When it comes to technology, the hospitality industry has highly specialized needs, according to Francis Kwansa, associate professor and director of graduate studies for the University's Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM).

And, he says, that's why HRIM offers a one-of-a-kind master's degree program in hospitality information management. The program, which enrolled its first students in fall 2001, has a capacity of 15 new students per year, for a total maximum enrollment of 30.

"The industry has its own unique needs," Kwansa says. "Hotels and restaurants are very labor-intensive, with high labor costs and low profit margins. Using technology to save labor costs can mean a big improvement in productivity and profits."

In recent years, the hospitality industry has increasingly relied on technology, says Fred DeMicco, Aramark Chair in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management and chairperson of the department. Hotels, for example, take online reservations, give guests computerized cards to unlock their rooms and electronically track any charges they incur during their stay. Behind the scenes, computer software is continually adjusting room prices according to changing supply and demand, monitoring inventory in the hotel's restaurant, setting work schedules and providing employees with online training.?

The emphasis on technology means that UD's graduate program is attractive to both students and their future employers, Kwansa says. International student interest also has been strong, he says, encouraged by the program's web site that can be viewed in four different languages.

One international student in the program is Ismail Yagci, whose undergraduate degree is in industrial engineering.

"I want to improve my knowledge of information technology," the native of Turkey says. "Because the hospitality industry is so large, there are lots of career opportunities there."