Ergonomic Practices on Housekeeper’s Performance in Hotel Operation in Umuahia, Abia –State Nigeria. (Published)
This study focusses on the effect of ergonomic practices on housekeeper’s performance in hotel operation in Umuahia, Abia –State Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the ergonomic training practices carried out by housekeepers, ascertain the extent in which equipment arrangement in an organization affect housekeepers’ performance and to examine the influence of ergonomic working conditions on housekeeper’s performance. The researchers adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprises of housekeepers of some selected registered hotels in Umuahia metropolis. The sample size for this study was 170 houskeepers and it was statistically determined using Taro Yamane formula. Accessibility sampling technique was use for the study. The researchers made use of well-structured questionnaire in obtaining the needed information from the respondents. To ensure reliability of the instrument, it was subjected to Cronbach Alpha reliability test. Simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation was used to analyze respondents’ personal data and research questions while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed that the mean ratings of the relationship between ergonomic working conditions and housekeeper’s performance was 0.824 and significant at 10%. The study conclude that ergonomics practices play a significant role in improving the performance of housekeepers in hotels. Hotels should promote safe practices in the housekeeping department by facilitating training programs to ensure correct steps are followed at work.
Keywords: Equipment, Hotels, ergonomics, housekeepers
Determinants (Security, ICT and Room Service) of Customers’ Patronage of Star-Rated Hotels in Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Published)
This study examined the determinants of customers’ patronage of star-rated hotels in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The specific objectives, three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population was all the 28, 670 estimated guests at 15 selected hotels in Port Harcourt which have a minimum of 100 room capacities. A total of 377 guests (201 males and 176 females) at 15 selected hotels were selected using the convenient sampling technique. A four-point rating questionnaire was used to collect data. The data for this study were collected using the indirect contact approach with the help of the hotels’ receptionists after obtaining approval from the managements. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the hypothesis was analyzed using a one-way or factorial ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. Major findings are that security is paramount for hotel customers’ choice, and a major determinant for patronage of large hotels; the presence of security personnel was not accepted as a determinant of customers’ patronage of star hotels; functional and active ICT systems are an expectation and determinant of customers’ patronage of star hotels. The total mean scores indicate that quality room service is an expectation of customers from large hotels, and a prerequisite for patronage. Clean public areas like corridors were not an expectation to determine patronage; the presence of quality facilities in star hotels is a determinant of patronage by prospective customers for large hotels. The F-statistic of 23.99, and the p-value of 0.000004 implied that these three variables (security concerns, ICT expectations, and room service expectations) are significant determinants of customers’ patronage of star-rated hotels in Port Harcourt. The study recommended the need for collaboration with industry stakeholders and local authorities to ensure that security, ICT advancements, and service standards align with global best practices. The study concluded that for star hotel managers to win and retain patronage and loyalty of customers and potential customers, there is utmost need for an examination of this study’s reports.
Keywords: Customer patronage, Hotels, ICT, Security, room service
Assessing the Impact of Safety Practices of Employees on Performance in the Production Unit of Some Selected Hotels in Takoradi, Ghana (Published)
It has become necessary for safety standards to be maintained and sustained in organizations so that frequent incidents or accidents are curtailed, breakdown of equipment are minimized and the life of employees and the life span of equipment are prolonged. This research work sought to explore employee’s safety practices on performance in the production unit of some selected hotels in Takoradi aimed at achieving these objectives – Identify safety practices and policies in the production unit of hotels and determine the extent of compliance of the safety practices. The study examined 164 respondents using a proportionate stratified sampling to select respondents from the hotels while the hotels were sampled purposively. The results revealed that all the employees of the selected hotels had existing organizational policies ensuring safety at the workplace but some did not comply which could be quite dangerous to their safety and so some disciplinary measures were meted out to employees who did not comply with the safety measures laid down which ranged from written warning letters given to the employees (70%) with 10% having a month suspension without pay. However, those employees who demonstrated a higher degree of safety were either given outstanding employee plaques or their salaries and allowances were increased – 39% and 25% respectively.
Keywords: Hotels, Performance, Production unit, Safety Practices
The Impact of Outsourcing on the Growth of Hotels in Eldoret Town in Kenya (Published)
Hospitality Industry, which majorly consists of hotels and restaurant chains and related services, is one of the largest service industries in the world. Most countries in Africa have realized that the development of hospitality industries is also important for economic diversification. The study assessed the influence of strategic alliances on growth of hotel industry in Eldoret town, the headquarters of Uasin Gishu County in the North Rift region of Kenya. Based on the study this paper explores the effects of outsourcing on growth of hotel industry. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a target population of 220 in the hotel industry in Eldoret town. A sample of 112 respondents was drawn proportionately from four categories of hotels using stratified random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect the required data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with the aid of a computer software known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The study found that outsourcing had contributed to increased hotel sales, profits, product/service quality and reduction of costs. It was therefore recommended that hotel managers need to understand the benefits as well as the challenges that come with outsourcing. The findings of the study will be of benefit to hotels with limited resources and exposed to growth opportunities as they will be able to appreciate the role of outsourcing in leveraging on large firms’ resources for profitability, growth and expansion.
Keywords: Eldoret Town, Growth, Hotels, Kenya, Outsourcing