research paper

Case: Information Management at Homestyles Hotels.  This can be found on page225 in the textbook. See attached organization chart. 

This case takes a “horizontal” slice through a number of coexistent issues.  As a result, the challenge is “knowing where to start” – just as it is in real organizations – and this requires detective work.

As a precursor to answering the discussion questions found at the end of the case, it is a good idea  for you to articulate the key Business challenges facing Homestyle. For example: It was impossible for the company to provide a consistent “look and feel” to their services.  List them out. At least six (6)  more can be found.

Now, articulate the key IT challenges facing Homestyle. For example:        Each individual hotel operated as its own little fiefdom with its own collection of hardware and software – some state-of-the-art and some outrageously outdated. List them out. At least six (6) more can be found. 

Discussion Questions:

1.Does it make good business sense to integrate across the different lines of business represented by Lifestyle Resorts and Home-Away Hotels? What exactly would you integrate (beyond financial information) and why? 

2.Outline a process for Homestyle to follow in order to decide between the two software options (i.e., HC and CR)? What selection criteria would you use? Who should make the decision?