TP 103 Applied Business Tools Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What is considered a business tool?

A legal document for managing business contracts

Any piece of office equipment used by staff

Any asset that assists in achieving organizational objectives (correct)

A dedicated software for customer relationship management only

Which step involves creating a practical timeline for business priorities?

Define objective

Create a roadmap (correct)

Assess situations

Select right tools

What does a Management Information System primarily involve?

All communication methods within the organization (correct)

Only formal channels of communication

Financial accounting tools

Hardware used in the office

Why is it important to update business tools?

To ensure continued effectiveness and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of using additional support in business tools?

Getting the right people for the job Signup and view all the answers

What type of information system is specifically tailored for tourism?

Tourism Information System Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Information Systems in tourism?

Decreased internet usage Signup and view all the answers

What should organizations do to properly select business tools?

Conduct trials and experiments with various tools Signup and view all the answers

What does a Central Reservation System (CRS) allow hotels to do?

Set and manage rate plans and promotions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a Global Distribution System (GDS)?

To facilitate bookings between travel agents and hotels Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of a GDS helps maintain consistent pricing across platforms?

Rate parity Signup and view all the answers

How does a GDS benefit hotels in terms of market reach?

It connects hotels to a wide network of travel agents worldwide Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does GDS distribute about hotels?

Detailed information including amenities and images Signup and view all the answers

Which market does a GDS primarily target?

Corporate travel market Signup and view all the answers

What ensures travel agents have accurate information about a hotel?

Automatic updates by the GDS Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of using a GDS for hotels?

Enforcement of rate parity making discounts difficult Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of having different channels in an effective tourism information system?

To serve different functions for various types of information Signup and view all the answers

In what way are the information channels in a tourism information system related?

They are connected by a common theme and projected message Signup and view all the answers

What happens if one or more channels in a tourism information system are not effective?

The system's message may become inconsistent and ineffective Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the function of a Computer/Central Reservation System (CRS) in hotels?

A platform for managing and streamlining bookings centrally Signup and view all the answers

Which feature ensures accurate room availability and minimizes the risk of overbooking in a CRS?

Real-Time Updates Signup and view all the answers

What does inventory management in a Central Reservation System (CRS) imply?

Centralized control of room types, rates, and availability Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect is crucial for the interdependence of channels in a tourism information system?

All channels must communicate a related message Signup and view all the answers

How does a well-functioning tourism information system resemble a puzzle?

Missing channels create an incomplete message Signup and view all the answers

Which GDS was created by European airline groups to compete with the Sabre and Apollo systems?

Worldspan Signup and view all the answers

What technology does Worldspan specifically focus on in the travel industry?

Web-based travel eCommerce Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of the Apollo GDS when it was created?

To create the first computerized central reservation system Signup and view all the answers

Which GDS has the largest global market share footprint?

Amadeus Signup and view all the answers

How long has Amadeus been in operation?

Over 30 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following GDSs was used by United Airlines until 2012?

Apollo Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the GDS process for hotel bookings?

Service providers use outdated inventory information. Signup and view all the answers

What feature does the Galileo GDS provide to hotel owners?

24 hour access to inventories Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is one of the 'big three' legacy GDS systems?

Travelport Signup and view all the answers

What type of tools does Worldspan offer to travel companies?

Interactive shopping tools Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary benefit of using a GDS for hotels?

It offers greater reach to corporate travelers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sabre NOT provide as part of its services?

Exclusive partnerships with individual hotels. Signup and view all the answers

Which company is known for having the smallest market share among the 'big three' GDS providers?

Travelport Signup and view all the answers

In which market does Travelport primarily operate?

North American market Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Sabre Global Distribution System?

Exclusive offers from local hotels. Signup and view all the answers

How does the payment process work between the guest, hotel, and agent?

The guest pays the hotel, and then the hotel pays the agent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Management Information System

Definition of Business Tools: Assets that assist organizations in achieving their goals, including systems, applications, and methodologies.
Purpose: Tools help organizations adapt to changing markets, maintain a competitive position, and enhance performance.
Selection Criteria: Organizations must tailor criteria to their interests, ensuring tools are effectively maintained and managed.

Staying Competitive with Business Tools

Objective Definition: Identify priorities to allocate resources effectively.
Situation Assessment: Use trial and error to evaluate operational effectiveness and training.
Roadmap Creation: Develop a timeline for short- and long-term priorities to guide decision-making.
Tool Upgrades: Regularly research and improve existing tools for continuous efficiency.
Employ Additional Support: Engage skilled personnel for specialized roles.
Select Appropriate Tools: Experiment with different business tools to find the best fit.

Tourism Information System

Functionality: Comprises all communication channels used to promote tourism attractions.
Information Channels: Include commercials, ads, brochures, and interactions with past visitors and employees.
Importance of the Internet: Plays a crucial role in modern travel and tourism, offering extensive reach.

Characteristics of Effective Tourism Information Systems

Unique Functions: Each channel serves a specific purpose, connecting travelers with different information sources.
Interrelated Channels: The systems’ channels are interconnected like parts of a novel, contributing to a unified message.
Interdependence: Channels depend on each other for effective communication; missing pieces can lead to inconsistent messaging.

Computer/Central Reservation System (CRS)

Definition: A software platform for hotels to manage bookings centrally.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Control over room types, rates, and availability.
- Real-Time Updates: Ensures accurate information to prevent overbookings.
- Rate Management: Flexibility to adjust pricing based on market conditions.
- Channel Management: Integrates with various online distribution platforms for consistent information.

Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

Definition: Connect hotels, travel agencies, and providers to facilitate bookings and manage inventory.
Market Reach: Expands exposure to corporate travelers and enhances convenience for users.

Key Features of GDS

Wide Market Access: Facilitates hotels' reach to a global network of travel agents.
Content Distribution: Provides comprehensive and accurate information for informed booking decisions.
Rate Parity: Ensures consistent pricing across all channels to maintain fairness.
Evolution from Airlines: Originally developed for airlines, GDS now includes hospitality services.

Major Global Distribution Systems

Amadeus: Largest market presence, operating in over 190 markets, strong in Europe.
Sabre: Extensive network and service offerings, serving various travel suppliers globally.
Travelport: Comprises Galileo, Apollo, and Worldspan, focusing on online distribution solutions.

Specific GDS Highlights

Sabre: Known for its pioneering technology in online travel and robust market presence in North America.
Travelport: Offers a diversified reach with bases outside of the UK, focusing on global agency distribution.
Galileo: Facilitates global access to hotel inventories, serving as a major player in the travel industry.
Worldspan: A technology leader in travel eCommerce, enabling cost reduction and productivity increase for travel agencies.
Apollo: Established by United Airlines, primarily used in North America.
Abacus and Pegasus: Smaller GDS systems that also contribute to the market.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of Management Information Systems as it pertains to Applied Business Tools and Technology in Tourism. This quiz will examine the definition and significance of business tools in achieving organizational objectives and maintaining competitive advantage in changing markets.