indicators. An approach based on quality function deployment is used to delineate relevant quality indicators. Both approaches are illustrated with case study material. During the process of developing these indicators, it became clear that realizing quality and productivity simultaneously within the service delivery process might imply a trade‐off. Implications and further extensions of this dynamic relationship are discussed within a larger service strategy framework.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2019

Muhittin Cavusoglu

This study aims to examine the utilization of Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) technology applications in different types of US restaurants along with their level of…

6045

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the utilization of Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) technology applications in different types of US restaurants along with their level of IT management and explore the importance of these technology applications to restaurant operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 500 randomly selected restaurant technology managers who subscribe to Hospitality Technology Magazine. The sample group represented 67,299 restaurant units. Data analysis was organized into three parts (descriptive, exploratory factor analysis, and independent samples t-test).

Findings

For FOH, the top-five point of sale (POS) technologies used are POS hardware, touchscreen, POS software, gift card integration and integrated credit card swipe into POS. At the BOH, the top-five POS technologies used are accounting/financial software, enterprise reporting, inventory management software, kitchen printers and company intranet.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to include a variety of technologies used in restaurants. Most existing studies focus on a single technology or a small number of them. However, this study provides an overall perspective on a variety of restaurant technologies from FOH to BOH. It also includes mobile POS technologies.

研究目的

本论文旨在研究美国各种类型饭店的前厅(FOH)和后厨(BOH)的各种科技应用系统以及其信息科技管理水平, 此外, 本论文还分析了这些科技应用对于饭店运营的重要性。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文采用问卷采样形式, 从订阅了酒店科技杂志(Hospitality Technology Magazine)的饭店科技经理中随机抽取500名经理为问卷样本, 此样本代表了67,299家饭店。数据分析方法共分为三个部分(描述型、因子分析、和独立样本t检定)。

研究结果

对于FOH而言, 排名前五的POS科技包括POS硬件、触摸屏、POS软件、礼品卡管理、和信用卡与POS系统链接。对于BOH而言, 排名前五的POS科技包括会计/财务软件、企业报表、库存管理软件、厨房打印机、和公司内网。

研究原创性/价值

本论文是仅存的几篇研究多样饭店科技的文章之一。大多数文章只是关注一种或者少数几种科技。然而, 本论文提供从FOH到BOH多种饭店科技的分析研究, 包括移动POS科技等。

关键词 饭店科技、前厅科技、后厨科技、移动POS

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 17000