THSH2203
Computer-based Information Systems and the Internet
Information Management
Information management is the entire range of technical, operational, and social functions of a system used
to handle information. Individuals, social networks of individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments
all engage in some form of information management. They organize information to communicate, record
history, and share, store, and create meaning from data. Information management affects the organization,
access, and how users can interact with information (Jaeger et al., 2005).
One of the main resources available for managers in the tourism and hospitality industry is information. It is
common knowledge that managers and non-managers use computer information within an organization's
environment. Those at the lower level of an organization also use computer information in providing services
to customers. These people are found anywhere in an organization’s circle of influence. Managers who
perform functions and play roles necessary for an organization's growth must be proactive in information
management. Figure 1 represents information management in the tourism and hospitality industry (Rodolfa,
2015).
Figure 1. Information Management in Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Source: Management Information System in Tourism & Hospitality Industry, 2015. p. 23
A. Collecting. The first stage will be to gather information from various departments. This information
came from the regular reports of respective departments but may include new data, depending on its
availability.
B. Processing. Once the data is gathered, the next stage is to process it. Processing may include analyzing
it, comparing it with the previous data gathered, and other means to arrive at a sound decision.
C. Using. After processing the data, it can now be used for decision-making and whatever purpose it may
serve the organization. Information should be effectively used to make the right decisions suited to a
particular situation.
D. Disposing. Disposal of data is necessary when these are no longer needed or are no longer useful.
Disposal may be in the form of shredding hard copies, deleting soft copies, or saving them in a compact
disk for retrieval when needed. Some companies may hold data for five (5) years.
Main Resources of an Organization
Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other
related establishments have main
resources by which managers need to
manage for them to be effectively
used. These main resources include
manpower, materials, money, and
machines.
Figure 2 shows the four (4) main
resources a manager could touch or
hold as they are intangible. They exist
physically, so managers can see and
judge them by looking at them.
Figure 2. Main Resources in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Source: Management Information System in Tourism & Hospitality Industry, 2015. p. 23
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THSH2203
The following are examples of the four (4) main resources:
When an employee does not comply with an organization’s standard operating procedures, a manager
can immediately judge whether that employee will be replaced or undergo a performance improvement
program.
On the other hand, when a machine is not working, a manager may judge as to repairing or replacing it.
Adding finances to a project in the company can also be an option as judgment can easily be made if the
need is seen.
However, in the above examples, a manager cannot easily decide without looking at the reports of various
departments. A manager should look into the information from reports given by different departments to
arrive at a possible decision. Therefore, the fifth resource comes into play, the information from various
departments, as shown in the representation in Figure 2. Information as a resource is essential since it
represents where managers can derive inputs for decision-making. This resource also serves as the ‘manager’
of the other resources mentioned.
Importance of Information Management
The tourism and hospitality industry offers a variety of services and products. More employees are needed,
and meeting clients’ requirements is not easy. Given these, the complexity of the industry may not be
addressed without the use of an information management system. Traditional transactions in the tourism
industry, such as booking a flight to a destination by checking availability in a hard copy reservation record,
consume time and are not practical.
Information management is needed for the tourism and hospitality industry and all types of businesses. People
in top management or executive levels pay attention to information management because of two (2) reasons:
• Complexity of Business Processes. From a single proprietorship to a corporation, business processes or
activities will never stay as they are. Increasing complexity is possible, especially nowadays that
competition is challenging. It is vital to deal with complexity to thrive and compete. Therefore, businesses
should always be prepared to stay in the competition.
• Usefulness of Computer Capabilities. The fastest way to keep track of business records is through
computers, thus, an important consideration. Networked computers make operations more accessible,
especially those operating as chains, whether company-owned or franchised. Without computers,
processes will surely become a disaster as human resources cannot give the speed it offers.
References
Benckendorff, P., Xiang, Z., & Sheldon, P. (2019). Tourism information technology (3rd ed.). CABI
Jaeger, P., Thompson, K., & McCLure, C. (2013). Information management. Encyclopedia of Social Measurement, 277-282.
[Link]
Rodolfa, B. (2015). Management information system in tourism & hospitality industry (Revised ed.). Unlimited Books Library Services
& Publishing Inc.
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