Project – Contribution of Store Keeping to the effective operation of hotel
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Effective storekeeping plays a critical role in the smooth and efficient operation of hotels, serving as a cornerstone of the hospitality supply chain. In the hotel industry, storekeeping involves managing inventory, ensuring the timely procurement of supplies, maintaining stock levels, and facilitating the accurate delivery of items to various hotel departments. According to Kimes (2008), storekeeping in hotels is not just about inventory management, but also about supporting operational efficiency and minimizing downtime by providing the necessary resources for daily hotel functions. This contribution is vital because it directly affects the hotel’s ability to maintain high levels of service quality, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability.
The operational effectiveness of a hotel is closely linked to how well the storekeeping system is managed. A poorly managed store can result in stockouts, overstocking, or the delayed availability of supplies, all of which negatively impact hotel services. Hsu and Chen (2015) highlighted that one of the key elements in storekeeping is inventory control, which directly influences a hotel’s ability to provide consistent and high-quality services to guests. Proper storekeeping ensures that items such as linens, cleaning supplies, food ingredients, and toiletries are always available in the right quantities, reducing the chances of operational disruptions. Moreover, an efficient storekeeping system helps hotels optimize storage space, reducing waste and unnecessary procurement costs.
Another significant contribution of storekeeping to hotel operations is its role in cost control and financial management. Storekeepers, as part of the inventory management process, help prevent wastage and ensure that items are stored correctly, minimizing spoilage and shrinkage. For instance, in food and beverage operations, maintaining stock rotation and monitoring shelf life can significantly reduce waste. According to Mathis and Jackson (2011), storekeeping functions can be directly tied to cost-effective management practices, as efficient stock management helps prevent both over-ordering and under-ordering, which can lead to unnecessary expenses or operational bottlenecks. An organized storekeeping function is thus essential for maintaining a hotel’s financial health and improving profitability.
In addition to the cost control aspect, storekeeping contributes to enhancing guest satisfaction by ensuring that operational departments have the supplies they need to meet guest expectations. For example, in a hotel’s housekeeping department, storekeepers are responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of fresh linen, cleaning materials, and guest amenities. The inability to meet the needs of operational teams due to poorly managed stores can lead to delayed room turnovers, unprepared guest rooms, or even unsatisfactory customer experiences. This underscores the importance of storekeeping as a support function that directly influences the hotel’s ability to provide high-quality service (Alonso & Ogle, 2017).
Technological advancements have further improved the role of storekeeping in the hospitality industry. The adoption of automated inventory management systems, barcode scanning, and integrated software solutions has streamlined the process of tracking, ordering, and managing hotel supplies. These innovations have allowed storekeepers to reduce errors, track inventory in real-time, and forecast future needs with greater accuracy. A study by Kim and Park (2014) emphasizes that modern storekeeping practices, enabled by technology, enhance efficiency, reduce the risk of human error, and improve overall supply chain management in hotels. As a result, technology has enabled storekeepers to be more proactive in ensuring that supplies are available when needed, contributing to both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Finally, the strategic management of storekeeping can also influence a hotel’s sustainability practices. As hotels increasingly focus on environmental sustainability, storekeepers are tasked with reducing waste, reusing materials, and sourcing products in an eco-friendly manner. According to Mihajlovic and Pavlovic (2020), sustainable storekeeping practices in hotels include the proper disposal of waste, reducing the environmental impact of packaging, and selecting suppliers that align with the hotel’s sustainability goals. This can have a positive effect on the hotel’s image and brand value, as consumers are increasingly attracted to businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. Therefore, storekeeping not only contributes to operational efficiency but also to the broader strategic objectives of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability in the hotel industry.
- Statement of the Problem
The effective operation of a hotel is deeply dependent on the smooth functioning of its supply chain, where storekeeping plays a crucial role. Storekeeping, encompassing activities such as inventory management, procurement, storage, and distribution of supplies, has a direct influence on a hotel’s ability to deliver seamless services. However, many hotels struggle with inefficient storekeeping practices, resulting in inventory-related challenges that impact day-to-day operations. Issues such as overstocking, stockouts, poor inventory control, and the wastage of perishable goods can significantly disrupt hotel operations. These disruptions, in turn, negatively affect guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the overall profitability of the hotel.
One of the major challenges faced by hotels is maintaining a proper balance between supply and demand. Overstocking leads to increased storage costs and ties up capital, while understocking can lead to stockouts and delays, causing operational bottlenecks. For example, inadequate stock of essential items such as linens, toiletries, or cleaning supplies can result in delays in room turnover, affecting guest satisfaction and operational timelines. Similarly, food and beverage operations are vulnerable to stockouts, which may prevent the kitchen from fulfilling menu items, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Despite these critical issues, many hotels still operate with outdated or poorly managed storekeeping systems, making it difficult to respond to changing demands or seasonal fluctuations in supply requirements.
Another problem that complicates the contribution of storekeeping to hotel operations is the lack of integration between storekeeping and other operational departments. In many cases, storekeeping functions remain isolated from hotel departments such as housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance, which results in communication breakdowns and inefficiencies. For instance, if storekeepers do not have up-to-date information on the inventory needs of different departments, it may lead to delays or inaccurate deliveries of required items. This misalignment can cause departments to operate in silos, leading to a fragmented approach to hotel operations, which compromises overall efficiency and service quality.
Additionally, the growing complexity of modern hotel operations, coupled with increasing guest expectations, makes it even more challenging for storekeeping to keep pace with demands. The global hotel industry is facing increased pressure to improve its efficiency and quality while reducing costs. At the same time, guests expect faster service, higher levels of cleanliness, and a more personalized experience. These demands require hotel storekeeping functions to be more adaptive, accurate, and timely in managing supplies and inventory. However, many hotels still rely on manual processes or outdated inventory management systems, which make it difficult to meet the evolving needs of the hotel operations.
Furthermore, improper or inefficient storekeeping practices can result in financial losses. Poor inventory management not only leads to wastage and spoilage (especially in food and beverage operations) but also increases operational costs due to the need for frequent emergency restocking or last-minute purchases. A lack of proper inventory tracking systems can also lead to discrepancies in stock levels, making it difficult to account for discrepancies in financial reporting and affecting the hotel’s profitability. In a competitive industry where margins are often tight, such inefficiencies in storekeeping can have significant financial implications, reducing the hotel’s overall profitability.
Finally, there is an emerging challenge of integrating sustainability into storekeeping practices. With an increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, many hotels are now expected to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, minimizing energy use in storage areas, and sourcing environmentally friendly products. However, incorporating sustainability into storekeeping requires careful planning and coordination, as well as the adoption of innovative practices and technologies. Without effective storekeeping management, hotels may find it challenging to achieve sustainability goals, resulting in missed opportunities to enhance their brand image and appeal to eco-conscious guests. The lack of emphasis on sustainable storekeeping practices remains a problem for many hotels seeking to stay competitive in a changing market.
The contribution of storekeeping to the effective operation of a hotel is often underappreciated, despite its significant impact on operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, cost control, and sustainability. The problems arising from inefficient storekeeping practices—such as inventory mismanagement, lack of interdepartmental coordination, financial losses, and sustainability challenges—undermine the ability of hotels to meet the demands of modern hospitality. To address these issues, hotels must invest in better storekeeping practices, integrate technology, and establish more collaborative and strategic management of their inventory systems to ensure smoother and more cost-effective operations.
- Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the contribution of Store Keeping to the effective operation of hotel. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the current store keeping practices in the hotel industry.
- To identify the key benefits of effective store keeping in improving hotel operations.
- To analyze the impact of proper inventory management on cost control and efficiency.
- To evaluate the role of technology in enhancing store keeping processes in hotels.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What are the current store keeping practices in the hotel industry?
- What are the key benefits of effective store keeping in improving hotel operations?
- How does proper inventory management impact cost control and efficiency in hotels?
- What is the role of technology in enhancing store keeping processes in hotels?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Proper inventory management has no significant effect in cost control and efficiency.
H1: Proper inventory management has significant effect in cost control and efficiency.
1.6. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to highlight the critical role that storekeeping plays in the overall efficiency and success of hotel operations. By examining the contribution of effective storekeeping to hotel management, this study can provide valuable insights into how inventory control, procurement practices, and supply chain management directly affect the operational efficiency of hotels. As hotels increasingly strive to improve guest satisfaction while managing costs, this study aims to demonstrate that storekeeping is not just a back-end function, but a core component of hotel operations that can drive significant improvements in both service quality and financial performance. Understanding the full scope of storekeeping’s impact can help hotel managers prioritize investments in better systems and practices that align with the dynamic needs of the hospitality industry.
A key aspect of this study’s significance is its potential to address the practical challenges that hotels face in maintaining a balance between supply and demand. One of the most common problems in hotel operations is the difficulty in managing inventory levels to ensure that there is neither overstocking nor stockouts. This study will highlight how effective storekeeping strategies, including inventory forecasting, efficient stock management, and real-time tracking, can help solve these issues. By improving storekeeping practices, hotels can ensure that they are better equipped to handle fluctuations in guest demand, seasonal variations, and emergency procurement needs, thereby reducing the risk of service disruptions and improving operational consistency. This has the potential to directly enhance guest satisfaction, an essential factor in maintaining competitive advantage in the hospitality industry.
Moreover, the study is significant in its ability to contribute to the broader field of hospitality management by offering a more holistic understanding of how storekeeping interacts with other operational areas. Storekeeping is often seen as an isolated function, but its influence extends to virtually every department within a hotel, from housekeeping to food and beverage services. By examining the interdependencies between storekeeping and other hotel functions, the study will underscore the importance of integrated communication and collaboration across departments. This can encourage hotel managers to adopt a more systemized approach to operations, ensuring that the storekeeping department’s activities are aligned with the operational goals of the entire hotel. Improved coordination between storekeeping and operational departments will ultimately lead to more efficient service delivery and better guest experiences.
This study is also significant because it aims to provide evidence of the financial benefits of investing in efficient storekeeping systems. Many hotel managers may not fully realize the financial implications of poor inventory management, which can result in waste, spoilage, and unnecessary procurement costs. By examining case studies and empirical data, the study will demonstrate that an optimized storekeeping system can lead to substantial cost savings by reducing waste, improving stock rotation, and minimizing unnecessary purchases. These improvements can translate into higher profitability, a critical goal for hotels operating in a highly competitive industry where margins are often tight. By emphasizing the link between effective storekeeping and financial performance, the study will encourage hotels to view storekeeping as an investment rather than an operational expense.
Another key area of significance is the growing importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. As hotels are increasingly expected to meet environmental and social sustainability standards, efficient storekeeping practices can play a pivotal role in helping hotels achieve their sustainability goals. This study will explore how storekeeping can support sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste, optimizing energy usage in storage areas, and sourcing eco-friendly products. By focusing on sustainable storekeeping strategies, the study can offer practical recommendations for hotels looking to reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously improving operational efficiency. In this way, the research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on how sustainability initiatives can be integrated into the daily operations of hotels.
Finally, the findings from this study can offer actionable recommendations for hotel managers and industry professionals, aiding them in decision-making regarding the adoption of new technologies and operational best practices. With advancements in inventory management technology, such as RFID, automated stock tracking, and cloud-based management systems, this study will assess the impact of technological innovations on storekeeping efficiency. By identifying the most effective tools and strategies, the study can provide hotels with the knowledge necessary to adopt modern solutions that streamline inventory management and improve overall hotel operations. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, keeping pace with technological advancements and integrating them into operational functions like storekeeping will be essential for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting guest expectations.
This study is significant because it aims to shed light on the often-overlooked role of storekeeping in the efficient operation of hotels. By addressing the challenges associated with inventory management, cost control, interdepartmental coordination, and sustainability, this research can help improve operational practices across the hotel industry. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights that can lead to more effective storekeeping strategies, higher levels of service quality, cost savings, and greater overall profitability for hotels. Additionally, by incorporating sustainable practices, this research can guide hotels toward more responsible operations, ultimately benefiting both the business and the broader community.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the contribution of Store Keeping to the effective operation of hotel. A case study of Abglo Hotel, Otukpo, Benue State.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Contribution: In the context of this study, “contribution” refers to the role or impact that a particular element (in this case, storekeeping) has in supporting or enhancing the overall functioning of an organization. It highlights how storekeeping practices, strategies, and systems positively influence other operational areas, such as service quality, efficiency, and financial performance, leading to better overall outcomes for the hotel.
Storekeeping: Storekeeping refers to the management and control of a hotel’s inventory, including the procurement, storage, and distribution of goods and supplies. This encompasses various tasks such as maintaining accurate stock levels, ensuring proper storage conditions, coordinating with different hotel departments (e.g., housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance), tracking the movement of goods, and implementing efficient inventory systems. In a hotel, storekeeping is responsible for ensuring that essential items—such as linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and food ingredients—are available when needed without overstocking or causing waste.
Effective Operation: Effective operation refers to the smooth, efficient, and organized functioning of a hotel, where all departments work harmoniously to meet guest expectations, maximize profitability, and reduce waste or inefficiencies. An effective operation ensures that resources are managed well, service delivery is consistent, and guest satisfaction is prioritized. It involves coordinated processes across all hotel functions, from front desk operations to housekeeping, food service, and back-end functions such as storekeeping. In the context of storekeeping, effective operation implies that the supply chain and inventory management practices are well-executed, contributing to smooth daily operations and cost control.
Hotel: A hotel is an establishment that provides lodging accommodations, typically offering services such as food and beverage, housekeeping, and various amenities (e.g., spa, fitness center, conference rooms) to guests. Hotels vary in size and services offered, ranging from small boutique properties to large luxury resorts and chain hotels. The primary objective of a hotel is to provide guests with a comfortable stay, meeting their needs for accommodation, dining, and additional services. Hotels are also business entities that must balance customer satisfaction with operational efficiency, profitability, and adherence to industry standards, regulations, and sustainability practices.
Project – Contribution of Store Keeping to the effective operation of hotel