Book Description

This is a comprehensive tour of the fascinating and challenging fields of the hospitality industry on a global scale: travel and tourism, lodging, foodservice, meetings, conventions and expositions, leisure and recreation. Marketing, human resources, leadership, and management are also discussed in the context of hospitality management.Extensive coverage of security in the hospitality industry with "Post-9/11: Security in a New Era" sections in each chapter, written by contributing authors who are experts in the security/terrorism field. Offers chapter-length culinary arts coverage. Features Personal Profiles of industry practitioners, including Valerie Ferguson (Past Chair of The American Hotel & Motel Association and Regional Vice President of Lowes Hotels); Chef Paul Prudhomme; Robert Mondavi; and many more. Offers Day in the Life Of features that explore the daily activities of several hospitality professionals, from chefs to cruise directors, and explains the key functions of their jobs. Includes Corporate Profiles that provide overviews of leading corporations of excellence, including Hyatt Hotels; Outback Steakhouse; Starbucks Coffee Company;Four Seasons Regent Hotels; and many more. Provides Career Information boxes that give a description of career opportunities, along with a listing of related websites.A handy reference for industry professionals, or a guidebook for anyone interested in starting a career in the hospitality industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Dimensions of the Hospitality Industry, Third Edition offers students a dynamic and accessible introduction to the broad world of hospitality and tourism. Newly revised and updated, this Third Edition gives students the foundation they need to prepare for managerial careers in this rapidly growing field.

The book offers focused coverage of each sector within hospitality: food and beverage, lodging, and travel and tourism. It examines the size, scope, and operations of each of these key areas and shares essential information on related concepts, products, and services. A separate chapter explains the basics of hospitality management that have applications throughout the industry, with an emphasis on marketing, human resources, accounting, and computer technology.

Throughout the text, this Third Edition brings the material out of the classroom and into the real world with a set of powerful new learning tools, including:

• Moments of Truth–case studies that share critical insights into important business issues
• Newsflashes–excerpts from publications, showing industry-based illustrations of major concepts
• Technology Gateways–practical tips on making the most of technology on the job
• Internet Exercises–a springboard to accessing the best industry-related Web sites

Comprehensive, well organized, and easy to use, Dimensions of the Hospitality Industry, Third Edition is an important companion for students who are embarking on successful, exciting careers in hospitality. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not a vary interesting text
I had to buy this book for my college course andI found it wasn't relevant to my prefered job industry. This book is not interesting. And I recommend to the authors, that they rewrite thisin terms that make itmore iteresting to students. ... Read more

Book Description

The remarkable story of the Pike Place Fish Market -- told by the owner, who transformed the small company into the world famous business depicted in the bestselling parable FISH!

In this revealing business advice book, the magic of the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market proves a dynamic example of what a group of people can create when they are aligned and living a powerful vision. Here for the first time, owner John Yokoyama explains in his own words just how he transformed his business into a workplace that is renowned worldwide.

When Fish Fly offers Yokoyama's cohesive strategy for achieving world famous results for owners, managers, and front-line workers alike. Once you understand the generative principles behind the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market you, too, can develop a culture that leads to excellent employee morale and legendary customer service. ... Read more

Book Description

WHEELS UP: AIRLINE BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT is the first text that teaches the fundamentals of strategic business planning as they apply to the airline industry. Dr. John Wensveenan international consultant and Assistant Professor of Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universityfocuses on issues of particular concern to airline professionals. Flexibility in the current competitive environment, the importance of understanding the structural organization of an airline, and the considerations necessary when making any strategic decision are just a few of the recurring themes he addresses. In addition, the reader is encouraged to consider current trends (post-9/11) and topics of special interest (cost-cutting, aircraft fleet management, and corporate structure, to name a few) while learning the process of creating a successful business plan. Written to be accessible to executives, graduates, and undergraduates, Wensveen's text will be of interest to aviation enthusiasts as well as professionals in the field. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

book not yet available
This first ever wonderful book is not yet available. The author should have waited until it was actually published before writing his own review. The review sounds like one of his epic "about the author" novels.

First book ever written on this subject and well needed
This is the world's first book ever written on airline business pland development. The author outlines the true "elements" of an airline business plan versus the generic business plan. Anyone interested in starting a big or small company, airline or otherwise, must have this book. Every airline, airport, air cargo operator, consultant, entrepreneur, investor, and enthusiast must have this reference on hand. Excellent work! ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to be the ‘best’ book for restaurant management, Restaurant Operations Management  addresses content areas that are integral to a restaurant manager’s job, providing current and practical information. It breaks down the busy and complex world of restaurant management into what the manager must know, from the restaurant’s inception to its actual operation. It focuses on financial, labor, and product resources, within the context of pleasing the guests. Topics cover: industry basics, sanitation, safety, nutrition, marketing, menu planning/design/pricing, human resources, accounting/financial management, standard recipes, product purchasing/receiving/storing/issuing, and restaurant analysis/improvement. Current, practical, and accurate, Restaurant Operations Management is an easy and interesting read for practicing industry professionals, such as restaurant managers, restaurant training managers, restaurant owners, and others wanting to learn effective restaurant management.

Book Description

Few entrepreneurs can claim to have actually changed the way we live, but Ray Kroc is one of them. His revolutions in food service automation, franchising, shared national training and advertising have earned him a place beside the men who founded not merely businesses but entire new industries.

But even more interesting than Ray Kroc the business legend is Ray Kroc the man. Not your typical self-made tycoon, Kroc was 52 when he met the McDonald brothers and opened his first franchise.

Now meet Ray Kroc, the man behind the business legend, in his own words. Irrepressible enthusiast, perceptive people-watcher, and born storyteller, he will fascinate and inspire you. You'll never forget Ray Kroc.
... Read more

Reviews (11)

The Best Book I Have Read In A Long, Long Time
I would like to first start by saying I hate reading. I got this book Tuesday night. It is now 6:30 Wednesday and I am now done with the 200 plus page book. I have not been able to put this book down. I have found it very interesting. I think Ray Kroc was an extremely talented and dedicated man. As a McDonald's manager I was familiar with the story of Ray, from this book I have learned so much more. I was surprised at how well it kept my attention. This is the first book I have read for pleasure in a long time. I recommed it to anyone that enjoys reading about true inspirational people.

An Unvarnished Look at One of America's Great Entrepreneurs
Go into McDonald's today, and you see a complex, well-operated business system operated by ordinary people. That is impressive in and of itself. What is even more impressive is to understand the roots of how this business was established, which you can do by reading this entertaining and revealing book.

Unlike most people who write about themselves and their businesses, Ray Kroc was pretty candid about the problems he had, the people who gave him a hard time, the mistakes he made, and his personal life. That makes this book very valuable to those who want to understand what entrepreneurship is all about.

As an adjunct to reading this book, I suggest that you also visit the McDonald's museum near O'Hare airport in Ray Kroc's first store. There are notes there about all of the problems that he had to solve over the years, many of which are described in the book.

Ray Kroc did not invent the original McDonald's concept, but what he franchised and eventually bought from the McDonald brothers was not yet a real business system. For example, when he first tried to duplicate the french fries that were so famous in San Bernardino, California, his french fries turned to mush. It turned out that the storage methods used by the McDonald brothers aged and dehydrated the potatoes a bit so that they could fry up nicely. Kroc had to invest in finding a process for doing that outside of the near-desert climate of San Bernardino.

The McDonald's system that we see today is the creation of Kroc's attention to detail, appreciation for consumer value, ability to solve problems, taking calculated risks that he could not afford to lose, and attracting talented people into the system. The book gives you a great sense of what that was like. Anyone starting an e-business today will be going through many of the same trials and tribulations.

The book is filled with wonderful stories about McDonald's and the people of McDonald's.

I have a special fondness for the subject since I grew up about a mile from the first McDonald's in San Bernardino, and have been eating their hamburgers now for over 50 years. It is truly awe-inspiring to me to see what has been accomplished from such humble beginnings.

Clearly, this book is a stallbuster for you in business. Kroc was 52 when he became interested in McDonald's. He had no special skills in restaurants. (The closest he came was in selling Lily cups and milk shake machines to restaurants, lunch counters, and drive-ins.) He had relatively little money to invest compared to the size of the opportunity. He ran into many obstacles that could have broken most businesses. Yet he just put his head down, and kept moving forward on the most important things. You can learn a lot from his determination.

Good luck with using this example to create a new set of practices for business that exceed what anyone has ever accomplished before!

Not a Very Satisfying Meal!
This book is like McDonald's - not very nourishing or satisfying! While I loved reading about Mr. Kroc's upbeat attitude and how he became so successful, I don't think the book was very well-written. (I couldn't believe it was written by a former journalist for the Chicago Tribune!) Nevertheless, I found many inspirational quotes in the book, such as the homily that Mr. Kroc recites ... that not even education and talent can make you a success. You need persistence, for the world is full of people who had the other two but never went too far.

Read this instead of all of the other books about McDonald's
When it comes to business literature there are three kinds of writers:

1. Those who did it and write about it: business owners and entrepreneurs
2. Those who read about it: journalists, business books writers, and historians
3. Thos who think about it: professors, researchers, and think tanks

Every single of has their own merit and contribution to the world of business history, but for me it is very important as a business professional to learn from the people who did it. What were they thinking? What where they feels? Why?

The other two kinds of writers can tall you what they did and how but they can never tell you why?

Which is why I recommend reading books like "Grinding It Out".

Even though most people might think that McDonald's was brought to the world by a family baring that name, it was Ray Kroc who found them in California and brought it to the billions of people worldwide.

In this book you make many discoveries as to the reason for McDonald's success. Why did they become number one in their category? What was Ray Kroc thinking and why he chose the path he walked.

I highly recommend this book instead of all of the other books about McDonald's because you the inside prospective from the person who did it all, but perhaps most importantly you get to know why!!!!

Great Story of The Triumph of Bad Food and Cruddy Service
One of Ray Kroc's great innovations, which has been picked up by all the food chains that came after McDonald's, was the concept of cheap, horrible food with cruddy service and low wage employees. The pioneering Kroc has impacted the lives of "billions and billions" around the world, who have ordered the grilled chicken meal deal at the drive-thru, only to discover a crispy chicken sandwich upon opening the bag at home...and no straw. This surprise element of the McDonald's meal - not knowing what you will end up with, has been the enduring hallmark of McDonald's unique contribution to humanity. ... Read more

Book Description

The revised edition of the classic introductory volume to hospitality management
Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry covers all aspects of managing in the business, from operational issues to the role of management. This extensively revised Seventh Edition continues to set itself apart with:
* A new, full-color interior design
* New and revised Internet exercises
* More than 230 photographs, figures, and tables from a diverse cross section of hospitality spots around the world
* Case histories
* Global hospitality notes and industry practice notes
* Chapter review questions
The authors' accessible treatment makes it easy for students to gain a clear understanding of the size and scope of this expanding industry and what goes into managing it. Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry, Seventh Edition is the perfect beginning for students interested in a management career in the hospitality sector.
Visit the accompanying Web site at www.wiley.com/college ... Read more

Book Description

Authoritative coverage of every aspect of resort management and operation
The resort industry is booming, increasing the demand for energetic management personnel well-versed in the unique issues and problems of resort management and operations. From activity programming, guest safety, and security to corporate and meeting planning, the management of seasonal employees, and more, Resorts: Management and Operation provides professionals and students with need-to-know information on a host of resort-specific issues.
The book focuses on the three essential elements of the resort industry-recreational facilities, lodging/food and beverage, and guest activities. It explains the relationship between the natural resource base and the development of recreational facilities; discusses the operational and logistical challenges that resort managers face; and demonstrates the development of revenue-producing, guest-satisfying activities based on demographic and psychographic factors as well as the physical ability of the guest.
This completely practical guide features thorough coverage of:
* Ski areas, golf and tennis resorts, spas, theme parks, gaming, and more
* Resort design principles and practices
* Marketing the resort experience
* Resort economics
* Guest activity format structure, management, and evaluation
Filled with industry examples that illustrate problems and solutions, Resorts: Management and Operation provides in-depth knowledge of a broad spectrum of issues and gives readers the indispensable preparation and confidence they need to achieve success in one of the world's most glamorous and demanding industries. ... Read more

Book Description

If your dream is to own a vacation home - and not break your bank account - this book is what you've been looking for. Author and speaker Christine Hrib-Karpinski offers you practical, hands on advice, showing you how to do it without property management companies so you can keep 100% of the income. Not only will you have realistic strategies for your renters to pay your mortgage - you'll also enjoy several weeks a year in that little slice of paradise with your friends and family.Discover the secrets of successful vacation home owners:

- Choosing the best property for you - Different financing options available - Organizing all rentals, paperwork, money and maintenance - Advertising for quick results - Identifying and avoiding "bad apple" renters - Maintaining your property from a distance - And much more!

The concept of Renting by Owner is catching fire throughout the nation. Whether you want a beachside condo in Florida, a ski cabin in Colorado, or anything in between, the answers are all herein this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide. Vacation homes are no longer just for the wealthy. Start enjoying the benefits of your own marvelous home away from home. It can even be a legacy you leave behind for your children. Just make that first move. You'll be amazed by how much potential is within your reach - right now! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

How to Rent
A totally engrossing book! A definite 'must -have' for any would-be renter.

Hunter Melville
http://CyberRentals.com

Practical Advice for Overcoming Your Mental Hurdles!
If you haven't ever owned and rented out a vacation or second home, you probably have the same concerns that I have: How will I find renters? Will people destroy the property? Will people sue me? How will I get the toilet unclogged at 4 a.m. from a distance? How will I avoid having a terrible negative cash flow? How much time will this really take? Am I turning myself into a minimum wage slave?

Relax! Ms. Christine Hrib Karpinski answers all those and many other questions you didn't know enough to ask. She also provides details of how she does everything efficiently and relatively painlessly.

Further, she gives you good advice on how to decide what property to buy, how much to charge, who to rent to, where to advertise, how to write the copy and even how to create great photographs for a Web site. In fact, both the marketing and the administrative details she provides are outstanding. My only suggestion is that you have an attorney in the state where your property is check out the forms she suggests (or obtain the standard forms used by landlords in that state).

The only area where the book doesn't cover a related subject in detail is in the tax advantages. If she does another edition of this book, I suggest that she have a c.p.a. write up a section on that point. As a result, the book makes it seem like you will make less than you actually will.

Her focus is on long-term ownership and rental, but she also points out how you can make substantial short-term gains. The section on the current mortgage options is excellent.

Even if you decide not to buy a vacation home and rent it, I suggest that you read the book for advice that will be valuable to you as a potential tenant of such properties. You can more than save the price of the book in that context.

I recommend that you do the work she describes for setting rental prices and marketing a property BEFORE you purchase a home.

Good luck!

Best Vacation Rental Book I've ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you currently own or are thinking of investing in a Vacation rental this book is a must have. My husband & I are in the middle of building our dream home. Christine's book answered all the questions I had & then some about renting our vacation home. This book is very easy reading. In fact I found it very difficult to put down. It is a book I think I'll refer to over & over again. Get clicking & buy this book! You won't be sorry!!!!

For some, an invaluable source of information and counsel
Obviously, the value of this book will be determined entirely by its relevance to a specific reader who is now thinking about buying (or who now owns) a vacation rental property and needs expert advice on HOW to manage, furnish, maintain, and promote that investment. I have never owned such a property but have rented several over the years. Some were rented directly from their owner; others were rented through an agency engaged by their owner. The comments which follow are based on the premise that I have decided to purchase a second home. Let's say it is located where there are two peak seasons, summer (swimming, boating, golf, tennis, etc.) and winter (skiing, skating, snow boarding, etc.) My objective is to maximize rental income from it during both seasons. These are some of the questions I need to answer:

1. Where and how to begin?

2. How should I finance it?

3. Which numbers need to be crunched?

4. How to determine which property is the right place for me?.

5. Should I have a management company handle everything, use a management partnership program, or self-manage the property? Why?

6. Which are the most effective strategies, tactics, and resources for marketing my rental property?

7. What about financial terms and conditions (e.g. pricing)?

8. Which criteria to use when selecting renters?

9. What is the best system for processing reservations?

10. Which are the most common problems? How to solve each?

Karpinski addresses these and other critically important questions throughout 18 carefully-organized and well-written chapters, followed by seven appendices in which she provides forms (e.g. rental rules and regulations), identifies most helpful Web sites, explains special discounts, identifies vacation exchange Web sites, lists state sales tax offices, refers her reader to learning centers throughout the U.S. (e.g. to improve computer skills), and concludes with an annotated list of individuals and companies she highly recommends.

If you are thinking about purchasing a vacation rental property or if you now own one and are dissatisfied with its ROI, this book will be invaluable. However, with all due respect to Karpinski, I think it would be foolish to rely on only one source of information and counsel. Once again I am reminded of Derek Bok's response when outraged parents of Harvard students complained about a tuition increase: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." Deciding whether or not to purchase a vacation property obviously requires rigorous and extensive due diligence. In my opinion, a careful reading and then (yes) re-reading of Karpinski's book is essential to that process. That said, check out other sources on the same subject, including books offered by Amazon which have received the highest ratings by readers. This book will also be helpful to current owners who have hired a management company or participate in a management partnership program. In Chapter 5, Karpinski explains why self-management "is the only way to maximize your income on your vacation property." For many current owners, that may well be true but only IF they are willing to invest the time and energy self-management requires.

Excellent information source for vacation property owners
As a vacation rental owner myself, I found this book to be full of solid information. I had purchased other books in the past, but they didn't address all the issues of ownership. In fact, this was the first book I had read that emphasized not using a property manager. This book outlines chapter-by-chapter how to take reservations, get deposits and payments, how to handle keys, choose good renters, deal with problems, how to find cleaning and maintenance people, etc. How to Rent Vacation Properties By Owner is easy to read and understand--I finished it in a day. There are lots of helpful tips and owner stories, but the references and resources in the back of the book are what sets this book apart. There are web sites for all 50 states tax departments, dozens of vacation rental sites to advertise on, special offers and more. The author has clearly done her homework so you don't have to. Worth every penny. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive textbook offers a real world approach to hotel sales and operations.It goes beyond the theoretical information found in most other textbooks and offers real-world case studies that reinforce the theory.In addition, it includes background information on hotel operations and marketing to better prepare students to master the art of hotel sales. It introduces the concept of the sales triangle (room sales, catering sales, and outlet/ancillary sales) and illustrates the importance of each to the overall sales success of the hotel.This book outlines the important information and strategies students need to succeed in hotel sales and operations. ... Read more

Book Description

This new series of fifteen books - The Food Service Professional Guide TO Series from the editors of the Food Service Professional are the best and most comprehensive books for serious food service operators available today.

These step-by-step guides on a specific management subject range from finding a great site for your new restaurant to how to train your wait staff and literally everything in between. They are easy and fast -to-read, easy to understand and will take the mystery out of the subject. The information is "boiled down" to the essence. They are filled to the brim with up to date and pertinent information.

The books cover all the bases, providing clear explanations and helpful, specific information. All titles in the series include the phone numbers and web sites of all companies discussed. What you won’t find are wordy explanations, tales of how someone did it better, or a scholarly lecture on the "theory". Think of them as "Cliff Notes TM" on the subject matter.

Every paragraph in each of the books are comprehensive, well researched, engrossing, and just plain fun-to-read, yet are packed with interesting ideas. You’ll be using your highlighter a lot! The best part aside from the content is they are very moderately price. You can also purchase the whole 15 book series the isbn number is 0-910627-26-6. You are bound to get a great new idea to try on every page if not out of every paragraph. Do not be put off by the low price, these books really do deliver the critical information and eye opening ideas you need you to succeed without the fluff so commonly found in more expensive books on the subject. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
Great Book! I Found These step-by-step guides easy-to-read, and easy to understand! The books are packed with information. They reminded me of "cliff Notes" from my college days.The information is comprehensive without the fluff you find in so many of the more expensive books out there on the subject. The books are also packed with resources such as phone numbers and the web sites of the companies they are discussing - there is no "theory" just great information. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

VERY beginning must read
This book was great, in my opinion, because i have NO clue.I'm sure for anyone w/ more business operation knowledge it lends less assistance.

I was glad to find a extreme basic book that gets me up to speed and lets me know the basics before i move into the next and intermediate level reading on this topic.

It's cheap - and it presents information that COULD change your mind or confirm your ideas ... good investment :)

Yow to Open your Own Restaurant...A Loser of a Guide
This is a very skinny book written by two men who obviously have restaurant experience, but who have very poor writing/communications skills. This book is not a guide to setting up the spreadsheets necessary to open a restaurant. It is doubtful that the authors even know how to open up Lotus or Excel. The amount of essential items left out are humongous. Watch yourself! Not a recommendable expenditure of any money whatsoever on this crummy attempt at producing a useful "book". Rating: eight onions.

Yow to Open your Own Restaurant...A Loser of a Guide
This is a very small book written by two men who obviously have restaurant experience, but who have very poor writing/communications skills. This book is not a guide to setting up the spreadsheets necessary to open a restaurant. It is doubtful that the authors even know how to open up Lotus or Excel. The amount of essential items left out are humongous. Watch yourself! Not a recommendable expenditure of any money whatsoever on this crummy attempt at producing a useful "book". Rating: eight onions.

Authoritative and complete; A must read!
From myths to realities; This authoritative book covers all the planning, organizing, and operating procedures which are necessary and crucial to a successful restaurant venture.

While many people desire to build the restaurant of their dreams, there are important issues that need to be considered if success is to be achieved. Too often sheer determination is not enough. This business relies on too many individuals for one person,(you), to see things right. This book provides the insight and information necessary to provoke serious thinking regarding whether or not to actually pursue the dream of restaurant ownership.

This book contains several anecdotes of real life situations as well as charts, explanations of record keeping, and financial statements. My favorite parts involve the exhaustive lists of what one should seriously analyze, research, and consider before beginning the venture process.

However, heed this caution; This book may in fact dissuade you from ever opening your own restaurant. But if you decide to go ahead with your dream, this book is just what you need to help prepare you for the realities of this time engrossing, yet rewarding business. ... Read more

Book Description

This new series of fifteen books - The Food Service Professional Guide TO Series from the editors of the Food Service Professional are the best and most comprehensive books for serious food service operators available today.

These step-by-step guides on a specific management subject range from finding a great site for your new restaurant to how to train your wait staff and literally everything in between. They are easy and fast -to-read, easy to understand and will take the mystery out of the subject. The information is "boiled down" to the essence. They are filled to the brim with up to date and pertinent information.

The books cover all the bases, providing clear explanations and helpful, specific information. All titles in the series include the phone numbers and web sites of all companies discussed. What you won’t find are wordy explanations, tales of how someone did it better, or a scholarly lecture on the "theory". Think of them as "Cliff Notes TM" on the subject matter.

Every paragraph in each of the books are comprehensive, well researched, engrossing, and just plain fun-to-read, yet are packed with interesting ideas. You’ll be using your highlighter a lot! The best part aside from the content is they are very moderately price. You can also purchase the whole 15 book series the isbn number is 0-910627-26-6. You are bound to get a great new idea to try on every page if not out of every paragraph. Do not be put off by the low price, these books really do deliver the critical information and eye opening ideas you need you to succeed without the fluff so commonly found in more expensive books on the subject. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book - Great Value
It takes alot more than top-shelf cocktails to produce a successful beverage operation. In today's market, whether running a stand-alone business or one incorporated into a restaurant, hotel, or foodservice operation, the successful bar operator needs to have product and equipment knowledge, management savvy, marketing skills, insight into the latest trends, and, of course, a strong grasp of mixology-all of which are detailed here in This Book. Has the most up-to-date material on managing a beverage operation, bar equipment, sanitation and bar setup, managing inventory, marketing and planning for profit.Get it you will not be dissapointed especially at this low price ... Read more

Book Description

Contemporary in perspective, this classic volume offers a practical, non-theoretical, approach to the all aspects of purchasing for the food service industry -- and presents more information on nutrition than any other similar book available. Features a combination of how to purchase plus the factors needed to purchase.Provides the detail necessary to get what is desired in the various foods and services that are purchased. Provides unique, detailed coverage of the definition of qualities and other factors important in the purchase of food and related products. Explains of why patrons need to be considered. Contains an exceptionally complete review of how the computer is used in purchasing. Includes cases studies.For those responsible for managing quantity food purchasing in the food service industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Jackpot!
Harrahs Winning Secrets for Customer Loyalty

"Any gambler knows the importance of a trustworthy house, and Harrahs has certainly earned its reputation for integrity." –Alan C. "Ace" Greenberg, Chairman, Bear Stearns

"Jackpot is a fast read about a fascinating industry, packed with marketing and operational nuggets that every business leader should know." –Sergio Zyman, Author, The End of Advertising As We Know It

"In Jackpot, Robert Shook has adroitly described how Harrahs, under the leadership of Phil Satre and his team, have moved this company into the forefront of the gaming industry by implementing modern technology and initiatives without compromising the vision and culture of Bill Harrah." –Frank Fahrenkopf, President, American Gaming Association ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Motivate yourself
Great book -- the lessons taught are for all service based organizations. Learn how to create customer loyalty and enjoy your business more. Must read!!

best marketing book I ever read
I have read other books by Robert L. Shook, and he is an accomplished writer of business books. He's at his best with Jackpot. This book is both informative and entertaining. Shook takes his reader behind the scenes at Harrah's, a gaming company with 26 casinos and reveals how the company is able to compete so successfully against billion-dollar properties in the Las Vegas market. Harrah's secret, as the subtitle states is how it wins customer loyalty and does it better than its competition. This is an excellent book for any business reader engaged in a highly competitive industry, and, in particular, goes head to head with the big boys. Shook's writing style is superb--he interwines anecdotal material that makes for a fascnating read. True, this is a business book, but at times, it's such a page-turner, you feel you're reading a novel.

This book is a "winner!"
This book is about an outstanding culture that is culminated from the founder's passion, integrity and leadership.

Jackpot provides cutting-edge lessons and ideas that are being exposed for the first time in topics such as: marketing and customer loyalty, building market share, and preserving high integrity.

Harrah's placed its chips on integrity and serving the customer. It's no wonder they are so successful.

"very FUNNY book"
This book is a riot! I could not put it down. One of the funniest books on gambling I have ever read.(and I've read 100 books on Vegas/Gambling.Go straight to page 43 first- "there is no underworld presence today in Las Vegas"- this author really knows how to write satire.The book is just filled with one funny story after another about how everything now in gambling is on the up & up.Robert Shook is more humerous than that Connecticut Senator whose trying to protect children from the entertainment industry.Another fun thing to do with his book- circle the word "lawyer" and then underline all the Federal & State laws that his book exposes.God Bless America! We should all feel blessed to have a comedy writer like Robert.

D.Matthew Hayden
author
Vegas Stories ... Read more

Book Description

Expert advice on how to stage the perfect event every time

"A terrific resource of information for anyone in the event-planning business." —James Spellos, CMP, President, Meeting U.

Meeting & Event Planning For Dummies is a practical step-by-step guide to the strategies and techniques event-planning professionals use to bring people together. This comprehensive resource covers all the angles – from the little details to the big picture – to make sure your business meetings and special events come off without a hitch!

Praise for Meeting & Event Planning For Dummies

"Packed with valuable information in an easy-to-use format. [It] covers all the basics for the meeting planning novice." —Diane Silberstein, President, Diane Silberstein & Associates

"A great resource book every event professional should have.... Checklist heaven! We all love our checklists, and this book is full of them!" —Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP ... Read more

Book Description

Fully updated to keep pace with a rapidly changing technological environment

The swift-moving technology revolution continues to transform the practices and procedures involved in purchasing for the hospitality industry, even as essential principles remain unchanged. Now, the cornerstone volume that set the standard for how hospitality purchasing is taught at universities, colleges, and culinary schools addresses the latest technological tools used in the industry today.

As always, Purchasing: Selection and Procurement for the Hospitality Industry, Sixth Edition retains the exceptional coverage that has made it the classic in its field, with in-depth attention to ordering procedures, distribution systems, supplier channels, price and payment, storage and security, and specifications for food, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Chapters on produce, dairy, eggs, poultry, fish, meat, beverages, and other products are fully updated with the latest standards and trends.

Purchasing is important reading for students in hospitality, restaurant management, and culinary arts programs. This easy-to-use guide is also an excellent resource for professionals in food service and lodging operations who conduct training courses on purchasing goods and hospitality services. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good information, bad organization
I had to use this book as a text for a purchasing course I took and was frustrated to no end by its lack of organization.The different sections often repeat and even contradict themselves, although this improves substantially when you get to the chapters in the second half of the book on specific categories of items to be purchased.Each chapter is followed by a list of 30-40 "important words and concepts," most of which aren't defined or explained in the chapter but just mentioned in passing.Some of them aren't even mentioned in the chapter, and many of them appear on two or three different lists.The index is so limited as to be next to useless, and there is no glossary.I found myself continuously referring to other books and internet resources to get the information I needed, not because it wasn't in the book, but because I couldn't *find* it.

That said, the content of the book is thorough and well thought-out.Though I wouldn't recommend it as a textbook or desk reference, reading through it would give a novice buyer a good grounding in the principles of purchasing.

Awesome Book!!
This text is very easy to use.It covers just about every aspect of purchasing in the hospitality industry, and makes it simple to find what you're looking for.The information is very straight-forward, and it's written in plain english for anyone to understand.

Good book!!!
This book is very informative and well-organized.It's very easy to find what you're looking for...and it's got it all when it comes to information that pertains to purchasing for the industry.Very up-to-date...I especially liked the "Technology Applications for Purchasing" chapter.

A Comprehensive Understanding to Purchasing in the Hospitali
This textbook succinctly outlines and dicusses purchasing processes in the hospitality industry.It is therefore essential for any nonpurchasing agent who wants a comprehensive view of the purchasing function and activities to understand the management of a successful operation.The book has a lot of useful hands-on information and would be valuable to any person who will be assuming any purchasing related activities in the hospitality industry. As one who has studied hospitality management and worked in the industry, the detailed explanations are very precise and correct and very instructive.The book is recommended for nonpurchasing agents, but I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand one of managements' biggest headaches: purchasing. ... Read more

Book Description

This ground-breaking textbook covers all aspects of the subject and draws on a wide range of applications in the service industries.Three sections comprise this book: the first presents underpinning knowledge associated with Yield Management; the second examines contemporary models of Yield Management across a number of service sectors; and the third reviews how Yield Management acts as a decision support system for front-line staff and managers, and also highlights the growing importance of new technologies.The book concludes with a range of case studies taken from airlines, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and leisure industries. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Generally excellent overview of the field
I stumbled across this publication recently - not having been aware of the first edition, apparently published in 1997. In brief, it's the best treatment I have read of Yield/Revenue Management, although it is certainly not perfect.

Plus points:

1. The variety of contributions ensures that you're not just getting the view of one 'expert' - which is a problem with several books in this field.

2. The opening chapter, by Sheryl Kimes, is perhaps the best distillation of Yield Management theory I have read.

3. Most of the chapters are concise and to-the-point. The diagrams are generally helpful (with one or two glaring exceptions), and the book is usefully divided into four distinct parts.

4. Although the majority of the contributors are mostly from the UK, I found their perspectives refreshing. It's easy to forget that innovations in this field can come from outside the US.

Negative points:

1. It would have helped if each part of the book had its own introduction or overview. As it is, I felt like starting blind on occasions.

2. A couple of the chapters, particularly those on the Cruise Industry and the Football (or soccer!) Industry, were not relevant to me and I imagine would not be relevant to most other readers. They seemed to be written from a much more personal perspective than the rest of the book.

I would certainly recommend this collection to industry professionals wishing to expand their knowledge of this field. And for anybody starting out, it would be near essential reading. ... Read more

Book Description

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." Many see it as a panacea for developing nations-a source of clean development that can bring wealth to rural communities while simultaneously helping to preserve pristine environments. But has the reality lived up to the promise? And is that even possible.

In Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Martha Honey presents an overview of the ecotourism industry and a first-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world. Based on interviews and visits to ecotourist hotspots in Latin America and Africa, she offers a vivid description and analysis of projects that meet the goals and standards of ecotourism as well as those that claim to be ecotourism but in reality fall short. She presents in-depth case studies of seven destinations (Galapagos, Costa Rica, Cuba, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa) that serve to illustrate the real world of ecotourism. For each, she offers an ecotourism scorecard, grading it on its adherence to the enumerated principles of ecotourism and sustainable development.

Honey addresses topics such as the evolution and principles of ecotourism, where profits go, and the mechanics and politics of the tourist industry as a whole. The case studies highlight the economic and cultural impacts of tourism development on indigenous populations as well as on ecosystems. Honey also surveys current thinking and policies of environmental groups, and looks at how political situations, human rights records, and natural resource management influence travel decisions.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development provides a unique and compelling look at the promise and pitfalls of ecotourism. It is the only such account of worldwide ecotourism available today, and is an important guide for students and researchers involved with international development, geography, or tourism, as well as for anyone interested in becoming a more environmentally sensitive traveller. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Highly recommended, most detailed overview available
The release of Martha Honey's book investigating ecotourism marks the end of a 10-year era of gestation and growth in the field. Honey, who began research on the book in the early 1990s, does genuine investigative journalism on the many issues haunting the ecotourism field, from its definition to its sustainability, and provides honest assessments. This book offers the most detailed overview of the evolution of the ecotourism field available today. Highly recommended for ecotourism professionals, foundation officers, bank and multilateral investment specialists and others deeply involved in applying ecotourism as a sustainable development tool, this book is an advanced analysis. In the academic world, it will provide invaluable background information for all students performing research on the issues of ecotourism and sustainable development. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development gives context and history, but it does not offer applied solutions. On a philosophical note, Honey states that ecotourism should be "transforming the way modern, conventional tourism is conducted." This is a point of healthy debate within the field, but not a universally accepted goal. Ecotourism's role as a political instrument of change on the international scene is not its strong point, as Honey points out. But should this be the measure by which the ecotourism field is judged? Honey's book offers a wide variety of fascinating points for debate, and provides an excellent baseline of discussion for all those involved in the development of the ecotourism field. However, less sophisticated readers should be warned that Honey's assumptions need to be carefully debated, not simply accepted.

Megan Epler Wood, President, The Ecotourism Society.

Highly-recommended investigation of the ecotourism industry
Martha Honey's experience as an investigative reporter serves her well in this exploration of ecotourism. She asks probing questions that traditional travel writers would not, and even describes why this type of journalism is so rare in the travel industry. (Because travel writers are usually the guests of the hotels and agencies they are reviewing, and they are afraid to bite the hands that feed them.). The reader learns about the "greenwashing" that some segments of the travel industry use to mislead travelers with the best intentions, for example the Green Globe awards in which companies can "earn" a green globe award just for signing up with the program and paying the $200 fee! But Honey is not completely unconvinced that true ecotourism can exist. In her seven chapters on individual receptor countries, she describes ecotourism projects that were designed by conservationists with conservation rather than personal profit as a motive. This book provides quantitative and qualitative information, and its fluid prose is a pleasure to read. The book is useful for both the lay traveler and those in the travel industry striving to offer responsible ecotourism opportunities.

Not so good
Disappointing tome with numerous factual mistakes and a lack of understanding of those the author is interviewing. The book is far too dependent on paper sources and fairly clueless on the ground.

First-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world
Martha Honey argues that the responsibility of ecotourism operators stretches far beyond their physical impact on the land. She argues that real ecotourism must involve seven vital and interrelated characteristics: travel to nature destinations; minimizing negative environmental impact; building environmental awareness; direct financial benefits for conservation; financial benefits and empowerment for local people; the respect of local culture; and the support of human rights and democracy. Her book is an excellent account of worldwide ecotourism.

Snoozer
I cannot believe I paid money for this book. We need information about ecotourism, particularly in the developing world. But the author shows no first-hand knowledge. She includes a lot of reports and obviously attends many policy meetings. But outside of the classroom, I do not think this book is of much use. ... Read more