Computerisation Strategy Proposal for the new TVU/LSHT training hotel (2009)

1. Introduction

The aim of this report is to look at the possible implementation of computer and information technologies at the Thames Valley University, London School of Hotel Training (TVU/LSHT). This has become necessary because the business has experienced a severe downturn in revenue since 2009 which has resulted in them experiencing trading losses and a lack of investment in both the business and the facilities. Consequently, it has been recognised that a new strategy needs to be devised; which will include the development of new facilities, the enhancement of existing facilities and the introduction of a hotel wide computerisation system which will maximise the hotels operational efficiency.

This proposal will specifically present the Consultants vision for the effective and successful introduction of information technology within the TVU training hotel; it will also take into account the increasing statutory obligations that it needs to meet.

According to Wood and Brotherton (2008, p.331) Lodging businesses can no longer expect to succeed without the solid support of information technologies (IT), this is true for a variety of reasons but is partly because the current customers that the lodging establishments are looking to attract are part of the Net Generation, these people are surrounded in their daily life by IT, if these people are not provided with the technology that they are used to using they will not return, hence lost business.

ICT is now a prominent part of our daily life, within the tourism industry it is quickly becoming an important tool for a hotels organisation, it enables them to become competitive and is a good way of communicating with both consumers and partners. ICT is increasingly becoming a source that is enabling competitive advantage for the