Author: CONNOLLY, DANIEL J.

Source: Information Technology in Hospitality, Volume 4, Number 1, 2005 , pp. 23-46(24)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

Abstract:

There is a growing debate regarding the relevance and applicability of scholarly research. This and the fact that studying information technology (IT) in the hospitality industry is a difficult task due to the complexities of the hospitality environment and the number of variables involved (many of which are hidden) suggests that researchers must reconsider how they research topics related to hospitality IT. In an immature field, exploratory studies are often necessary to build a foundation for theory development and more complex quantitative studies. The case study is a useful and important qualitative research method to help understand complex phenomena in their natural settings. It can play an influential role in building and advancing the body of knowledge for hospitality IT. It is also useful for studying IT trials, tribulations, and blunders in the industry to learn what works, what doesn't, and why, and for grounding researchers so that they can focus on practicality and application rather than merely theory. This article describes the case study method and defines the necessary rigor when applying this technique to achieve an appropriate balance between the desired relevance sought by industry practitioners and the academic rigor expected with scientific inquiry. This should serve as a practical guide for anyone interested in using the case study technique in his/her research.

Keywords: Case study; Hospitality information technology; Qualitative analysis; Research methods

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Information Technology and Electronic Commerce, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and Department of Information Technology and Electronic Commerce, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, USA

Publication date: 2005-01-01

More about this publication?

• Information Technology in Hospitality is a scientifically founded journal that seeks to publish articles in the field of hospitality information technology, a field that in the broadest sense draws upon the interface and impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the hospitality industry. Thus hotels, restaurants, resorts, leisure and full range of hospitality provision, management, and communication are considered, as is ICT use in hospitality learning, teaching, and training.

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