Overview

HA270 : Overview

COURSE OVERVIEW

Introduction

The hospitality industry is quickly becoming automated, leading to greater efficiency, better customer service, and ultimately, increased profits. As a result, it is imperative that a person wishing to enter the hospitality business be familiar with the technology propelling it forward. This course is designed to help students meet this challenge. It provides practical information in a format that combines the "how to" with the "what to do." The first three modules are review modules. Modules four through are eight required for HA 270.

Module 1
This module provides an introduction to computerized information processing and how it is used to empower an organization. The student learns about the roles and responsibilities of an information system manager at the property level.

Module 2
This module describes tools and techniques to help manage hospitality computer systems effectively. The reader learns about how to prevent computer system failure and to optimize hardware performance and common computer security threats and measures.
Module 3

This module identifies attributes exhibited by high quality software and tasks performed by operating systems. It discusses the basic functions performed by general-purpose applications: word processing, electronic spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and database management. The reader also learns about personal information and contact managers and integrated software.

Module 4
This module discusses the pervasive impact that data communications has had on the world of business. The reader learns about data communications terminology, hardware, networks, network management, delivery methods, transmission services, hospitality communications applications, systems integration, groupware, and the internet.

Module 5
This module discusses basic features found in a property management system reservation, front office, and accounting system with step-by-step instructions on how to sell a reservation, to register and check out a guest, to complete a computerized night audit, and to construct and operate an accounting system. The reader also learns about yield management and sales and catering systems.

Module 6
This module discusses point-of-sale systems and how to construct and operate an inventory control and menu management system. The student also learns about table management systems and home delivery software.

Module 7
This module outlines a comprehensive strategy for selecting and implementing hospitality information systems and provides a sample request for proposal (RFP). This chapter provides answers to the following questions:

- How to develop an information plan?

- How to find the best vendor?

- How to identify system requirements?

- How to develop an effective RFP?

- How to develop system specifications?

- How to protect the property's interest when negotiating the contract?

- How to evaluate the software?

- How to determine if a software vendor is both reputable and customer-oriented?

- What should be covered in the training plan?

- What are the best, "state-of-the-art" training systems?

- Which comes first, selection of hardware or software?

- What type of computer should be purchased?

- What should the hardware configuration be?

- Is the equipment reliable, readily available, and easily serviced?

- Does the vendor understand hardware ergonomics?

- How to implement a computerized information system?

- To what extent should an operation be computerized?

Module 8
This module provides an in-depth look at the Internet and how it has impacted the hospitality industry.

Send E-mail to Galen Collins
or call (928) 523-7333