A Research Framework for Collaborative eLearning in an End User Training Context

The growth in the application of information technology to end-user training (EUT) underscores a fundamental need to understand how these e-learning technologies improve the learning process. Results from the limited EUT studies provide an inconsistent picture of the effects of e-learning technologies. Also, collaborative learning has become one of the most used techniques in American education, yet, we could find only one EUT study on collaborative learning. This paper applies adaptive structuration theory (AST) to the specific area of technology-mediated end-user training. The main focus is on understanding learning, collaboration and technology structures involved, their interactions and appropriation, and their impact on learning outcomes. By integrating social cognitive and social development theories into the AST framework, the model presented investigates both the learning process and functional/structural aspects of technology-mediated end-user training. Propositions are developed for future empirical testing

Technology-Mediated Learning: A Comprehensive Theoretical Model

Increasing organizational investment in technology for training and learning underscores how important it is for researchers to understand and investigate technology-mediated learning (TML). However, the limited empirical data in this area fails to provide a consistent and comprehensive picture of the TML phenomena. A critical aspect missing from existing research is the focus on the learning process. In this paper, we articulate a theoretical model, based on Adaptive Structuration Theory, for TML that explicitly configures elements of the learning process, including team, technology, and learning technique structures. Existing TML research from the information systems (IS) and education literatures is summarized and research gaps are identified. The paper not only helps to explain inconsistencies in previous research, but also develops specific propositions for future research. The propositions stated in the paper represent the theoretical relationships among the constructs in the TML model. The model provides a vehicle for researchers, both in IS and education, to summarize and integrate existing research and theories and to guide future research in this important area

Structuring creativity with GSS: An experiment

An experiment was conducted involving groups that generated ideas using two different creative idea generation techniques, both manually and with a GSS. Treatments were evaluated using a new dependent measure called paradigm-relatednessof ideas. The research addressed two limitations of current GSS idea generation research: First, while there exist a wide variety of creativity techniques for generating ideas based on very different procedures (VanGundy, 1988), current GSS incorporate only one basic approach for idea generation. Second, GSS researchers typically evaluate the idea generation procedure using the quantityof ideas generated. Alternatives merit exploratio

Virtual Team Leader as Technology Facilitator: the Missing Role

This paper reports findings of a survey of practitioners at a major global IS services firm. The survey sought to explore three questions: (1) Do VT leaders take on a role as technology facilitator, intervening to improve team use of ICT?; (2) If so, can VT leaders’ technology facilitation role have a critical, positive impact on team success?; and (3) How many ICTs does a VT use and how important they? Evidence was found to answer the first two questions in the affirmative and to address the third. Some interesting leads suggested by the data are explored

Workflow Management Systems and ERP Systems: Differences, Commonalities, and Applications

Two important classes of information systems, Workflow Management Systems(WfMSs) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, have been used to support e-business process redesign, integration, and management. While both technologies can help with business process automation, data transfer, and information sharing, the technological approach and features of solutions provided by WfMS and ERP are different. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of these two classes of information systems in the industry and academia, thus hindering their effective applications. In this paper, we present a comprehensive comparison between these two classes of systems. We discuss how the two types of systems can be used independently or together to develop intra- and inter-organizational application solutions. In particular, we also explore the roles of WfMS and ERP in the next generation of IT architecture based on web services. Our findings should help businesses make better decisions in the adoption of both WfMS and ERP in their e-business strategies

Using Group Support Systems to Facilitate the Research Process

Group Support Systems (GSS) and their effects on group processes and outcomes have been an object of intense study over the past ten years. The purpose of this paper is to take a different perspective with respect to GSS research. Rather than discussing research about GSS, we will discuss the capabilities of GSS tools to support the process of doing research. A model of the steps involved in the research process is discussed and specific suggestions for the application of GSS tools are mapped to these research steps. GSS can provide a variety of benefits to researchers, including basic meeting support for multiple researchers in developing elements of the research project, electronically recording data from subjects, performing data analysis, and integrating information and data across the entire research process

A COMPARISON OF USER PERFORMANCE BETWEEN THE RELATIONAL AND THE EXTENDED ENTITY RELATIONSHIP MODELS IN THE DISCOVERY PHASE OF DATABASE DESIGN

This paper reports on a laboratory study which compared conceptual data models developed by casual autonomous users using the relational and the extended entity relationship (EER) representation techniques. It was found that the EER model led to better user performance in modeling binary relationships, while the relational model was better in modeling unary relationships. Subjects found it difficult to model ternary relationships using either model, although the performance using the EER model was slightly better. In general, there was evidence that the EER model led to better user performance. Subjects using the EER model were more confident about their solutions and perceived the model as easier to use than their relational counterparts. The study\u27s results raise questions concerning user performance using the relational model for a discovery (conceptual modeling) task

Around the world business process education and research has taken off, except in the USA. Why?

Today’s leading organizations are investing millions of dollars in Business Process Management (BPM) related services and software products. The BPM area is expected to be a $26B industry next year and grow by at least 12% for the foreseeable future. However, the bulk of BPM research and university-level course offerings are not in the USA. Why is there so little BPM education and research in the USA? Why are top recruiting firms for this area in the USA going to Europe or to Ops Management or Industrial Engineering? Are we laggards in the USA, or do we know something the rest of the world fails to see? These questions and the other questions and related topics will be addressed in this panel session.(undefined

Characteristics of Effective GSS Facilitators

As businesses increase their use of groups to solve problems, the importance of strong group facilitation skills has increased. This paper investigates the characteristics of high-performing group facilitators versus low-performing group facilitators. The characteristics investigated represent two broad areas of interest: general facilitator background and skills possessed by the facilitator. The facilitator background factors that proved to be good predictors of high performance included: overall experience and number of computer-supported meeting facilitated. The skills possessed by high performers included: plans and designs meetings, demonstrates flexibility, and listens to, clarifies, and integrates information. The analysis provides a rule for accurately predicting whether a facilitator is a high-performer or a low-performer more than 77% of the time