Faculty & Research
Cornell study shows how to maximize value of Information Technology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Strodel, Jr., 607-255-4646, js343@cornell.edu
Ithaca, N.Y., December 1, 2004 -- A new report published by The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell provides a roadmap for executives to use to create and sustain strategic advantage in information technology. The report, Making IT Matter: A Manager's Guide to Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage with Information Systems, was written by Cornell Professor Gabriele Piccoli, Ph.D. Piccoli's groundbreaking study offers the first comprehensive tool to help strategists plan, implement and upgrade information technology solutions. In particular, Piccoli aims to show executives how to create value that can be protected against competitive imitation. "This report will go along way in helping managers figure out how to use IT as a strategic weapon," said Scott B. Heintzeman, CIO, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "It will be very useful to those of us in the hospitality industry."
The report will help managers to:
- Realize the fundamental difference between information technology and information systems to exploit the strategic potential of IT;
- Differentiate strategic information systems from tactical information systems;
- Examine the response lag drivers associated with initiatives and the potential they offer to delay or deny competitive imitations;
- Evaluate the evolutionary paths available to the firm to extend the lifetime of the competitive advantage.
"The report offers a framework for managers to analyze IT-dependent strategic initiatives. It enables users to determine if an initiative creates c competitive advantage, and whether any advantage created can be protected against imitation," Piccoli commented.
The report is available free of charge from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research via the CHR website. You can access the report here.
About the Center for Hospitality Research
A unit of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, The Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) sponsors research designed to improve practices in the hospitality industry. Under the lead of the Center's 40 corporate affiliates, experienced scholars work closely with business executives to discover new insights into strategic, managerial and operating practices. The Center also publishes the award-winning hospitality journal, the Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly. To learn more about CHR and its projects, visit http://www.thecenterforhospitalityresearch.org/.
CHR Partners and sponsors: AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., Cendant Corporation, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, HVS International, JohnsonDiversey, Inc., Kohinoor Group, Marsh's Hospitality Practice, Nestlé, Smith Travel Research, Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc., Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, and Thayer Group of Companies.
CHR friends: ARAMARK • DK Shifflet & Associates • ehotelier.com • Gerencia de Hoteles & Restaurantes • Global Hospitality Resources • Hospitality World • hospitalitynet.org • Hotel Asia Pacific • Hotel China • Hospitality Initiatives India • Hotel Interactive • Hotel Resource • International CHRIE • International Hotel and Restaurant Association • KPMG Japan/Global Management Directions • Lodging Hospitality • Lodging Magazine • Mobile MoneySaver • National Hotel Executive Magazine • PKF Hospitality Research • Resort+Recreation • The Resort Trades • RestaurantEdge.com • Shibata Publishing Co. • The Lodging Conference • TravelCLICK • UniFocus • WageWatch • Inc. • WiredHotelier.com