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2016 - 2017 Academic Catalog

Resort and Casino Management

The Lasell College Resort and Casino Management program is designed to prepare students for management and executive level positions within this complex and challenging industry. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students majoring in Resort and Casino Management will gain the expertise, commitment, and skills for management positions in this expanding industry that provides food and beverage, lodging, tourism and entertainment experiences to people around the world. Students are first given a comprehensive background in the business world including accounting, human resources, organizational behavior, technology, marketing and more, and then learn about the inner workings of the resort and casino industry including lodging, food and beverage, service quality, facility operations, casino regulations, security, gaming operations, resort development and technology. Throughout their coursework, students learn about service quality, brand management and the operations of diverse organizations such as resorts, casinos, cruise ships and the related segments of these types of properties.

Students participate in valuable connected learning experiences both on campus and at site visits throughout New England (Stowe Mountain Resort, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, Foxwoods Resort and Casino, and Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino to name a few) and throughout the country (including a course that takes students on a comparative study of markets in Las Vegas Nevada, where they meet with top industry executives, go on multiple site visits, and complete projects based on current industry trends and issues. On campus, students have the opportunity to listen to and meet with several relevant speakers from the industry, including members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, members of local Gamblers Anonymous chapters, and several high level resort and casino executives. In addition, students are required to complete both a Field Experience and an Internship so that they leave with a full resume of both academic accomplishments and real-world experiences.

Our Hospitality Advisory Board connects students with industry professionals, providing them with networking opportunities, site visit experiences, professional feedback, and opportunities for community service, volunteer experiences, internships and post graduation employment. Students in the hospitality management programs are given many additional opportunities to make connections, gain experience, and prepare themselves for successful careers upon graduation. Some examples include visiting resort/casino properties in Las Vegas, attending the International, Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Show in New York City and taking part in site visits where they meet with executives at major resorts all around New England. Double majoring is not allowed among the three hospitality majors (Hospitality Management, Event Management, and Resort and Casino Management). Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Resort & Casino Management..

By planning early in consultation with an academic advisor, students may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree in Resort and Casino Management to 3 or 3½ years.
The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete the major program of study in Resort & Casino Management:

Goal 1: Application of Principles of Resort and Casino Management
Upon completion of the major program of study in Resort and Casino Management students will be able to

  1. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of organizational behavior
  2. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of human resource management
  3. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of information technology
  4. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of the global economy
  5. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in all sectors within the resort and casino industry
  6. demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of operations strategies within the hospitality industry

Goal 2: Application of Business Information
Upon completion of the major program of study in Resort and Casino Management students will be able to

  1. apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to various challenges faced by organizations within the resort and casino industry
  2. integrate business information into effective decision making skills

Goal 3: Legal and Ethical Decision-making
Upon completion of the major program of study in Resort and Casino Management students will be able to

  1. identify legal and ethical issues implicit in all aspects of the hospitality industry
  2. evaluate and decide among alternative solutions to ethical problems
  3. understand the underpinning issues behind laws and regulations related to the resort and casino industry

Goal 4: Professional skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Resort and Casino Management students will be able to

  1. communicate effectively in both professional and technical writing for the hospitality industry
  2. work effectively in teams
  3. communicate effectively in both large presentation and face-to-face situations

BUSS201 - Financial Accounting

This course provides students with an applied knowledge of the fundamental accounting process and procedures used in business. Students learn how to identify and record business transactions. In addition, students learn how to create financial statements, as well as how to become intelligent users of financial information.

BUSS220 - Marketing

In this course, fundamentals of the nature of marketing are presented and evaluated for specific functions and institutions. Policies and practices as applied generally to marketing research involve product development, selection, channels of distribution buying and physical distribution selling. Pricing under competitive conditions, social benefits of competition and government regulations are included. Prerequisites: BUSS 101, HEM 101, FASH 101, or SMGT 102; ECON 101; HEM102.

BUSS224 - Organizational Behavior

In this course, students study individuals within the context of the organization using a behavioral approach. Group dynamics and intergroup dynamics are emphasized in relation to productivity and work satisfaction along with the examination of specific aspects of organizations that influence behavior. Areas covered include: structure, leadership, and change. Teaching modalities include case studies and role-playing. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOC 101.

ECON101 - Principles of Econ-Micro

This course is an introduction to the principles of the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and industries in the mixed economic system. Topics include consumer demand; elasticity; supply and costs of production; the allocation of economic resources; international trade; and the role of government in promoting economic welfare.

HEM101 - Hospitality Management

This course examines the Hospitality and Tourism industry with emphasis on individual sectors of the industry and their business functions. The infrastructure and interrelationships of lodging, tourism, food service, events, and entertainment organizations are examined. Career opportunities, current operational issues, and emerging trends in the hospitality industry are also explored.

HEM199 - Field Exp Prep & Prof Development in HEM

This course introduces students to field experience, internship and career planning and highlights how students can be more entrepreneurial and business focused as they look to the future. This course is designed to prepare students for the process of acquiring an internship and developing their long-term career goals. Students assess their personal background; practice finding career opportunities through the job search process; develop a cover letter, resume, practice networking and begin developing a portfolio; Additionally, students will participate in mock interviews and demonstrate how to deal with interpersonal situations found in the workplace. This course also focuses on workplace interactions including employee communication, management and leadership, the art of self-marketing, team building, conflict management, problem solving in the workplace and strategies for effective negotiation. Visits with potential employers and participation in networking sessions are a vital component of this course. Prerequisite: HEM 101 or HEM 102 with a C or better.

HEM206 - Lodging Management

This course concentrates on providing an in depth view of the various aspects and departments that fall under what is commonly known as Lodging Management or Lodging Operations. Some of the specific departments this course explores are - Front Office, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Security, Engineering, Maintenance, Food and Beverage, Recreation, and Accounting and Finance. Aside from the various operational procedures utilized, the course also addresses service philosophies, best practices, revenue management, and technology. Prerequisite: HEM 101.

HEM207 - Resort & Casino Management

This course provides students with an introduction to the hospitality management specialization of Resort and Casino Management. Subjects covered include operational infrastructures of resorts and casinos, organizational structures, service in resort and casino environments, securities, technologies, and revenue management and tourism. This course includes guest speakers and field trips. Prerequisite: HEM101.

HEM208 - Human Resources in Hospitality

This course examines management considerations for the successful operation of a major resort. Emphases is placed on the various departments and how each contributes to the recreation, ancillary and lodging areas including service experiences. This includes recreation development, risk management, visitor education, rental and retail operations, lodging, guest services, and human resources management. Students will learn how each of these departments function, along with the many skills required to address the issues and challenges faced in everyday operations. Course assignments focus on human resources operations, industry regulations and certification, risk management, guest service, and dealing with seasonality. These particular areas are studied in relation to resorts of different sizes and scales from all over the world so that comparisons can be made regarding different management and operational procedures, regulations, and guest expectations. Prerequisite: HEM 207 with a C or better.

HEM209 - Expl of the Las Vegas Casino Industry

Students in this course will study materials and case studies related to specific components of major casino markets as well as take part in both a day-long visit to the limited casino market in Connecticut and a 4-5 day site visit to Las Vegas during the college’s spring recess. The course will provide students who are interested specifically in the resort and casino segment of the hospitality industry direct exposure to the industry in the country’s largest casino market. Focus will be placed on current issues and events affecting the industry and, in particular, the companies that will be visited during the site visits. Students will study and meet with executives from different resort and casino departments at major resort/casino operations including Slots and Table Games Operations, Human Resources, Marketing, Security, Surveillance, Food and Beverage, and more. Prerequisite: HEM 207 with a C or better.

HEM213 - Global Issues in Hospitality

n this course, students examine the position of hospitality in the global market place. The course explores factors influencing the global environment and the contemporary struggle for economic/political power between world regions and the impact on the hospitality industry. The role and significance of hospitality multinationals in light of the current trend of sustainability is analyzed. In addition, the global drivers and industry strategies affecting multinationals are explored. Finally, students analyze the role of culture and its impact on different management styles in an international industry. Prerequisite: HEM 101 or HEM 102 with a C or better.

HEM299 - Field Experience I

This course provides a supervised work experience in the hospitality or event management industry as a complement to academic coursework. Students earn 150 hours in the field, gain practical skills in a business environment, and begin to view the workplace from a management perspective. During the course of the field experience, students keep a personal reflective journal of critical incidents. In addition, they complete a detailed profile of the management systems and policies at their workplace for submission at the end of the field experience. Students participate in weekly discussion groups during the course of the semester to evaluate and compare their experiences. Prerequisites: HEM 101.

HEM302 - Casino Regulation & Security

This course is designed to give an in-depth overview of the regulatory, legal, and security aspects of the casino industry including federal and local gaming laws and regulations, difficulties and liabilities surrounding those regulations, casino cage operations, surveillance operations, and security technologies. Prerequisite: HEM 207.

HEM303 - Law & Ethics in Hospitality

This course provides a study of the nature and function of both legal and ethical issues as applied to the hospitality industry. Topics include operator relationships, contract law, torts, civil rights, wage and labor laws, gaming laws, property law, and insurable risks. This course also examines ethical issues in the hospitality industry. Prerequisite: HEM101 and BUSS 336.

HEM305 - Resort Management & Development

This course examines management considerations for the successful operation of a major resort. Emphases is placed on the various departments and how each contributes to the recreation, ancillary and lodging areas including service experiences. This includes recreation development, risk management, visitor education, rental and retail operations, lodging, guest services, and human resources management. Students will learn how each of these departments function, along with the many skills required to address the issues and challenges faced in everyday operations. Course assignments focus on human resources operations, industry regulations and certification, risk management, guest service, and dealing with seasonality. These particular areas are studied in relation to resorts of different sizes and scales from all over the world so that comparisons can be made regarding different management and operational procedures, regulations, and guest expectations. Prerequisite: HEM 207 with a C or better.

HEM307 - Tech for Resort & Casino Management

This course explores principles of executive casino operations as it relates to technology, as well as providing hands-on opportunities for students to both observe and work within real programs including, but not limited to, casino operations business assessments, casino floor operations financial integrations, pit and floor statistics analysis, casino credit authorizer development, cage operations management software, casino accounting programs, table games accounting audits, currency transaction reporting, and surveillance technology. Students must be 21 years of age by April 1st of the year the course is running in order to enroll. Prerequisite: HEM 207 with a C or better and Permission of the Instructor.

HEM321 - Revenue Management & Technology

This course provides an advanced overview of the revenue management function in the hospitality industry. Revenue management is a method for managing capacity profitably. This course offers an integrated approach to maximizing revenue that includes capacity analysis, demand forecasting, variable pricing, and distribution technology. The objective of this course is to help students learn how to apply the principles of revenue management to maximize profitability in the hospitality industry. Topics to be covered include forecasting, overbooking, reservations systems, information technology, process design, pricing, and management and marketing issues. Prerequisite: HEM206 & BUSS 201.

HEM401 - Managing Quality in Hospitality

This course explores the application of customer service quality as well as management theories and techniques in the hospitality industry with a focus on organizational effectiveness. Case studies and major projects with real hospitality companies facilitate students’ synthesis of previous knowledge with the principles of service quality and excellence. This is a research project driven course. Prerequisites: BUSS 224 & MATH 208.

HEM402 - Casino & Gaming Operations

This course provides students with an advanced look into the hospitality management specialization of Resort and Casino Management. Students learn advanced strategic management skills and theory as they relate to both resorts and casinos. Key topics include how to responsibly overcome common challenges in the industry, managerial and human resource challenges, marketing strategies, labor laws and disputes, operations strategies, and resort realestate development and planning. The goal of this course is to aid students in developing decision-making, financial, and strategic management skills appropriate for careers in the casino and resort industries. Students develop an advanced understanding of the stakeholders and industry practices necessary for success in managerial and executive positions. Prerequisite: HEM 207.

HEM403 - Food & Beverage Management

This course examines the details of food and beverage management, with an emphasis on running a profitable operation and understanding basic menu and beverage detail. It examines the impact of menu planning, purchasing, receiving, inventory control, production, pairing and service to the guest. Students apply commonly-used formulas and strategies for calculating appropriate selling prices and evaluating actual cost percentages. Special attention is paid to the use of management systems and tools to help minimize food, beverage and labor costs, to ensure collection of revenue, and ultimately to maximize profits. Topics include purchasing, safe-serving, receiving, storage, production, beverage management and appreciation, beverage service and cost control. The course also explores basic culinary and beverage menu building and appreciation topics. Case studies are incorporated into class discussions. Students must be 21 years of age prior to April 1st of the course year to register. Prerequisites: HEM 101 or HEM 102 with a C or better and Permission of the Instructor.

HEM496 - Hospitality Operations Capstone

This is a capstone course in Hospitality and Event Management that focuses on strategic operational methods within the industry. Theoretical strategies are explored through a variety of readings, case studies, and class discussions. Students complete an applied research or practicum project in an area related to their specific hospitality focus, current trends in the industry and career interests. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

HEM499 - Internship

Hospitality and Event Management students are involved in practical on-the-job experience (250 contact hours) in a professional environment. Each student develops a learning contract with the site supervisor and faculty member that includes an internship-related project. Evaluation of the internship experience is based on performance of the student as reviewed with the employer and faculty member. Prerequisites: HEM 299

MATH208 - Statistics

This is an introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on applications in business and the social and biological sciences. Topics include: data analysis, and graphical methods of describing data, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing and ENG 102.

PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives (KP)

In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.

SOC101 - Sociological Imagination (KP)

This course is designed to help students develop their ability to think critically about the world around them using the framework of sociology. Students explore the relationship between individual and society – how personal experience is shaped by social forces, but also how society is created and changed through individual interaction. The focus is on the interrelationships of groups, social organization, and social institutions such as education, religion, family, and the economic and political order.

BUSS202 - Managerial Accounting

In this course, students gain experience in the development and use of information within an organization. Course topics include: cost terms; production costing; cost allocation for planning and control; cost behavior patterns; cost-volume-profit relationships; budgeting; inventory planning and control; pricing decisions; and aspects of investment decisions. Prerequisite: BUSS 201 with a grade C or better.

BUSS315 - Emerging Global Markets

This course focuses on developing skills, strategies and insights crucial to conducting successful business operations in the emerging markets of Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa including the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Globalization offers these countries the opportunity for unprecedented economic development. By participating in the international marketplace, emerging countries increase their chances of raising wages and incomes, accumulating wealth, and reducing poverty. These countries also provide opportunities for companies, mostly from developed countries, to extend their markets. In this course, students study the institutions of emerging markets that are relevant for managers; explore the differences in the contexts and roles of various actors (such as the government and NGOs); analyze opportunities and risks presented by emerging markets; and analyze the strategies of firms dealing with emerging markets. Prerequisite: BUSS101

BUSS332 - Cross Cultural Management

This course explores the process of cross-cultural management and the challenges of working internationally. The course focuses on international organizational behavior and human resource issues and practices in global organizations. The course is divided into three parts. The first focuses on understanding the cultural roots of behavior in organizations, the second on the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management issues that are relevant to international managers, and the third seeks to prepare students for international assignments. Prerequisite: BUSS 224.

BUSS341 - Social Media Marketing

This course takes an in-depth look at social networks, social media platforms and online advertising to offer students an advantage in many positions involving marketing, consulting and brand management both on the buyer and seller side of social media. Students with an interest in entrepreneurship will also find the course useful as new businesses often rely on social media marketing. The course covers a number of topics including the differences and interaction between traditional and social media; two-sided markets and social media platforms (including verticals such as gaming, shopping and entertainment); basic theory of social networks online and offline (graph theory, sociology, information diffusion); consumer behavior and digital media; social Media Analytics and Monitoring; brand strategies on social media; best marketing practices for paid and unpaid social media; B2B marketing and social media. Prerequisite: BUSS220.

BUSS422 - Global Marketing

The complexity of operating in the global marketplace makes many demands on the marketer. The globalization of marketing takes place after the company has international experience in multiple markets. The three fundamental areas of corporate globalization are covered in this course: (1) integrate sourcing, production, and marketing; (2) allocate resources to achieve a balanced portfolio and growth; and (3) coordinate marketing activities across countries and regions. Importing, exporting, and licensing considerations are explored. Prerequisite: BUSS 220 with a C or better.

ENV102 - Environmental Ethics & Society

This course explores issues and problems arising out of ethical considerations related to the general environment and specific ecosystems. Also considered are the moral aspects of population control and resource use. The foundations for beliefs and worldviews regarding nature and the human relationship to it are explored. In addition, the variety of philosophical perspectives and pragmatic choices and actions people take related to environmental ethics are studied.

ENV205 - Green Business

All businesses, from oil companies to computer manufacturers want to be "green." Being "green" is not only good for a business' marketing and publicity, but it also helps the bottom line. This course examines what it means to be a "green" business. Topics include the Triple Bottom Line, sourcing materials, energy management and recycling.

ENV303 - Environmental Justice

All people should have the right to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. However, access to clean air and water, exposure to excessive noise, and access to natural areas is inequitable in our society. This course explores how racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds influence access to a clean and safe environment. Local, national, and international issues of the environment and social justice are explored. Students engage with local community organizations on projects promoting environmental justice.

HEM102 - Fundamentals of Event Management

This course focuses on components of organizing and executing events. Components such as: sectors of the events industry, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Banquet Event Orders (BEO's), client management, vendor management and contract negotiations are introduced. This course is hands-on, allowing the student to apply basic skills and techniques for negotiating with suppliers and service contractors. This is a project driven course and includes industry certifications.

HEM103 - Economic Development & Mgmt in Tourism

This course offers a survey of trends and developments in the hospitality and tourism industry, including a total approach to lodging operations, events management, global tourism, and foodservice establishments. It offers an introduction to the broad fields of travel and tourism. Among the topics covered are cultural tourism, eco-tourism, sociology of tourism, tourism development, the economic role of tourism demand and tourism marketing. Prerequisite: HEM101

HEM205 - Private Club Management

This course explores many areas vital to the success of club management including business, finance, food, beverage, facilities, sales, operations, and multiple recreational activities while stressing the supreme importance of customer service quality. By taking this course, HEM students explore a field that covers all aspects of the hospitality industry. We are privileged to be in a great location, close to many of the area’s most notable private clubs, which can provide students with employment experience and internship opportunities. Prerequisite: HEM 101.

HEM214 - Ecotourism

Ecotourism promotes cultural and environmental awareness and has local, environmental and economic benefits. This course introduces students to the history, principles, marketing, and management of ecotourism activities and development. The course takes a holistic approach to planning and tourism development and standard industry practices and processes are discussed. Students enrolled in this course participate in an educational trip to Belize to view, research, and participate in a newly developing ecotourism system. Students must apply and be selected and may only register with the permission of the Ecotourism Program Director.

HEM215 - Meeting & Convention Sales & Planning

This course provides an overview of conference planning and group coordination as it relates to the sale and final contract. Students become familiar with Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions (MEEC), destination specialists, negotiating with suppliers and service contractors, meeting budgets, travel planners, and their place of importance within the industry. Site evaluations are analyzed as they relate to group needs. Emphasis is placed on the development of a group resume agendas, analyses of service options, and contractual and legal liability issues. Prerequisite: HEM 102 with a C or better.

HEM301 - Social Event Management

This course explores the complex area of special and social event planning, including non-profit, community, corporate, wedding, religious, holiday, and other major social events. The course provides students with a basis for using research as a tool to plan and organize special events. The class works toward understanding, practicing, and executing the elements of successful event planning such as budgeting, site-selection, food and beverage management, promotions, and site logistics. This is a project-based course and requires the execution of a successful event. Prerequisite: HEM 102 with a C or better.

HEM399 - Field Experience II

This course provides an additional supervised work experience in the hospitality or event management industry as a complement to academic coursework. Students earn 150 hours in the field, gain practical skills in a business environment, and begin to view the workplace from a management perspective. During the course of the field experience, students keep a personal reflective journal of critical incidents. In addition, students complete a detailed profile of the management systems and policies at their workplace for submission at the end of the field experience. Students participate in weekly discussion groups during the course of the semester to evaluate and compare their experiences. Students must have permission of the Program Director. Prerequisites: HEM 299.

HEM405 - Hotel Franchising & Brand Management

This class covers an in-depth study of Hotel Franchising & Brand Management, particularly focusing of key advantages & disadvantage of franchising, evaluation of hotel brands & their fees, growth strategies, entry into new global markets, importance of franchisor & franchisee relationships, franchise & management contracts, & key in-sights of brand management in the hotel industry.

SPAN111 - Elementary Spanish I

This course introduces students to the elements of Spanish through the multiple skills of understanding, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. It is open to students who are beginning their postsecondary Spanish language study and have not had more than two years of secondary school Spanish. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

SPAN112 - Elementary Spanish II

This course is a continuation of SPAN 111, with continued focus on understanding, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or 111 (with C or better), demonstrated competency through placement, or permission of instructor.