From Times Square to Eyre Square: Hackathons as Authentic Learning for Information Systems Students

In order to ensure students meet the learning outcomes for a module in user experience design, an authentic learning approach was used to design a User Experience (UX) Hackathon, called Empathy Jam. UX hackathons are short events where participants work in groups on a challenge, using user-centred design techniques. The learning from the hackathon comes through the process of taking part, as well as collaborative learning from their team members. An important feature of Empathy Jam is collaboration with industry partners who act as mentors to guide the participants through the process. Assessment of learning was done through the use of video and reflective journals. The groups created a video record of their day, demonstrating their engagement and participation as a group, as well as the group learnings. Individual learnings were assessed through the reflective journals. Feedback on the event was obtained through the journals, vox pops on the day, a feedback survey and feedback from the mentors.Hogan, M. (2020). From Times Square to Eyre Square: Hackathons as Authentic Learning for Information Systems Students. En 6th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'20). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. (30-05-2020):301-308. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd20.2020.11046OCS30130830-05-202

The Weight of User Decision Making During Online Interactions - Planning an Experiment

This paper lays out the design of a research study, using eye tracking technology, to measure participant cognitive load when encountering decision constructs during webpage interactions. It elaborates and improves on a pilot study that was used to test the experiment design. Cognitive load is discussed in detail, in both physiological and subjective terms, as well as techniques to capture participants’ thoughts and feelings immediately after the experiment. This mixed method approach will generate a more holistic comprehension of participants’ decision making and their rationale; and hopefully, improve information systems design ethics

The Identification of Decision Constructs used in Online Transactional Processes

From prior research, the authors found that certain design features amongst some online retailers were atypical of ‘good’ design elsewhere. It was apparent the transactional process was being used to present consumers with optional extras (and other decisions) that not only slowed the process down, but also stressed and agitated users. The research identified some new and unusual decision constructs such as the \u27must-opt\u27. This paper seeks to produce a taxonomy of the type and nature of decision constructs encountered throughout on-line Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactional processes. The findings presented herein make an incremental contribution in theorizing, identifying and analyzing new decision constructs alongside established ones

How Passengers of Low Cost Carriers Feel the Pressure: Pricing Tactics and Other Stories

Low cost carriers (LCCs) market their flights as low cost and aim to garner as much additional revenue as possible from ancillary services such as baggage and priority boarding. Therefore, airlines encourage customers’ purchase of these services. On account of this and other airline practices, the European Union introduced legislation to address areas of concern to protect consumers. Airlines’ response to the requirement for clarity in pricing at the outset and throughout the transaction is questionable. They have responded to the legal requirement that all optional extras should only be presented to the consumer on an ‘opt-in’ basis by using ‘grey’ Web design patterns such as the ‘must-opt’. Using verbal protocols, this study examines consumers’ perceptions of two LCCs’ level of compliance with the relevant European legislation

Confirming a Taxonomy of Decision Constructs in Business-to-Consumer Commercial Transactions

One might assume information systems (IS) are developed so systems enhance the user experience and facilitate a satisfying, productive interaction. From prior research, the authors established this assumption was not safe and certain design features amongst some online retailers were atypical of ‘good’ design elsewhere. It was apparent the transactional process was being used to present consumers with optional extras (and other decisions) that not only slowed the process down, but also stressed and agitated users. The research identified some new and unusual decision constructs such as the ‘must-opt’. The objective of the research presented herein is two-fold: to make an incremental contribution in first theorizing and then identifying and categorizing into a taxonomy some new decision constructs alongside established ones encountered throughout on-line Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactional processes followed by a preliminary study confirming their existence

Technophobia amongst older adults in Ireland

The article discusses the findings of research on the prevalence of technophobia amongst older adults in Ireland. The study was conducted using questionnaires which consisted of computer anxiety rating scale form C (CARS-C), computer thoughts survey form C (CTS-C) and general attitudes toward computers scale form C (GATCS-C). The research revealed that older women are more likely to demonstrate higher levels of technophobia than older men and are more less likely to use computers.peer-reviewe

Project managers - do they need to be certified?

The purpose of this study is to examine the drivers behind the certification of project managers in Irish organizations, to identify the benefits and drawbacks of project management certification and to determine whether it is really necessary for project managers to be certified. Five organisations in Ireland participated in the study and one project manager from each organisation was interviewed. The size of the organisations, the level of experience of the project managers interviewed and the certification programmes completed varied. Differences as well as similarities across the organisations were identified. The results of the study put forward that the selection of an appropriate certification programme can depend on factors such as the availability of certification providers for training and support; the ease with which the certification programme can be adapted to suit the business; and the requirement to renew certification. While the findings show that project management certification does have several benefits these benefits do not require certification and could be realised by simply having good project management practices in place.peer-reviewe

An investigation into the impact and use of project management methodologies in organisations in Ireland

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the implementation of a project management methodology on organisations, specifically in relation to the impact on the project manager, the project team and the organisation as a whole and to determine whether using a project management methodology can help project managers and organisations to better manage software projects. Five organisations in Ireland participated in the study and one project manager from each organisation was interviewed. The size of the organisations, the level of experience of the project managers interviewed and the methodology implemented varied. Differences as well as similarities across the organisations were identified. While the findings show that implementing and using a project management methodology is not without its difficulties, the benefits identified far outweigh the drawbacks. The study finds that it is not important what methodology is used as long as a methodology is used. However, there are benefits that can be realised by using an industry standard methodology as opposed to an internally developed methodology. The results also suggest that adapting an industry-recognised methodology to fit with the business processes can have a positive impact on the flexibility of the methodology. The findings of the study propose that by implementing and using an project management methodology, organisations gain a uniform approach to project management, have better control of projects, increased visibility on their progress, improvements in the success rates of projects and a means of comparing projects using specific measurements, with potential implications for practice.peer-reviewe

An investigation into the impact and use of project management methodologies in organisations in Ireland

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the implementation of a project management methodology on organisations, specifically in relation to the impact on the project manager, the project team and the organisation as a whole and to determine whether using a project management methodology can help project managers and organisations to better manage software projects. Five organisations in Ireland participated in the study and one project manager from each organisation was interviewed. The size of the organisations, the level of experience of the project managers interviewed and the methodology implemented varied. Differences as well as similarities across the organisations were identified. While the findings show that implementing and using a project management methodology is not without its difficulties, the benefits identified far outweigh the drawbacks. The study finds that it is not important what methodology is used as long as a methodology is used. However, there are benefits that can be realised by using an industry standard methodology as opposed to an internally developed methodology. The results also suggest that adapting an industry-recognised methodology to fit with the business processes can have a positive impact on the flexibility of the methodology. The findings of the study propose that by implementing and using an project management methodology, organisations gain a uniform approach to project management, have better control of projects, increased visibility on their progress, improvements in the success rates of projects and a means of comparing projects using specific measurements, with potential implications for practice.peer-reviewe

Authentic Learning for Groupwork Skills: A Comparison Between a Physical and a Virtual Experience

Development of teamwork skills is a stated goal of many group assignments in university settings. However, the challenges associated with the effective design of assignments to achieve this goal have been well-documented. Students regularly circumvent the process by dividing the work and completing it separately. The difficulties inherent in a normal academic environment have been compounded by the restrictions and difficulties placed on lecturers and students during a global pandemic. This paper discusses the use of an authentic learning approach in ‘normal’ times and an authentic learning approach adapted to a virtual environment during Covid-19 and whether they impact on the development of teamwork skills in a post-graduate user experience design (UXD) module. Using the Groupwork Skills Questionnaire (GSQ), analysis shows the ‘live’ version of the learning experience resulted in improved task-based teamwork skills while the virtual event had no impact