Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTPsm).

AUSTIN, TEXAS, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and MSU Global Online Connection have aligned to offer an online management development program designed for hospitality professionals. The program, Management of Lodging Systems, offers three course modules: Fundamentals of the Front Office, Delivering Quality Guest Service and Managing Revenues and Profits. The modules are designed for department managers, assistant managers and supervisors. Registration starts Friday, Nov. 15, and must be done through the HFTP web site.

"It is one of HFTP's top priorities to provide for the education needs of its members," said Frank I. Wolfe, CAE, HFTP executive vice president and CEO. "As part of our education benefits, we provide excellent continuing education conferences throughout the year. It only makes sense to expand our offerings to online education so that our members have every opportunity to grow as professionals."

Fundamentals of the Front Office is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the basic functions of the hotel front office. Units within this module examine the various parts of the hotel guest cycle and how they are interrelated.

Delivering Quality Guest Service provides extensive discussions on how to identify service and quality issues. Special emphasis is given to units of empowerment, the use of high-performance teams and the development of practical approaches to continuous service improvement.

Managing Revenues and Profits provides participants with a good foundation in various aspects of financial management. This module presents advanced concepts in managing revenues and costs while providing practical, day-to-day uses of the material presented.

Each of the three modules contains five to six units. Participants may register for all three modules and complete the entire Management of Lodging Systems program, register for a module of their choice or register for a single unit at a time. Each unit provides an in-depth presentation of a skill and includes instructor notes elaborating on the subject. The unit also has additional reading assignments in college-level textbooks and trade publications articles. To complete a unit, students need to take an online quiz to verify that the course content has been understood.

Each individual unit can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 hours of study, and participants are given 12 weeks to complete any of the units or modules they are registered for. The cost is $60 U.S. per unit for HFTP members and $90 U.S. per unit for non-members. To receive the HFTP membership price, participants must register through the HFTP web site.

Those who participate can earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits towards the CHAE or CHTP designations. Upon completing each unit, students will receive a certificate of completion from HFTP and The School of Hospitality Business, and upon completing all three modules, they will earn a certificate of professional achievement. The HFTP web site has more in-depth information.

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,300 members around the world. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

From its campus in East Lansing, Michigan, Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative research, teaching and outreach for almost 150 years. MSU Global Online Connection is an academic business unit responsible for developing and marketing online and hybrid (online with face-to-face instruction) programs, products and services. It extends the expertise and resources of MSU's leading programs, such as The School of Hospitality Business, to off-campus learners, working professionals and lifelong learners in Michigan, the United States, and around the world.

HFTP® and HITEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.

Wendi Williams
(512) 249-5333
HFTP