Nicholas P. Vitalari

Computing in the home: shifts in the time allocation patterns of households

An empirical study of 282 users of home computers was conducted to explore the relationship between computer use and shifts in time allocation patterns in the household. Major changes in time allocated to various activities were detected. Prior experience with computers (i.e., prior to purchase of the home computer) was found to have a significant impact on the time allocation patterns in the household. The study provides evidence that significant behavior changes can occur when people adopt personal computers in their homes.

Knowledge as a basis for expertise in systems analysis: an empirical study

This study explores the content of the systems analysts knowledge base. The study utilizes a protocol analysis methodology in a quasi-experimental research setting to define the types of knowledge used by 18 experienced systems analysts in solving an accounts receivable problem. The study provides preliminary findings regarding the core knowledge utilized by systems analysts, and differences in the knowledge utilized by high- and low-rated analysts.

A post-adoption analysis of computing in the home

Abstract This article discusses how households adapt to an emerging technology, ‘computing in the home’. Using a sample of 282 households who own personal computers, the study examines several issues connected with the patterns of utilization and problems in adopting a new technology. The results show that utilization patterns vary according to prior knowledge, household structure and length of ownership. Implications are drawn for further research in the area of household/technology interaction.

Computing technology for the home: Product strategies for the next generation

Recent developments in the personal and home computer marketplace have raised questions about the effectiveness of current product strategies. In this article, Alladi Venkatesh and Nicholas Vitalari focus on the home computer market which continues to evolve in different ways. Specifically, they identify five technologically oriented product strategies, the electronic game technology strategy, the childrens educational focus strategy, the office technology transfer strategy, the consumer electronic interchange strategy, and the home information systems strategy. The authors feel that the home information systems strategy may have the best long-run potential for success because it comes closest to meeting the needs of the changing household.

In-home computing and information services : A twenty-year analysis of the technology and its impacts

This article examines the evolution of in-home computing over a period of 20 years, 1980-2000. Although its development in the past five years has not occured in the precise manner predicted, there are many signals which promise its future growth in different directions. In order to capture these various possibilities realistically, what is needed is an assessment of in-home computing not as an expression of a single product within a single technology but as an outcome of the fusion of computing, communication and information technologies developing over a period of time. The impact of such a multifaceted development extends to the economic, social, politial and psychological spheres.

Computing in the home: Implications for the provision of government services

Abstract The pending and widespread adoption of computers in the home necessitates that governments view this development and its implication for the delivery of service. It is the contention of this paper that while many potential services may be delivered via home computing devices, there are also significant constraints that must be considered. This paper explores the major types of governmental services that may be delivered and facilitated by computing in the home. The paper then identifies several major constraints that must be considered in the implementation of such services. The constraints fall into five categories: (1) infrastructure, (2) technological constraints, (3) economic constraints, (4) socio-cultural constraints and (5) political constraints. The final section provides guidelines to governmental policy makers.