Showing papers in "Management Information Systems Quarterly in 1989"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and validated new scales for two specific variables, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which are hypothesized to be fundamental determinants of user acceptance.
Abstract: Valid measurement scales for predicting user acceptance of computers are in short supply. Most subjective measures used in practice are unvalidated, and their relationship to system usage is unknown. The present research develops and validates new scales for two specific variables, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which are hypothesized to be fundamental determinants of user acceptance. Definitions of these two variables were used to develop scale items that were pretested for content validity and then tested for reliability and construct validity in two studies involving a total of 152 users and four application programs. The measures were refined and streamlined, resulting in two six-item scales with reliabilities of .98 for usefulness and .94 for ease of use. The scales exhibited hgih convergent, discriminant, and factorial validity. Perceived usefulness was significnatly correlated with both self-reported current usage r = .63, Study 1) and self-predicted future usage r = .85, Study 2). Perceived ease of use was also significantly correlated with current usage r = .45, Study 1) and future usage r = .59, Study 2). In both studies, usefulness had a signficnatly greater correaltion with usage behavior than did ease of use. Regression analyses suggest that perceived ease of use may actually be a causal antecdent to perceived usefulness, as opposed to a parallel, direct determinant of system usage. Implications are drawn for future research on user acceptance.
40,720 citations
TL;DR: An operating paradigm for renewal along dimensions previously unstressed is offered and it is argued that confirmatory empirical findings will be strengthened when instrument validation precedes both internal and statistical conclusion validity and that, in many situations, MIS researchers need to validate their research instruments.
Abstract: Calls for new directions in MIS research bring with them a call for renewed methodological rigor. This article offers an operating paradigm for renewal along dimensions previously unstressed. The basic contention is that confirmatory empirical findings will be strengthened when instrument validation precedes both internal and statistical conclusion validity and that, in many situations, MIS researchers need to validate their research instruments. This contention is supported by a survey of instrumentation as reported in sample IS journals over the last several years.
A demonstration exercise of instrument validation follows as an illustration of some of the basic principles of validation. The validated instrument was designed to gather data on the impact of computer security administration on the incidence of computer abuse in the U.S.A.
2,648 citations
TL;DR: An overview of the methodological problems involved in the study of a single case is provided, scientific method is described, an elucidation of how a previously published MIS case study captures the major features of scientific method, and what a scientific methodology for MIS case studies does, and does not, involve are summarized.
Abstract: A methodology for conducting the case study of a management information system (MIS) is presented. Suitable for the study of a single case, the methodology also satisfies the standard of the natural science model of scientific research.This article provides an overview of the methodological problems involved in the study of a single case, describes scientific method, presents an elucidation of how a previously published MIS case study captures the major features of scientific method, responds to the problems involved in the study of a single case, and summarizes what a scientific methodology for MIS case studies does, and does not, involve.The article also has ramifications that go beyond matters of MIS case studies alone. For MIS researchers, the article might prove interesting for addressing such fundamental issues as whether MIS research must be mathematical, statistical, or quantitative in order to be called "scientific". For MIS practitioners, the article's view of scientific method might prove interesting for empowering them to identify, for themselves, the pint at which scientific rigor is achieved in an MIS research effort, and beyond which further rigor can be called into question, especially if pursued at the expense of professional relevance.
1,495 citations
TL;DR: This article argues for a separation of the constructs of user participation (a set of behaviors or activities performed by users in the system development process) and user involvement (a subjective psychological state reflecting the importance and personal relevance of a system to the user).
Abstract: Within the field of information systems, user involvement generally refers to participation in the systems development process by potential users of their representatives and is measured as a set of behaviors or activities that such individuals perform. This article argues for a separation of the constructs of user participation (a set of behaviors or activities performed by users in the system development process) and user involvement (a subjective psychological state reflecting the importance and personal relevance of a system to the user). Such a distinction is not only more consistent with conceptualizations of involvement found in other disciplines, but it also leads to a number of new and interesting hypotheses. These hypotheses promise a richer theoretical network that describes the role and importance of participation and involvement in the implementation process.
695 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to increase understanding of the basis for IT investment in firms, and to take into account factors such as management commitment and previous experience with IT.
Abstract: While businesses are investing enormous resources in information technology (IT), there little evidence linking IT investment to organizational performance. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to increase understanding of the basis for IT investment in firms. Six mini case studies of companies in five different industries address questions of how they define IT for the purpose of determining the level of investment, how they track IT investments, and what other factors influence IT investment decisions. Each organization uses a different definition of IT, but there appears to be an overall trend to broaden the definition. Although companies track IT investment with varying degrees of rigor, they appear to be generally moving toward centralized tracking of all IT investment. Political considerations are important and significantly impact investment decisions. In all cases, the effectiveness with which IT investment is converted to useful output is acknowledged to be affected by the implementation process, the culture of the organization, and the skill of management. Three ma/or implications for practi~bners responsible for IT investment are: the need to adopt a broad definition of IT and track it over time against a convenient base; the need to separate different types of investment and match them to appropriate organizational performance measures; and the need to take into account factors such as management commitment and previous experience with IT. The latter impacts the effectiveness with which the firm converts it investment into. useful outputs.
402 citations
TL;DR: This article should serve as a useful guide for MIS researcher sin the planning, execution, and interpretation of inferential statistical analyses.
Abstract: Statistical power is a topic of importance to any researcher using statistical inference testing. Studies with low levels of statistical power usually result in inconclusive findings, even though the researcher may have expended much time and effort gathering the data for analysis. A survey of the statistical power of articles employing statistical inference testing published in leading MIS journals shows that their statistical power is, on average, substantially below accepted norms. The consequence of this low power is that MIS researchers typically have a 40 percent chance of not detecting the phenomenon under study, even though it, in fact, may exist.Fortunately, there are several techniques, beyond expanding the sample size (which often may be impossible) that researchers can use to improve the power of their studies. Some are as easy as using a different but more powerful statistical test, while others require developing more elaborate sampling plans or a more careful construction of the research design. Attention tot he statistical power of a study is one key ingredient in assuring the success of the study. This article should serve as a useful guide for MIS researcher sin the planning, execution, and interpretation of inferential statistical analyses.
324 citations
TL;DR: Findings provide additional support for the organizational fit concept - that the conformity between information technology structure and overall organizational context variables, including competitive strategy, is instrumental to the successful implementation of information technology systems.
Abstract: In a study involving 52 large organizations in the computer components industry, the relationship between information technology structure and organizational competitive strategy was examined. The results indicate that the information technology structure, as measured by the locus of responsibilities for information systems, is strongly related to competitive strategy. For example, an organization with a conservative competitive strategy possesses a more centralized information systems function than an organization with an aggressive competitive strategy. This means that user departments in a conservative organization have less control over their information technology function than user departments in a aggressive organization. These findings provide additional support for the organizational fit concept - that the conformity between information technology structure and overall organizational context variables, including competitive strategy, is instrumental to the successful implementation of information technology systems.
289 citations
TL;DR: In a survey of perceptual differences about job skills, job roles, and non-salary incentives of systems analysts, results show that analysts and users differ significantly in their perceptions of skills and roles for systems analysts.
Abstract: System analysts are service providers who are required to work closely with users for the purpose of defining, developing and implementing computer-based systems. Analysts and users in private organizations may have different expectations and proficiencies than those in public organizations, in part due to the types of applications required. Beliefs about how others are supposed to perform and what motivates them contribute to a variety of behavioral responses. Conflict between analysts and users may have serious consequences that can be very costly, such as poorly developed systems, behavioral dysfunctions (e.g., mistrust, avoidance, rejection), and negative user satisfaction. An interesting research question is whether perceptual differences exist among systems analysts and users about how systems analysts perform their jobs, as well as whether the perceptions are the same for public and private organizations. In a survey of perceptual differences about job skills, job roles, and non-salary incentives of systems analysts, results from872 questionnaires show that analysts and users differ significantly in their perceptions of skills and roles for systems analysts. Public and private systems analysts and users differ significantly on perception of all three measures. The results provide evidence that analysts, more so than users, recognize the importance of behavioral skills for effective development. This difference may be a major source of conflict, with users expecting analysts to exhibit technical skills in situations where behavioral skills are required. Public and private sector differences suggest that even though the process of systems development may be very similar, users and analysts in public organizations may, in fact, be different than their counterparts in private organizations. An exploration of these sector differences should be addressed by future research. Information systems managers may use the results to guide educational programs for users, develop better assessment measures for analysts, and establish better mechanisms for providing important non-salary incentives for analysts.
198 citations
TL;DR: Control architectures and concerns associated with EDI, the movement of information electronically between a buyer and seller for purposes of facilitating a business transaction, and related audit tools are outlined.
Abstract: Electronic data interchange (EDI) is the movement of information electronically between a buyer and seller for purposes of facilitating a business transaction. EDI represents a powerful application of computer-communications technology. Its value includes such benefits as reduced paperwork, elimination of data entry overheads, improved accuracy, timely information receipt, accelerated cash flow, and reduced inventories.
EDI brings with it, however, new and important control considerations. This article discusses, in a non-technical fashion, the control architectures and concerns associated with EDI. Audit considerations in the EDI environment, as well as related audit tools, are also outlined.
179 citations
TL;DR: This article discusses major issues raised by the authors and several senior information technology executives in large corporations that affect the way technology is introduced and used in major corporations now and in the future.
Abstract: This article discusses major issues raised by the authors and several senior information technology executives in large corporations that affect the way technology is introduced and used in major corporations.
These issues and "drivers" (primary causes of change) are likely to have the most significant impact on the management of information technology within corporations now and in the future. If these drivers are acknowledge as real (or validated by research as real), then the understanding of their impacts on both corporate organization and technology management would very much benefit by research. This article suggests some of the directions such research could take.
The article is essentially a preview from the top of the intertwining of business, industrial operations, and technology management for the next five to ten years. Most of the issues, and their consequences, are subject to continuing research by the President's Council of the Society for Information Management.
120 citations
TL;DR: The salient finding was that the most influential variable is the distribution of decision-making processes in the organization, and the more decision making is distributed, the more hardware is distributed.
Abstract: This article discusses the findings of an empirical study conducted on 303 organizations. The major purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between various organizational attributes and the deployment of hardware resources. The salient finding was that the most influential variable is the distribution of decision-making processes in the organization. The more decision making is distributed, the more hardware is distributed. No significant relationships were detected between hardware distribution and any of the following variables: organizational structure, economic sectorial association, and the size of the organization.
TL;DR: While not a rigorous scientific treatment of the subject, the classroom experiences reported here may be helpful for IS faculty and IS trainers as they develop improved ethics instruction.
Abstract: The recent series of ethics violations in business (e.g., insider trading) has caused a number of firms to begin courses in ethics for employees. Unless professionals improve their ethical practices, legislation will force them to do so. The ACM and DPMA curriculum recommendations include ethics topics. An important issue is the proper education of IS students to deal with on-the-job ethical situations. Unfortunately, ethics education gets lost among the myriad of subjects to be taught in IS courses. But there is an effective pedagogical approach for this material. The approach requires students to determine how they would act in various ethical scenarios. This "personalization" method may be the first step toward proper ethical behavior in the workplace. While not a rigorous scientific treatment of the subject, the classroom experiences reported here may be helpful for IS faculty and IS trainers as they develop improved ethics instruction.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the development of an instrument to measure the perceptions of fairness or equity experienced by users in the context of allocation of information systems resources by the centralized MIS function.
Abstract: This article reports the development of an instrument to measure the perceptions of fairness or equity experienced by users in the context of allocation of information systems resources by the centralized MIS function. Literature in the area of equity and social justice is presented to identify the dimensions of equity relevant to the MIS environment. The article presents the results of data analysis on a cross-sectional survey conducted to refine and evaluate the instrument. Support for reliability and validity of the instrument is presented. Possible applications of the instrument are discussed in the concluding section.
TL;DR: It is suggested that failure to address the uncertainty and equivocality that exist during the development and implementation of a new management information system is a major reason why projects fail.
Abstract: This article suggests that failure to address the uncertainty and equivocality that exist during the development and implementation of a new management information system is a major reason why projects fail. Uncertainty and equivocality occur naturally at different intensities in the various stages of the systems development life cycle. They can also be introduced into the situation based on the level of technology of the new system. Specific management tools that can be effective for reducing uncertainty, resolving equivocality, or both, are presented and evaluated according to the capability of each for eliminating such conditions. General guidelines concerning application of the framework are provided for managers.
TL;DR: A reconstruction is necessary, one in which the repair and ongoing development of installed systems is given proper emphasis and strategic recognition.
Abstract: Today's typical information systems (IS) organization clings to the belief that it is primarily in the new system development business, a notion based increasingly on substantial self-deception. In reality, many IS development staffs now devote the majority of their efforts to the repair and enhancement of currently installed systems. This "maintenance" task, as it is commonly termed, is widely misunderstood, misrepresented, and undervalued. A reconstruction is necessary, one in which the repair and ongoing development of installed systems is given proper emphasis and strategic recognition.
TL;DR: While firm support is found for the assumption that the level of information attributes varies across system type in the direction postulated, there is evidence that the ability to differentiate the component attributes is affected by such factors as field dependency and mode of presentation.
Abstract: The role of frameworks in information systems has recently received a great deal of critical attention. One prominent indictment, which has been directed at even commonly accepted frameworks, is that they lack empirical support, and in fact are not constructed in operational terminology. This article reports the results of an experimental lab study using MBA students as subjects to investigate the tenants of the Gorry and Scott Morton framework (Gorry and Scott Morton, 1971). While firm support is found for the assumption that the level of information attributes varies across system type in the direction postulated, there is evidence that the ability to differentiate the component attributes is affected by such factors as field dependency and mode of presentation.
TL;DR: New categories of design and/or development effort need to be added to the traditional systems development stages, termed user factor stages, because these efforts differ from the traditional feasibility studies, requirements analyses, and tests that are currently conducted.
Abstract: The gathering of a variety of human-oriented information is vital in the development stages of a software system. This information can be applied at a given stage to improve the human-computer interface of the software product. To reflect this, new categories of design and/or development effort need to be added tot he traditional systems development stages. These efforts, termed user factor stages, differ from the traditional feasibility studies, requirements analyses, and tests that are currently conducted. The stages offer a flexible series of techniques, which can be compared and contrasted in terms of their expected information benefit, cost, and reliability of data obtained. As a concrete example, the development of a forms interface to a relational database management system illustrates these techniques.
TL;DR: Several key components in effective partnership -- shared knowledge, shared commitment, and shared decision making -- were encouraged and supported by Baxter's seven-month planning effort and the role of this effort in building the partnership.
Abstract: In mid-1987, Baxter Healthcare Corporation undertook a major IS strategic planning study on the heels of the company's merger with American Hospital Supply. Central to this planning effort was the building of a new level of partnership between business and IS managers in the new corporation. This article describes Baxter's seven-month planning effort and the role of this effort in building the partnership. Two specific planning behaviors are noted for their contribution: dual purpose executive interviews, designed to both elicit information and provide a basis for executive understanding of planning options; and "micro" and "macro" analysis template, which served to focus and clarify planning activities and options at both local and global levels within the firm. Several key components in effective partnership -- shared knowledge, shared commitment, and shared decision making -- were therefore encouraged and supported by this approacy.
TL;DR: The risks associated with three ways of implementing the micro-mainframe link are evaluated and procedures for controlling these risks are suggested.
Abstract: This article examines the impact on computer security and data integrity of linking personal computers in user departments with the corporate mainframe computer. It describes the results of a survey of experts in computer security and integrity. In this survey, participants identified those security and integrity controls that become critical because of the micro-mainframe link. The risks associated with three ways of implementing the link are evaluated and procedures for controlling these risks are suggested.
TL;DR: The results suggest that naturalness and performance are differentially sensitive to task contingencies and that conceptual ease of use may be an unreliable predictor of a DSS's effect on performance.
Abstract: Two objectives in the design of decision support systems (DSS) are to improve decision-making performance and to use DSS modeling forms that are natural, that is, to adopt modeling paradigms that are congruent with decision makers' conceptual models of decision tasks. By accomplishing the latter objective, a DSS should enjoy better conceptual ease of use and face validity. However, past research finds that DSS deemed natural for a task by decision makers, DSS designers, and researchers alike, often do not improve (or even hinder) performance; the inverse also occurs. Further decision-making behavior seems quite sensitive to minor task differences. How reliably are decision model natural ness and performance related? This study utilizes the bootstrapping paradigm of psychological research to help answer this question. In assessing the naturalness and performance of differing model paradigms over time and across levels of task complexity, no single, systematic pattern emerges. But the results suggest that naturalness and performance are differentially sensitive to task contingencies. For example, while relative performance is stable over time only in the low complexity condition, relative naturalness is stable over time only int the intermediate complexity condition. One implication of the results is that conceptual ease of use may be an unreliable predictor of a DSS's effect on performance. DSS mechanisms may help decision makers better analyze model naturalness and performance.
TL;DR: This examination identifies three factors that affect the fairness perceptions of autonomous divisional managers: a high degree of interdependence between user divisions and MIS such that the behavior of MIS could have a significant impact on divisional performance.
Abstract: Problems can arise in decentralized organizations when usage-based chargeback systems are implemented to control computing resources. A case study of a company that is changing from negotiated pricing to full cost pricing illustrates the fact that concerns about fairness can arise not only with respect to specific characteristics of the chargeback system (e.g., understandability, controllability), but also as a result of central management policies governing internal transactions between the users and MIS. In particular, this examination identifies three factors that affect the fairness perceptions of autonomous divisional managers: (1) a high degree of interdependence between user divisions and MIS such that the behavior of MIS could have a significant impact on divisional performance; (2) restrictions on divisional managers' freedom to purchase computer services from external sources; and (3) the tendency for full cost to exceed market prices early in the life of a data center. A dual pricing approach may be an interim solution to reduce conflict and improve user perceptions of fairness.
TL;DR: Logic programming is investigated as a vehicle for structuring and implementing decision support systems, with particular attention paid to those dealing with financial modeling.
Abstract: Logic programming is investigated as a vehicle for structuring and implementing decision support systems, with particular attention paid to those dealing with financial modeling. This approach to model building, analyzing, and interfacing is compared to currently popular paradigms such as spreadsheet systems and financial modeling languages. The logic programming approach is shown to subsume these in expressive power and permit the incorporation of important capabilities not currently available. Examples operationalizing some of the concepts using the logic programming language Prolog are given.
TL;DR: This study used three market segments and proposed two services to cater to their needs and indicated that a software quality assurance certificate would benefit users and demonstrate how marketing research techniques can be applied to assess market acceptability.
Abstract: An analysis of the opinions of decision makers who select software for business use indicated that a software quality assurance certificate would add value to and confidence in a software product. Marketing research techniques were used to obtain and analyze data from business users of software. Their problems, anxieties, influences on software choice, the value of a certificate in the choice process, and the importance of auditing the various aspects of the software development process were assessed. The findings indicate that such a certificate would benefit users and demonstrate how marketing research techniques can be applied to assess market acceptability. This study used three market segments and proposed two services to cater to their needs.
TL;DR: Experience with this expert system serves as a base point of how a company can develop its own expert systems strategy, which includes searching for feasible applications, determining the resources required, and establishing the right organizational environment.
Abstract: Bull HN Worldwide Information Systems planned and implemented an expert system that is being used for trouble-shooting the maintenance of its page printing system, a complex product akin to a printing press. Important aspects of the design and development of this expert system include stressing people skills, needing an expert willing to have his expertise cloned, and having a knowledge engineer able to translate the expert's experience into decision rules. This case study covers how the project was selected, how the benefits were determined, and how the implementation strategy has evolved, including future plans for enhancement and extension. Experience with this system serves as a base point of how a company can develop its own expert systems strategy, which includes searching for feasible applications, determining the resources required, and establishing the right organizational environment. Expert systems, although focused on a well-defined problem domain, can provide a company with competitive advantage.
TL;DR: Key factors for successful centralization of data processing procurement in organization are identified and future challenges facing the function are described.
Abstract: This article describes the approach taken by First Interstate Services Company to reduce data processing costs by centralizing the procurement of hardware, software, and services. Because this functional centralization was counter to First Interstate's decentralized culture, its formation and development required careful planning and implementation to gain acceptance. Over time, beneficial innovations and significant, well-documented cost reductions generated acceptance and support for this centralized function. This article identifies key factors for successful centralization of data processing procurement in organization and describes future challenges facing the function.
TL;DR: Journals and periodicals are a major part of the formal communication system for exchanging information and in today's information age, this process is occurring in the broad areas of data processing, information management, management information systems, computer information systems and the management and behavioral sciences.
Abstract: Journals and periodicals are a major part of the formal communication system for exchanging information. Through this exchange, a developmental and unifying process that tends to define a body of knowledge tasks place. In today's information age, this process is occurring in the broad areas of data processing, information management, management information systems, computer information systems, and the management and behavioral sciences.
TL;DR: The design, implementation, and post-implementation evaluation of the corporate data transport system used at Wisconsin Bell, Inc. to aid distributed inter-department decision making are described.
Abstract: This article describes the design, implementation, and post-implementation evaluation of the corporate data transport system used at Wisconsin Bell, Inc. to aid distributed inter-department decision making. Elements of the system's architecture include a user-friendly executive support system, enhanced professional/managerial workstation environments, and a common presentation system that integrates multiple heterogeneous systems, thus creating "virtual homogeneity" of information presentation throughout the organization. The system has been developed to connect geographically dispersed executives and professionals from different functional areas, regardless of hardware, software, and data configurations. The intent of the system is to allow its users to share information and work together as a single operating entity and integrated planning unit. Key success factors leading to the system's use over a three-year period are explored, along with unanticipated limiting factors.
TL;DR: The considerations for implementing a corporate videotex utility and the benefits that can be realized from this approach are described.
Abstract: Several years ago, Digital Equipment Corporation began using corporate videotex to electronically distribute document-based information throughout its many worldwide locations. Today, information management and technology professionals at Digital are applying their expertise to the evolution and support of the world's largest network-based corporate videotex utility, serving over 100,000 users worldwide with over 100 major applications. This article describes the considerations for implementing a corporate videotex utility and the benefits that can be realized from this approach.
TL;DR: The telemarketing service effort of AT&T American Transtech is described and the lessons learned could be applied to other information management organizations.
Abstract: Telemarketing is a growth industry that falls within the realm of information management. The telemarketing services provided by AT&T American Transtech grew from non-existence to a position of leadership in the industry in just four years. The organization was able to accomplish this feat with a total systems approach using innovation methods for approaching and satisfying new markets. Hardware innovations, including the use of ISDN, along with a humanized implementation, have been combined in this successful effort. This article describes the telemarketing service effort of American Transtech and the lessons learned that could be applied to other information management organizations.
TL;DR: Drawing on experience at management schools, general course design principles, resolution of issues on content requirements and delivery, implementation issues, and current and future problems related to the effective integration of topics that have traditionally been addressed in DSci, MIS, and MDM courses are addressed.
Abstract: The essence of management is decision making. Decision making requires the availability and proper use of data. Three evolving technologies relate to the support of decision making: information processing, decision science methods, and organization of decision makers and decision processes. More and more, because of technological developments and increased understanding of complex decision situations, these technologies must be seen as an integrated whole in order to support efficient and effective decision making. Within organizations, different groups are often charged with each of the three technologies that should support decision making. As a result, we often experience problems where the data is unavailable, is not compatible with the analyses desired, or is not relevant to the decision-making processes that managers wish to use. A substantive integration of these support groups and their expertise would help.
Acting as a change agent, business and management schools can develop a conceptualization of the three technology areas that integrates them with respect to terminology. They can also develop a unified set of general constructs that carry throughout each of the areas. Further, a new series of core courses can be developed that present the integrated technology subjects in a logical sequence.
Management schools have been concerned with teaching concepts and skills related to data acquisition, manipulation, and presentation to their students for some time. However, in organizing the delivery of data-handling concepts and skills, these schools have relied on courses from various disciplines such as decision sciences (DSci), management information systems (MIS), and managerial decision making (MDM). These courses in management school curricula are generally redundant, use similar terminology differently, and are not mutually supportive.
This article focuses on the design and delivery of an integrated sequence of core courses that addresses the three technology areas. Drawing on experience at our own schools, we address general course design principles, resolution of issues on content requirements and delivery, implementation issues, and current and future problems related to the effective integration of topics that have traditionally been addressed in DSci, MIS, and MDM courses.