Cebu Eastern College

College of Hospitality & Tourism Management

FLEXIBLE LEARNING MODULE

Course Title Applied Business Tools Technologies and Economics

Course Code HMPC 4
Course Unit (s) 3
Pre-Requisite None
Semester & A.Y. First Semester A.Y. 2021-2022
Learning Approach Synchronous & Asynchronous On-line
Learning Outcomes
 Demonstrate knowledge in defining technological terms
 Identify and access business tools requires to achieve work outcomes
 Develop criteria to identify which tools are to be monitored and controlled to ensure that time and
effort is devoted to managing the proper and important tools.
 Review and analyze literature on different business tools and technology.
 Use business tools efficiently and effectively

Getting to know the topic

Applied business tools
Tourism and hospitality industry today, is changing significantly with the application of
information technology in its fundamental to strategic activity. It is driven by the competition
inherent within the industry as well as the evolving innovative ideas and practices.

Let’s Do and Discuss!

What is a Business Tool?
A business tool can be considered as any asset that helps or assists the organization to achieve
its stated aims or objectives. There are various types of tools that may be used in a business
varying in size, complexity, danger, and importance to the business operation. There are the
large, heavy tools such as stoves, refrigerators, cars or freezers. This unit aims to consider the
items that are portable and valuable, and by their very nature present unique management
challenges to the business.
There are various considerations that relate to the management of these items that are not
applicable when considering their other cousins. For example, it is very easy to misplace a
mobile telephone, but very difficult to misplace a freezer. The cost of using a mobile phone can
vary significantly; the cost to the business of the mobile can be reasonable or exorbitant
depending on use. It is also a challenge to misuse a freezer. However, there have been several
cases where the misuse of a telephone has had significant implications for employees and for
the business.
Modern managers must to be able to manage these tools to ensure that they are available
when required, are in a usable and operating condition and that the user is sufficiently trained
to use the device efficiently. A mobile phone must have a sufficiently charged battery, a mobile
service, and a user who is sufficiently trained or experienced to be able to use the tool in an
efficient and productive manner.
To continue the example of the mobile telephone, it is possible to imagine a situation where an
employee is given a phone with a flat battery. A charger is eventually found and the battery
charged. When the phone is switched on it asks for a security code, which is unknown, but also
later located. When this is entered it is discovered that the bill has not been paid and there is
no service. This is a simple example of the care and management that is necessary to ensure
that the tool does meet the needs of the business and that the tool enhances the performance
of the business.
Technology Used in Hospitality & Tourism
Not so long ago, computer reservation systems revolutionized the travel and hospitality
industry. The evolution of the internet, the smartphone and other technologies now provide
significant convenience and savings to travel consumers. Travel websites that allow travelers to
find the best deals, self-guided tour audio apps and real-time updates on flight times and
arrivals are now standard travel tools, accessible to both travel professionals and consumers
alike.
Travel Websites and Apps
There is a plethora of online travel sites and apps, which can be used for many different
purposes:
Research: Individual vendor websites, third-party booking sites, and online travel publications
provide information, reviews, and price comparisons for travel products, including
transportation, accommodation, excursions and car rental. Travelers who prefer to not work
with a travel agent can easily complete necessary research and select the vendors with the best
prices.
Booking: Both travel agents and consumers alike can book travel online, without ever having to
speak to a vendor representative
Travel updates: Travelers can now check in regarding their flight status via a website or a
mobile app. In addition, many airlines now provide updated flight information via text or
automated calls. In addition, family and friends can also use online systems to track the arrival
of their guests.
Loyalty points: Many airlines and hotels offer loyalty point programs. Apps and websites allow
loyalty point program members to check their status and redeem points as they wish.
Boarding passes: Travelers have been able to check-in to their flights online and to print
boarding passes from their computer some time now. These days, however, travelers can
simply add a boarding pass to their mobile phone wallet and skip the printing process.
Peer-to-peer systems: Apps like Airbnb connect travelers directly with homeowners and others
with temporary space to rent, bypassing traditional services like hotels.
Customizable, interactive maps: Google Maps, and similar online mapping systems, now allow
user input. You can add your own favorite restaurants, museums and other tourist sites to a
local map and even see the sites added by your circle of friends.
5 Useful Tools for Every Hospitality Business
It can sometimes feel impossible to keep up with the demands of the day-to-day grind of the
hospitality industry, especially because of the fast-paced nature and constant focus on
customers. Thankfully there are some great technology tools available that can help ease some
of the workload – anything from staff learning and scheduling rosters to taking your menu
digital – all to ensure that your days are more productive.
5 handy hospitality industry tools you should be using now:
1. 7Shifts
Organizing your team’s roster can often be challenging, particularly when your staff don’t work
regular hours. The clever thing with 7Shifts is that their cloud platform allows you to auto-
schedule your staff based on their availabilities and create custom templates to suit your
business, making it easy to coordinate your team. To take it one step further, you can also use
their platform to manage sales and labor costs.
2. Sidekicker
Finding qualified seasonal staff is a common problem in the hospitality industry, where you may
just need temporary staff for a one-off event, or a short contracted period. Sidekicker is an on-
demand staffing platform that helps resolve this issue. Their database has over 11,000
experienced staff in hospitality, promotions, events, business administration, and retail. Staff
profiles are detailed, rated and reviewed so that employers can easily find the right people for
the job.
3. Typsy
Learning and upskilling should always be a priority for every hospitality professional,
particularly as the industry faces a skills shortage. Typsy’s online learning platform offers
hospitality businesses, staff, and schools the ability to assign professional hospitality courses
and lessons with their 350+ video library. Users can learn essential industry skills in areas of
culinary, beverage, service, marketing, and business. Courses are led by world leading
hospitality professionals, including champion baristas, restaurant consultants, restaurateurs,
and chefs.
4. Screen Cloud (Digital menu app)
Digital menu signs are beneficial for restaurants with certain concepts. Of course, you probably
wouldn’t consider using them in a fine dining establishment, but they work really well in a fast-
casual setting. Digital signage is not only aesthetically pleasing, it makes it easy to update
information on menu items, discounts, and more.
With Screen Cloud's menu feature, users can easily create, edit and customize digital menus in
real time and manage it remotely for in-store display. Their software is also compatible with
plenty of devices, meaning it can be displayed nicely across most screens within venues.
5. Upserve
Having the right point of sale system in your hospitality business is crucial for efficiency and a
smooth operation. It’s also important for your POS to be industry-specific in order to ensure it
can meet the demands of our industry. There are plenty of point of sale systems out there, but
not all are geared toward restaurants and hospitality tailored to the restaurant and hospitality
industries. Aside from basic POS functions, Upserve features like mobile payment, marketing
tools, inventory control, and more.
Using online tools in your hospitality business definitely has its benefits –  it’s efficient, saves
time and it’s cost effective. By incorporating these tools you’ll increase productivity and have
more time for priority areas in your business. Why not give these a shot?
How far have you gone?
Activity 1:
Answer the following questions.
1.Discuss the importance of technologies used in Hospitality & Tourism.
2.How does travel website and apps help the tourism and hospitality industry?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology innovation in Tourism and
Hospitality Industry?

Activity 2
A. In your own understanding, define the following terms:
A. Business tool -
B. Security tool -
C. Social networking -
D. Barcode -
E. Swipe card access -
F. Serial Number -
G. Technology -
H. Roster -
I. Software -
J.Social Media -

Note: Submit your answer in your google drive and share it to : gventic2@gmail.com
.