Case Studies

The Approach

Case studies are studies that focus on specific situations and are particularly helpful in testing theories and models in the real world (Shuttleworth, 2008). This will be crucial to this project as it demands for an understanding of how Chambers of Commerce, particularly other American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams), can influence local economies. Since one of the objectives of this project is to create an effective centralized platform that will facilitate membership communications, it will be important to recognize the key components of a membership database and website that encourage connections between other AmChams and its members. Gaining perspective on how other AmChams operate in the age of digital media and how utilizing certain methods to facilitate relationships between customer and organization will help to further AmCham Romania’s agenda.

Other AmCham Communication Platforms

To contextually understand the best approach for AmCham Romania to take, we studied Americans Chambers of Commerce in Eastern and Western Europe. The reason that it is important to look into Chambers of Commerce from these regions of Europe is to also take into account cultural differences and the importance of such organizations in their society. For instance, the influence of Chambers of Commerce in Eastern European countries may vary from their influence in the economies of those of Western Europe.

Drawing Comparisons

We have strategically selected to study the communication platforms for Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden. The case studies performed on these five country’s communication platforms included analysis on the efficiency and usability of their websites and social media, as well as the technology’s influence on member communications. We created a list of essential features and characteristics that contribute to a good website using heuristics.

A Value Analysis

Using heuristic recommendations and guidelines a value analysis was then be established that helped to determine how Romania’s platform stands against those of other AmChams. The value system was out of 3 points as shown in the table to the right. By having this point system, AmCham Romania will be able to visualize on a scale where they measure up, with regards to other AmCham communication platforms.