Security Plan Essay Example

Private Security/Security Plan Essay Example Private Security/Security Plan Essay Private Security/Security Plan Essay Javier Sierra Private Security 8/3/2011 My Security Plan There are approximately 800 employees employed at The ABC Valve Plant for prevention of theft and pilferage by means of personnel screening, background investigations, procedural controls, and polygraph and psychological stress evaluator investigations will be mandatory for employment and security purposes. Once hired all employees must check in with fingerprints to clock in to work this will prevent any intruders into the premises. When the truckers come in to pick up or deliver shipment they will be ask to show identification and there purpose at ABC Valve Plant. Planning and goal setting for The ABC Valve Plant a detailed check of certain areas, their probability, and their gravity in terms of business impact should a loss occur that affects corporate goals and assets. Only then can the specific objectives of the security function be defined. First I noticed that The ABC Valve Plant is located in a low income neighborhood which means. I would install a big steel gate around the whole Valve plant remember the function of security is to protect life and property. The steel gate will have barbed wired on the top and it would have a big sign on it stating ‘CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY’ so if someone tries to hop over the fence to steal something they will get shocked but this will only be functional from the hours of 12am to 7am while The ABC Valve Plant is closed. The fence will have big master locks on them with huge steel chain and automatic doors for shipping trucks during business hours. Next I would hire security personnel and must be preceded by careful analysis. It is important that security personnel be emotionally mature and stable people, who can, in addition to their skills and training, relate to people under many conditions, including stress. It is also important to look for people with the potential to advance into the managerial ranks. Establishing controls the decisions made for The ABC Valve Plant must be made as to the means by which such security can be most efficiently, effectively, and economically achieved. Controls must be established over procedures such as shipping, receiving, warehousing, inventory, cash handling, computer protocol, auditing, and accounting. This is the most effective and efficient method of implementing such controls is to present a control or accountability system to the relevant department managers and allow them to express their views and make counter suggestions. I have 5 security guards on duty walking around the premises their duty is to protect the buildings and grounds which they are assigned to, including their contents, occupants, and visitors. They enforce rules and regulations maintain order on their posts and help people who require assistance or information. They develop supervise and enforce applicable systems of identifying personnel and vehicles, conduct package and vehicle inspection’s, and apprehend people entering or leaving the facility without the required authorization. They investigate and report incidents of employees engaged in horseplay, loitering, or violation of clearly stated policies. They determine, monitor, and instantly sound the alarm and respond to intrusions and fires. They make full reports to supervisors on all unusual circumstances. They coordinate emergency planning with police and other first responders. They protect intellectual property by working with information technology professionals. One security guard will be by the entrance gate door looking out for anything suspicious the other security guard will be in the back gate entrance where the shipping takes place the security guard will be looking out as well. Two of the security guards will be walking around the Large Valve plant premises protecting property or data. The last security guard will be in charge of watching the Small Valve Plant and the Administration building the security guard has to protect the two sectors protecting property or data. Of the course the security guards will have radios to communicate with each other in case of emergency flashlights as well for the blind spots a firearm and teaser. There will be lighting in each corner of the fence and one big light at the top of The ABC Valve Plant. The four lights in the corner will be motion sensor to any movement within 20 yards away the light on top will be functioning all night till morning. In my security plan I will have an Emergency Response Plan having these plans is good in case of a terrorist attacks and are also useful in case of natural disasters I would have an exit doors in case of emergency a fire extinguisher in every corner even in the other rooms it’s better to be safe than sorry. Anyone that wants to enter the premises must show identification to the security guard by the front gate and license plate number for ecurity purposes. Since the plant already has only an Intrusion Alarm, along with that I will install Fire Alarms which warn of fire dangers in various stages of development of a fire or to respond protectively by announcing the flow of water in a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system which means the heat triggered the sprinklers. Also Special use alarms warn of dangerous temperature either too high or too slow of the presence of toxic fumes, or that a machine is running to fast. That could be a good way to prevent an injury or even death. The last alarm system I would install would be an alarm sensor system this alarm is designed to respond to a certain change in conditions, such as the opening of a door, movement within the room, or rapid rise in heat. Surveillance Cameras would be a good source I would have a security camera by a light on each corner of the fence and one inside a the Large Valve Plant moving side to side covering the whole room and the other camera would be in the Small Valve Plant covering the whole room as well from side to side. In the Administration building I would have a camera in there as well, just in case of a break in or employee’s not doing their job. One camera will be located at the top of the entrance of the gate to see who comes in another surveillance camera will be located at the back gate to see who comes out of the plant. The last surveillance camera will be located in the parking lot of the premises because personnel may come and go at will for breaks, meals, or other reasons. This cameras are needed you’ll never know what might be going on people can just come and go and nobody will even notice. For accident prevention and safety I would have signs around the proximity showing how to use the machines directions and signs showing that we have heavy security for prevention of theft and safety or other crimes. If we have some sort of violence at work such as arguing or fighting the security cameras will catch the action and the security guards will rush over to the dispute and break it up employees will be sent home thanks to the security cameras we prevented a serious injury or even death. If the cameras or the security guards see something they can’t manage their responsibility is to call the local authorities for assistance. All the security equipment used in The ABC Valve Plant which includes surveillance cameras, alarms, locks, fire exits, fire extinguishers, lighting and security personnel should be reviewed regularly with an eye to its current condition and the possible need for replacement, or substitution. This review should cover all space assigned for use by security personnel on or off duty, uniforms, arms, and communication, alarm, and surveillance equipment, vehicles, keys and access control devices, data terminals, security programs, and databases. These things should be checked daily for security purposes and to be prepared for the unexpected. I believe the security system; equipment, alarms, lighting and procedures would work out great for The ABC Valve Plant and prevent lots of negatives and more positives to the employees†¦this is my plan. Here are some images about how my security may look like.

1984 Vocabulary

'1984' Vocabulary George Orwells 1984   tells of a dystopian future where the totalitarian government (called the Party) seeks to control not only language, but thought as well. Orwell created a whole new set of language rules with his Newspeak in 1984, showing how by reducing the ability to express oneself creatively, the Party could control how people spoke, and ultimately, know their thoughts. Instead of very good instead one using Newspeak would say plusgood and doubleplusgood. Orwell was particularly interested in nuances in language, and bemoaned what he viewed as   the loss of critical thinking and metaphor. 1984 - Terms and Vocabulary Heres a list of some unusual vocabulary words from 1984, by George Orwell. Use these terms for reference, study, and discussion. inscrutable: of an obscure nature discountenanced:  embarrassed gamboling:  playing boisterously or loudly multifarious:  having many aspects venerate:  regard with feelings of respect and reverence aquiline:  curved down, as an eagles beak stratum:  layers of material or divisions, or social classes in society palimpsest:  a manuscript on which more than one text has been written fulminate:  cause to explode violently and with loud noise anodyne:  capable of relieving pain sinecure:  an office that involves minimal duties niggling:  petty, trivial proletarian:  belonging to or characteristic of the working class wainscoting:  decorative paneling or woodwork fecundity: fertility, or cleverness (as in a fertile imagination) spurious:  not genuine, inauthentic oligarchy:  a form of government in which all power is in a few people or a dominant class truncheon: a club carried by a law enforcement officer forlorn: unhappy or miserable, hopeless More 1984 Resources Questions for Study and Discussion On 1984:Orwell Review

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay - 1

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example It is therefore no surprise that generations of corporate managers have grown up believing that business ethics consists merely of complying with civil and criminal law and not doing anything that would damage the reputation of the company or its products (Feiser, 2007). Goran Svensson and Greg Wood in their publication â€Å"A Model of Business Ethics† suggested that there is the need to define a new model of business ethics that needs to encompass not just the internal stakeholders but also the external stakeholders. This includes the society at large. They suggested that the society has expectations of each company, it has perceptions and it evaluates each company against those expectations and perceptions. They also pointed that these standards will be continually reviewed and modified and corporate managers have to measure up to these changes (Svensson & Wood, 2008). The trend for companies to measure up to society’s standards of ethics has been further enhanced by the emergence of large institutional investors as significant players in the capital markets from the early 1970s. These large investors have sparked the trend to what is termed Socially Responsible Investment where these large funds would only invest in companies that set â€Å"acceptable† standards of business ethics. ... This trend has strengthened after the 2008 global financial crisis with investors seeking much higher standards of corporate behaviour than had been acceptable in the past. Ethical corporate behaviour is now enforced by the power of the media scrutiny that can force change. A good recent example is Starbucks in the UK being forced to pay additional tax after social boycott of their outlets following media reports of their tax avoidance practices (Hurley, 2012). The access to the internet and the social media by employees, suppliers and other stakeholders of large corporations also makes sure that ethical business practices are not merely professed but also practiced. In recent times, most public corporations have adopted the practice of publicizing their business ethics and corporate social responsibility projects voluntarily to build up the image of their companies in the media and amongst the investor communities. Various organizations have come up to rank companies on their busine ss ethics and these awards are eagerly sought after. 2. The application of business ethics practices at Anglo-American and Primark 2.1 Anglo – American Anglo American is one of the world’s largest mining companies with revenues of ? 22 billion and profits of ? 8 billion (Anglo-American, 2012). Though it has mining operations all around the world, in countries such as Canada, Australia Brazil and Chile, 76% of its employees live and work on the African continent. The mining industry has some major challenges with respect to business ethics and sustainable development. A 2010 survey of stakeholders conducted by the International Council on Mining & Metals listed some of these issues.

Passive euthanasia is unethical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Passive euthanasia is unethical - Essay Example Especially due to this second form being in existence, passive euthanasia is unethical. Ethical behavior is defined as following behavioral standards and values of the community and of society in general. In medicine, ethics involve applying values and judgements to the practice of medicine, in order to find a balance between the wishes of an individual and the impact of those actions on the community at large. Primarily, ethical behavior for physicians involves respecting the principles of patient autonomy, promoting the well-being of others, avoidance of harm, justice, protecting the dignity of the patient, and honesty. Passive euthanasia is unethical because it fails to meet several of the criteria for ethical behavior in physicians. In the case where a guardian decides that the best thing to do is euthanasia and the physician complies, the physician is failing to meet the ethical standard for patient autonomy. Even when the patient decides for themselves that they wish to have tr eatment withdrawn, obliging with those wishes could be considered failing to avoid harm to the patient, and possibly even a violation of the ethical principle of justice.

Modern technology today Essay Example for Free

Modern technology today Essay With the advent of more modern technology today, and the expansion of corporate markets, commercial transactions between industries grow by the day. As commerce, in its basic sense, pertains to the trading of something of economic value, be it goods or services, information, and most of all, money, it is required of an individual to know how to analyze the economic systems that guide every transaction and endeavor related to commerce. As an empowered individual, my enthusiasm and desire for learning the commerce of man is very strong, at the same time I possess the capability to initiate ideas and activities that help in conceptualizing products or services that may be â€Å"traded† for value. To further learn the intricacies of the field of commerce, I have decided to take up the Bachelor of Commerce program. I believe I will be successful in this field. When assessing basic market financial records in newspapers, I easily comprehend economic trends that I often imagine myself as a good financial analyst. Coupled with the fact that I have enough experience in dealing with different kinds of people in economic terms, I know that ill be successful in this field. The rise and fall of economies in every country influence events globally. I was intrigued with this issue that this pushed me to exert effort in realizing my dream of taking up Commerce as a course. At the micro-level, I am attentive in class, like to recite and debate on issues relating to economics and commerce. The pursuit of education is to be encouraged to better understand the world around us and to contribute to its development. In my own opinion, I can serve this purpose by learning things related to commerce, and with the qualities I possess, I can provide additional knowledge to the study of commerce.

Gambling :: essays research papers

English attitudes and opinions prevailed in the â€Å"New World†, and created gambling in America. Settlers brought with them the view that gambling was a harmless diversion. In these colonies, gambling was a popular and accepted activity. Legal gambling tended to be those types that were considered gentlemen-like. For example, it took a long time for cock fighting and prize-fighting to become legal because it was not considered a suitable gentlemen’s’ game.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although the financial backers of the colonies viewed gambling as a source of the colonies' problems, they began to see it as the solution as well. The Virginia Company of London was permitted by Britain to hold lotteries and raise money for the company's colonial venture. The lotteries were relatively sophisticated and included instant winners. Eventually, Britain banned the lotteries because of complaints from the English back home that felt that they were robbing Britain’s money. Proceeds helped establish some of the nation's earliest and most prestigious universities -- Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, Princeton, and William and Mary. Lottery funds were also used to build churches and libraries. Among the lotteries was a private lottery passed by Congress in 1823 for the beautification of Washington D.C. Unfortunately, the organizers run off with the proceeds and the winner was never paid.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã ‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lotteries were not the only form of gambling during this era; wagering on horse racing was a popular form of gambling. Unsurprisingly, it was not quite as organized as modern horse racing. The first racetrack in North America was built on Long Island in 1665.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Casino gaming started slowly. Taverns and roadhouses would allow dice and card games. The relatively sparse population was a barrier to establishing gaming houses, but as the population increased, by the early 1800s, lavish casinos were established in the young republic. During the 1830's, the actions of the professional gamblers came under growing scrutiny and southern settlers turned against the professional gambler.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The anti-lottery forces fought against lotteries and prevailed. In 1833 Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts put an end to state authorized lotteries. By 1840, most states had banned lotteries. By 1860, only Delaware, Missouri, and Kentucky still allowed state-authorized lotteries. Nevertheless, the tickets of these few states were shipped around the country by mail or smugglers. The prohibition also led to the creation of illegal lotteries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The gold rush brought a huge increase in the amount and types of gambling to California; San Francisco replaced New Orleans as the center for gambling in the United States.

Project Management Plan for Restaurant Essay

A factor analytic approach revealed that there were different consumer segments based on identified attitudes in the hospitality industry, developing their hospitality selection on different attributes of hospitality services. This requires specific marketing segment and management strategies. A repeated measure some six years later demonstrated the robustness of the identified consumer attitudes. The impact of the attitudes on consumer behaviour is demonstrated and areas of research are identified in which this hospitality monitor may better inform theory development and best practice. Keywords: Consumer behavior, Marketing, Attribute-value theory, Service quality ** Vera Toepoel is an assistant professor at Leisure Studies, Tilburg University, Netherlands. E-mail : V. Toepoel@uvt. nl 76 Vera Toepoel Introduction Consumer trends come and go, affecting the extent to which individuals appreciate certain aspects of hospitality services, and over time this can have significant implications for businesses in the hospitality industry. It is important for the sector to understand what the current trends in consumer behavior are, which consumer segments exist, and how consumer ehavior will develop in the future. Verma, Plaschka, and Louvriere (2002) argue that it is imperative that businesses take into account consumer preferences when making decisions regarding product and service attributes. Understanding consumer choices is the key to successful management of hospitality services. According to attribute-value theory (Mowen and Minor, 1998), consumers base their choice o n different attributes. Consumers may be attracted by price, by quality, by location etc. Consumers weigh up the overall value in terms of the presence and weight of each attribute. A favorable overall attitude is expected to result in repeat business. Over the last decades, several studies on market segmentation in the hospitality sector have demonstrated that consumers’ requirements of hospitality services differ between market segments. Market segmentation divides a market into distinct groups of buyers who might require different products or services. Understanding what various segments require and developing focused management strategies to fulfill these specific requirements are crucial to penetrating new markets and maintaining repeat business (Yuksel and Yuksel, 2002). The benefits of monitoring consumer attitudes seem evident. Incorporation of these attitudes into market segmentation and management is limited, however. In addition, although many segmentation studies have been performed in the hospitality sector (see John and Pine, 2002), research on stability over time is scarce. This study investigates which consumer segments exist in the hospitality sector in the Netherlands. A segmentation analysis based on consumer attitudes in the hospitality industry is used. This study demonstrates differences in personal characteristics and behavior of the identified consumer segments. The measure is repeated to demonstrate the robustness of results. In addition, the repetition of the measure demonstrates how segmentation studies can serve to monitor consumer trends over time. This research can be used to map consumer attitudes and assist hospitality organizations in designing effective market strategies to attract, satisfy, and retain consumers. Monitoring Consumer Attitudes in Hospitality Services: a Market Segmentation 77 Literature Reviews Since the 1970s a coherent theoretical structure has emerged to underpin consumer research. One of the main theories on consumer behavior believes that consumers base their choices on different attributes. These experiences may best be described by multi-attribute models (Mowen and Minor, 1998). These models identify how consumers combine their beliefs about product attributes to form attitudes. Consumers are considered to assess hotels, restaurants, cafes etc. through sets of attributes (Pizam and Ellis, 1999). Multiattribute models assume that consumers are using the standard hierarchy-ofeffects approach in which beliefs lead to attitude formation, which, in turn, leads to actual behavior. One of the most frequently used multi-attribute models is the attitude-towards-the-object model. Mowen and Minor (1998) describe this model in detail. It identifies three major factors that predict attitudes; the saliency of an attribute, the strength of the belief that a product or service has the attribute in question, and the evaluation of each of the salient attributes. Consumers weigh up the overall value in terms of the degree to which each attribute and its relevant weight is present (attribute-value theory). A favorable overall attitude is expected to result in repeat business. For a review of papers which have analyzed the attributes that are valued in the hospitality industry, see Johns and Pine (2002). The importance of the different attributes may differ per market segment. For example, one market segment may be attracted by a restaurant’s low price, another by its food quality, another by its location, and so on. Consumers assess certain attributes of the products, but the key factor is that this assessment is conditioned by the segment to which they belong. Consumers do not value attributes in the same way but in general terms. If they belong to the same segment they usually have similar attribute weighting coefficients. Hence there is a need to properly identify segments, so that managers can identify which attributes of specific services are valued by consumers in each segment. For this reason it is interesting to connect these attributes with the valuation of the different segments. The Dutch Research Institute for Recreation and Tourism (NRIT) claims in their report on trends in tourism, recreation, and leisure (2009) that due to the focus on the economic crisis focused marketing segmentation is an absolute must. Most studies on market segmentation focus on a three-step process of segmentation (who will come), targeting (what do they want), and positioning 78 Vera Toepoel (what can we offer). There are many studies dealing with consumer segmentation in the hospitality industry. For an exhaustive overview of different segmentation approaches and their pros and cons, see e. g. Bowen (1998) and Johns and Pine (2002). Traditionally, segmentation was based on demographic characteristics, later on other variables were used, e. g. geographic, psychographic, and behavioristic variables (Bowen, 1998). For example, Legoherel (1998) focuses on expenditure-levels in terms of consumers’ estimation of travel expenditures; Grazin and Olsen (1997) identify groups depending on their frequency of use with regard to fast food restaurants; Nayga and Capps (1994) relate demand for different types of restaurants to different socio-economic segments; and Binckley (1998) shows that population density has a powerful effect on demand. Victorino, Karniouchina, and Verma (2009) use segmentation based on consumers’ comfort with technology to tailor communication service to guests’ computing and connectivity needs. Oh and Jeong (1996) base their segmentation on characteristics of the organization: product, service, amenity, appearance, and convenience. Lewis (1981) finds that segments in restaurants differ in their opinions about the importance of several service attributes, while Bahn and Granzin (1985) find that nutritional concerns affected restaurant selection. As hospitality organizations provide a number of services, it seems appropriate to consider the benefits in terms of the attributes of the total service product provided (Bahn and Granzin, 1985). Much hospitality research reflects the broad theoretical structure of attribute-value theory. Thus a number of authors have studied hospitality attributes, but the authors disagree about the relative importance of the attributes (Johns and Pine, 2002). Clark and Wood (1996) attribute the differences in importance of attributes to different styles of hospitality services, e. g. types of restaurants. Differences could also come from different trends or cultures and even different types of survey questions, however. It is difficult to develop standardized questions to measure generalized attributes that are considered relevant to all hospitality services. Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988) made a major contribution to the service industry by developing the SERVQUAL instrument. They demonstrated that service quality depends on five dimensions: reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangibles. The applicability of SERVQUAL in the hospitality industry is demonstrated by several studies (e. g. Bojanic and Rosen, 1994; Lee and Hing, 1995; Stevens, Knutson, and Patton, 1995). Although SERVQUAL summarizes service attributes in a theoretically satisfying way, it takes little account of differences in consumer’s wishes regarding service quality over time. In Monitoring Consumer Attitudes in Hospitality Services: a Market Segmentation 79 addition, each study on market segmentation in the hospitality industry reveals distinct consumer groups, but it is often unknown, however, whether the segmentation holds over time or in different settings. Research on stability in market segments over time is scarce (Dolnicar, 2006). Stability is essential as every segmentation solution is different. Only if a segmentation solution can repeatedly be found, does it give a secure basis to postulate existence of segments. In her study on market-segmentation in tourism over the recent decades, including papers in academic journals from 1981 until 2005, Dolnicar reports less than 14% of all studies reporting on any form of stability in market segmentation. Stability over time is claimed to be one of the most important potential developments in hospitality segmentation. The hospitality sector is always moving and all kinds of trends and developments influence the sector locally, nationally, and internationally. Therefore, it is important to monitor what hospitality consumers want. The Dutch Tourism Knowledge Centre, the Dutch umbrella organization for the hospitality sector, acknowledges in its report on consumer behavior (2000) that consumers found that hospitality businesses did not know what their consumers wanted. In 2002, the Dutch Tourism Knowledge Centre adapted the SERVQUAL instrument of Parasuraman et al. (1988) to five consumer attitudes in the hospitality sector , in order to better keep up with consumers’ wishes. The Moment Consumer (SERVQUAL: tangibles) chooses what is convenient at a certain place and time. Physical facilities, equipment, and appearance are found to be important attributes of hospitality services. This consumer is unpredictable and consumer loyalty is low. This consumer feels more and more the need for efficiency. Price is not an object of concern. Moment Consumers are sensitive for trends and tire of concepts relatively quickly. The Conscious Consumer (SERVQUAL: reliability) appreciates the ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately. The Conscious Consumer emphasizes nutrition, origins of products and security. Conscious consumers are concerned about the negative consequences of their behavior for the environment and their health. For the Assured Consumer (SERVQUAL: assurance), health and a good and safe environment are important. Under the influence of food scandals the emphasis is on natural and biological products. Consumers are driven to find alternatives if there are indications of potential risks. Information on the whereabouts of a product, the methods used for preparation, and â€Å"pure† products, are important attributes for this consumer. Violence and aggression have to be tackled by the hospitality business openly. The Healthy Consumer (SERVQUAL: responsiveness) values 80 Vera Toepoel â€Å"healthy† food. Colour, taste, form, structure, odor, and appearance are important attributes for a healthy lifestyle. The origins printed on products are also criteria for purchase. The Healthy Consumer buys at responsive businesses. The Experience Consumer (SERVQUAL: empathy) wants more than food or accommodation. Eating, drinking, and sleeping have to be experiences, where the consumer is able to participate in the business process and above all is surprised by the experience. The Experience Consumer wants individual attention and empathy from hospitality businesses. All of the identified groups value different attributes in the hospitality sector. Attitudes towards different attributes are found be related to demographics. Lea and Worsley (2005) find a significant effect of sex on hospitality beliefs. Bittencourt, Teratanavat, and Chern (2007) discuss household income, family size and composition, residential location, and age as important influencing factors on food and hospitality consumption. For example, age effects are associated with changes in nutritional requirements, tastes, and preferences due to aging and life cycle (Mori et al. , 2000). Cook (1994) discusses that spending on dairy products generally decreases with age, while spending on vegetables and fruits are higher in older age groups. Nayga and Capps (1993) give an overview of studies on food away from home and the socio-demographic factors considered. They find gender, urbanization, household composition, age, education, and income as most important factors influencing consumer behavior. Demographic factors can be used to predict differences in attitudes because the structure of demographic characteristics follows a specific pattern (Bittencourt et al. , 2007). It is important to take into account demographic characteristics to see how they influence consumers’ attitudes towards certain attributes. National policies can also influence consumer behavior and attitudes. At the time of this research, smoking policies were a hot topic in the hospitality sector. Although many businesses feared for their turnovers and some faced major losses due to the introduction of a smoking ban (Frumkin, 2004), other businesses did not notice any differences in consumer behavior before and after the introduction of the prohibition (Kramer, 1995), or even saw a business opportunity in it (Pratten, 2003). It is interesting to see how policy measures such as a smoking ban can have different effects on consumer segments. When hospitality businesses monitor which consumer segments they attract, it becomes more feasible to understand and react to national policies. In the remainder of this paper the five consumer attitudes are presented in a research instrument based on consumer segmentation, the Hospitality Monitor, together Monitoring Consumer Attitudes in Hospitality Services: a Market Segmentation 81 ith information attesting the reliability and validity of the scale and evidence that the construct is meaningful in analyzing consumer behavior. Methodology Design and implementation A research instrument was developed to distinguish different consumer segments in the hospitality industry based on the five consumer attitudes identified by the Dutch Tourism Knowledge Centre (2002). Since the boundaries between different attitudes are often blurred, the consumer attitudes were classified i nto the five main consumer service attributes of the SERVQUAL instrument (Parasuraman et al. 1988). These attitudes are clear and can be manipulated. The attitudes are useful for all sectors in the hospitality industry, from drinking, eating, to accommodation. About ten items per attitude were constructed to differentiate between attitudes. The research instrument consisted of 50 items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Items are presented in Appendix A. The score on each attitude indicates the respondent’s attitude towards the topic. Questions on gender, urbanization, household composition, age, education, income, and the smoking ban were also taken into account. Longitudinal measurements reveal the augmentation or weakening of certain attitudes. To demonstrate, the exact same measure was repeated some six years later. The questionnaires were fielded in the CentERpanel, an online household panel consisting of more than 2,000 households administered by CentERdata. The panel aims to be representative of the Dutch-speaking population in the Netherlands, including those without Internet access. The CentERpanel is based on a household probability sample selected by Statistics Netherlands, the national statistical agency. Households with no Internet access when recruited were provided with a so-called Net. Box, enabling a connection via a telephone line and a television set. If the household did not have a television, CentERdata provided that, too (see Appendix B for details about the panel). Data collection for Wave 1 took place in August 2003; 1644 panel members were selected and 1410 responded (response percentage 85. 7%). Data collection for Wave 2 took place in March 2009; 2446 panel members were selected and 1677 responded (response percentage 68. 6%). The demographics in both samples are roughly the same, as can be seen in Appendix C. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. 82