E. A. Crable

The Impact of Cognitive Appraisal, Locus of Control, and Level of Exposure on the Computer Anxiety of Novice Computer Users

With the mass introduction of computers in the workplace researchers have spent considerable time, over the last two decades, investigating methods to effectively integrate this technology into the daily routines of employees at all levels within the organization [1–3]. An exogenous variable, and precursor to introduction of computers, is computer anxiety [4–6]. Computer anxiety is generally defined as an anxious response by the individual to the anticipated or actual contact with computers [7]. This article examined the relationship of cognitive appraisal, locus of control, prior exposure, and computer anxiety. It was hypothesized that an individuals appraisal of a computing situation, whether the person was internally or externally focused, and their prior experience with computers would affect their level of computer anxiety as measured by the Computer Concerns Questionnaire. A stepwise multiple regression was performed and the results indicated that cognitive appraisal and exposure were significant predictors of computer anxiety. The authors conclude that early assessments of a novice users appraisal of the situation should be used to tailor training programs to the specific individuals needs.

Learning About Women, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and the Environment in India: A Case Study

On a recent semester-long stay in India, students from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) learned about a variety of social and economic development issues, with an emphasis on the role and status of women. This study describes and assesses the impact and effectiveness of their learning with a particular focus on their exposure to Meerut Seva Samaj (MSS), one economic development initiative concentrating on rural women.The Indian economy has recently witnessed an increase in entrepreneurship among women. Entrepreneurship often allows women to engage in home-based work so that they still can attend to their domestic duties, while also helping to financially support the family. Banks, companies, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are finding that offering micro-credit, or small loans, and other types of entrepreneurial assistance can help women start businesses. Meerut Seva Samaj provides a concrete example of how Indian women, especially in rural areas, can become successful entrepreneurs with the help of technology, training and other resources. MSS also assists local communities in the use of biogas, an environmentally friendly energy source that improves the environment and fertility of land in rural areas. The study places this service learning case study from India in the context of the literature on women, economic development, entrepreneurship and environmental issues.

Stakeholder Influence and ERP Implementation in Higher Education

This paper examines the influence of stakeholders on ERP implementation in higher education. We conducted an exploratory case study of a leading private university in MidWest USA using multiple sources of evidence.and data gathering approaches (interviews, observations, historical document reviews) grounded on prior findings in the ERP literature. Stakeholder theory enables us to see different stakeholders, what their stakes might likely be and dzferent power plays in the implementation process. Weicks (1976) concept of loosely coupled systems suited our understanding of the university and its composition of many stakeholders. We found that a decision to acquire an ERP system along with a particular vendor may be largely controlled by those who control the scarce resources. The university depends on the cooperation of the end users of the ERP systems for the outcome of its implementation, but management needs to consider the influence of the end users and their stake for efective implementation. Keyword: stakeholder theory, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, ERP, higher education, loosely coupled system

ERP Implementation in Higher Education: An Account of Pre-Implementation and Implementation Phases

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems long have been known as systems that bring integration to numerous business activities within complex organizations. However, in today’s contemporary organizations, ERP systems are becoming a standard information system, irrespective of size and nature of the business. This case focuses on the implementation of an ERP system in higher education. The case covers the key stages of implementation. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of the ERP system and the organizational dynamics involved. The implementation of the first two modules and the views of users are discussed. The depth of the case can enable managers to understand the complexity of an ERP system selection and the organizational issues involved. The analysis of the case sheds light on the activities involved in ERP projects and what to expect during the implementation stage.

Mobile Business Intelligence

Demand for business intelligence BI applications continues to grow at a rapid pace. Business intelligence via mobile devices is the latest frontier to drive demand among organizations interested in BI applications. However, mobile BI is still in its infancy. There are many opportunities to advance the way users use and interact with BI applications using mobile BI. Nevertheless, there are many challenges and issues that still require attention to attain mobile BI success. This paper highlights the state of mobile BI solutions and strategies to consider during a mobile BI implementation. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities mobile BI presents to organizations.

Psychology of Computer Use: XXII. Preliminary Development of a Measure of Concerns about Computers

A 35-item survey was developed to measure the concerns users of computers faced when developing competency. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded five underlying dimensions. Reliability coefficients were calculated for the total survey and each of the five subscales.

The Intelligent New Business Electronic Application and Automated Underwriting Solution at The Western-Southern Life Insurance Company

Abstract For life insurance companies, the challenge of the new century is to maintain profitability and market share in a rapidly changing business environment, manifested by increased competition and changes to insurance products required by the market. In order to meet these challenges, the Western-Southern Life Insurance Company (WSL) decided to automate their insurance policy application process and reengineer the underwriting process. Their main objectives were to reduce the cost of underwriting, reduce application cycle time and streamline the underwriting process. The result was a business intelligence application known as Intelligent New Business.

Student perceptions on the benefits of audio conferencing in MBA distance learning courses

As businesses increasingly use collaboration tools with audio capabilities to support online meetings, it is important for universities to examine the potential value that similar tools can add to distance learning courses. This study reveals findings from MBA students regarding the perceived benefits of online meetings supported by Wimba Classroom, an online collaboration tool with audio capabilities. The results are benchmarked against the perceived benefits of students who participated in online meetings using Blackboard Virtual Classroom, an online collaboration tool that lacks audio capabilities. The central findings of the study provide evidence to suggest that collaboration tools with audio may be an important component in distance learning courses with synchronous online meetings.

A Template-based Approach to Online Content Delivery: An Alternative to Blackboard

As student access to computers and the Internet becomes more commonplace, professors have come to rely on a variety of tools to deliver course materials for both classroom-based and distance learning courses. Software products such as WebCT, Learning Space, and Blackboard are among the most popular. They all provide the instructor with an easy-to-use environment for delivering content and communicating with students. This paper gives a brief overview of these three products along with a detailed description of an HTML template approach as an alternative to the more costly software tools. Comparisons are made to Blackboard as a representative product based on seven criteria – general design, setup, delivery of materials, interaction, assessment, support and security, and site maintenance. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed.