Moving Forward in 2014

In August 2009, I graduated from Texas Tech University and moved from Lubbock, TX to Syracuse, NY for a tenure track position at Syracuse University (SU). Six months later, in January 2010, I signed up in all major social media websites. I called that “I am entering a new era.” Thanks to social media, I am connected to the “real world,” and because I embrace and understand social media, I can teach classes and do research in social media.

Coincidentally, I also made big changes in 2013. I accepted a new position in The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and moved from Upstate NY to Southern California in the summer. In addition, I graduated with an iMBA degree from SU.

When I decided to pursue the iMBA degree at SU in 2010, my friends asked me not to do it. Many of my unofficial mentors also advised me to put more thoughts to the decision. Their concerns make perfect sense (even at this point). First of all, I have already had a M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree in hospitality management, is it worth getting an additional degree? Besides, it is a 54 credit-hour program and requires a big commitment. Rather than working on an additional degree, would it be wiser for me to spend more time on publications, grants, and teaching?

I have to admit that in the past, no potential employer had ever approached to me because I was working on an iMBA degree. Many people did not even bother to ask me why I was making an effort for an additional degree. However, no matter how “useless” my effort may seem to others, I am glad I did not give up. I met cool people and heard many new and interesting ideas in the program. To me, being able to go through the program itself is a big accomplishment.

Looking forward, I cannot predict what this iMBA degree will bring me in 2014. Neither can I predict what opportunities will be waiting for me in Southern California. Yet, I am happy of being who I am; I like what I am doing; and I am ready for a new year.

I heard good things would happen to those who are prepared. Now, let’s get prepared and say YES! to new opportunities!

References:

The picture was downloaded from Zastavki.com

Comments

Luxury vs. Millennials and Their Technology: The Ritz-Carlton (By Julia Shorr)

Embodying the finest luxury experience, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC has been established since 1983. In 1998, Marriott International purchased the brand offering it more opportunity for growth while being independently owned and operated. They are known for their enhanced service level as the motto states, “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen”. The luxury brand now carries 97 hotels and resorts internationally and is attempting to keep the aspects of luxury while keeping up with the trends of the technologically improving generations. The Varying Demographics of the Target Market The Ritz-Carlton’s typical target market includes: business executives, corporate, leisure travelers, typically middle-aged persons and elders, and families from the upper and upper-middle class section of society . This infers a large range of types of travelers in which all are similar in that they are not opposed to spending extra for the luxurious ambiance. However, with

Is It OK for Hotel Staff to Wear Piercings and Tattoos?

Time has changed. I see more and more college students wearing piercings and tattoos nowadays, but is it OK for hotel staff to wear piercings and tattoos? The answer is “no, no, no.” According a report at USAToday.com, customers across the board do not want to see any hotel workers with pierced eyebrow, pierced tongue, tattooed arm, or nose ring. Some may argue that tattooed and pierced workers may seem more acceptable in edgy boutique hotels as compared to the big franchised hotels, but the survey results did not find any differences among a variety of lodging products. Many respondents believe people who wear visible tattoos and piercings are taking a high risk of their professional lives. If you stay in a hotel, do you mind being served by tattooed and/or pierced staff? What if you are the one who makes the hiring decision? References: USAToday.com: http://tinyurl.com/linchikwok08042010 Picture was downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/linchikwok08042010P

In what ways will AI affect restaurant operations?

A new wave of industrial revolution is here --- AI (artificial intelligence) will change everything we do. Undoubtedly, AI can improve restaurant operations. Menu Engineering and Quality Control AI can provide insights into a restaurant’s menu offerings and pricing strategies based on consumer data and market trends. Restaurant owners can adjust the recipes/menu and price accordingly. AI can help restaurants monitor food temperature, cleanliness, and safety procedures, ensuring they comply with health and safety regulations. For example, AI can remind a sushi chef to replace a sushi plate that has been “sitting” on the conveyor belt for too long with a more popular item. Consumer Experience AI can help restaurants create location-based, personalized marketing campaigns to reach specific and targeted customers at the right time. Then, AI-empowered chatbots, reservation, and table management systems can help restaurants answer customer inquiries, manage reservations, and

Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Search This Blog