Operate An Online Info System (Unit 4): Functions

Use the functions of the systems to efficiently access the information.

Explain the functions and features of each of the 4 online information systems mentioned above. 

Internet
Function/Features: 
The internet is used to gain information, connect to others and activities. It's used on a global scale, easy to use, and has features such as email, maps and internet banking.  In regards to events,  businesses create websites to promote and contactable for clients. Sites also offer registrations, booking systems and timetables.

Intranet
Function/Features: 
 The intranet is created for groups of people to share resources and files. It includes features such as forums, directories, activity feeds, and interactive tools.

CRS
Function/Features:
A CRS was originally used to facilitate travel transactions related to air travel but it was later used for making bookings for hotels and reservations (directly). It can access seat availability, fare quotes and also general information in regards to tickets.

Global Distrubution System
 Function/Features:
A GBS can be used as a database but can also provide quotes for those traveling. For example, a person planning to book a hotel room can find out how much prices are on off season. It's also a system to book seating, accommodation, activities and of course, flights.

There are requirements for copying and using online information. Provide evidence of how state, territory or commonwealth copyright and intellectual property laws are applied to operating an online information system. 

Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) 

Copyright Amendment Act 2006 (Cth) 

The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) 

Laws are used as a basis for groups or councils who want to enforce protect against theft of intellectual property. Government must reguarily look at the laws in place and make amendments to meet the needs of people. 

Sources: 

 http://www.simpleintranet.org/top-5-most-requested-intranet-features/
http://www.acip.gov.au/
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2006A00158

Operate An Online Info System (Unit 4): Info Systems

Source and retrieve multiple types of information from an online system in response to multiple customer requests covering a range of products and services. 

List 4 online information systems used within you specific and/or organisation (tourism, hospitality or events). Explain the role and specific information obtained from the 4 online information systems used. 

- Internet 
The internet is a network working a global scale connecting to computers everywhere and is used as a information resource. It can also be used to download files, gaming, watch videos, listen to music and socialize. It can provide information for pretty much any subject that comes to mind from cars, books, latest trends, news to Youtube videos. 
 
- Intranet
 Intranet is an internal private computer network or connection of one or more computer networks, whose use and access is restricted to an organization and its employees or members (Buzzle, 2014).
The intranet is used to share resources and connect members effectively.
The University Of Newcastle has their own intranet set up for students to access files such as rubrics, homework and send in assignments. E.g. Blackboard.

- Computer Reservation System (CRS)
Any of several proprietary computer systems allowing real-time access to airline fares, schedules, and seating availability and offering the capability of booking reservations and generating tickets (Travel Industry Dictionary, 2013).
E.g. Providing information on tickets for those wanting to purchase.

- Global Distribution Systems

Basically, the same as CRS. It's a worldwide computerized reservation network for seating, hotel rooms, rental cars and anything related to travel. These are booked by travel agents, online booking systems and websites.




List 3 different products and services a customer may request with one transaction. 
- Exchange rate
- Climate
- Destination Information

They could also ask for: 
- Invoice
- Quotes
- Contract





Sources: 
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/intranet-vs-internet.html
 http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/Internet.html
http://www.travel-industry-dictionary.com/computerized-reservation-system.html

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/Global-Distribution-System-GDS.html

Access & Interpret Product Info (Unit 3): Commercial Constraints & Deadlines

Complete activities within commercial time constraints and deadlines determined by the customer or the organisation. 

Give an example of when you have completed a task or activity within a commercial time constraint in the work place.

Several times I've had to stick to a deadline for writing assignments for websites that I contribute to. Sometimes it will a month while other times it could be a week or a few days.

Access & Interpret Product Info (Unit 3): Terminologies & Abbreviations

Interpret industry terminology and common abbreviations for major product categories. 

List 5 common abbreviations used within your sector and/or organisation (Tourism, Hospitality or Events). 
- F & B (Food & Beverages)
- AV (Audio Visual) event production
- Q&A (Question and answer) time after a event
- VIP (Very Important Person)
- A & B ( Accommodation and Breakfast)


List 5 common industry terminologies used within your sector and/or organisation ( Tourism, Hospitality or Events) and explain their meaning.
- Count: The amount of people attending the event.
- Quote: The term describing stated price. For example, hall hire or catering hire.
- White Tie: Is known as a formal attire which expect for certain types of events. For men it's suits with white ties and evening dresses  for women.
-  Booking: Making an order or reservation for say ticket and accommodation etc.
- On-site catering: The event provides catered food for the guests.


Explain the use of the 24 hour clock within your sector (written or oral). 
The 24 hr clock is commonly used around the world, so using it makes everything less confusing when communicating.



Source:
http://www.confpeople.co.uk/glossary.html

Access & Interpret Product Info (Unit 3): Diverse Products

Interpret Information on diverse products to meet sales, operational and customer needs. 

Research 2 product offerings within your sector and/or organisational (Tourism, Hospitality and Events). Provide the sales and operational needs your customer may require.
Rigging

- Estimated value (quote)
- Safety precautions
- Training or information on rigging/drapes
- Event space and measurements
- Following guidelines
- Provided elements to hang
- Rigging plan
- Research and ideas
- Weight or load calculations


- Customer service support
- Hire


Pyrotechnics

- Safety precautions
- Following guidelines
- Hiring an expert staff
- Management to control the event
- Outdoor or indoor space
- The right equipment such as launchers
- Delivery
- Costing Information
- Forms and applications for fire usage
- Short Training courses
- Gaining approval
-Stage designing

  Demonstrate your knowledge of the Financial Services Reform Act (2001) (FSRA)
 It amended the Corporations Act 2001 and commenced on March 2002.
FSRA regime has three key elements: 
- product disclosure
- Licensing for financial markets and settlement of facilities.
- Licensing for financial services and conduct.
Practitioners who have a financial services business to provide financial services from 2004 must hold a Australian Financial Services License (AFSL).
Penalties are applied to those who don't follow this legislation and the court can order compensation. Files and information must be disclosed as required by the financial market rules and regulations. This includes the right for auditors to come check on activities and lodge a statement in regards to the business.


Source: 
 http://www.ambiencevenuestyling.com/products/
http://www.eventequipment.com.au/lighting/special-effect
 http://www.stagingconnections.com/drapes-and-rigging
 http://www.findlaw.com.au/articles/812/financial-services-reform-act-2001--the-insurance-.aspx
 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2004A00891

Access & Interpret Product Info (Unit 3): Current Sources

Obtain current, relevant and accurate information on tourism, hospitality or event products by accessing a range in information sources and using different research methods. 

List 5 different sources where you can find current, relevant and accurate information on your specific industry sector and/or organisation (tourism, hospitality or events).

- Books
- Websites
- Event courses and seminars
- Personal Observation
- Work colleagues

Using these 5 sources, list 5 product offerings within your sector and/or organisation (tourism, hospitality or events). 
- Venue styling
- Audio visual
- Special Effects
- Stage design and construction
-Pyrotechnics
Pinterest link.

List 2 major categories within your sector and/or organisation (tourism, hospitality or events) and explain what product and/or service they provide. 
1. Sound
Product: AV equipment such as stereo, speakers, microphone, subwoofers and control panel.
Service:  It allows music, background sound or entertainment to be set up and used for the event.

2. Light
Product: Lighting-Fairy lights, coloured/neon lights, led or strobe lights and light emotion proton.

Service: This is used to brighten the venue or provide special effects. It can create a different feeling such as romance.


List 2 product features and 2 product benefits within your sector and/or organisation (tourism, hospitality or events).  
Venue Styling
Benefits: 
- Being able to converse with styling experts.
- Providing a personal touch.

Stage Design
Benefits:
- Meeting the needs of event.
- Can create a huge impact on presentation.

Source: 
http://www.eventequipment.com.au/lighting/special-effect
http://www.ted.com/participate/organize-a-local-tedx-event/tedx-organizer-guide/venue-spaces/design-the-experience

Thought this website was a great help with my events research:

Staging Connections

 Link: http://www.stagingconnections.com/