Final answer:
To determine customer needs in the hospitality industry, direct observation, surveys, interviews, and applying concepts of demand and utility-maximization are key methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
To conduct research to determine customer needs and wants in the hospitality industry, several strategies can be employed. Firstly, observing consumer behavior in real-world settings like checking if seating is an issue at on-campus restaurants provides practical insights. Secondly, conducting surveysor interviews with individuals within a particular demographic, such as college-age students, can shed light on their unique experiences and preferences. They are especially relevant considering the recent impacts of a global pandemic on educational and social experiences.
Fieldwork varies by discipline and context. For example, in assessing consumer opinions on a new product, creating a survey could be effective. Observational studies, like determining the ratio of people visiting a fast-food restaurant for restrooms versus those purchasing food, can also inform business decisions.
The use of demand concepts allows us to analyze consumer choices, providing insight into what drives customer behavior in the hospitality industry. Delving deeper, applying utility-maximizing strategies to match business offerings with customer satisfaction can lead to better-informed decisions by the businesses, ensuring that they cater to customers' true needs and wants.
Conducting interviews is a powerful method of gathering qualitative data. Seeking information from professionals already working in the hospitality industry can offer authoritative perspectives, enhancing the utility of research findings. In sum, building strong research skills is paramount in exploring occupational areas of interest, evaluating potential occupations, and setting career goals within the hospitality industry.