Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Using computer programs to screen job candidates’ resumes is not a new HR practice among big corporates. AI accelerates the automation process for all companies in the selection process. More companies are using AI to evaluate job candidates’ performance in their initial interviews, such as word choice and cognitive abilities, in addition to screening their resumes.     AI speeds up the hiring process   AI can help companies speed up the hiring process because they usually receive hundreds or even thousands of job applications for a vacancy. It becomes unrealistic for companies to solely rely on “human eyes” to screen all resumes or perform as many live job interviews as AI would do.     Research and industry reports have widely documented HR managers’ biases in their hiring practices. Now, when AI is helping HR managers make decisions, do companies still need to be mindful of potential biases during the hiring process?      Understanding AI biase...

As our world has evolved, so has companies' hiring process across the workforce. Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence or AI, have changed how employers review applications.  Many employers have become reliant on technology and AI to identify quality candidates, and such a practice has negatively impacted applicants, as the usage of AI technology to review applications has significantly decreased individuals’ chances for employment. With algorithms and AI being used to review submitted applications and evaluate applicant responses in online assessments, qualified individuals who apply for open positions can be rejected. In addition, companies have incorporated advanced technology into their application review process in the form of resume screeners, a tool that can wrongly evaluate applicants’ resumes using biased criteria. In short, employers’ use and reliance upon algorithms, AI, and resume screeners have presented challenges that many were not prepared to...

I rented a pure electronic vehicle (PEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV) for a road trip to Palm Springs in January. That was the first time I took a trip with an EV, and I discovered that a PEV was only good for short or daily commutes. I will need a hybrid EV or a gas-powered car for longer road trips.        My not-as-pleasant EV experience in Palm Springs     Before this road trip, I assumed that EV chargers would be “everywhere” in California because California is the pioneer in banning the sales of new gas-powered vehicles. As a result, I did not “bother” to check how many EV chargers the area or my hotel has, even though I knew Palm Springs has many independently owned boutique hotels that do not need to follow any brand standards --- Today, having EV chargers onsite is still not yet an industry standard, although they are more commonly seen in chain hotels or restaurants.   I regretted renting an EV as soon as I arrived at the hotel beca...

The gross profit margin for a cup of coffee or tea can reach 95% or more for restaurants. Who doesn’t want to sell more drinks? Let’s check out the latest coffee and tea trends to ensure we stay on top.   What’s hot in coffee?     According to the   National Coffee Data Trends Report , in the fall of 2023 , 63% of U.S. consumers (65% in the Midwest) drank coffee within a day before they took the survey. Americans’ favorite espresso-based drinks include:    Lattes                  18% Espresso             16% Cappuccino         15% Americano           11% Mocha                  9% Macchiato            8% Flat white     ...

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 an...

Skift Research releases the State of Travel 2023   report. It shows the current state of the industry and points out the key consumer trends, among others. Drawing from those insights, we can identify new opportunities for the foodservice industry.   Has the industry fully recovered yet?   The global travel and tourism industry makes a strong comeback, surpassing the 2019 level in April 2023. Domestic travel fuels the recovery, while international travel is picking up. People begin showing interest in urban centers again.     Meanwhile, travelers have not fully “moved out” of the pandemic travel mode yet. Many still demand flexibility, keep a shorter booking window, and want to purchase travel insurance. High inflation pushes people to choose less expensive options.     Consumer Trends   Remote work may continue, boosting (bleisure) travel.   Coworking creates opportunities for hotels.   People want to spend more on entertainment. Afflue...

Restaurant curbside pickup evolved from the old-fashioned takeout service and has gained momentum since COVID. Restaurateurs embrace the concept, and consumers want it. Curbside pickup will remain an essential restaurant distribution method even after the pandemic. Do off-premises restaurant services add a burden to the environment? The surge of restaurant off-premises services (curbside pickup, takeout, or delivery) could harm the environment because many retailers use food containers and packages made of plastic for one-time usage. Research shows that our world populations produce 130 million tons of single-use plastic a year (including more than food packages here), but in the U.S., only 8% of all plastic products get recycled. Some restaurants have begun using more sustainable materials in food packaging (e.g., disposable containers). Their efforts deserve a round of applause! Nevertheless, it is unclear if their good deeds can also bring them monetary rewards. For example, can gr...