ABSTRACT
This project research work is a construction of hotel management software (front desk operations) for a case study of heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti. Considering the problem of the manual method of reservation faced by the front desk clerk, it is hoped that automating front desk operations will help to reduce the cost of hotel services as market success largely depends on the price of a service. The first chapter is concerned with the background of the study, objective of the study, scope of the study definition of terms. The second chapter examines the literature review, under which the researcher examine some things such as: the meaning of hotel, what is management, what is software, the meaning of hotel management software, the benefits of computerizing a system, a brief history of Heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti, Heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti organizational chart, job description and occupation of hotel staff, basic functions of the front desk clerk, computer in hotels etc. The third chapter laid emphasis on the computer processes that can be associated with hotel entity, types of system, types of information systems, what is a database, types of database, system analysis and design etc. The fourth chapter is on system implementation, testing, documentation and maintenance, source codes etc. while chapter five is on summary, conclusion and recommendation.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In the realm of the hospitality business, a vital contributor to Nigeria's economic growth and Africa's continental development, the sector showcases a diverse array of hotel and tourism services. Several factors currently support the growth of the hospitality business in Nigeria, including: Opportunities created by the democratic dispensation, influencing the size and growth of both foreign and local business travelers, Global expansion of international trade, leading to increased accommodation services provided by local hotels, Enhancement of tourist centers and zones, Rise in Nigeria's annual average growth rate of tourist arrivals, Government policies favoring foreign investments.
The hotel industry in Nigeria underwent a significant transformation in the late seventies, marked by the entry of renowned international hotel brands like Sheraton and Hilton. Hotels are evaluated on a scale of one to five stars based on criteria such as cleanliness, service standards, comfort, and amenities. Main types of hotels include:
- Commercial Hotels: Situated in cities or suburban areas, operating year-round, often known as conference hotels.
- Resort Hotels: Located in vacation destinations, offering luxurious surroundings and recreational facilities, with business fluctuating seasonally.
- Residential Hotels: Combining the comfort of permanent living with the conveniences of a resort and resident hotel.
- Casino Hotels: Providing lodging with an on-site casino, offering gambling facilities.
Various occupations exist within a hotel, including the front desk clerk responsible for tasks such as processing reservations, guest registration, monitoring arrivals and departures, handling complaints, and managing mail.
Revenue in a hotel is generated through points of sale, such as the front desk, bar, restaurant, and retail shop. At the end of each business day, a guest manifest is submitted to the State Security Service (SSS) for security purposes.
1.2. OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
The study has one major objective which is sub-divided into general and specific objective, the general objective is to examine the database management in hospitality business. The specific objectives are:
- Reduce the cost of hotel services in heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti.
- Utilize computer capabilities for speed, accuracy, and efficiency in check-in, check-out, and guest registration processes in heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti
- Increase business volume through faster transactions in heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti.
- Provide better management information through organized and quickly retrievable reports in heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti.
- Facilitate long-term forecasting and planning.
- Enable operations that are otherwise impossible manually.
- Enhance data security through robust database design.
1.3. SCOPE OF STUDY
This project focuses on automating front desk operations in Heritage hotel Ilogbo Ekiti, specifically:
- Room reservation process
- Check-in and check-out operations iii. Report generation from a database for managers and customers.
1.4. DEFINITION OF TERMS
Check-in: Registering as a guest in a hotel. Check-out: Settling the bill and departing from the hotel.
Reservation: A record of rooms reserved for customers.
Front desk: Where guests make reservations, check-in, and check-out.
Front desk clerk: Responsible for front desk operations and payments.
Ambience: The character and atmosphere of a hotel.
Database: A well-organized collection of data.
Management: The act of running and controlling a business.
Software: Programs used to operate a computer. Hotel points of sale: Locations where sales are made in a hotel. Ingress: Entering the hotel.
Egress: Leaving the hotel.
Lodging: Temporary accommodation in a room with meals.
Deposit: Money paid by guests during registration. Credit Customers: Customers with credit agreements with the
hotel.
Outlet Cashier: Mediator between all points of sale and the accounts department.
ATM: Automatic teller machine.
1.5. LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
Limitations include the lack of documented reports on hotel operations in most hotels, time constraints, proximity issues with the case study, and financial limitations for the project work.
