A framework for the adoption and diffusion of Personal Learning Environments in commercial organisations: an exploratory study in the learning and development sector in the UK

This study presents an exploratory approach to identify the main factors of Personal Learning Environment (PLE) adoption and diffusion within commercial organisations. Utilising an inductive investigative approach via the use of Grounded Theory methodology, relevant adoption factors were identified and their resulting influence during various stages of the innovation diffusion process were proposed. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews followed by systematic analysis using a three-staged coding process. The results revealed 10 factors affecting the adoption of PLEs influencing the innovation diffusion process at various stages. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory, the proposed model could have important implications for key decision makers within commercial organisations, while adopting, rejecting and assimilating new technological innovations (e.g. PLE) for learning delivery

Evaluation of User Support: Factors That Affect User Satisfaction With Helpdesks and Helplines

In addition to technical documentation, face-to-face helpdesks and telephonic helplines are a powerful means for supporting users of technical products and services. This study investigates the factors that determine user satisfaction with helpdesks and helplines. A survey, based on the SERVQUAL framework and questionnaire, shows that the SERVQUAL dimensions of customer satisfaction are not applicable in these contexts. Three quality dimensions were found instead: solution quality, the experience of the consultation, and, in the case of a physical environment, the so-called tangibles. Helpdesk customers base their overall quality perceptions mainly on their experiences during a consultation, while helpline customers focus strongly on the quality of the solution offered.\ud The study also found a connection between the perceived helpline quality and the appreciation of the primary service

The Use of Fuzzy Clustering to Examine End User Segmentation

A key research theme in the field of end-user computing (EUC) is learning more about end users and their needs and designing support strategies for assisting, managing, and controlling end-user activities. Typology maps, such as those by Rockart and Flannery (1983), have been used to categorize end users into different groups based on criteria such as the skill and sophistication of EUC activity. In most such studies, users self- select themselves into one of several groups based on generic definitions provided in the study. As in most pure taxonomies, a user becomes a part of one and only one group. In this study,we provide an alternative analytical mechanism to self-selection and unitary membership: the use of fuzzy clustering, which allows for gradual membership in different groups, with membership values indicating the probability or degree of membership within a specific group or cluster. Cotterman and Kumarís (1989) classification scheme is operationalized while allowing for overlapping membership probabilities into one of three clusters: user- developer-controller (UDC), user-developer (UD), and user (U). Further, the study also examines the proposition that end users vary in their use of available support sources and also in the type of support that they require. The expectation that different categories of users have different support needs is examined at three levels: cluster level, individual level, and cluster-conjunctive level

Re-Conceptualising IS Function\u27s Support Performance: A Preliminary Model

While IS function has gained widespread attention for over two decades, there is little consensus among information systems (IS) researchers and practitioners on how best to evaluate IS function’s support performance. This paper reports on preliminary findings of a larger research effort proceeds from a central interest in the importance of evaluating IS function’s support in organisations. This study is the first that attempts to re-conceptualise and conceive evaluate IS function’s support as a multi-dimensional formative construct. We argue that a holistic measure for evaluating evaluate IS function’s support should consist of dimensions that together assess the variety of the support functions and the quality of the support services provided to end-users. Thus, the proposed model consists of two halves, ‘Variety’ and ‘Quality’ within which resides seven dimensions. The Variety half includes five dimensions: Training; Documentation; Data-related Support, Software-related Support; and Hardware-related Support. The Quality half includes two dimensions: IS Support Staff and Support Services Performance. The proposed model is derived using a directed content analysis of 83 studies; from top IS outlets, employing the characteristics of the analytic theory and consistent with formative construct development procedures

Defining Dimensions of Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine: An Analysis of Existing Measurement Instruments

As telemedicine usage continues to grow there is a need to ensure the means are available to evaluate their success. Patient satisfaction can play a key role in determining the success of telemedicine projects. However, satisfaction remains loosely defined and there are no commonly accepted views on what it consists of. A lack of well-defined dimensions for measuring telemedicine satisfaction can make it difficult to interpret and compare results. By using a grounded theory approach for the analysis of existing patient satisfaction instruments, this research has identified several dimensions for describing patient satisfaction with telemedicine. In an effort to define these dimensions, this research examines their relationship to the existing telemedicine, information systems, and healthcare literature. In total 18 first level constructs, and 4 second order constructs were created for describing these dimensions and are defined in this research

The Impact of Organizational Coordination and Climate on Marketing Executives\u27 Satisfaction with Information Systems Services

Information system (IS) managers rely on a number of devices to improve performance and the perception of performance on the part of the user. These techniques can be a variety of tools and organizational structures put in place by various levels of management. Horizontal coordination activities are such a device, one that is intended to improve the communication between users and IS developers. Past research has found an impact of coordination on IS success. However, the climate, general attitudes about the IS function in an organization in which the developers and users operate, can serve as an important moderator. Analysis of a sample of marketing executives indicates that the climate is an important moderator and may impact the ability of structural features to improve perceived performance. Managers must consider the climate as an important feature

An application of the performance-evaluation model for e-learning quality in higher education

The demand for e-learning in higher education is rising, competition is increasing, and universities are investing significant resources towards improving the quality of their e-learning offerings. Thus, effective quality measures for e-learning are urgently required. With the aim of following the total quality management practices of raising students' satisfaction and continuous improvement, a performance-evaluation model was applied in a sample of business students. The application of this model was useful for selecting the quality items that most urgently require improvement to achieve student satisfaction and for identifying the items of surplus resource investment, thereby helping to provide the means to minimise resource wastage. This way, an effective and efficient improvement plan to enhance the efficient use of resources in e-learning and to meet an adequate level of quality was established

HOW TO CULTIVATE ANALYTICS CAPABILITIES WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION? – DESIGN AND TYPES OF ANALYTICS COMPETENCY CENTERS

Today, the ability to exploit big data using advanced analytics bears considerable potential to create competitive advantages. Therefore, business leaders need to make crucial design decisions on how to cultivate these capabilities within their organization. Analytics Competency Centers (ACCs) are an important organizational solution to spread analytics capabilities by providing leadership, expertise and infrastructure. In this paper, we analyze nine analytics competency centers of major global players across several industries - based on a series of interviews with executives, consultants and data scientists. We identify strategic and structural design options, common processes, best-practices, and potential future development paths. In particular, we distinguish between two generic types of centers that differ in their strategic orientation and their choice of design options. Our work contributes to organizational design theory addressing the question on how analytics capabilities can be nurtured for competitive advantage. It should provide concrete guidance to business leaders on how to design and apply ACCs as an organizational option

Applying Markus and Robey\u27s Causal Structure to Examine User Technology Acceptance Research: A New Approach

In this paper, we examine prior research on user technology acceptance from the perspective of theoretical structures based on Markus and Robey’s causal structure. Prior studies usually take a technology imperative perspective, use variance theories, and emphasize the micro level of analysis. We argue that this combination is limited. This may lead to some inconsistencies and limited explanatory powers in the existing studies. We propose an alternative “emergent perspective – process theories – mixed level of analysis” approach to study technology acceptance phenomena. To demonstrate how the new approach can be used to guide research, a new research model is proposed and several propositions are derived and discussed. This study draws on several prior theories and models but reassembles them in a novel way. The paper concludes with implications for both research and practice

Internet technology acceptance factors based on sharing information toward supply chain performance

Managers have believed that Internet can enhance SCM decision making by providing on real time information and enabling collaboration between trading partners. Supply Chain Management have a lot of practices depend on information sharing, the Internet has become one of the tools for theses practices which make the operation inside the organization more performance and effective in the same time. O'Keeffe (2001) argues that the internet is playing an important role in exchange information, and strengthening the relationship between suppliers and organization’s managers. Many other researchers stress the need to future research on the impact of internet on supply chain process specifically. Up to date the research on the relationship between the acceptance of internet technology applications factors on the information exchange and its influence on the performance of supply chain management still limited. So that this paper will investigate the internet technology acceptance factors such as trust, ease of use, usefulness, security, self efficacy, self commitment, management support and user technical support as the main antecedent for information sharing among the employees. The paper also will discuss the impact of information sharing towards supply chain management performance. The review of the past research and in depth theoretical review will justify the proposed relationship