Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

Instrument & data collection 
Based on the literature review, a web survey was designed. The research instrument for the study was 
distributed via the internet to the leaders’ publicly located professional email account. The data are both quantitative 
and qualitative in nature and was collected via a questionnaire survey design. The questionnaire was designed to 
gain an accurate understanding of the backgrounds of current department heads for hospitality and tourism 
programs. Validity was ensured through a pre-testing process. The survey was piloted and adjusted based upon the 
feedback received. The data were collected via a modified dillman (2000) method in order to increase the response 
rate.