Problem
Starwood is using a mixed strategy. The company faces seasonal demand patterns within hotel properties and across regions. The company addresses these patterns by offering off-season rates and packages, weekend specials, and such. The impact on staffing is handled by cross-training employees to work in multiple areas, redeploying staff to different properties on a "loan" basis to help with high demand, and staging periodic job fairs to attract qualified candidate pools well in advance of anticipated seasonal shifts.
Explain the rationale behind the levels in the operations planning and scheduling process.
The response should include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.