Developing the elements of information integration in the real estate and user services

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to formulate a model for the information integration development. The service supply chain is managed with information; therefore, the functionality of the flow of information is an essential part of service business. The aim of this study is to address this issue by looking into the meaning and development of the elements of information integration in real estate and user services. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a qualitative research into elements of information integration and developing them in real estate and user services. Collecting the data for the study consisted of three stages: a workshop and two rounds of interviews. Findings – The finding of the study is a model for developing information integration in a real estate and user services. The model presents the meanings of the six elements which integration consists of and which need to be developed to increase information integration. Research limitations/implications – In services, the supply chain is typically shorter than in production. This study is limited to analyse the supply chain between a customer and a service provider since these are the most significant and often the only parties in the supply chain of real estate and user services. Practical implications – The results can be utilized when developing information integration in the service supply chain and developing service providers operations. Originality/value – The research results bring additional value to the previous studies regarding elements of information integration by developing a model for the sequence of development of these elements.