R. Kelly Rainer

The influence of individual differences on skill in end-user computing

Abstract:Using survey data from 776 knowledge workers from a university, this exploratory study generates and tests eight propositions concerning the relationship between individual differences and computer skill. A multiple regression analysis showed that the male gender, younger age, more experience with computers, an attitude of confidence regarding computers, lower math anxiety, and a creative cognitive style are individual difference variables associated with higher computer skill. The regression also indicated that the individual difference variables accounted for 56 percent of the variance associated with computer skill. These findings suggest that organizations should manage euc using two complementary processes: a global process and an individual process. The global or organizationwide process would be responsible for areas such as standards, controls, and security. The individual process would address issues such as education and training, selection and recruitment, and the introduction of new t...

Business Intelligence: An Analysis of the Literature

This publication contains reprint articles for which IEEE does not hold copyright. Full text is not available on IEEE Xplore for these articles.

Examining differences across journal rankings

Many have studied and ranked the quality of computing journals over the last 15 years. This composite of the top 50 was created by examining how those rankings fared over time and across studies.

Information security: management's effect on culture and policy

Purpose – This study proposes to put forward and test a theoretical model that demonstrates the influence of top management support on an organizations security culture and level of security policy enforcement.Design/methodology/approach – The project used a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The grounded theory approach was used to analyze responses to open‐ended questions answered by 220 certified information system security professionals. Using these responses, a survey instrument was developed. Survey results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.Findings – Evidence suggests that top management support is a significant predictor of an organizations security culture and level of policy enforcement.Research limitations/implications – During instrument validation, a special effort removed survey items that appeared overly intrusive to the respondents. In this endeavor, an expert panel of security practitioners evaluated all candidate items on a willingness‐to‐answer scal...

Executive information system: a framework for development and a survey of current practices

Executive information systems (EIS) are now successfully providing computer support for senior executives in a growing number of organizations. Previous attempts to support senior executives are discussed with a focus on why these attempts failed and what was learned that should be incorporated in future efforts. An EIS development framework is presented that includes a structural perspective of the elements and their interaction, the development process, and the dialog between the user and the system. Survey data from 50 firms having an EIS are presented and discussed in the context of the development framework. While most of the findings confirm conventional EIS wisdom, others are somewhat surprising, such as the significant role that information systems management often play sin initiating the development of an EIS or serving as its operational sponsor. The findings lead to additional suggestions for EIS research opportunities, as well as predictions about the future nature of EIS.

The Keys to Executive Information System Success

Abstract:Executive information systems (EIS) are high-risk/high-return systems, largely because the clientele these systems serve are not only influential in the firm, but have information needs that are very difficult to provide through computer-based information systems. As a result, it is important to understand the keys to successful EIS development and ongoing operation. This two-phase study first interviewed executives, EIS professionals, and vendors and consultants to elicit keys to success. The findings of the first phase rank-ordered the keys to successful EIS development and the keys to successful ongoing EIS operation. The first phase also indicated differences among the constituencies regarding the relative importance of the keys. The second phase of the research surveyed a large sample of EIS professionals to further examine the keys obtained from the interviews. These findings showed underlying dimensions of the two sets of keys, which in turn were used to produce a model of successful EIS d...

An Examination of the Factor Structures and Concurrent Validities for the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale

Data collected from 693 university personnel were used to evaluate the factor structures and concurrent validity of the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale. Principal factor analyses for each of the three scales resulted in interpretable factor solutions with high alpha reliabilities. Intercorrelations among the derived factors demonstrated the concurrent validity of the three instruments.

Research in humanitarian logistics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide future researchers with a framework for conducting research in the unique field of humanitarian logistics.Design/methodology/approach – The authors categorized humanitarian logistics research articles. Borrowing from the theory of constraints and management information systems literature, the authors developed a framework for research.Findings – The review of humanitarian logistics literature indicates that researchers have begun to lay the foundation for a core body of knowledge. While there is a growing body of research in humanitarian logistics, it is predominately focused on the area of planning.Originality/value – This effort categorizes past research using elements of logistics, develops a framework for research in humanitarian logistics, and recommends areas for further research.

Testing the Self-Efficacy-Performance Linkage of Social-Cognitive Theory.

Past empirical research examining the relationship of self-efficacy perceptions and performance has had several limitations. Most studies were performed in the laboratory with tasks not directly related to individual work performance. As a consequence, many findings are not generalizable to individual work performance. This study tested the self-efficacy-performance model found in Banduras social-cognitive theory in a work setting, with a sample of 776 American university employees, and with discriminant function analyses. Respondents indicated that performance with computers significantly predicted perceptions of high and low self-efficacy. Results provide additional support for social-cognitive theory as outlined by Bandura.

An empirical assessment of the information resource management construct

The concept of information resource management (IRM) has been surrounded by confusion for almost two decades. This study first defines the IRM construct as a comprehensive approach to planning, organizing, budgeting, directing, monitoring, and controlling the people, funding, technologies, and activities associated with acquiring, storing, processing, and distributing data to meet a business need for the benefit of the entire enterprise.The study then operationalizes the IRM construct by developing a measurement instrument. The instrument demonstrates acceptable content validity as well as construct validity and reliability. Eight dimensions underlying the IRM construct were found via exploratory factor analysis: chief information officer, planning, security, technology integration, advisory committees, enterprise model, information integration, and data administration. The instrument serves two functions: (1) to create a coherent, theoretical foundation for further research on the IRM construct, and (2) to provide reference norms for practicing managers to use to assess the extent of IRM implementation in their organizations.