Mary C. Jones

Firms that choose outsourcing: a profile

Abstract A nationwide survey of senior Information Systems (IS) managers in U.S. organizations reveals several structural and managerial characteristics of organizations that outsource one or more IS activities. The characteristics include organizational position of the IS manager, CEO involvement in IS (e.g., presence on an IS steering committee and personal use of computers), and IS performance. Outsourcing activities examined are hardware (e.g., network, PC, workstation, minicomputer, and mainframe maintenance and support); software (e.g., contract programming and software support/ training) and comprehensive management activities (e.g., facility management and systems integration). Apparently CEOs who are heavily involved in a steering committee are the least likely to outsource. CEOs that actively use computers are more likely to outsource specific hardware and software activities, whereas CEOs who do not personally use a computer are more likely to outsource comprehensive management activities. In addition, the distance between the CEO and the IS manager is a factor: further distance makes it more likely that IS functions are outsourced. Industry leaders are among the smallest proportion of outsourcing firms, whereas close followers are the largest.

User Satisfaction with EDI: An Empirical Investigation

This study was undertaken to identify antecedents of user satisfaction with EDI systems by surveying key end users of EDI in a variety of firms across the United States. Although there is much empirical evidence about factors underlying EDI adoption and implementation, there is little information from the perspective of the end user. The vast majority of what we know about EDI success or failure is based on the EDI managers or IT perspective. However, there is evidence that suggests if users are not satisfied with a system, they will not use it. Thus, a study of user satisfaction with EDI can provide firms seeking to better leverage their EDI investment with a different and useful perspective on factors that underlie EDI. Two findings indicate that the greater the perceived benefits of EDI, the greater the user satisfaction; and the more compatible EDI is with existing organizational practices and systems, the more satisfied the users are with the system. Although EDI managers may have suspected this was true, empirical support of heretofore largely anecdotal evidence has several implications for successfully managing EDI adoption and integration. These implications hold not only for the adopting firm, but also for firms that may require, or are considering requiring, trading partners to implement EDI. Finally, implications for future EDI research are discussed.

Current practices in management information systems

Abstract The results of a nationwide survey of U.S. systems analysts chosen from firms listed in Standard and Poors Register of Corporations, Directors, and Executives are presented. Respondents are highly experienced analysts who work with large-scale information systems projects in mature IS environments. Technical, organizational, and intrinsic facets of the information systems development process are assessed. Findings of the study indicate that while these facets of the development process are changing, the changes are not occurring as rapidly as the literature often suggests. Systems flowcharts continue to be the most widely used systems development tool. Relatively newer products such as CASE tools are used by over one-half of analysts, yet their benefits are not being fully exploited.

Perceptions of computer viruses: a cross-cultural assessment

This paper provides an empirical assessment of cross-cultural differences in perceptions of computer viruses. Results of a survey of 642 business students from the USA and Taiwan reveal both similarities and differences between the two groups. Variables on which the two groups differ include computer experience, exposure to computer viruses, and educational background. The survey provides measures of general perceptions and awareness levels of viruses as well as beliefs about personal susceptibility and about the effect of viruses on the workplace.

Developing an Instrument to Measure Computer Literacy

AbstractAlthough computer literacy is critical to functioning in today’s society, there has been little effort to develop and test adequate measures of this construct. “In point of fact, most of our measures are only measures because someone says that they are, not because they have been shown to satisfy standard measurement criteria” (Jacoby, 1978, p. 87). This study is an attempt to develop such a measurement instrument for computer literacy. The reliability and validity of an objective computer literacy measurement instrument are assessed using longitudinal and cross-sectional data. Longitudinal data have been collected from this instrument over a five-year period. In addition, results of the instrument are compared to results of another, more subjective computer literacy measurement instrument for which adequate measurement properties have been demonstrated in prior research.

Electronic Data Interchange: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Key Usage Aspects Between U.S. and Taiwanese Firms

Abstract This study provides a comparison of cross-cultural differences in the use of EDI between 81 firms in the U.S. and 67 firms in Taiwan. Most of these firms were using traditional VAN mediated EDI, and had been influenced by some type of external pressure to use. The motivation for this study was to assess whether the Western model of EDI usage that most research is based on is applicable across cultures. Findings reveal that there are few differences between firms in the two countries with respect to type of benefits realized, compatibility of EDI with existing processes, and degree of integration of EDI in the firm or in the network of trading partners. However, ex post facto analysis provides further insight into the usage of EDI in both cultures.

International Perspective: Knowledge About Information Technology—A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Abstract This study examined differences between U.S. and Taiwanese students in familiarity with and use of various types of information technology. The study also investigated the cross-cultural differences in sources used by members of each group to learn about information technology, and whether experience, required use in a classroom, and owning a PC affect familiarity/use and learning sources.

Computer Viruses: An Assessment of Student Perceptions

Abstract Virtually every computer installation is susceptible to the damage that computer viruses may cause. Without appropriate precautionary measures, it is difficult to contain/prevent the spread of these unwanted interlopers. The key to such precautionary measures is education about viruses and the damage they can cause. This article presents the findings of a study undertaken to assess what business college students know about viruses. The results indicate that, though the majority of students have some computer virus knowledge, they are surprisingly naive about many aspects of the phenomenon.

Student Perceptions of Computer Viruses: 1991 versus 1993

Abstract Computer viruses—practically unheard of 10 years ago—are a real and common threat to almost every computer installation today. Information systems staff as well as nontechnical users must take precautions to prevent the loss of data and programs that viruses can cause. Education about viruses is vital to their detection and prevention. Results of a comparison between two groups of students—one group surveyed in 1991 and the other in 1993—indicate that students were more aware of viruses and were more active in virus detection and prevention in 1993 than they were 2 years earlier. Findings also indicate that educators are taking steps to ensure this awareness and to facilitate precautionary measures.