Loading...
Measurement of the usability of web-based hotel reservation systems
Author(s)
Shasha, Ziphozakhe Theophilus
Date Issued
2016
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The aim of this research project was to determine what the degree of usability is of a sample
of online reservation systems of Cape Town hotels.
The literature has indicated that the main aim of website usability is to make the engagement
process with a website a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Researchers noted that
well designed, high-quality websites, with grammatically accurate content, create a
trustworthy online presence. User-friendly sites also attract far more traffic. Previous
research has also shown that a loss of potential sales is possible due to users being unable
to find what they want, if poor website design has been implemented. Loss of potential
income through repeat visits is also a possibility, due to a negative user experience. The research instrument that was employed in this research is usability testing. It is a
technique used to evaluate product development that incorporates user feedback in an
attempt to create instruments and products that meet user needs, and to decrease costs.
The research focused on Internet-based hotel reservation systems. Only the usability was
measured. Both standard approaches were used in this research project, in a combined
quantitative and qualitative research design.
In conclusion, the purpose of this research was to determine the degree of usability of
specified Cape Town hotel online reservation systems. The outcomes of this study indicated
interesting patterns in that reservation systems met user requirements more often than
expected. However, the figures of acceptability obtained were still below the generally
accepted norms for usability. The amount of time spent to complete a booking also
decreased, as users worked on more than one reservation system.
of online reservation systems of Cape Town hotels.
The literature has indicated that the main aim of website usability is to make the engagement
process with a website a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Researchers noted that
well designed, high-quality websites, with grammatically accurate content, create a
trustworthy online presence. User-friendly sites also attract far more traffic. Previous
research has also shown that a loss of potential sales is possible due to users being unable
to find what they want, if poor website design has been implemented. Loss of potential
income through repeat visits is also a possibility, due to a negative user experience. The research instrument that was employed in this research is usability testing. It is a
technique used to evaluate product development that incorporates user feedback in an
attempt to create instruments and products that meet user needs, and to decrease costs.
The research focused on Internet-based hotel reservation systems. Only the usability was
measured. Both standard approaches were used in this research project, in a combined
quantitative and qualitative research design.
In conclusion, the purpose of this research was to determine the degree of usability of
specified Cape Town hotel online reservation systems. The outcomes of this study indicated
interesting patterns in that reservation systems met user requirements more often than
expected. However, the figures of acceptability obtained were still below the generally
accepted norms for usability. The amount of time spent to complete a booking also
decreased, as users worked on more than one reservation system.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
203013239-Shasha-ZT-Mtech-BIS-BUS-2016.pdf
Description
Thesis
Size
11.4 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):3bf24104eafd3ef755b5f163571d5320