The Role of Information Technology in Marriott Hotels & Resorts

This report analyzes the application of Information Technology within Marriott Hotels & Resorts, exploring ethical and social issues such as cyberbullying and identity theft, along with network types like LAN, MAN, and WAN, and their implementation within the organization. The report also examines the critical role of IT in management, including data management, customer relationship management, and productivity enhancements, highlighting the advantages of IT in financial management, data storage, and operational efficiency. The analysis discusses the implications of these technologies, emphasizing the importance of security and control, and how IT can enhance customer experience and streamline operations within the hospitality sector. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings, emphasizing IT's role in accuracy, information sharing, and overall improvement of services. The report is a comprehensive overview of IT's strategic importance for a major player in the hospitality industry.

Information
Technology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Literature Review ............................................................................................................................1
Understand ethical and social issues associated with Technology.............................................1
Compare different types of networks..........................................................................................2
Role of Information Technology in Management.......................................................................4
Analysis and Discussion..................................................................................................................5
Findings............................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Information technology refers to usage of computers for storing, retrieving, transmitting
and manipulating data in terms of business. It includes software, telecommunications, hardware
and transmission of data to provide effective communication. In this report Marriott Hotels &
Resorts is considered, it is a brand which offers services in resorts and hotels sector. This
organization is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, United States. This report covers ethical
and social issues which are related with technology and different types of networks.
Furthermore, role of information technology in management of Hotels and resorts is discussed.
Literature Review
Understand ethical and social issues associated with Technology
Ethical issues: A situation which needs organisation or an individual to decide between
different options which are evaluated on basis of what is right or wrong. There are different types
of ethical issues which are related with technology. They are mentioned below:
 Cyber bullying: It refers to harassment or bullying via electronic means. This includes
hate speech or pejorative labels, victims' personal information, sexual remarks, threats,
posting rumours and many more (Eason, 2014). When Management of Marriott Hotels
& Resorts is considered then such kind of ethical issue can harm reputation of Hotel but
they have strong systems and have made strong image within market.
 Internet privacy: Every move made by organisation or an individual can be tracked.
Apart from this, location can also be tracked using IP addresses. Management of
Marriott Hotels & Resorts must be aware of what private information they have
uploaded on internet. They must ensure that their systems have effective anti-virus so
that intruder cannot enter in their systems.
Social issues: They refer to problems which have influence on large number of
individuals within society. It is frequently outcome of factors which extend beyond control of
individuals and source of conflicting opinion. Some of social issues are mentioned below:
 Identity theft: Fraud is other illegitimate activity which evolves as internet and
computers are easily accessible. In this personal details of individuals are used by
intruder or third party. This is done for malicious purpose. An example can be considered
1

like intruder send an email to individual on behalf of Management of Marriott Hotels &
Resorts. Individual will fall into trap considering it as an official mail.
 Hacking: It refers to unauthorised access into a network or computer. In this intruder
break down system of an individual or organisation to access their personal details or any
kind of information (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015). Management of Marriott
Hotels & Resorts has their own IT department to ensure that such kind of things do not
occur. Apart from this each individual ensures that they do not click on any
unauthenticated link which can lead to access unauthorised access within their system.
Compare different types of networks.
Network refers to block of two or more devices which can communicate. It consists of
number of computer system which are connected by wireless or physical connections.
Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts use networks for communication between different
departments and different or same organizations via chat rooms, instant messaging, emails, etc.
Apart from this they (Marriott) share storage devices by usage of shared data and information
(Network types: LAN, WAN, PAN and MAN, 2012).
There are different types of networks like LAN (Local Area Network), MAN
(Metropolitan Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network),
SAN (Storage Area Network), EPN (Enterprise Private Network), VPN (Virtual Private
Network) and many more. But basically three types of networks are used, they are LAN, MAN,
WAN. They are discussed below:
LAN: It connects different network devices so that information, programs and tools can
be shared among workstations and personal computers. Connection is established by usage of
single or stack of switches, addressing schemes by TCP/IP protocols. Data transmission is fast as
less number of computers are connected. Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses LAN
network to communicate between different departments within same premises.
MAN: It connects computers and workstations which cover large area in comparison to
LAN. It extends over entire city (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014). It acts as a means to
connect different LAN networks into large network or a single cable. Connection is build using
cables, optical fibres, etc. Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses MAN network for
communication between different Hotels present within same city.
2

WAN: It extends in large geographical area, it may be within country or world wide.
Connection is implanted using radio waves, telephone lines and satellites. This is highly
expensive but provides high speed. Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses WAN
network to share resources and information among their different outlets present in other part of
world.
Difference between LAN, MAN, WAN
Basis LAN MAN WAN
What it is Systems are present
close to each other
either within building
or office.
These are large
networks which
connect different
organisation
(Marchewka, 2014) .
In this two or more
LANs are connected to
cover large
geographical area.
Distance covered It covers around 2500
meters or 2 miles
It is limited to around
200 km or 100 miles.
It has unlimited range
but normally around
1000 km but for
extension of range
connectivity devices
are used.
Speed Speed is high as small
number of systems are
connected. It is around
1000, 100 and 10
Mbps.
In this also speed is
high, typically it
ranges around 100
Mbps.
Its speed is slow as
large number of
systems are connected
and depends on
wireless technologies
which are being used.
Usually it is 1.5 Mbps.
Technologies used Wireless (like Zigbee,
WLAN), twisted pair,
locally installed and
fiber optic cable
(Wang and et. al,
It is based on common
carrier like fiber optic
cable, twisted pair or
they are locally
They are either locally
installed or use
common carrier like
coaxial cables, fiber,
twisted pair cables,
3

2016). installed. wireless or cellular
network.
Role of Information Technology in Management.
Role of IT in Management: IT plays inherent and critical role in every business
organisation. Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts maintain databases and mainframe
systems for their business so that they can access information when it is required.
 Data management: Manager of Hotel need to store large amount of information as, it
plays an effective role in operating large chain at world wide (Mehlman and Li, 2014).
For instance, with this information they can maintain their database in an effective
manner and information can be pervaded by employees any time globally.
 Management information system: MIS can be used by Marriott Hotels & Resorts for
tracking of sales data, expenses and their productivity levels. This will help Hotel to track
number of sales in terms of number of guests visiting Hotel on daily basis.
 Customer relationship management: Marriott Hotel is offering its services in hospitality
sector. For this they need to have effective communication and for this they can opt for
usage of IT. They can use CRM for designing, management and improvement of their
relation with their guest. By this they can interact with customers and this must be
captured so that when next time customers visit Hotel they can be provided with
enhanced experience.
 Productivity: Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts can opt for technological
applications such as relational database technology, CAD, word processing, spreadsheets,
different software's by which they can analyse market and take feedback from customers.
This will enhance their productivity.
Advantages of IT in Management: Different advantages of IT with respect to
management of business are illustrated below:
 Management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts needs to maintain information about each
employee and guest visiting their premises. For this they uses database to store
information (Neuhofer, Buhalis and Ladkin, 2014).
 To enhance their productivity they uses different tools for different operations, this
provides high accuracy and reduces time of processing.
4

 Cloud provides storage and helps to create backup of data, for more security management
of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses services offered by Cloud Vendors.
 Enhance financial management as accounting software's like Account Edge, Sage 50,
Quick Books and many more help to perform accounting tasks within business. This will
help them to analyse their profits they have gained.
Analysis and Discussion
Ethical and social issues related with Marriott Hotels & Resorts: There are various
issues which are related with this industry in terms of Information Technology. From above
discussion it has been analysed that though IT plays important role in every organisation and
makes work easy but apart from that there are certain factors which leads to breach of
information. An example can be considered in both cases i.e. ethical and social issues. With
respect to ethical issue is privacy (Nieves, Quintana, and Osorio, 2014). If confidential
information is stolen by an intruder (can be anyone competitor or any individual) and used by
them, then same facilities can be provided by someone else. This will also lead access of
information related to stakeholders, customers and other major information related with
organisation. This may have positive impact on intruder but definitely management of Marriott
Hotels & Resorts will have negative impact. In terms of social issues an example can be taken
like defamation of individual or organisation. To create a negative impact on organisation,
intruder can post irrelevant news or message on social media like Twitter, Facebook and many
more. By this intruder can defame an organisation public ally. To address such kind of issue
management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts need to keep a check on their social media accounts
and have secured systems.
Different networks used by Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Management of Marriott
Hotels & Resorts uses these three networks as they operate in large chain. They use LAN to
communicate within single outlet means within same premises. By this they can share any kind
of information (Pardo and Siemens, 2014). They uses MAN to establish connection between
different outlets which are present within same city. Apart from this they use WAN to
communicate with outlets which are present in different parts of globe. These all networks are
established by them to share information and resources among each other.
5

Role of Information Technology in Marriott Hotels & Resorts: They provide services
in hospitality sector. They can use information technology to enhance their services and create a
pleasant environment for their guests. Role of IT within hotels is mentioned below:
 Expense management tool can be used by management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts to
obtain control over expenditure and monitor which expenses are not mandatory and
useful.
 Artificial intelligence can be used by management of Marriott so that transactions can be
automated, this will enhance repetitive actions which are required to be performed
(Schwalbe, 2015).
 Security and control, cash management, risk management, information management,
handling of instruments can be effectively carried out with help of technology.
Findings
Information technology is defined as evolution, maintenance and usage of computer
systems, networks and software's for distribution and processing of data. In this information is
stored, processed, transmitted and manipulated. Within Marriott Hotels & Resorts IT plays a
crucial role as high accuracy can be achieved and work is made easier (Sampson and Makela,
2014). Network technologies are used by Hotels to share information among different
organisations. Marriott operates within hotel industry. IT plays an important role within this
sector as customers can make online booking by using website of Hotel, they can find out prices
of different services offered by them, they can contact management and many more with the
usage of IT. It will also help them to formulate strategies, manage different operations and share
them with individuals they want to share with. Social and ethical issues related in this context are
addressed. WAN technology is opted by management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts as they
operate in many countries. WAN can effectively address their requirements. But major drawback
of this is its complexity and cost.
Utilization of IT will enhance services of organisation and will make their work effective.
For managing information management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses MIS (management
information system). With help of this they can formulate strategies and execute them (Santoro,
2015). Apart from this Hotel can use software's like Sage 50 to enhance their accuracy in terms
of services and operations.
6

Benefits: There are various advantages of using IT within organisation, some of them are
mentioned below:
 IT makes work easier within Hotel, this include online bookings, enquiry, comparison
between services offered by them.
 Customers will be provided with different options like access to Wi-Fi, online ordering of
services, apart from this customisation options.
 It will smooth en working of organisation as they can have online conferences by which
they can discuss strategies, formulate strategies and share different resources with their
other outlets.
Drawbacks: There are certain limitations in terms of implementation of technology, they are
mentioned below:
 Implementation of WAN becomes difficult as it is complex and it is highly expensive.
Apart from this high bandwidth is required for effective transmission of data.
 There are issues related with security, data or information of Hotel can be stolen by
intruder id not maintained effectively.
 Software's and tools are expensive which are required for different operations. But if
gone for easy options like pirated software's or cracked version of license then this will
lead to various troubles like legal issues or intruder cracking down system.
Conclusion
From above report, it is concluded that IT refers to storage, retrieval and transmission of
information with the usage of computers. Most of operations can be carried out effectively and
with high accuracy. Information can retrieved by using internet when something is required.
Network technology can be defined as communication between different organisations with the
help of networks. Apart from this resources like scanners, printers, etc. can be shared. IT
enhances overall operations of organisation and strategies can be build. Furthermore,
management of Marriott Hotels & Resorts uses software like Sage 50 and SQL (Structured query
language) database to store their information and carry out various operations.
7

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Eason, K. D., 2014. Information technology and organisational change. CRC Press.
Kiran, A. H., Oudshoorn, N. and Verbeek, P. P., 2015. Beyond checklists: toward an ethical-
constructive technology assessment. Journal of responsible innovation. 2(1). pp.5-19.
Law, R., Buhalis, D. and Cobanoglu, C., 2014. Progress on information and communication
technologies in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary
Hospitality Management. 26(5). pp.727-750.
Marchewka, J. T., 2014. Information technology project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Mehlman, M. J. and Li, T. Y., 2014. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues in the use of
genomic technology by the US Military. Journal of Law and the Biosciences. 1(3).
pp.244-280.
Neuhofer, B., Buhalis, D. and Ladkin, A., 2014. A typology of technology‐enhanced tourism
experiences. International Journal of Tourism Research. 16(4). pp.340-350.
Nieves, J., Quintana, A. and Osorio, J., 2014. Knowledge-based resources and innovation in the
hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 38. pp.65-73.
Pardo, A. and Siemens, G., 2014. Ethical and privacy principles for learning analytics. British
Journal of Educational Technology. 45(3) pp.438-450.
Sampson, J. P. and Makela, J. P., 2014. Ethical issues associated with information and
communication technology in counseling and guidance. International Journal for
Educational and Vocational Guidance. 14(1). pp.135-148.
Santoro, G., 2015. Evaluating performance in the hotel industry: An empirical analysis of
Piedmont. Journal of Investment and Management. 4(1-1). pp.17-22.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Wang, D. and et. al, 2016. Assessing hotel-related smartphone apps using online reviews.
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management. 25(3). pp.291-313.
Online
Network types: LAN, WAN, PAN and MAN. 2012. [Online]. Available through:
<http://ciscorouterswitch.over-blog.com/article-network-types-lan-wan-pan-and-man-
123597502.html>.
8