Robert C. Ford (Ph.D., Arizona State University) is professor emeritus of management in the College of Business Administration (COBA) of the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he has taught management of service organizations. He joined UCF as the chair of its hospitality department. He was also the COBA Associate Dean for Graduate and External Programs. Bob has authored or coauthored numerous publications in both top research and practitioner journals. He has served on several editorial boards including Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, British Journal of Management, Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, and Journal of Service Management. He has also published several books including Managing the Guest Experience in Hospitality, Achieving Service Excellence: Strategies for Health Care, Managing Destination Marketing Organizations, and The Fun Minute Manager. Bob has been an active participant in many professional organizations. He has served the Academy of Management (AOM) as editor of The Academy of Management Executive, Director of Placement, board member of the HRM and Careers divisions, Division Chair for both its Management History and Management Education and Development divisions, a member and chair of its Ethics Adjudication Committee, and a co-founder of the Community of Academy Senior Scholars. Bob has served the Southern Management Association (SMA) in every elective office including president. He was a founding member and Chair of the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and served on the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program. Bob has been recognized for his service by many organizations. He received the Distinguished Service Award from AOM’s MED, the Richar Hodgett’s Distinguished Career Award from Management History, SMA’s Distinguished Service Award, and was elected to SMA Fellows. In recognition of his service to hospitality education, he was given the Paul Brown Award by the Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. He was also twice awarded a W. James Whyte Reserch Fellow by the University of Queensland.
Prepares students for a future career in hospitality management by outlining the key skills needed to become a successful manager in the service industry, with a particular emphasis on ensuring managers provide guests with a high-quality customer experience. The book breaks hospitality management down into core principles, with each chapter focusing on a specific factor, including strategy, staffing and systems. All of which are supported by practical advice, examples, and Wow! Boxes, which provide evidence of best practice in service-sector organizations, including Walt Disney, Southwest Airlines, and The Four Seasons. The new edition reflects the latest changes in the service industry and newer developments related to sustainability and technology. There is also an outline of the framework needed to motivate employees to provide exceptional service, and how to create a culture that consistently delivers a top quality customer experience. The book is supported by online resources for instructors and students, including: Test Bank, PowerPoint slides, an Instructor’s Manual, Multimedia, Exercises and Assignments, Sample Syllabi, Flashcards, and Quizzes. Ideal reading for undergraduate students on Hospitality Management and Hotel Management courses.
