Applied Business Tools and Technologies Chapter 1

 CHAPTER 1 An Introduction: Applied Business Tools and Technology Learning Objectives: Lesson 1: Business Tools Terminologies Define the business tools Describe the different business languages and terminologies...

 CHAPTER 1 An Introduction: Applied Business Tools and Technology Learning Objectives: Lesson 1: Business Tools Terminologies Define the business tools Describe the different business languages and terminologies Identify and explore the different classification of business tools To be aware on the uses of business tools To know how to use business tools to stay competitive? Lesson 2: Business Technology Define business technology Identify the different hardware’s and software’s Know the different communication tools To be gain awareness on the importance of work task Lesson 3: Introduction to GDS: Global Distribution System Define and explore global distribution system Explain the role and importance of GDS in the travel industry Explore how GDS works and how it connects to suppliers and distributors Introduce the major of GDS systems around the world Develop understanding on a typical GDS functions Introduce the Basic command format in booking an Amadeus GD LESSON 1: BUSINESS TOOLS TERMINOLOGIES What is a Business Tool? Business management tools are all the systems, applications, controls, calculating solutions, methodologies, etc. used by organization to be able to cope with changing markets, ensure a competitive position in them and improve business performance. Tools for business management should be carefully chosen and then tailored to the requirements of the company. Classification of Business Tools There are several ways of classifying software tools, each of which gives us a different perspective on these tools. 1. A functional perspective where tools are classified according to their specific function. 2. A process perspective where tools are classified according to the process activities that they support. 3. An integration perspective where tools are classified according to how they are organized into integrated units that provide support for one or more process activities. Uses of Business Tools ✓ Strategic planning ✓ Change management programs ✓ Customer relationship management ✓ Supply chain management ✓ Employee engagement surveys ✓ Mission statement and vision ✓ Benchmarking statement ✓ Balanced scorecard ✓ Market segmentation ✓ Core competency ✓ Product and services Introductions ✓ Outsourcing ✓ Total quality management Business Languages and Terminologies Business plan is a document used to explain the strategy of an organization, set growth targets for the next three to five year, and identify information needed to achieve those goals, such as target market, unique selling points, marketing goals, etc. It can also highlight strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (also known by the abbreviation “SWOT’). Business plans are important for those forming or starting up a company and would be needed in order to receive funding from banks, the government or investors. Balance sheet. Is a details company finances for a certain moment in time (often the end of the financial year)? This lists the company’s asset values (things that belong to it), liabilities (what it owes) and equity of ownership (what is left after liabilities). A review of how the organization is doing financially should be presented, which can then be compared with the objectives outlined in the business plan.  Start-up process. Used to describe a brand-new company, usually in its first few months or years of trading. It is often associated with the tech industry since the word was commonly used during the dot com period, but it can refer to any new business. Forecast. A business forecast predicts various aspects of a company’s future movement. The timeframes are usually with previews being popular for three to five years. Sales, profit and loss, and cash flow are types of company forecasts; the latter allows business owners to assess when money will run out. Marketing. Marketing refers to the commercialization of a product or service. It can take many forms, including advertising, emailing customers, sending out leaflets or brochures, communicating with potential customers through social media, and so on. How to Use Business Tools to Stay Competitive? Now that you know some of the advantages of incorporating BI instruments in the work of your organization, you might be wondering how to do so. To get started, consider these general recommendations by experts at Data pine, based on their 11-Step BI Roadmap: 1. Define Your Objectives: You need to clearly define your priorities before deciding what Business Tools to use. 2. Assess the current situation: Figure out what works, what does not work, and be completely aware of operating procedures. 3. Create a roadmap: Compile a practical timeline outlining short and long-term priorities. 4. Clean Up Your Data: The realization of actionable knowledge requires clean data. So, make sure you spend some time tidying up all the details that you have on hand. 5. Select the right tools: Take some time to try free trials, interview different providers of Business tools and analytics, and consider creating a custom application. Consider factors such as the ability to scale up and whether the stage. The more work you put into choosing the right instruments, the better the results are going to be LESSON 2: BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Business Technology Business technology refers to research, data, engineering, and information technologies for business purposes, such as achieving economic and organizational objectives. The principle of transition, and how it can impact business and society, is the primary element of technology. For several, as technological change occurs too rapidly. I. HARDWARE A. Computer Equipment Desktop computer or Laptop – A personal computer is now used by most companies. Some prefer laptops but the desktop in the corporate world reigns supreme. The explanation for this is that processing power costs less. When choosing between a desktop or laptop, weigh your pros and cons.  You’re going to need to goods that last for many years sand hardware that needs limited maintenance. Printer – A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfer the information to paper, usually to standard size sheets of paper. Printers vary in size, speed, sophistication, and cost. In general, more expensive printers are used for higher-resolution color printing. Scanner – A scanner is an input device that scans documents such as photographs and pages of text. When a document is scanned, it is converted into a digital format. This creates an electronic version of the document that can be viewed and edited on a computer. B. Digital Cameras Digital cameras are used to capture photographs and videos independently. Later, these photo and video files can be transferred to a computer by connecting the camera directly with a cable, removing the memory card and slotting it into the computer, or through wireless data transfer methods such as Bluetooth. Once the photos are on the computer, they can be saved, edited, emailed, or printed. C. Security Surveillance Technology Businesses use different surveillance types to protect their employees, assets, and property from criminal elements and other malicious breaches of security. Business owners invest time and money in their business and use the various technologies available to protect this investment. The type  of business and nature of protected information and assets should dictate the type and extent of surveillance used. 1. Video Surveillance – Business set up video surveillance cameras for a variety of reasons, both outside and inside their buildings. Outside cameras protect against unlawful entry, including allweather enclosures to protect against elements and the ability to provide images of quality in very low light. Inside cameras ensure honesty for employees around valuable assets and cash and protect against unlawful entry after closing. Security firms can incorporate or configure these cameras into the business network, so owners can view live footage from anywhere via the Internet. 2. Internet Surveillance – Software reports on employee Internet monitoring. This powerful software records all visited sites, any chats that occurred, and email activity from non-companies. Businesses could load the software on individual PCs or purchase and load the network version at server level to monitor multiple stations at once. They must alert monitoring software employees to remind them of company policy on personal Internet use, chat systems, and personal email. Employees can dislike introducing this intrusive level of monitoring, and as a result, may decline. 3. Telephone Surveillance – Business use this method of tracking mainly for quality control while workers communicate to clients on the telephone, and when recruiting, they must warn employees that they use phone recording devices. In certain states, consumers on the other end must also be told about the telephone monitoring system. Managers or company owners study client conversations and give staff advice and training. 4. Counter Surveillance – It sounds like a spy novel, but as business becomes more data-oriented and information-oriented, the need for countersurveillance inspections and devices increases. Competitive espionage, while illegal, occurs in large and small businesses. It includes audio jammers, noise generators, and bug sweep machines. The first two mask regular speech, reducing bugging device or secret recorder effectiveness. Bug sweeping systems use radio transmitting technology for secret recording devices, bugs, and hidden cameras. D. Handheld devices input – An input device is essentially a piece of hardware that sends data to a computer. Most input devices either interact with or control the computer in some way. mouse and keyboard Touchpad – Also known as a trackpad, touchpad is a common substitute for a computer mouse. Microphone  E. Communication Systems Communication is vital to the success of every organization. In order to make the organization operate efficiently and effectively, internal contact between workers, departments, partners, and leaders is important. By making consumers aware of your business and what it has to offer, good external 8 communication helps develop your brand and promote your product or service. Two types of communications, external and internal, have different objectives: 1. External communication is everything else that makes the public aware of what you do are part of this form of communication, the message reaches out to the customer to make him or her aware of your product or service and provide a reason to buy. Brochures Advertising Contact letters/direct mail Telephone calls Business cards Blogs Tarpaulin Traditional media (TV, radio, & newspaper) 2. Internal communication with team members is essential to attracting and retaining a talented staff and monitoring business performance. o Performance certificates o Newsletters o Seminars o telephone calls of both formal and informal conversations are tools for interacting internally. Basic Communication Tools Mail Email Landline Smartphone SMS Messaging and Texting. Video and Web Conferencing Social Networking Sites. II. SOFTWARE APPLICATION Application software is a type of computer program that performs a particular function that is personal, educational, and business. Each software is intended to help the user with a specific process that may be linked to efficiency, innovation, and/or communication. A. Word Processing Packages To manipulate a text document, such as a resume or a journal, Microsoft Word processing software is used. By typing, you usually enter text, and the program offers tools for copying deleting, and different formatting styles. B. Spreadsheet Packages A spreadsheet or worksheet is a file consisting of rows and columns that helps to efficiently sort, organize and arrange data and measure numerical data. The ability to measure values using mathematical formulas and data in cells is what makes a spreadsheet software 9 program unique. An example of how a spreadsheet can be used is to construct a summary of the balance of your bank.  Microsoft Excel -may also use the tool to make sense of your data using its characteristics and formulas. For example, you might use a spreadsheet to track data and show averages and total of sums automatically. C. Database Packages System software for database development and management is a Database Management System (DBMS). A DBMS makes it possible for end-users of a database to build, read, update and remove data. D. Presentation Packages In order to communicate visually to an audience, a presentation kit is a software program containing a text editor and the ability to add charts and graphic images, such as photos, clip art, or other objects, in order to create a slide show. 1. Microsoft PowerPoint 2. Prezi –is more of a visual and immersive mind map, where you connect with various elements on a virtual canvas, instead of providing a slide-by- slide presentation. E. Internet Browser In order to present and explore content on the World Wide Web, a browser is a software program. These pieces of content are linked using hyperlinks, including photographs, videos, and web pages, and classified with URIs (Uniform Resource Identifies). Google Chrome Microsoft Edge Microsoft Internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox Opera Apple Safari F. Work Task 1. Processing Reservations - A consumer can put a hold on things that are not accessible at present. If a reservation request for an item has already been made by others, the reservation is placed on a waiting list that determines the order in which people made a reservation for the item. Multiple items can include a reservation request. 2. Undertaking Stock takes - Stocktaking (or stock counting) is when all the inventory that you company currently has on hand is manually checked and registered. ✓ Stock outs (when you run out of products to sell) ✓ Overstocking (when you have to many products on hand) ✓ Dead stock (when your products become obsolete before they can be sold Processing Financial Records The one business area that all companies have in common is accounting. You need to know what your financial status is on a regular basis, no matter what your company is, and you need to satisfy your financial responsibilities to local, city, region and national tax authorities. LESSON 3: INTRODUCTION TO GDS: GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (GDS) What is GDS? Global Distribution System (GDS) is the brain of the travel industry. It is a computerized network system which provides real-time information to companies such as airlines, hotels, car rental, restaurants, events and travel agencies. Each of these sectors uses GDS to view real-time inventory of services offered in the travel industry. Global Distribution System (GDS) also called Automated Reservation System (ARS). For example, using GDS, a travel agency can find the availability of hotel rooms, flight seats or cars on behalf of their clients and book through the same GDS. How Do Travel Companies Use GDS? Travel companies use GDS to find the best airline ticket, car rental, hotel rooms, food and beverages, etc. for their clients. Information is customized and by the travel companies based on the preferences and itinerary. To understand how the travel industry moves, we need to understand first how GDS connect to the world. When a traveler requests information from a travel company, the agent will find the most accurate and cost-effective itinerary. Travel companies are charged every time they access the GDS. Also, an average person can never access the GDS without the help of a travel agency or a vendor. Every Travel company should have first a contract with the airline to have access to the inventory or availability of the product and services offered, next an agent should be trained and be registered to access the system. How GDS Connect to the Suppliers and Distributors? Tourism Major Sectors  Suppliers (Major Sectors of Tourism) Distributor Transportation Food and Beverages Airline Tickets Restaurants Car Rentals Bars and Cafes Water transports Nightclubs and Pubs Coach services Catering Services Rail transport Travel Agency Accommodations Recreation and Hotel and Hostels Entertainment Bed and Breakfast Casino Cruises Shops Farmhouse Travel guides and Timeshare Tours Campsites Events GDS Sales and Process A GDS is an online network with in a travel industry operated by a company that enables automated transactions between a supplier and distributors. It can have connected to the Travel agencies, cruise line, car rentals, hotels and airlines. A DGS takes content from suppliers and make available for the distributors. Example: 1st - An airline has a reservation system that keep tract their inventory (seat availability). 2nd- The GDS can access this inventory through their contract. 3rd- The GDS gives this inventory to the Travel Agency, and T.A. filters the data and the GDS system make sure that the booked tickets are available, information are updated and then sent back to the Airline for finalization.  NOTE: In the airline industry, available seats are commonly referred to as inventory. The inventory of an airline is generally classified into service classes (e.g. first, business or economy class) and up to 26 booking classes, for which different prices and booking conditions apply. Supplier refers to an organization that provides something needed such as a product or service. Distributor is an entity who supplies products and services and sells to consumers. Consumer a person who purchases goods and services for personal use only. Tourism is inevitably influenced by the business process re-developing experienced due to the technological uprising. As information is the life-blood of the travel industry, effective use of information technology is vital. Hence, "a whole system of IT’s-Information Technology is being rapidly diffused throughout the tourism industry and no player will escape its impacts". The rapid development of both supply and demand makes ITs an imperative partner and thus they increasingly play a more critical role in tourism marketing, distribution, promotion and co-ordination. Advantages of using GDS It is a worldwide computerized reservation network. It can access thousands of flight details from hundreds of airlines around the world. It used as a single point of access, for reserving airline seats, hotels, rental cars, other travel related items by travel agents are displayed in one system. An important method for distribution, allowing access to a wider customer base. GDS helps supplier reach more travelers, and help Agency gives travelers more options. By using GDS the travel industry can reach further. The Major GDS Systems Around the World As you know that there are four major GDS systems: 1. Amadeus 2. Galileo 3. Sabre 4. World span In addition, there are several smaller or regional GDSs that serve interests or specific regions or countries, including; SITA’s Sahara Infini (Japan) and Axess (Japan) Tapas (Korea) Fantasia (South Pacific), and Abacus (Asia/Pacific) Though the ownership of the travel distribution companies keeps changing, let us take a closer look at ORIGIN of the four major GDSs. 1. Amadeus Founded in 1987 by Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, and SAS, Amadeus is the youngest of the four GDS companies. Amadeus is a leading global distribution system and technology provider serving the marketing, sales, and distribution needs of the world’s travel and tourism industries. Its comprehensive data network and database, among the largest of their kind in Europe, Amadeus services are as follows; 1. more than 87,000 travel agency locations, 2. more than 12,500 airline sales offices in some 250 markets worldwide 3. The system can also provide access to approximately 80,000 hotels 4. 60 car rental companies serving some 54,000 locations, 5. as well as other provider groups, including ferry, rail, cruise, insurance, and tour operators. Amadeus e-Travel solutions integrate all components of a managed travel program into a single Internet-based service that enables travelers to book air, car, hotel, and rail services, all within corporate guidelines. As with its competitors, the future for Amadeus will continue to be linked to the technological and structural changes that are revolutionizing the travel industry. 2. Galileo Galileo global travel distribution system is also known as the Apollo system in North America and Japan. Galileo International was founded in 1993 by 11 major North American and European airlines: 1. Aer Lingus 2. Air Canada 3. Alitalia 4. Austrian Airlines 5. British Airways 6. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 7. Olympic Airlines 8. Swissair 9. TAP Air Portugal 10. United Airlines, and 11. US Airways 3. SABRE (Semi-Automated Business Research Environment) For more than 40 years, Sabre has been introduced by American Airlines in 1964, and has been developing innovations and transforming the business of travel. Sabre, represented in 45 countries, is a leading provider of technology for the travel industry and provides innovative products that enable travel commerce and services, and enhance airline/supplier operations. Sabre owns Travelocity.com, the industry’s leading online consumer travel web site. Sabre also owns Get There, a provider of web-based corporate travel procurement, including the purchase of air, hotel, car, and meeting planning services 4. World Span Founded February 7, 1990, World span was originally owned by affiliates of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (40%), Northwest Airlines (34%), and American Airlines, Inc. (26%). World span provides worldwide electronic distribution of travel information, Internet products and connectivity, and e-commerce capabilities for travel agencies, travel service providers, and corporations. World span has a legacy of industry firsts that are not well known. In 2001, Orbitz LLC was launched on the Internet, using World span as its Internet Booking Engine, and in 2002, the launch of World span ePricingSM made World span the first GDS to introduce a revolutionary new multi-server-based technology, offering an unprecedented selection of pricing options to all of World span’s customers.