Importance of Crisis Management in Hospitality Sector: A Study on Inter-continental Hotel Group Plc (IHG)

This research proposal aims to study the importance of managing crisis in the hospitality sector, specifically in Inter-continental Hotel Group Plc (IHG). The proposal includes research objectives, research questions, preliminary literature review, research type, research approach, data collection, sampling method, data analysis, reliability and validity, research limitations, ethical considerations, and a breakdown of activities and timescale.

Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management
Unit 18 Research Project
RESEARCH PROPOSAL FORM
STUDENT DETAILS
Student Name Student Number Submission Date
Centre Name
Tutor
Section One : Research Title, Aim and Objectives
Research Title: To assess the importance of managing crisis in the context of hospitality sector: A
study on Inter-continental hotel group Plc.(IHG)
Research Aim
The aim of the current project is to study the importance of managing crisis in the hospitality sector
in the aspects of Inter-continental hotel group Plc (IHG) employees.
Research Objectives.
To achieve this aim, the following objectives have been proposed.
i. To identify the importance of crisis management practices in the organisation
ii. To assess the influence of current practices of managing crisis on Inter-continental hotel
group Plc (IHG) employees
iii. To investigate the relationship between new digital technologies and crisis management
iv. To be able to recommend better strategies for managing crisis in the context of Inter-
continental hotel group Plc (IHG) employees
Research Questions
i. What is crisis management as well as its advantages and disadvantages?
ii. Which factors related to crisis management can influence the performance of
employees of Inter-continental hotel group Plc (IHG)? Also recommend better
strategies for crisis management
iii. Explain the relationship between crisis management and the use of new digital
technologies
Section Two: Research Rationale and Scope
Rationale/Justification for the Topic: The major reason for studying this project is to assess the
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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importance and impact of crisis management in the Inter-continental hotel group Plc (IHG). This in
turn is recognized as the research issue because managing crisis is a difficult task which needs to be
taken into consideration. As we all know that companies have to deal with a sudden negative event
and this crisis can be financial crisis or any kind of unpredictable event. it is an issue now because if
employees of the Inter-continental hotel group Plc (IHG) are not able to manage crisis then it will
negatively impact the performance and productivity of the organisation. Therefore, with the help of
thematic perception test technique the research will be highlight on the level of which crisis
management influence the performance of employees.
Research Scope: crisis management practices are concerned with wide range of techniques that
helps in building capable performance so that employees can achieve objectives of business.
communication apps like zoom meetings and open communication meetings plays a vital role in
managing the crisis so that proper understanding between employees can be developed. The current
study is very useful for the understanding of factors influencing crisis management. This will be
really helpful for firm operating in hospitality sector.
Section three : Preliminary Literature Review
Theme 1- Importance of crisis management and its disadvantages
According to Wut, Xu and Wong, (2021), As we all know that crisis management plays a vital role in
order to deal with any kind of crisis. Nowadays, to deal with crisis such as financial crisis the
application of effective strategies is really helpful. Basically, it is designed in such a manner that it
would help the company to deal with sudden and significant negative event. it is essential for the
hospitality sector to effectively manage the crisis in order to enhance the new opportunity. Effective
crisis management occurs when the company employs skilful planning and limit the duration which
in turn can grasp the opportunity. Identifies that crisis management is really beneficial for
company as it is to manage events and make sure proper actions must be carried out based in the
current impacts of the event. in the recent time, people have gone through Covid-19 pandemic this
was the difficult crisis which has shattered the performance of employees. With the help of crisis
management practices, the employees can easily enhance their performance during crisis as well as
deal with potential risks and impacts. Coombs and Laufer, (2018) Argues that despite of benefits of
crisis management practices, a study on its drawback must be done by employees. If employees do
not effectively communicate with outside community members then it can hinder the performance of
the company and also impact its market position. crisis management plans should be very effective
and positively done by the company’s employees otherwise proper collection of information and
data would not be achieved.
Theme 2- critical factors for effective crisis management
Leta and Chan, (2021) identifies that In today’s business environment, the hospitality sectors are using
effective methods and practices in order to manage crisis. By using transformational leadership
styles and effective communication tools the leaders encourage and inspire employees to create
change and innovate changes that will help them grow and shape the success of business in the
future. For managing crisis, hotel is using executive level of strategies such as creating strong sense
of organisational culture and positive working culture at the workplace. If employees are well
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trained during crisis they can easily manage things with the support of teamwork and collaboration
tools such as Microsoft teams and zoom meetings. Also feedback method is utilized by the manager
so that they can know about what is happening and what more changes can be done in order to
manage crisis event. factors like training and programs, internal and external communication and
also risk analysis is the critical and important one for effective crisis management. Ardito, Coccia and
Messeni Petruzzelli, (2021) support the comment that Open communication is also very important in
order to consider in planning for such event in crisis management. To minimize threats and
development of crisis plans it is recommended to use management, leadership skills in order to
clarify the team roles and responsibilities in context of hospitability sector.
Theme -3 relationship between crisis management and the use of new digital technologies
Lai and Wong, (2020) says that With the help of new digital technologies, the company can easily
share their experience and enhance connectivity during the time of crisis through social media
platform where they can easily post the photos, videos and image. Their experience is invaluable at
the time of emergency, but it provides other people who watch their experience they can have
valuable insight about what is happening in the world or in industries. Ardito, Coccia and Messeni
Petruzzelli, (2021) Commented that Even under challenging circumstances such as pandemic,
businesses can easily maintain as close interaction for the betterment of customer’s experience. It
reinforces a strong process management method which needs to be understood by employees.
Hence, it is said that technology during crisis management speeds up communication between
employees or people.
Research type-
There are majorly two types of research type method which can be applied on research study such as
quantitative and qualitative (Mohajan, 2018). To achieve aims and objectives of this research study
qualitative research methods has been applied by the researcher. To assess the importance of crisis
management in the organisation qualitative method has been selected.
Research approach
Research approach is basically of two types which needs to be taken into consideration for the
completion of proposal such as deductive and inductive approach (Snyder, 2019). for the current
study purpose, inductive approach has been taken into consideration and applied for knowing about
influence of managing crisis in context with hospitality sector. The major reason behind using this
approach was that the current study work involves formulation of research objectives and aim and
the study is qualitative in nature.
Research philosophy
There are mainly two types of philosophies which can be used in the research study such as
interpretivism and positivism. For the present research work, interpretivism philosophy can be
applied for the evaluation of the investigation. The major reason behind using this study is that the
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present study involves subjective interpretation of the topic understudy which can find better results.
Data collection
In the current research, both of the data collection methods that is primary and secondary which has
been used. For the primary data research questionnaire method has been selected wherein survey of
15 staff members was being undertaken. for secondary method journals articles and research
scholarly related to the particular topic on managing crisis was being explored effectually.
Sampling method
In order to achieve the purpose of particular research work, scholar is required to select appropriate
sampling method so that suitable results can be obtained. To complete this project, the researcher
has used appropriate same named as survey method so that effective outcomes can be derived for the
competition of study. for this sampling method survey 15 employees of the company were selected
referring to simple random sampling method.
Data analysis
There are mainly two types of method which can be used for the purpose of data analysis that is
qualitative and quantitative method. for the current purpose of the work thematic perception test
techniques has been selected to find out appropriate results. By applying this effective method,
qualitative data can be found out effectually for the better outcomes.
Reliability and validity
To ensure about the validity of the current work for achieving objectives and aims set the latest data
sources articles which published after the year 2015 will be taken into consideration for better results
and followed as a major source so that proper outcomes can be derived. Plus, topic of research will
be selected properly which in turn highlights about the validity of the study, from which it has been
evaluated that research is valid. The data which has been taken from copyright protected sources are
given proper credit so that it can ensure the reliability is maintained in a proper manner and data is
well secured.
Research limitations
Due to money and time constraints the research has faced some limitations while doing work and the
another reason was that inclusion of less employees in the study. However, in order to deal with
such limitation simple random sampling method has been taken into consideration as discussed
before. While on the other side, SPSS method have not been selected for the current research
because of money constraints. However, with the help of thematic perception test techniques
evaluation of the aim has been properly completed by applying qualitative method.
Ethical consideration
To comply with ethical aspects consent forms has been sent to the selected candidates for the current
research. no respondents will be forced for the current survey which in turn shows willingness of
participants. In addition, reference list will be further added at the end of this study which exhibits
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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that the overall work has been done properly without copying.
SECTION FIVE: BREAKDOWN OF ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALE
Task Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Auto
Schedule
d
research topic selection 3 days Thu 6/2/22 Mon 6/6/22
Auto
Schedule
d
developing research aims
and objectives 2 days Tue 6/7/22 Wed 6/8/22 1
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Schedule
d
development of research
questions 8 days Thu 6/9/22 Mon 6/20/22 2
Auto
Schedule
d
drafting brief proposal 7 days Tue 6/21/22 Wed 6/29/22 3
Auto
Schedule
d
drafting LR 4 days Thu 6/30/22 Tue 7/5/22 4
Auto
Schedule
d
selection of research
methods 10 days Wed 7/6/22 Tue 7/19/22 5
Auto
Schedule
d
drafting questionnaire 5 days Wed 7/20/22 Tue 7/26/22 6
Auto
Schedule
d
collection of primary data
via questionnaire method 5 days Wed 7/27/22 Tue 8/2/22 7
Auto
Schedule
d
data analysis 7 days Wed 8/3/22 Thu 8/11/22 8
Auto
Schedule
d
drawing conclusion 1 day Fri 8/12/22 Fri 8/12/22 9
Auto
Schedule
d
providing recommendations 1 day Mon 8/15/22 Mon 8/15/22 10
Auto
Schedule
d
modification of study as per
comments provided by
tutor
4 days Tue 8/16/22 Fri 8/19/22 11
Auto
Schedule
d
final submission 1 day? Mon 8/22/22 Mon 8/22/22 12
Gantt chart
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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List of References :
Wut, T. M., Xu, J. B. and Wong, S.M., 2021. Crisis management research (1985–2020) in the hospitality and
tourism industry: A review and research agenda. Tourism Management. 85. p.104307.
Coombs, W. T. and Laufer, D., 2018. Global crisis management–current research and future
directions. Journal of International Management. 24(3). pp.199-203.
Leta, S. D. and Chan, I. C. C., 2021. Learn from the past and prepare for the future: A critical assessment of
crisis management research in hospitality. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 95. p.102915.
Lai, I. K. W. and Wong, J. W. C., 2020. Comparing crisis management practices in the hotel industry between
initial and pandemic stages of COVID-19. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.
Wilk-Jakubowski, G., Harabin, R. and Ivanov, S., 2022. Robotics in crisis management: A review. Technology
in Society, p.101935.
Ardito, L., Coccia, M. and Messeni Petruzzelli, A., 2021. Technological exaptation and crisis management:
Evidence from COVID‐19 outbreaks. R&d Management. 51(4). pp.381-392.
Mohajan, H. K., 2018. Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of
Economic Development, Environment and People. 7(1). pp.23-48.
Snyder, H., 2019. Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of
business research. 104. pp.333-339.
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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Student Declaration
I confirm that the proposed Research Project is not work that has been or will be submitted for
another qualification or by another student and is appropriate:
Student Name and Signature: Date:
Comments and Agreement from Tutor
Comments:
I confirm that the project is not work that has been or will be submitted for another qualification and
is appropriate:
Agreed: (Name) (Date)
Research ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the
use of data, collected from human participants, may be required to gain ethical
approval before commencing their research. Please answer all relevant questions
and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your Unit Tutor.
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
Unit Tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
Student Details
Student Name Student ID
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
Spring 2022
Section One: Basic details
Project Title:

Section Two: Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
Interviews
Questionnaires
Observations
Use of Personal Records
Data Analysis
Action Research
Focus Groups
Other (please specify)
Section Three: Participants
Will your research involve human participants? Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply
Ages 12-16 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
Social media recruiting
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
Spring 2022
✓
✓
✓
✓
No
✓Young people aged 17-18:

Describe the process you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
Emails
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it
be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at
any time?
Verbal communication
Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting
questions they do not wish to answer?
Yes:
If No, please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues
arising from this:
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their
informed consent to be approved.
Yes:
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation? (e.g. give them a brief
explanation of the study)
Yes:
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be
a summary of your findings generally)
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
Spring 2022
✓
No:
✓
No:
✓ No:
✓
No:

Yes:
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
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Section Four: Data storage and security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with
the Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes:
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research
Where will the data be stored?
MIS
Will mobile devices, such as USB storage and laptops, be used?
Yes:
If yes, please provide further details:
After the research
Where will the data be stored?
Devices like laptops
How long will the data and records be kept, and in what format?
5 years
Will the data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes:
If yes, please provide further details:
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
Spring 2022
✓
No:
✓
No:
✓
No:

Section Five: Ethical issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may
arise as a result of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may
apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the following:
• informed consent
• potentially vulnerable participants
• sensitive topics
• risks to participants and/or researchers
• confidentiality/anonymity
• disclosures/limits to confidentiality
• data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection)
• reporting
• dissemination and use of your findings.
Section Six: Declaration
I have read, understood, and will abide by the [Nelson College London ]
Research Ethics Policy:
Yes:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my tutor:
Yes:
I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the above information is correct and that this is a full
description of the ethical issues that may arise in the course of my/our research.
Student Name(s) Date
Unit 18 Research Project Proposal–
Spring 2022
✓ No:
✓ No: