Gholamreza Torkzadeh

The measurement of end-user computing satisfaction

This article contrasts traditional versus end-user computing environments and report on the development of an instrument which merges ease of use and information product items to measure the satisfaction of users who directly interact with the computer for a specific application. Using a survey of 618 end users, the researchers conducted a factor analysis and modified the instrument. The results suggest a 12-item instrument that measures five components of end-user satisfaction - content, accuracy, format, ease of use, and timeliness. Evidence of the instruments discriminant validity is presented. Reliability and validity is assessed by nature and type of application. Finally, standards for evaluating end-user applications are presented, and the instruments usefulness for achieving more precision in research questions is explored.

A confirmatory factor analysis of the end-user computing satisfaction instrument

The dimensionality of the user satisfaction construct is an important theoretical issue that has received considerable attention. Focusing on end users who directly interact with application software, Doll and Torkzadeah (1988) develop a 12-item application specific instrument for providing an overall assessment of end-user computing satisfaction (EUCS). They also contend that EUCS is comprised of five component measures (content, accuracy, format, ease of use, timeliness) that explain the construct and permit more precision in formulating and testing research hypotheses. The acceptance of the EUCS as a standardized instrument requires confirmation that it explains and measures the user satisfaction construct.Based on a sample of 409 respondents from 18 organizations, this research uses confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL) to test alternative models of underlying factor structure and assess the reliability and validity of factors and items. Without respecifying the model, the results provide some support for Doll and Torkzadehs proposed model of the five first-order factors and one second-order (higher-order) factor. Thus the evidence supports the use of: (1) the 12-item instrument as an overall measure of EUCS; and (2) the five component factors for explaining the EUCS construct.

Measuring Factors that Influence the Success of Internet Commerce

Efforts to develop measures of Internet commerce success have been hampered by (1) the rapid development and use of Internet technologies and (2) the lack of conceptual bases necessary to develop success measures. In a recent study, Keeney (1999) proposed two sets of variables labeled asmeans objectives andfundamental objectives that influence Internet shopping. Means objectives, he argues, help businesses achieve what is important for their customers--fundamental objectives. Based on Keeneys work, this paper describes the development of two instruments that together measure the factors that influence Internet commerce success. One instrument measures the means objectives that influence online purchase (e.g., Internet vendor trust) and the other measures the fundamental objectives that customers perceive to be important for Internet commerce (e.g., Internet product value). In phase one of the instrument development process, we generated 125 items for means and fundamental objectives. Using a sample of 199 responses by individuals with Internet shopping experience, these constructs were examined for reliability and validity. The Phase 1 results suggested a 4-factor, 21-item instrument to measure means objectives and a 4-factor, 17-item instrument to measure fundamental objectives. In Phase 2 of the instrument development process, we gathered a sample of 421 responses to further explore the 2 instruments. With minor modifications, the Phase 2 data support the 2 models. The Phase 2 results suggest a 5-factor, 21-item instrument that measures means objectives in terms ofInternet product choice, online payment, Internet vendor trust, shopping travel, andInternet shipping errors. Results also suggest a 4-factor, 16-item instrument that measures fundamental objectives in terms ofInternet shopping convenience, Internet ecology, Internet customer relation, andInternet product value. Evidence of reliability and discriminant, construct, and content validity is presented for the hypothesized measurement models. The paper concludes with discussions on the usefulness of these measures and future research ideas.

Value‐focused assessment of information system security in organizations

Abstract.  Information system (IS) security continues to present a challenge for executives and professionals. A large part of IS security research is technical in nature with limited consideration of people and organizational issues. The study presented in this paper adopts a broader perspective and presents an understanding of IS security in terms of the values of people from an organizational perspective. It uses the value‐focused thinking approach to identify ‘fundamental’ objectives for IS security and ‘means’ of achieving them in an organization. Data for the study were collected through in‐depth interviews with 103 managers about their values in managing IS security. Interview results suggest 86 objectives that are essential in managing IS security. The 86 objectives are organized into 25 clusters of nine fundamental and 16 means categories. These results are validated by a panel of seven IS security experts. The findings suggest that for maintaining IS security in organizations, it is necessary to go beyond technical considerations and adopt organizationally grounded principles and values.

Effects of training on Internet self-efficacy and computer user attitudes

Abstract This article reports on the effects of training on Internet self-efficacy and computer user attitudes. Using a 17-item Internet self-efficacy scale and a 20-item computer user attitude scale in a sample of 189, the relationship between training and computer user attitude and Internet self-efficacy is examined. Survey responses were collected at both the beginning and end of an introductory computer course. Results suggest that training significantly improved Internet self-efficacy for males and females. Respondents with ‘high’ and ‘low’ attitude toward computers seem to equally benefit from training programs. However, respondents with ‘high’ attitude toward computers had higher self-efficacy scores than respondents with ‘low’ attitude toward computers. Training programs did not seem to influence attitudes toward computer usage for males or females. Implications of these findings are discussed and further research opportunities described.

Information systems offshoring: research status and issues

well. The new realities of outsourcing and offshoring present information systems executives with legal, cultural, and managerial challenges that are not yet fully understood and educators with questions concerning appropriate curricula for the new environment. Because, there is little empirical research published in scholarly IS journals about the offshore outsourcing of information system activities and its impact on education and practice, the intent of the editors for this special issue of MIS Quarterlyis to bring together a set of high quality papers that will (1) describe the state of IS offshore outsourcing practice, (2) provide a select sample of research findings, and (3) sug gest potential future research in this domain.

The Meaning and Measurement of User Satisfaction: A Multigroup Invariance Analysis of the End-User Computing Satisfaction Instrument

Although user satisfaction is widely used by researchers and practitioners to evaluate information system success, important issues related to its meaning and measurement across population subgroups have not been adequately resolved. To be most useful in decision-making, instruments like end-user computing satisfaction (EUCS), which are designed to evaluate system success, should be robust. That is, they should enable comparisons by providing equivalent measurement across diverse samples that represent the variety of conditions or population subgroups present in organizations. Using a sample of 1,166 responses, the EUCS instrument is tested for measurement invariance across four dimensions--respondent positions, types of application, hardware platforms, and modes of development. While the results suggest that the meaning of user satisfaction is context sensitive and differs across population subgroups, the 12 measurement items are invariant across all four dimensions. The 12-item summed scale enables researchers or practitioners to compare EUCS scores across the instruments originally intended universe of applicability.

Development and validation of an Internet self-efficacy scale

The self-efficacy construct is a useful base for developing measures of the individuals self-perception and self-competency in interacting with the Internet. Using 277 responses, a 17-item Internet self-efficacy scale is developed and validated. A principal factor analysis of the scale supported a conceptually meaningful three-factor model with high alpha reliabilities. The recommended three-factor 17-item instrument measures Internet self-efficacy in terms of surfing/browsing, encryption/decryption and system manipulation. Evidence of reliability and construct validity is presented for the hypothesized measurement model and future research is discussed.

Measures of perceived end-user computing skills

Effective use of information technology (IT) is considered a major determinant of economic growth, competitive advantage, productivity, and even personal competency. End-user computing (EUC) skills influence how well this IT is used by the individuals within organizations. This article reports on the development of an instrument for measuring perceived end-user computing skills. Using a survey of 282 respondents, we conducted a factor analysis and propose a 12-item instrument that measures end-user computing knowledge and ability. Reliability and validity of the instrument is presented. The instruments theoretical and practical applications are discussed.

Managing telecommunications by steering committee

The increasing need for integration and the rapid growth of online systems have made telecommbnications a vital part of management i formation systems (MIS). In search of competitive advantage, organizations make significant in. vestments in telecomunications. Telecommunications management is becoming a top priority of information systems executives. The MIS fiterature suggests that steering committees are effective means of managing information systems. However, there is no information on how steering committees impact the management of the telecommunications function. Drawing on organizational theory and MIS literature, a framework is presented that relates firm size and telecommunications teering committees to planning practices and organizational recognition and support. Using a survey of 137 organizations, this framework is examined. The results of this exploratory research suggest that use of a telecommunications steering committee is associated An earlier version of this adicle was presented at the DSI National Conference in Miami, Florida, November 1991.