Richard Discenza

The Measurement of Computer Attitudes: An Empirical Comparison of Available Scales

This study empirically compared four available measures of attitudes towards computers, including computer anxiety. One objective of the study was to determine which, if any, of the measures was superior to the others on the psychometric criteria of reliability and validity. A secondary objective of the study was to identify a smaller number of items from the four measures of computer attitudes that would take less time to complete, yet result in highly reliable scales of computer attitudes. Results showed that all measures tested were essentially equal in terms of reliability and validity. Attempts to empirically derive improved scales were unproductive. Two of the measures were superior on a number of other criteria. Intended use should be the main criterion for choice as any of the four measures will likely provide reliable, reasonably valid information.

Information system success as impacted by risks and development strategies

The high failure rates long associated with information system (IS) projects, despite advances in techniques for information technology development, suggest that organizations need to improve their ability to identify and to manage associated risks. Until recently, studies of specific risks and successes were limited by the lack of formal measures that were both comprehensive and multifaceted. This paper proposes and tests a model based on literature that relates sources of risk to strategies and success. One hundred ninety-six project managers were surveyed to begin an exploration of the types of risks encountered, the impact they have on different categories of success, and the types of strategies that are deployed to mitigate known risks. Analysis of responses indicates that risk-reduction strategies influence success. Strategies involving behavioral aspects tend to be more influential in risk reduction than are those aimed at technical risks. Suggestions for both practitioners and researchers are discussed.

Computer use, self-confidence, and attitudes: a causal analysis

Abstract Based on attitude—behavior theory, it was hypothesized that computer use would enhance beliefs about self-perceived computer confidence, which would in turn affect attitudes towards computers. Primary level students (N = 723) completed self-report surveys that measured these three constructs. Covariance structural analyses revealed that (a) computer use positively affected computer confidence, and (b) computer confidence positively affected computer attitudes. Unexpectedly, direct computer use had a negative effect on computer attitudes, when confidence was held constant. Results suggest how computer educational environments might be improved.

Perception differences of software success: provider and user views of system metrics

The success of information systems (ISs) is normally defined as a composite of such performance measures as cost, time, and savings. With few systems being completed on time and within budget, application developers and users have moved to other perspectives that reflect value to organizations. Sometimes these other approaches include feedback from peers, subordinates and various other stakeholders instead of the traditional superior-subordinate performance evaluation models. Noticing the need to improve existing IS success measures for providers and users, common instruments were used to measure difference in perception over the distinct stakeholder groups of IS users and IS staff. Based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the data support significant differences in perceptions between IS users and IS staff on the indicators of IS service, user satisfaction and IS staff job performance. The findings suggest efforts should be made to establish partnerships with all stakeholders to provide a more complete control process for IS development. This may include spelling out the requirements, metrics to be used, an the expectations of the deliverables and the current state of technology. Software metrics of success depend on where an individual is in the organization. Agreeing on the system success cannot occur until there is a mutual understanding of objectives and the purpose of the software.

Convergent Validity of Four Computer Anxiety Scales

Intercorrelations of four scales purporting to measure computer anxiety exhibited convergent validity among college students.

Pre-project partnering impact on an information system project, project team and project manager

Information system (IS) managers have long recognised the need to use project management approaches in the design and delivery of their system development projects. The result has been the widespread use of project teams headed by a project leader or manager. However, given the fact that there has been a low success rate for IS projects, there is a growing need to seek out new methods and controls for projects. One approach involves the practice of altering the project environment prior to the commencement of project tasks. To determine whether such pre-project activities may be effective, a model is proposed and tested relating the activities to the performance of the project manager and characteristics of an effective project team. Data from a sample of 186 project team members indicate that the pre-project activities lead to more effective teams and managers and eventually to project success. Thus, it is important that organisations begin work on projects at an earlier stage.

The design and management of effective distance learning programs

As computers, telecommunications technology and other electronic media have reduced the constraints imposed by geographic location, increasing numbers of organizations are using information technology to geographically disperse education. And as the number of distance learning programs continues to increase, a variety of challenges and issues must be faced. These issues include: costs incurred for remote space and equipment used, the loss of traditional evaluation methods, and the potential losses of academic integrity. The goal of this book is to increase the understanding of such major issues, challenges and solutions related to distance education and it is geared toward administrators and academicians trying to develop or improve distance education programs.

Returns in process industries: a managerial perspective

Purpose – The key objective of the paper is to present the results of a survey that captured a wide‐ranging view of reuse practices in process industries with the intent of determining current practice and the key managerial issues for reuse in process industries. The paper discusses the sources of products and material for which re‐use decisions must be made in process industry environments. It offers managerial insights for companies that seek opportunities to reduce their operating costs by reusing products, cleaning agents, and ingredients that can become available through a reverse supply chain analysis.Design/methodology/approach – The authors used an exploratory survey methodology with manufacturing plants randomly drawn from a professional organization where the members stated in their profiles that they were employed at a facility that was primarily involved with process manufacturing. Both internal and external returns were analyzed using descriptive statistics techniques.Findings – The results ...

User involvement to enhance expertise in system development

This paper considers the mediating effects of user participation activities that interact with crucial skills to explain the varying degrees of software success. Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected Information System Special Interest Group (ISSIG) members of the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the USA. A total of 171 questionnaires were returned. The overall results of the analysis show that user hands-on activities lower the risks of certain skill deficiencies during the duration of the project to improve the successful implementation of software projects, while user partnering serves as a mediator between application expertise, general expertise, and software success.

Sex Effects in Evaluating Applicant Qualifications: A Reexamination.

It has been hypothesized that female applicants for male sex-typed jobs are evaluated using different selection criteria than males for the same jobs (E. A. Cecil, R. J. Paul, and R. A. Olins, “Perceived Importance of Selected Variables Used to Evaluate Male and Female Job Applicants,” Personnel Psychology, 1973, 26, 397–404). The present study examined this hypothesis in two separate experiments, in an attempt to replicate the findings and conclusions of Cecil et al. Results do not support the hypothesis that applicant sex affects the ratings of importance of applicant qualifications for sex-typed jobs, although raters do appear to stereotype the kinds of jobs for which males and females are likely to apply. Type of job for which applicants apply is a stronger determinant of what qualifications are evaluated as important in an interview situation. Use of selection criteria (e.g., tests) that validly predict later job performance and that are standardized for all job applicants, might prevent sex discrimination more than training raters to be wary of sex stereotyping of required applicant qualifications.