Factors determining the behavior and effectiveness of personal decision support systems users: An examination of Fishbein\u27s model

Personal computing, and the microcomputer which support it, are referred to as Personal Decision Support Systems (PDSS) (Lehman, 1985). Empirical studies regarding personal computing have been of the general field study type, primarily examining trends and/or establishing the basic concept of personal computing. This research builds and empirically tests a research model that conceptualizes some impact variables which are internal to the user, as intervening in the relationship between the situational or external variables identified by previous MIS research and system success (utilization, decision performance, and satisfaction). This study employs a framework, based on Fishbein and Ajzen\u27s intention-behavior model (1975), to integrate variables indicated to be important by previous findings in MIS studies, and to provide a micro-description of how those variables affect success of personal DSS. The conceptual model consists of six independent variables (users\u27 experience and education, enduser tools, end-user support, end-user training, task fepetitiveness, and task analyzability) and their impact on three intermediate variables (attitude, intention, and actual usage) and one dependent variable (user satisfaction). j The methodology employed in this study involves a two-phased cross-sectional field survey of personal DSS users in seven large organizations. To examine the mechanisms by which the independent and intermediate variables affect success, eight hypotheses were investigated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Three hypotheses were supported. Although the study failed to shed light on how the determinants a//ecf success, it co^irmed the underlying conceptual framework of Fishbein\u27s model

An Examination of the IT Satisfaction of Small-Business Users

Although there are many articles in the NIS literature which address small-business computing, in effect the organizations represented in these studies are, in many ways, similar to medium- and large-sized organizations. In this article, we focus on businesses that are truly small: they have very few employees and there is no formal NIS department. In this environment, the small business owner/manager is the principal user and has to perform most of the IT functions. For such an environment, an IT satisfaction construct and measurement instrument are presented. A survey, using the measurement instrument, of a representative sample of small businesses was conducted to identify user satisfaction patterns. Key areas of IT dissatisfactions are: training and education (the most important), software maintenance, documentation, and vendor support. These deficiency areas can be appropriately addressed by software vendors and consultants. Finally, a contingency analysis of IT satisfaction based on business-related factors and owner characteristics was performed. A general observation was that the owner attributes have a greater impact on IT satisfaction than any of the business factors. The ones that stood out the most were the gender and the age of the owner

The Technology Acceptance Model: Past, Present, and Future

While the technology acceptance model (TAM), introduced in 1986, continues to be the most widely applied theoretical model in the IS field, few previous efforts examined its accomplishments and limitations. This study traces TAM\u27s history, investigates its findings, and cautiously predicts its future trajectory. One hundred and one articles published by leading IS journals and conferences in the past eighteen years are examined and summarized. An open-ended survey of thirty-two leading IS researchers assisted in critically examining TAM and specifying future directions

Determinants of computing in very small businesses

This article focuses on computing in very small businesses (VSB). We have defined a business to be very small if it has less than 50 employees. They have been ignored in the mainstream MIS literature. However, given that small businesses constitute a significant portion of the U.S. economy and that computers are making widespread inroads into small businesses, a serious investigation is warranted. A model is proposed for computing in VSBs and the parameters are investigated in an empirical study that identifies relationships between business characteristics, individual characteristics, and the degree of computing. On an a priori basis, it is assumed that the most important factors related to VSB computing are: size of the business, age of the business, general education of the owner/manager, the computer knowledge of the owner/ manager, and the profitability of the business. The results generally support the assumptions. The model therefore provides a descriptive understanding of VSB computing; it can also be used in a prescriptive mode to induce desired changes in VSB computing

Hierarchical Structure in Brazilian Industrial Firms: an Econometric Study

The paper investigates different implications of theoretical models for hierarchical structure. A sample of 6567 firms in the Brazilian manufacturing industry is considered and explanatory factors pertaining structural characteristics, network technology, technological innovations, managerial innovations and incentive mechanisms are investigated. Despite the broader availability of explanatory variables in some categories, one only detects important joint effects accruing from the group of network technology variables as had been previously obtained in the related literature. In contrast, however, one can detect a marginally significant joint effect of the newly considered group of incentive mechanisms variables. The evidence in terms of individual effects is largely consistent with the predicted effects from the theoretical literature on hierarchy.

Proposing a Comprehensive Meta-model for Technology Acceptance

New technologies appear constantly, offering the promise of greater efficiency and effectiveness for work processes in all types of organizations. However, not all reach their full potential, either because of employee rejection or less-than optimal implementation. Studies that examine Information Technology (IT) adoption in business have often used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to predict IT adoption in a business environment. However, the TAM fails to explain much of the variance in technology usage. This article examines technology acceptance processes in the light oftheories of technology readiness, technology acceptance, and diffusion of innovation and proposes a comprehensive meta-model to integrate and expand existing models to explain technology acceptance in a wide range of contexts. With regard to future research, the paper also recommends attention to a greater breadth of contexts, cultures, and questions related to issues and recommendations for promoting technology acceptance

The Effect of Self Identity and Social Identity on Technology Acceptance

While the effect of social factors on information technology (IT) acceptance behavior has been recognized as an important issue, only a few studies examined this topic in the context of the technology acceptance model. In this study, we incorporate two social factors, self identity and social identity, in the model and address their impacts on IT acceptance decision. An empirical study investigating the impact these social factors have on the acceptance of a web-based class support system is in progress. Upon completion of this study, we expect to provide further understanding on the role of social influence on individual technology acceptance decisions

Hierarchical Structure in Brazilian Industrial Firms: An Econometric Study

The paper investigates different implications of theoretical models for hierarchical structure. A sample of 6578 firms in the Brazilian manufacturing industry is considered and explanatory factors pertaining structural characteristics, network technology, technological innovations, managerial innovations and Incentive mechanisms are investigated. Important joint effects are detected for all groups of variables in partial contrast with the related previous literature. Moreover, one detects significant joint effect of the newly considered group of incentive mechanisms variables. The evidence in terms of individual effects is largely consistent with the predicted effects from the theoretical literature on hierarchy.

The Determinants of RMPnet System Adoption Among Senior Police Officers of Royal Malaysia Police

Technology adoption has emerged as an important determinant in understanding its acceptance by end-users in many government organizations. However, there has not been much research focused on technology adoption in government organization in Malaysia especially in law enforcement agencies. This study investigates the determining factors that affect the end-users’ technology adoption in a government organization in Malaysia. Specifically, the aim of this study was to determine the system technology adoption among senior police officers of Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). A survey methodology was employed to collect the data. Senior police officers from the contingents of Bukit Aman, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Central Brigade General Operations Force, RMP College Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and RMP Technical College were chosen as the sample for this study. A systematic sampling procedure was used to select respondents from the respective police contingents. Ten hypotheses were proposed regarding the determinants of RMPnet System technology adoption. Structured questionnaires comprising 41 questions that were used to measure seven variables; RMPnet System adoption, innovativeness, top management support, RMPnet System experience, perceived usefulness, behavioural intention, and user support were adopted in this study. Out of the 700 questionnaires, only 521 were usable, thus yielding a response rate of 74.4 percent. The findings revealed that significant relationships exist between four of the determinants (top management support, perceived usefulness, user support and system experience) and RMPnet System adoption. The findings also revealed that innovativeness moderated the relationships between all the determinants (top management support, perceived usefulness, user support, technology experience and system experience) and the RMPnet System adoption. The study concluded with a discussion on theoretical and practical implications and suggestion for future research