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The lodging industry, along with most parts of the service sector, is making significant capital investment in information technology to improve the quality and efficiency of its business processes for the purpose of gaining competitive advantage. This study investi gates the impact of information technology on competitive advantage in the lodging indus try. This research uses a case study methodology to measure competitive advantage from information technology. The results indicate that the overall strategy of the lodging firm in fluences the impact of information technology on competitive advantage. More specifi cally, the asset holding and managing companies achieve a different type and level of com petitive advantage through information technology as compared to franchising lodging firms.

The use of technology in educational settings, whether in academia or industry, is becoming a more common and accepted method of course delivery. Just-in-time (JIT) education refers to Web-based education that students may access at any time and in any place and that is not confined to specific classrooms or time schedules. An instructional model is described that allows for the evaluation and comparison of JIT and traditional educational methods. The model is based on the theoretical concepts of JIT education, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and user acceptance of technology. The evaluative aspect of the model is presented through seven propositions that provide a platform for educational research in this area. The use of this model could assist hospitality education programs in developing and evaluating course offerings that incorporate the use of technology and the World Wide Web.

A conceptual model that incorporates critical thinking, collaborative learning, and just-in-time education is presented for use in the hospitality industry. The theory and constructs of the model and a method for application to the industrial training setting are explained. The concepts of the model have relevant application to both industry and academic education settings. Continuing education opportunities, which are designed using the proposed model, would allow current managers in the industry to update their decisionmaking, problem solving and communication skills. .