Stu Westin

Effects of hedonic components and user's gender on the acceptance of screen-based information services

Abstract To compete successfully with other information media, screen-based information services would have to offer hedonic qualities that appeal to a wide range of users, men as well as women. To study effects of hedonic components of information services, a software simulation of an interactive service was designed. In an experiment, 59 female and 73 male subjects were exposed to this software simulation. Hedonic features (presence or absence of colour, graphics, and music) of the simulated information service were factor-ially varied to form eight unique treatment configurations. Music and colour were shown to affect level of enjoyment and intention to use the service. The effects varied according to gender: females showed greater intention to use the service than did males. Males showed greater preference for the colour version. These findings provide some basic design guidelines for information service marketers and point to the need for future research-based exploration of this area.

Globalization of the software industry: Trends and strategies☆

Abstract The major trends and strategies associated with the incipient globalization process in the software industry are explored. Particular attention is given to the newly industralizing countries (NICs) vis-a-vis advanced countries (ACs). First, some trends that are especially significant from a global perspective are examined. Next, a preliminary analytical framework is presented to organize the rather limited existing knowledge about globalization of the software business. Following this, global software strategies from NIC and AC perspectives are discussed. Finally, some tentative conclusions and future research needs are identified.

Exploring the use of computer-mediated communication: a simulation approach

Abstract This article discusses methodologies that allow in-depth exploration of usage patterns and preferences in screen-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). After discussing the growth trends and special characteristics of CMC in comparison to other electronic communication technologies, research challenges posed by CMC are contrasted with conventional mass communication research. This article also describes the online, simulation-based research methodology developed and employed by the authors to measure actual user behavior and identify topic preferences and usage paths. Advantages and limitations of simulation-based experiments as a technique for researching CMC are discussed.

On the predispositions toward information technology: a three-way cross-cultural study

Abstract Governments in most countries have realized the critical importance of telecommunications for economic progress and are opening up to foreign investment in this sector. In order to achieve significant market share, U.S. firms need to understand attitudinal and lifestyle factors impacting information technology purchase and usage patterns across different cultures. This includes understanding the current infrastructure and economic conditions, but also familiarity and attitudes. A study was conducted to explore attitudes towards, and familiarity with, new information technologies in the United States, Germany and Croatia. Findings indicate that Americans are more familiar with technology than Germans and Croats, and tend to use information technology more. Respondents from all countries showed a predominantly positive attitude towards technology. Germans and Croats were particularly aware of environmental problems and, in general, the price society pays for technology, while Americans and Croats showed concern for the loss of essential human qualities. These and other findings from the study not only highlight the differences in these three markets, they also provide useful insights for strategists in information technology firms and public policy makers grappling with the complex issues arising from the rapid proliferation of new information technologies in an ever-shrinking world.

A Sandbox Approach to Online Exam Administration

This paper describes eTAP electronic Test Administration Platform, an innovative software system that is designed to facilitate the administration of Web-based tests and exams. The purpose of the paper is to share the success of the approach, and to promote its further development and use in the e-learning milieu. The eTAP system has been developed by the author for use in their own multi-section, Web-based course in response to the authors perceived needs in this setting. The software addresses issues of monitoring and attendance, academic honesty e-cheating, and activity logging in the electronic testing environment. The testing platform provided by eTAP uses a software sandbox approach to exam integrity. That is, once the program is started, the user is limited to specific sanctioned computer functionality and is restricted to a well-defined, relevant region of the Web.

Legislative ratings as a metric of goal cohesion within interest groups: Business vs. labor

This study investigates the instrumental goals of business and labor by analyzing legislative ratings issued by a number of organizations. Results indicate that the business community is more diverse in its political goals than is the labor community.The methodology employed is as follows. First, a business/labor categorical scheme is validated by using cluster analysis. Next, the degree of cohesion of the goals of business is compared with that of labor. Euclidean distance, which represents the degree of dissimilarity in the evaluation of Congress, is the metric used for this purpose.