FREE ESSAY ON PARK PLACE HOTELS MIS PROJECT - FEASIBILITY STUDY

PARK PLACE HOTELS MIS PROJECT - FEASIBILITY STUDY

Running Head: Feasibility Study.
Park Place Hotels MIS Project
MBA 2000 - Cohort Team Three
Mark Carey, Tim Swanson, Sherri Nelson, Sherri Thomas
City University, Tacoma WA
March 20, 1999
STRATEGIC NETWORKING, INC.
Park Place Hotels, Ltd. - 
Installation of a Hotel Management
Information System
March 20, 1999
Internal Feasibility Report
Number SNI-FS-990320
STRATEGIC NETWORK, INC.
Park Place Hotels, Ltd. - 
Installation of a Management Information System
March 20, 1999
Research Team
Mark Carey
Sherri Nelson
Tim Swanson
Sherri Thomas
Internal Feasibility Report
Number SNI-FS-990320
Read and Approved:
_____________________________________________ _________________
Jonathan Edwards, CEO Date
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SNI has been sought out to implement a Management Information System for Park Place
Hotels in South Korea. The MIS project, part of a hotel management system, will be an
integral part of positioning Park Place Hotels as a world class facility appealing to
affluent business travelers.
We have researched the project with respect to technical requirements and cultural risks
of conducting business in South Korea. SNI has successful, relevant experience in
developing and installing a similar system for Comfort Suites in Texas eighteen months
ago. Based on this experience and the close parallel in system requirements, we believe
SNI possesses the technical expertise to be successful. The project is expected to
generate $1.28 million in revenue.
Doing business in a foreign country will be new to SNI. South Korea is an excellent place
for this expansion of our market. Korea, with its abundant skilled workforce,
well-developed social infrastructure, and large domestic market…will create an
environment in which business can prosper (American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, 1998).
We have explored the extensive research available on Korean culture and protocol and
believe that with proper preparation our technicians and managers will succeed in
building successful working relationships.
We believe this project presents a unique opportunity for SNI to expand its market and
will likely result in additional opportunities in Korea and potentially other countries.
We recommend a team be assigned to negotiate an agreement with Park Place Hotels for the
development, installation, training, and maintenance of their Hotel Management System. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. Introduction 6 
II. Method and Criteria 6
Sources of information 6
Project elements 6
Technical 6
Cultural 6 
III. Evaluation and Analysis 7
About SNI 7
Mission Statement and Vision 7
Organizational Chart 7 
Strategic Business Plan 8
Management Strategy 8
Project Description and Purpose (Goal) 8 
Overview 8 
Current Situation and Project Objective 9
Proposed System 10
Software Hardware, Manpower Resources Required 10
Financial Breakdown and Implications 11
Critical Success Factors 12
Design, Training, and Implementation 12
Anticipated Difficulties in Development and Implementation 12
Cultural Success Factors 13
Overview 13
Language, Education, and Work Ethic 14 
Legal and Financial Issues 15
Social and Ethical Issues 16
Korean Business Practices 17
Customs and Protocols 18
IV. Conclusions and Recommendations 20
V. Annotated Bibliography 22
VI. Appendix
A. Capabilities of LMS PRO 1.4 24
B. Financial Breakdown of Park Place Hotel Project 26
C. Gantt Chart 27
I. INTRODUCTION
Strategic Networking, Inc. (SNI) is an innovative information services and business
solutions company. This feasibility study explores the advantages, disadvantages, and
critical success factors in expanding our reach beyond the borders of the United States
into the global marketplace. Specifically, SNI was approached to implement a Management
Information System for a hotel chain in South Korea. Remarkably, the project is nearly
identical to the Comfort Suites Project SNI completed eighteen months ago in Dallas, TX.
Our success and reputation resulting from that project came to the attention of our
potential Korean partners. Does SNI have the capability and available resources to
implement this project? Absolutely! 
This paper explores the financial benefits and risks associated with conducting business
in Korea. Extensive research was conducted concerning the cultural, political, and social
environment in Korea. It is our belief that the financial rewards of this project
outweigh the numerous challenges we will face.
II. METHOD AND CRITERIA
Sources of Information
Information in this paper should be considered extremely reliable. It is based on
extensive research on American/Korean business practices conducted through the U. S.
Department of State, U.S. Embassy, Seoul, Korea, U.S. Department of Commerce, Korea-U.S.
Committee on Business Cooperation (CBC), Korean American Chamber of Commerce, Central
Intelligence Agency, area Korean business leaders, as well as traditional library and
internet sources.
Project Elements
There are two elements to this feasibility study:
1. Technical - Does SNI have the software, hardware, manpower, and training assets
available to successfully implement the project?
2. Cultural - The cultural risks associated with this project are immense. We will assess
political, legal, ethical, and social issues and how they may impact the project.
III. EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
About SNI
Mission Statement and Vision
SNI is an innovative information services and business solutions company. SNI helps
companies become more productive. SNI helps create new business lines and enter new
markets. SNI delivers services and solutions focused on each client's needs, with
particular emphasis on helping clients more effectively serve their customers. SNI
integrates three core disciplines in providing solutions and services to its clients:
business integration, systems integration and applications development, and information
technology infrastructure services.
Strategic Networking, Inc. Organizational Chart
Figure 1.
Strategic Business Plan
SNI's business strategy is controlled growth through selective partnering. SNI believes
that quality vs. quantity at an affordable price will separate SNI from other, larger MIS
consulting firms. While numerous opportunities exist domestically, SNI has recognized the
value of the Internet and the growing global economy. SNI participates in numerous
international trade shows in order to develop business contacts.
Management Strategy
At SNI, people are our most valuable assets. SNI LISTENS attentively to our customers.
Every member of our team, including our CEO, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, to go anywhere, anytime, to SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS. Strategic Networking, Inc.…
? LEADS by example
? Understands that today's business problems require a MULTI-DISCIPLINARY approach to
finding the best solutions. 
? Will not accept a project that we can not deliver the EXPECTED RESULTS at the EXPECTED
TIME.
Project Description and Purpose (Goal)
Overview
SNI was introduced to Mr. Park Chon He at the annual Hospitality Industry Technology Show
in Los Angeles, CA in December 1998. Park Chon He is the son of Mr. Park Soon Lee,
founder and owner of Park Place Hotels, Inc. of Seoul, Korea. Park Place Hotels, Ltd. is
an upscale, family owned, super-deluxe hotel chain in South Korea. The chain consists of
three properties located in Seoul, Puson, and Inchon. The 69-year-old family patriarch
heads the business with Mr. Park's three son's co-managing the properties. The hotel
chain caters to the affluent business traveler. Each hotel is ideally located in major
business districts. The younger Park Chon He believes that a competitive advantage can be
achieved through the use of information technology by enhancing their ability to deal
with competitive hotel chains penetrating their marketplace. He believes that their
long-term strategic success ultimately depends on how well Park Hotels executes their
primary mission of delivering the lowest cost, highest quality travel experience to their
business customers. Park Chon He has gained the confidence of his father to save the
ailing family business and has been tasked to modernize the family hotel chain.
Current Situation and Project Objective 
Foreign hotel chains such as Hyatt and Hilton are encroaching on Park Place Hotel's
established client base. Business travelers from the United States, Europe, and other
Asian countries are accustomed to business amenities such as secretarial, translation and
interpretation services, telecommunications, in-room Internet access, business services,
and sophisticated reservation systems. Traditional Korean ambiance, the hallmark of Park
Place Hotels, is not enough to attract critical (and profitable) business meetings and
conventions. Bookings are down 22% from a year ago. This is a hotel chain in trouble.
Hotels in Korea are classified into five groups: super-deluxe, deluxe, first class,
second class, and third class. In order for Park Place Hotels to compete in the
profitable super deluxe (business) segment, they must modernize their information systems
capabilities to meet the needs of their business customers. If they slide down the
quality scale, their profitability and future existence will be impacted. Mr. Park Chon
He is the change agent for this modernization. His goal is to turn Park Place Hotels into
a world class hotel chain by computerizing their guest management system, modernizing
their telecommunications capabilities, and increasing awareness of his facilities via the
World Wide Web. SNI's objective would be to develop and install the guest management
system and Internet portal. 
Proposed System
Software, Hardware, Manpower Resources Required
The software program selected for the project is an off the shelf program called LMS PRO
1.4. manufactured by Inter-America Company. LMS includes the following functions. (See
Appendix A. for details).
* Reservations * Registration * Charge Posting
* Guest Services * Guest Settlement * Housekeeping
* Travel Agency Accounting * Telephone Service * Package Plans
* Night Audits *Management Reporting * Guest History
SNI installed the LMS PRO 1.4 software in a large hotel chain headquartered in Dallas, TX
eighteen months ago. Our experience with its capabilities offers SNI a huge competitive
advantage. Mr. Park Chon He, hearing of our reputation, sought SNI out at the Hospitality
Industry Technology Show. 
We recommend using the IBM AS 400 running NT Network. The Dallas project continues to run
smoothly using this hardware. However, since Koreans use 220 volts as their power source,
converters with power stabilizers to ensure the computer doesn't see power bumps will
also be required. 
Our on site Korea team will consist of four programmers and one project manager from SNI.
A local, Korean programmer and interpreter will be hired to supplement our work team. Two
Internet programmers and one lead project manager will be utilized domestically. 
Financial Breakdown and Implications
Project cost breakdown is as follows: (See Appendix B. for detailed breakout) 
Chart 1. Total Project Revenues
Chart 2. Source of Revenue as % of Total Project
Critical Success Factors
Design, Training, and Implementation
The actual design of the system is fairly straightforward. LMS PRO 1.4 is a proven
software program that we have experience implementing. Even though Mr. Park Chon He is
the change agent for this project, his father exerts considerable influence on the
project. It is critical Mr. Park Soon Lee be involved in all phases of the project.
We recommend doubling the normal planning and design phase of the project in order to
ensure:
? An adequate role of user in the implementation process
? Complete management support for the implementation effort
? Increased user involvement in the design and operation of the hotel information
system.
Involving users in development offers opportunities to design the system according to
their priorities and business requirements. They are more likely to respond positively
because they have been actively involved.
Cultural differences between SNI and the client need to be considered in the analysis,
design, programming, testing, and conversion phases of the implementation.
Anticipated Difficulties in Development and Implementation
The following issues summarize the anticipated difficulties in development and
implementation of the Park Place Hotel MIS system: 
? Implementation team must include Korean representatives, preferably support personnel
and end users. 
? LMS PRO 1.4 is an off-the-shelf program. We must build flexibility into the program to
anticipate future needs of the organization. 
? Time and money required for software development is often underestimated. 
? Time and money required for proper testing is often underestimated. 
? Users must be significantly involved in testing.
? Training must be completed prior to conversion. 
? To compensate for cost overruns and delays, we should factor in an additional 25% in
man months.
? Performance and training standards must be established with proper documentation
written in both English and Korean. 
? Provisions for system maintenance after our three-year service agreement must be
established.
It is clear that SNI has the capability to implement such a project in the United States.
Our performance at Comfort Suites, a much larger project in scope, demonstrates this. Our
biggest challenge with Park Place Hotels is the Cultural Success Factors that we must
adapt to.
Cultural Success Factors
Country Overview
No foreign business enterprise can hope for success in Korea without a thorough
understanding of the people. The Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea, or Land
of the Morning Calm, has a rich history spanning over 5,000 years. Today, Korea is an
important trading partner for the United States. Korea's population of forty-five million
people inhabits an area slightly larger than Indiana. 
As one of the Four Dragons of East Asia, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of
growth. Three decades ago its GDP [Gross Domestic Product] per capita was comparable with
levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. Today, its GDP is already up with the
lesser economies of the European Union. This success through the late 1980s was achieved
by a system of close government business ties, including directed credit, import
restrictions, sponsorship of specific industries, and a strong labor effort. The
government promoted the import of raw materials
and technology at the expense of consumer goods and encouraged savings and investment
over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997/98 exposed certain longstanding
weaknesses in South Korea's development model, including high debt/equity ratios, massive
foreign borrowing, and an undisciplined financial sector. Also, a number of private
sector conglomerates are near bankruptcy. At yearend 1997, an international effort,
spearheaded by the IMF, was underway to shore up reserves and stabilize the economy.
Growth in 1998 was sharply cut. Long-term growth will depend on how successfully South
Korea implements planned economic reforms that would bolster the financial sector,
improve corporate management, and open the economy further to foreign participation (CIA
World Fact Book, 1999).
Language, Education and Work Ethic
Korean is the spoken language in South Korea and Hangul the written language. English is
widely taught in Junior High and High School. Korea enjoys a 98% literacy rate (CIA,
1999). Most Korean professionals speak English, and most meetings can be conducted in
English without an interpreter. Generally speaking, catalogs, promotional literature, and
instructional material are acceptable in English. Don't take it for granted that those
who speak English will understand everything you say. If a statement is met with silence,
it may mean that you were not understood (Van Horn, 1989 page 211-212). Koreans have a
very strong work ethic, working, on the average, over 54.7 hours per week. It has been
said that the Koreans are the only people in the world who can make the Japanese look
lazy (Van Horn, page 211).
Because we will be working with the hotel service industry, we expect few language
barriers requiring the use of interpreters on site. However, tight social and business
inner circles make it extremely difficult to enter the Korean market without a qualified
Korean representative. Local representation is essential for foreign firms hoping to be
successful in the Korean market (Dept. of State Country Commercial Guide - FY 99). We
will be required to appoint a registered agent in order to handle government import
paperwork. Their commission rate of 7-10% has been factored into the overall project
costs. 
Legal and Financial Issues
Legal advice in setting up our contract is strongly recommended. Though Americans may
regard a written contract as legally binding, a Korean may regard the same contract as a
'gentlemen's agreement' which is subject to further negotiations dependent upon new
circumstances (Dept. of State). If a contract is violated in Korea, the legal procedures
in Korea can be lengthy, cumbersome and expensive (Dept of State). We must extensively
research our mutual requirements, understandings, and responsibilities, record it on
paper, and be prepared to modify the meanings of the terms afterwards. The estimated cost
of legal representation is $20,000.
The Park Place Hotel project will exceed $1.28 million and is financially attractive to
SNI. SNI, of course, must ensure payment. The continuing slowdown of the Korean economy,
increasing deficit, and falling won add to Korea's economic difficulties which makes
Korean banks hesitant to extend credit for businesses. U.S. companies should consider
dealing only on a confirmed letter of credit basis with new and even familiar clientele.
A confirmed l/c [letter of credit] through a U.S. bank is recommended because it prevents
unwanted changes of the original l/c, and it shifts responsibility for collection onto
the familiar banks involved, rather than onto the seller (Dept. of State). Bank of
America, SNI's current bank, has a branch in Seoul and has agreed to handle the letter of
credit for a modest fee of $5,000.
Social and Ethical Issues
The Korean culture is over 5000 years old. Modern societal values remain firmly rooted in
the values of Confucianism. Confucianism is not a religion, but a philosophy of social
conduct, that originated in ancient China. In many respects, the Korean people base many
of their decisions on emotion, ethical social relationships, and the three qualities -
love of humanity, sensitivity for feelings and justice for society rather than on sound
business sense or reason (Fordham).
Koreans have a great respect for the family and hierarchy, and for anyone senior in age.
They will intuitively establish their hierarchical position relative to others based on
age and social position (Business America, 1997). There are defined familial roles in
Korea. In the majority of Korean households, the father is the primary bread winner,
while the mother stays at home. The majority of working women, many with top university
degrees, are still relegated in Korean companies to secretarial jobs, assembly work
positions, or educational work (Dept. of State, 1999). The eldest male of a family would
be the patriarch and is revered and respected as an elder of the family. Even while a
Korean is dealing with non-Korean cultures it is preferable that there be a correlation
between the Korean and non-Korean representative on the hierarchical totem. 
The belief system used in personal and business relationships dictates that respect and
dignity be shown in all circumstances. An unwritten code of behavior exists in both
informal and formal settings. Koreans are excessively hospitable people and will treat
visitors with the utmost deference and kindness. Their politeness does not mean that you
have won their trust and loyalty, or that you are a particularly important individual. It
only means that you are also required to be polite in a similar manner.
It is important to remember that the Korean Culture, and the Korean people, are a
homogeneous society with strong ties to their families and country. Whereas Americans may
think in individual terms - 'What is in my best interest?' Koreans often think in group
terms - 'what is in the best interest of the group?' Koreans tend to do what is good for
the country rather than for themselves. Setting up a system that benefits the owners
without defining benefits to the country may be difficult. 
Older Koreans have a difficult time understanding the concept seeing the benefits the
Internet and Intranet. This will be an important consideration when communicating with
Mr. Park Soon Lee.
Korean Business Practices
Americans should be ready to mix business with pleasure as the Koreans base their
business relationships on personal ones. The heavy drinking of the Korean alcohol, Soju,
beer, or other liquor is commonplace in establishing a personal, business relationship
(Dept of State, 1999). If one does not wish to consume alcohol it is advisable to
attribute the decision to a medical condition or a conflict with medication. Koreans will
understand and be sympathetic. Also commonplace is the 'no-ray-bang' where a group of
businesspeople go to an establishment to drink and sing along to a video machine playing
music. As most no-ray-bang machines come equipped with songs in English, a businessperson
may want to be prepared to sing at least one song in order to gain social favor with
their Korean counterpart (Dept of State, 1999).
The exchange of business cards is a very important means by which Koreans learn about the
name, position and status of the other person. Koreans observe a very strict hierarchical
code and will generally meet to discuss business with persons of the same or parallel
rank. Businesspersons should always have their business card ready (preferably bilingual)
and should treat the exchange of Korean counterpart's card with respect. It is a sign of
respect to receive and present items with both hands, followed by passing and receiving a
card with the right hand. One should never give a card, or anything else for that matter,
with the left hand as it shows disrespect (Dept of State, 1999).
A man generally receives more respect and affinity in the business world than a woman,
though foreign businesswomen (especially, non-Asian looking women) are accorded almost an
equal amount of respect as foreign businessmen. Single women generally receive less
respect than married women whose ties to their husband oftentimes establish their
position in society. The American businessperson, as a foreigner, is generally exempt
from the above societal classification system, though one should be prepared to answer
what may be regarded as personal, such as questions of age, marital status, religion, and
education. An American businesswoman will most likely not be included in business
dinners. 
Kibun places harmony and maintenance of good feelings as the highest order in any
relationship. Your counterpart may always appear to be good-natured and friendly and will
exert their full efforts in avoiding saying no or delivering bad news. As such, the
foreign businessperson must learn to read between the lines or interpret hints of the
slightest business difficulties. Indeed, a 'yes' or nod of the head may mean 'maybe' or
'I understand. A 'maybe' usually means 'no' while a negative response is sometimes
indicated by a squint of the eyes or by tipping the head back while drawing air in
through the teeth and waiting for you to speak again. (Fordham)
Customs and Protocols
A Korean has a family name and one given name. Traditionally, the given name has two
parts. Koreans normally write their family name first, however, they may reverse the
order when dealing with Westerners. Although women do not change their name on marriage,
Mr. Park may refer to his wife as Mrs. Park to avoid confusing Westerners. 
There is no general equivalent of Mr. Various respectful titles are used in the Korean
language, which do not get translated into English. The English word Mr. is used in
Korean only to address social inferiors, but there is no objection to foreigners using it
as a term of respect in English correspondence. It will be important to be sensitive to
this particularly when dealing with the elder Park. Among themselves, Korean business
people are more likely to address each other by job title. We should plan to have our
people follow this protocol while in Korea.
Greetings and thank-yous are very important to Koreans. Words of greeting and thanks
always are said with a bow of the head. The depth of the bow required depends upon the
relative seniority of the two speakers. Koreans generally limit direct physical contact
to no more than a courteous handshake. Koreans tend to avoid too much eye contact and
consider it bad manners to look straight into another's eyes while conversing (Hoare,
1996). 
Avoid the following topics in your conversation: Japan, local politics, socialism,
communism, and your host's wife. Among good conversational topics include Korean cultural
heritage, kites, sports (especially the Olympics), and the health of their family (do not
talk about their families unless these have something to do with their health). Always be
modest about your position and your accomplishments (Fordham).
Koreans traditionally sit, eat and sleep on the floor, so shoes are always removed when
entering a Korean home. It is impolite to talk much or blow your nose during a meal. Food
is placed on the table all at once. Food need not be consumed in any order. Rice and soup
are eaten with a spoon while other dishes are eaten with chopsticks. Chopsticks should
not be left sticking in the food. Koreans always wait to begin eating until the eldest
person begins and wait to leave the table until the eldest is finished. (Korea Travel
Manual, 1995) When dining out, Korean customs allow for either party to be the host or
the guest but Dutch treat is not practiced.
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SNI has the technical capability and available resources to implement the LMS PRO 1.4
Hotel Management System at Park Place Hotels in South Korea. Our success at Comfort
Suites demonstrates our ability to develop, design, implement, train, and maintain such a
system. 
The Korean project represents a significant source of revenue for SNI exceeding $1.28
million over four years. A letter of credit from the Seoul branch of our current banker,
Bank of America, will ensure that SNI is paid according to our contract. The economic
unrest in Korea would prohibit implementing the system without the assurances of
guaranteed payment.
SNI's biggest obstacle will be understanding and functioning under different cultural
expectations. Since two of the four SNI programmers going to Korea will be women, we must
be sensitive to their needs and well being. Our staff must dress in business attire (we
recommend a $1,000 clothing allowance for each team member) and be willing to conduct
business in a social environment that involves heavy drinking and karoke style singing.
Business and social skills, too numerous to mention in this report, must be learned and
adhered to in order to ensure a successful outcome. We recommend that all SNI personnel
going to Korea attend a two day finishing school sponsored by Barlitz Language School.
SNI personnel are limited to stay only 90 consecutive days on a business/ tourist visa
and must be rotated.
The greatest risk to SNI is the political instability caused by aggressive North Korean
leadership resulting from food shortages and starvation in the North. The South Korean
government has made significant strides in reducing political corruption prevalent in the
80's. The Korean government has the full backing of the American government so the risks,
although present, should be minimal. 
We believe this project presents a unique opportunity for SNI to expand its global
presence and will likely result in additional opportunities in Korea and potentially
other countries. For this reason, SNI should proceed with negotiating an agreement with
Park Place Hotels for the development, installation, training, and maintenance of their
Hotel Management System. 
APPENDIX A.
CAPABILITIES OF LMS PRO 1.4
Reservations - The reservation system allows easy booking and inventory management for
individuals and groups. Room numbers and the type of suite and their availability are
readily accessible. Run of the house inventory and overbooking controls are easy to use
and understand and provide safeguards from embarrassing mix-ups. 
Registration - At registration an entire group or convention can be registered with a
single command key saving individual members of the group as well as the hotel large
amounts of time. Individual registration within the group is also provided. The system
allows access to the data base by individual or company name, or arrival date.
Application of advance deposits is automatic and posts directly to the bill on
registration. 
Charge Posting - Daily charges are posted to each room account for individuals or to a
single account as an option for groups and conventions. All charges are transferred to
the company ledger automatically with references that track back to the reservation and
registration information.
Guest Services - Special requests for service can be entered at the registration or
reservation screen allowing the earliest recording of special customer needs. Wake-up
calls are automated from the quests room or can be entered from the registration desk. 
Guest Settlement - The system allows for inquiry and posting by group or individual.
Group check out like group check in provides for an efficient timesaving alternative. All
major credit cards and after event billing in addition to cash and checks are provided as
options for settlement. 
Housekeeping - Room status alerts the maid staff of unusual requests or scheduling needs.
On check out, housekeeping is alerted that the room is ready for service. 
Travel agency accounting - The reservation system can be set to allow travel agencies to
search for available rooms. Access can be global. 
Telephone service - An automated telephone service allows callers from outside and inside
the hotel to access a data base which will connect the caller to the guest by name. Voice
mail as an option for quests. Each room will be configured for internet access. 
Package plans - Bundled services including lodging and other travel options can be
recorded into the system with automatic posting to the general ledger. Special features
are noted on the screen at check in and vouchers for tickets, car rentals and other
options can be mailed with the confirmation of lodging. 
Night audits - No shutdown is required for night audits. Charges and corrections are
posted automatically to the financial system.
Hotel management reporting - Numerous created reports are available on request. A report
writer is also included to allow for customized reporting options. 
Guest history - Special requests and account history is maintained by individual and
group. This allows special needs and desires to be anticipated with repeat customers.
Frequent customers can be coded with special considerations. Demographic reporting is
provided as an option to assist in marketing the hotel and in meeting the needs of its
customers.
APPENDIX B.
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN OF PARK PLACE HOTEL PROJECT
APPENDIX C.
GANDT CHART
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Scholars test Korean and American business managers in an attempt to document language
differences between high and low context societies.
Tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid when doing business in the tough but lucrative Korean
market.(June 1997). Business America, v118n(6). 7-8.
The Korean business community has acquired many western traits, however, they are still
very much steeped in traditional ways and a businessperson doing business with a Korean
company would do well to follow the simple suggestions outlined in this article to
further understand the Korean business culture.
United States Department of State Country Commercial Guide - Korea FY 99 (February 10,
1999). [On-line], Available:
http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/business/com_guides/1999/eastasia/korea99.html
Prepared by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea, this government document is a complete and
up to date resource for conducting business in Korea. 
Van Horn, M. (1989). Pacific rim trade. New York: American Management Assoc.
This practical book is written by an author who has hands on experience setting up
Pacific Rim trade. All aspects of marketing, manufacturing, and investing are covered.
The world fact book. (February 28, 1999) [On-line], Available:
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/country.html
This Central Intelligence Agency web site covers geography, people, government, economy,
communications, transportation, and military issues of South Korea.
Woo Gon Kim, Hyan Ju Shin and Kye-Sung Chon. (February 1998). Korea's lodging industry:
problems, profitability and regulations. Cornell Hotel & Restaurant Administration
Quarterly, v39. 60-68.
This study discusses the Korean hotel industry's significant issues including room
supply, complications of regulation, and hindrances to expansion.