Christine T. Kydd

Individual characteristics associated with World Wide Web use: an empirical study of playfulness and motivation

This study examines the influence of the individual characteristic of playfulness on the use of the World Wide Web (WWW). Previous research suggests that microcomputer playfulness has an effect on computer usage in general, and we found support for a similar relationship in WWW use. Two samples of students were surveyed in this study; one consisting of undergraduate students and the other comprised of graduate students. Our findings also suggest that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect WWW use differentially for entertainment purposes and for course work purposes. Our study confirms previous research in that we found that ability to use the computer has a positive effect on WWW usage.

Understanding the information content in MIS management tools

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.

Managerial use of video conferencing

Abstract The use of video conferencing systems (VCS) for meetings that transcend geographical dispersion in the workplace has increased significantlu in recent years. But, where do video conferencing systems fit in relation to traditional communication media used in the workplace? Research suggests that VCS is somewhere between the telephone and face-to-face meetings in terms of media richness. Guidelines on how to use this technology more efficiently and effectively focus on the type of meeting, the emotional content of the situation, the number of sites and individuals included and preparation for the meeting itself. Appropriate use of VCS promises to provide great benefits in productivity.

Student Preferences for Cybersearch Strategies: Impact on Critical Evaluation of Sources

Abstract For this study, students were exposed to reality learning requiring them to make a business decision on the basis of information gathered via several different information search strategies. Results show that students enjoyed using the World Wide Web more than traditional library search tools to find information. In addition, they perceived information found on the Web to be more trustworthy than that found through other strategies. These findings alert faculty to the need to guide students when gathering data from online sources. Suggestions are made for assisting students to evaluate the validity and accuracy of information from all sources.

Cognitive biases in the use of computer-based decision support systems

When cognitive biases interfere with the decision-making process, they can seriously influence the quality of the final decision. Such biases may also, therefore, be limiting the effective use of computer-based decision support systems. Thus, it is important to determine whether or not biases can be ameliorated during decision-making when the process is supported by a computerized system and, if so, how this debiasing can be achieved. This paper suggests several ways of debiasing individuals in a computer-supported decision process and presents the results of a study which tests one debiasing method. Results indicate that biases do hamper computer-supported decision-making and that debiasing may be very difficult to achieve.

An information processing framework for understanding success and failure of MIS development methodologies

Abstract Organizations seeking to improve systems development performance have implemented a variety of project methodologies. The success of these efforts has been mixed. Some organizations have found that implementation of a systems development methodology leads to on-time, within budget project completions with improved productivity; others have experienced reduced productivity. This paradox can be explained by viewing both systems development and the methodology development in terms of two key information processes - uncertainty reduction and equivocality resolution. Project methodologies that are implemented with the procedures, definitions, and policies necessary to reduce the uncertainty and resolve the equivocality associated with the systems development process can be successful only if the management of the process allows those mechanisms to be fully utilized. Implementation experiences with a particular methodology in different environments discussed here demonstrates that equivocality resolution during the implementation process is critical to realizing improved productivity. Suggestions for management action necessary to resolve equivocality during the implementation of a systems development methodology are discussed.

Corporate productivity and shared information technology

Abstract Corporations have made large investments in information technology over the past thirty years. The current trend is to continue this investment in shared information technology (SIT), including such tools as electronic mail, distributed databases, teleconferencing, and group decision support systems. However, investment in SIT may not be appropriate for or beneficial to every company. This paper suggests that in order for SIT to be successfully implemented within a firm the corporate culture must be one that supports the sharing of information across traditional organizational boundaries. Further, the particular SIT tool selected must allow the same type of communication to take place as does the traditional communications mechanism that it is intended to replace. General guidelines are given for firms concerning conditions under which high return SIT can be implemented.

Computer supported cooperative work tools and media richness: an integration of the literature

An evaluation is given of the successes and failures of computer supported cooperative work tools in terms of a behavioral theory which suggests that information processing occurs during group work to: reduce uncertainty and resolve equivocality. Matching the situation with the appropriate tool is important to implementation success. If uncertainty is the issue, then tools which transmit relatively large amounts of neutral information, such as electronic messaging systems are predicted to be most useful. If equivocality is the issue, then those tools which are media rich should be most helpful. Results in terms of how systems are actually used are surprising.<<ETX>>

I Don't Care What They Say, as Long as They Spell My Name Right Publicity, Reputation and Turnover

Managers receive numerous signals from their organizations regarding future career possibilities. Such signals can be interpreted in a variety of ways and can have important implications for future behavior on the job. In a field experiment, four organizational signals were presented to 157 middle-level managers in Fortune 500 companies. The effects of those signals on perceptions of reputation and the subsequent effect of reputation on turnover intentions were examined. Results of repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance indicated that both signal characteristics examined, the sign and level of publicity of the signal, as well as their interaction, had significant effects on perceived internal and external reputation. Multiple regression analyses found that perceptions of external reputation were significantly associated with an increased probability of search and probability of leaving, but not with intentions to leave the present organization. Implications for organizations concerning the communication of feedback to managers are discussed.

The Effectiveness of Using a Web-Based Applet to Teach Concepts of Linear Programming: An Experiment in Active Learning

The graphical solution method to a two-variable linear program LP provides valuable insights about the general nature of multivariable linear programming models. As a result, introductory operations research/management science textbooks typically present a graphical solution method to a two-variable LP as a prelude to the presentation of more complex problems. Construction of a two-dimensional feasible region combined with iso-profit or iso-cost lines on a blackboard or overhead projector can be tedious, at best. Even with tools such as PowerPoint, that include drawing tools, it is difficult to show students what happens in a graphical LP as constraint lines and iso-profit lines shift around on a graph. To overcome this hurdle, this paper presents a Web-based Java script applet that was used by both instructors and students to graphically illustrate/learn fundamental concepts of LP models. It then describes the results of a study that compares student performance on exams of those who did use the applet versus those who did not. Results show that the students who used the applet to learn about LP concepts performed significantly better than those who did not. Implications for using such active learning techniques and models in the classroom are discussed.