HND Research Project: Crisis Management in the UK Hospitality Sector

This research proposal aims to determine the importance of crisis management within the UK hospitality sector, focusing on a case study of the Savoy Hotel. The objectives include examining the concept and significance of crisis management, identifying its role at the Savoy Hotel, determining effective practices for improving organizational productivity, and explaining the benefits of crisis management. The proposal justifies the topic by highlighting its relevance to understanding and solving problems in the hospitality sector, improving personal and professional knowledge, and enhancing organizational performance. The scope of the research covers the UK hospitality industry, with a focus on the Savoy Hotel. The research methods include positivism research philosophy and quantitative techniques. The proposal also includes a Gantt chart for work planning and a list of references. The research involves human participants, recruited through digital technology and interviews, with ethical considerations addressed.

Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management
Unit 18 Research Project
RESEARCH PROPOSAL FORM
STUDENT DETAILS
Student Name Student Number Submission Date
Centre Name
Tutor
Section One : Research Title, Aim and Objectives
Research Title: To determine the importance of crisis management within hospitality sector of UK
Research Aim(What do you wish to find out or achieve?) :
Research Aims and Objectives
To determine the importance of crisis management within hospitality sector of UK. A case study of Savoy
Hotel.
Research Objectives (How do you want to achieve this aim. At least three/four objectives).
Objectives:
 To examine the concept and significance of crisis management within the UK hospitality sector.
 To identify the role of crisis management at Savoy Hotel.
 To determine the different practices of crisis management that could be used by Savoy Hotel to
improve organizational productivity.
 To explain the various benefits taken by Savoy Hotel by managing crises.
Research Questions (convert each objective above into a research question)
 What is the concept and significance of crisis management within the UK hospitality sector?
 What is the role of crisis management at Savoy Hotel?
 What are the different practices of crisis management that could be used by Savoy Hotel to improve
organizational productivity?
 What are the various benefits taken by Savoy Hotel ins managing crises?
Section Two: Research Rationale and Scope
Rationale/Justification for the Topic: this should briefly cover the following three areas.
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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The current research is about crisis management which is needed in the hospitality sector for the
purpose of understanding the problem and solving it clearly. This is important for each organization
to analyze the environment and comes to know they can improve the business functions and
activities. The current project will help to improve personal and professional knowledge by
collecting data from other sources. In context to personal reason, the researcher will improve their
personal interest, making future plans and bringing higher productivity which can help to
accomplish the goals. In context to professionals, the researcher will improve their understanding of
crisis management and its importance for the hospitality sector in the UK. This will help to
accomplish the business goals effectively. The study will give benefits of managing situations
properly that might be arises while running the business (Berbekova, Uysal, and Assaf, 2021).
Research Scope: this should briefly cover the following.
The scope of research is greater as it will cover the whole UK hospitality industry that needs to
manage the crisis. The Savoy Hotel is the larger hotel in the UK that provides accommodation and
food services to its guests. The management faced the problem due to changing climate where the
use of management crises could be an opportunity for the industry to maintain higher performance.
This will help to accomplish the business goals by managing issues and providing right suggestions.
UK
The Literature Review, at this stage of the research process, does not have to be critical literature
review but each reviewed source should cover the following
To examine the concept and significance of crisis management within the UK hospitality sector.
As per view point of Moraga and et. al., (2020), Crisis management is the process by which an organization
deals with a disruptive and unexpected event that can harm the organization. This became important for an
organization to identify the problem which arises while working and introduce new changes which can help
to regulate the business effectively and maintain profits. In relation to the hospitality sector, crisis
management is most important to bring changes in existing performance and supports to accomplish the
business goals.
To identify the role of crisis management at Savoy Hotel.
As per view point of Pavlatos, Kostakis, and Digkas (2021), Crisis management is an effective term used
by business organizations for the purpose of dealing with issues and managing all functions properly. This
can help to understand the environment and introduce the services accordingly that support accomplishing the
business aims. The role of crisis management is to minimize the unfortunate events, arrange and manage the
resources properly, sustainable the development of the organizational firm, and protect stakeholders as well as
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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the organization.
To determine the different practices of crisis management that could be used by Savoy Hotel to improve
organizational productivity.
As per opinion of Murad, Al-Kharabsheh, and Al-Kharabsheh, (2021), Crisis management is an
effective term used by business organizations to make work easier and smooth by managing all functions and
activities. Each organization faced a different challenge in case of not focusing on crisis management that
affected the organizational productivity. The practices of crisis management are used by Savoy Hotel are as
explained:
Proactive crisis management – This is used by Savoy Hotel to formulate effective planning for potential
crises and mitigate them by focusing on the operation. This helps to identify threats and monitor them
properly.
Responsive crisis management – This strategy is used by Savoy Hotel to address the crises to limit the
business operation. The management of the company could enter into a partnership with a new distributor and
respond to their customers properly. This can help to develop organizational performance.
Recovery crisis management – This practice relates to stabilizing the operation and bringing changes by
managing higher performance. By using this Savoy Hotel can recover the losses and problems which has
been rising while working. This affected organizational productivity and profitability.
To explain the various benefits taken by Savoy Hotel by managing crises.
As per view point of Boutet, Hernández, and Jacobo, (2020), In the UK hospitality sector, crisis
management is helpful as it identifies the problems which occur while catering to their guests and offering
services. The management plays an important role as they know what their customers want and how they
could be satisfied so that kind of products and services are provided. Savoy Hotel is the larger hospitality
industry that manages the problems by following the practices. This can help to develop organizational
performance and productivity at the workplace. This also motivates employees to work more effectively and
accomplish business goals. The management requires to analyze the environment and manage the crises by
following practices that support the development of organizational productivity.
Discuss in short your research methods, philosophical approaches, research design e.g
qualitative/quantitative/mixed, research sample and sampling techniques.
Research Philosophy – This considers a principle set which used by the researcher to study the
topic clearly and attain higher performance. This involves Interpretivism and positivism philosophy.
The researcher will use positivism as a research practice that can help to manage all functions.
Research Approach – This can be determined as an appropriate methodology that suggests the right
research should be taken to conduct the data analysis. If all functions and information have been
collected by individual then it will be an opportunity to grow a business. This involves inductive and
deductive approaches which are used for different purpose.
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Research Design – This showcase the technique and tactics which are used by the researcher to
conduct analysis and receive positive outcomes. This involves qualitative and quantitative
techniques. In relation to current research, the quantitative technique will be used by researchers that
can help to bring changes and attain the right performance. This also helps to bring changes in
existing work and productivity. This design will provide theoretical and practical knowledge
regarding specific topic (Zhong, Sun, Law, and Li, 2021).
Time horizon – A time framework that states in what time period task and project will be completed
as it supports managing the changes and bringing higher performance This mainly considered cross-
sectional and longitudinal. In relation to current research, cross-sectional horizon has been use by
researcher to study the topic. s
Choices of Method –This means selecting the right option out of many which support receiving
positive outcomes. This involves mono, mixed, and multi-methods. In relation to current research,
the mono method will be used by a researcher that will help to attain positive outcomes and
productivity (Ghaharian and et. al., 2021).
Data collection – This could be explained as techniques used by an individual to analyze the topic
and manage the changes properly. Primary and secondary are two types of resources used by
companies to complete their study. In relation to current research,the primary source is being used
by researcher that can help to develop understanding about crisis management and its importance
(Moraga and et. al., 2020).
WORK PLANNING
(Gantt Chart, PERT Chart). Presentation of the actual Chart
Gantt chart is determined as the tool used within the research in order to determine starting and
ending point for each activity. This shows the time scale in which task needs to be done properly.
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List of References : References used so far (using Harvard referencing style)
Berbekova, A., Uysal, M. and Assaf, A.G., 2021. A thematic analysis of crisis management in
tourism: A theoretical perspective. Tourism Management, 86, p.104342.
Boutet, M.L., Hernández, A.L. and Jacobo, G.J., 2020. Methodology of quantitative analysis and
diagnosis of higro-thermal and lighting monitoring for school buildings in a hot-humid
mid-latitude climate. Renewable energy, 145, pp.2463-2476.
Zhong, L., Sun, S., Law, R. and Li, X., 2021. Tourism crisis management: Evidence from
COVID-19. Current Issues in Tourism, 24(19), pp.2671-2682.
Ghaharian and et. al., 2021. Crisis management practices in the hospitality and gambling industry
during COVID-19. International Hospitality Review.
Moraga and et. al., 2020. A quantitative methodology to enhance a strategy map. International
Journal of Production Economics, 219, pp.43-53.
Murad, M.A., Al-Kharabsheh, A. and Al-Kharabsheh, A., 2021. Crisis Management Strategies in
Jordanian Hotel Industry. Journal of Environmental Management & Tourism, 12(2),
pp.578-587.
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Pavlatos, O., Kostakis, H. and Digkas, D., 2021. Crisis management in the Greek hotel industry
in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Anatolia, 32(1), pp.80-92.
Berbekova, A., Uysal, M. and Assaf, A.G., 2021 Boutet, M.L., Hernández, A.L. and Jacobo, G.J.,
2020 Zhong, L., Sun, S., Law, R. and Li, X., 2021 Ghaharian and et. al., 2021 Moraga and et. al.,
2020. Murad, M.A., Al-Kharabsheh, A. and Al-Kharabsheh, A., 2021 Pavlatos, O., Kostakis, H.
and Digkas, D., 2021
Student Declaration
I confirm that the proposed Research Project is not work that has been or will be submitted for
another qualification or by another student and is appropriate:
Student Name and Signature: Date:
Comments and Agreement from Tutor
Comments:
I confirm that the project is not work that has been or will be submitted for another qualification and
is appropriate:
Agreed: (Name) (Date)
Research ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the
use of data, collected from human participants, may be required to gain ethical
approval before commencing their research. Please answer all relevant questions
and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your Unit Tutor.
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
Unit Tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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Student Details
Student Name Student ID
Section Two: Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
Interviews
Questionnaires
Observations
Use of Personal Records
Data Analysis
Action Research
Focus Groups
Other (please specify)
Section Three: Participants
Will your research involve human participants? Yes
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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Section One: Basic details
Project Title: To determine the importance of crisis management within hospitality sector of
UK
✓
✓
✓ No

Who are the participants? Tick all that apply
Ages 12-16 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
The participants will be recruited by using digital technology or conducting an
interview round.
Describe the process you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
The right communication process via online method will use to inform the
participants regarding current research.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it
be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at
any time?
Yes, it will be written and it will be made in the form of questionnaire.
Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting
questions they do not wish to answer?
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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✓
Young people aged 17-18:

Yes:
If No, please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues
arising from this:
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their
informed consent to be approved.
Yes:
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation? (e.g. give them a brief
explanation of the study)
Yes:
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be
a summary of your findings generally)
Yes:
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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No: ✓
✓
No:
No: ✓
✓
No:

Section Four: Data storage and security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with
the Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes:
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Researcher
During the research
Where will the data be stored?
The data will be store in computer system.
Will mobile devices, such as USB storage and laptops, be used?
Yes:
If yes, please provide further details:
After the research
Where will the data be stored?
How long will the data and records be kept, and in what format?
For long period of time.
Will the data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes:
If yes, please provide further details:
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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✓
No:
✓
No:
No:
✓

Section Five: Ethical issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may
arise as a result of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may
apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the following:
• informed consent
• potentially vulnerable participants
• sensitive topics
• risks to participants and/or researchers
• confidentiality/anonymity
• disclosures/limits to confidentiality
• data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection)
• reporting
• dissemination and use of your findings.
Section Six: Declaration
I have read, understood, and will abide by the [Nelson College London ]
Research Ethics Policy:
Yes:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my tutor:
Yes:
I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the above information is correct and that this is a full
description of the ethical issues that may arise in the course of my/our research.
Student Name(s) Date
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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No:
✓ No:

Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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