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The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of system and instructor factors on e‐learning effectiveness under the interactions of computer self‐efficacy. In this study, the factors of the e‐learning system are functionality, interaction, and response. The factors of the e‐learning instructor are attitude, technical skills, and instructional method. The moderating effects of learners' computer self‐efficacy are examined.

The study surveyed general employees in the financial services industry in Taiwan. A questionnaire was developed to measure participants' perceptions. Four hundred questionnaires were sent out, and 362 were returned. Of these, 314 were valid, leading to a return rate of 78.5 percent.

The results of data analysis indicate that both system and instructor factors have significant positive influences on e‐learning effectiveness. Learners' computer self‐efficacy has a moderating effect on the relationship between system functionality and training effectiveness. The higher the computer self‐efficacy, the stronger is the relationship between functionality and effectiveness, and vice versa. However, computer self‐efficacy does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between other independent variables and training effectiveness.

Since both system and instructor factors have positive influences on e‐learning effectiveness, HRD managers need to pay more attention to issues in both areas. High computer self‐efficacy can result in better training effectiveness; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to enhancing employee computer skills and their confidence in using e‐learning.

Information systems and organization structures have been highly interconnected with each other. Over the years, information systems architectures as well as organization structures have evolved from centralized to more decentralized forms. This research looks at the evolution of both information systems and organization structures. In the process, it looks into the impact of computers on organizations, and examines the ways organization structures have changed, in association with changes in information system architectures. It also suggests logical linkages between information system architectures and their “fit” with certain organization structures and strategies. It concludes with some implications for emerging and future organizational forms, and provides a quick review of the effect of the Internet on small businesses traditionally using stand‐alone computers.

Considers the material impact of computers and cybernetics in the 1980s. Summarizes some of the then current principal applications. Looks at the contribution made by cybernetics to computer development in the period 1940‐1981. Emphasises the widely held belief of the day that “anyone must have some understanding of computers and their operation to understand much about cybernetics”. The re‐published work served as a guide and introduction to using the digital computers of the 1980s in systems and cybernetics research and developments and was one in a series of 12 texts prepared by some well‐known cyberneticians and systemists on important topics in these inter‐ and trans‐disciplinary sciences.

The thrust of management information system (MIS) operations is to keep an information system running smoothly and to ensure services are delivered in an uninterrupted, reliable and secure fashion. This poses a special challenge in today′s environment of computer misuses. Focuses on four main areas normally addressed when protecting a company′s most vital asset – its database. These are: information system vulnerability; computer crime; employee access; and personnel policies. Examines research pertaining to safeguarding data, software and hardware from deliberate computer‐based information security breaches.

The major developments and trends in computer hardware and software are discussed, and those developments that will influence the use of computers in logistics in the coming decade are highlighted. The main areas in the logistics operation where changes will take place are highlighted. The human element is examined, particularly the type of people needed to operate future logistical computer systems.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Presents a review on implementing finite element methods on supercomputers, workstations and PCs and gives main trends in hardware and software developments. An appendix included at the end of the paper presents a bibliography on the subjects retrospectively to 1985 and approximately 1,100 references are listed.

Automation is no longer an option; it is no longer “if” but “when” and “how”. This book has been written for senior librarians who recognise this, for their line managers to whom the detailed work has been delegated, and for the junior staff, library and clerical, who need to know not only how to operate a system, but why it works as it does.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

We have long been obsessed with the dream of creating intelligent machines. This vision can be traced back to Greek civilization, and the notion that mortals somehow can create machines that think has persisted throughout history. Until this decade these illusions have borne no substance. The birth of the computer in the 1940s did cause a resurgence of the cybernaut idea, but the computer's role was primarily one of number‐crunching and realists soon came to respect the enormous difficulties in crafting machines that could accomplish even the simplest of human tasks.