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V-Commerce

V-Commerce^SM: The Future Isn't
What It Used To Be

Michael L. Kasavana, Ph.D., CHTP NAMA Professor in Hospitality Business The School of Hospitality Business Michigan State University

V-Commerce^SM describes the nearly unlimited range of advanced automatic merchandising technology application opportunities available to the vending/OCS industry. V-Commerce^SM initiatives are propelling automatic merchandising into the mainstream of business applications by providing an increased number of unattended points of sales and online transaction processes. Such developments represent a significant cost containment strategy for an historically labor-intensive workplace.

In addition, the potential impact of V-Commerce^SM on the hospitality industry could be spectacular as innovative smart machines, seamlessly integrated with property management systems, possess the capability to enhance guest services while increasing profitability.

Each fall, NAMA's endowed professor, Dr. Michael Kasavana, leads a course on V-Commerce^SM. Hospitality undergrad students are introduced to the vending, coffee service and foodservice industry through guest lecturers taught by industry experts.

The V-Commerce^SM class is a fun filled, fast-paced course that explains the technology and marketing power of automated merchandising and its role in the hospitality industry. Industry leaders, corporate executives, and trade association experts make guest presentations that are cutting-edge, interesting, and innovative. The class meets in a television studio and all sessions are video taped and broadcast here on the NAMA website. Click here to view the 2010 class lectures.