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21 – 30 of over 352000R. Arteaga Sánchez, A. Duarte Hueros and M. García Ordaz
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that determine the acceptance of the WebCT learning system among students of the faculties of Business and Education…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that determine the acceptance of the WebCT learning system among students of the faculties of Business and Education Sciences at the University of Huelva, and to verify the direct and indirect effects of these factors.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 226 students at the University of Huelva completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to six constructs which explain the system usage in the context of e‐learning: technical support (TS); computer self‐efficacy (CSE); perceived ease of use (PEOU); perceived usefulness (PU); attitude (A); and system usage (SU). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed for modelling and data analysis.
Findings
The most significant results point to the need to rethink the original structural model in terms of the relations of certain variables, although the authors also establish the importance of the direct effect of technical support on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness among the students. The authors also confirm that WebCT usage and acceptance is directly influenced by perceived usefulness and indirectly by perceived ease of use.
Originality/value
The findings in this study have implications for the virtual learning systems managers at the University of Huelva, and for other universities that use online tuition systems. This paper reflects a lack of technical support which students need to use WebCT more efficiently and shows that training courses and technical assistance for students must be extended.
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Ting‐Peng Liang and Shin‐Yuan Hung
In the past several decades, Taiwanese companies have been successful in the world market. However, knowledge about how these firms use information technology is very limited…
Abstract
In the past several decades, Taiwanese companies have been successful in the world market. However, knowledge about how these firms use information technology is very limited. Investigates the application of decision support systems (DSS) and executive information systems (EIS) in Taiwan. Two mail surveys were conducted to explore who used the system, where the systems were applied, what decision models were used and reasons for not using these systems. The results indicate that: more than 20 per cent of the firms already used DSS or EIS and an additional 37 per cent had plans to adopt them shortly; 87 per cent of the firms considered DSS and EIS to be important to their competitiveness; middle‐ and lower‐level managers were major DSS and EIS users; half of them used the system every day; the most troublesome problem in developing DSS/EIS was the difficulty in determining information requirements; and information aggregation and what‐if analysis were major functions for decision support. Furthermore, quantitative models were employed only in large and old companies. The most popular models included linear programming, PERT/CPM, and regression analysis, whereas the most popular domains for application were finance and production management.
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A systems perspective of waste management allows an integratedapproach not only to the five basic functional elements of wastemanagement itself (generation, reduction, collection…
Abstract
A systems perspective of waste management allows an integrated approach not only to the five basic functional elements of waste management itself (generation, reduction, collection, recycling, disposal), but to the problems arising at the interfaces with the management of energy, nature conservation, environmental protection, economic factors like unemployment and productivity, etc. This monograph separately describes present practices and the problems to be solved in each of the functional areas of waste management and at the important interfaces. Strategies for more efficient control are then proposed from a systems perspective. Systematic and objective means of solving problems become possible leading to optimal management and a positive contribution to economic development, not least through resource conservation. India is the particular context within which waste generation and management are discussed. In considering waste disposal techniques, special attention is given to sewage and radioactive wastes.
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Saeed Tavakkolimoghaddam, Seyyed Mohammad Hadji Molana, Mehrdad Javadi and Amir Azizi
By designing a system dynamics model in the form of a multimodal transportation system, this study for the first time seeks to reduce costs and time, and increase customer…
Abstract
Purpose
By designing a system dynamics model in the form of a multimodal transportation system, this study for the first time seeks to reduce costs and time, and increase customer satisfaction by considering uncertainties in the intra city transit system, especially demand uncertainty and provide a prototype system to prove the capability of the dynamical system.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper tried to model the factors affecting the intra city multimodal transportation system by defining different scenarios in the cause-and-effect model. The maps and results developed according to system dynamics modeling principles are discussed.
Findings
Four scenarios were considered given the factors affecting the urban transportation system to implement the transportation information system for reducing the material and non-material costs of wrong planning of the intra city transit system. After implementing the scenarios, scenario two was selected under the following conditions: advertising for cultural development, support of authorities by efforts such as street widening to reduce traffic, optimize infrastructure, increase and optimize public transport and etc.
Originality/value
The value of this paper is considering uncertainty in traffic optimization; taking into account behavioral and demand indicators such as cultural promotion, official support, early childhood learning, traffic hours and the impact of traveler social status; investigating the factors affecting the system under investigation and the reciprocal effects of these factors and real-world simulation by considering the factors and effects between them.
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In the context of information storage and sharing new electronic technology has much to offer conventional library systems. A video disc can be a valuable storage component…
Abstract
In the context of information storage and sharing new electronic technology has much to offer conventional library systems. A video disc can be a valuable storage component. However, its full potential is unlikely to be realised if it is used in isolation from other equipment. Computers, communication networks and video discs can together provide many novel information storage and dissemination systems for use in libraries. This paper describes some of these and also gives a brief outline of some approaches to providing the all important user interface to such systems.
The majority of e‐learning empirical research studies have focused on the two research streams: outcome comparison studies with classroom‐based learning and studies examining…
Abstract
Purpose
The majority of e‐learning empirical research studies have focused on the two research streams: outcome comparison studies with classroom‐based learning and studies examining potential predictors of e‐learning success. The determinants of e‐learning success include interactions, instructor support and mentoring, information delivery technology, course content, self‐motivation, learning styles, and course structure. Most of these empirical studies failed to include the technological dimension as an antecedent of effectiveness of e‐learning systems. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the effects of e‐learning management systems (LMS), self‐efficacy and self‐regulated learning on learner satisfaction and system effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
This research model is an extension of the information systems success model of DeLone and McLean and the virtual learning environment effectiveness model of Piccoli et al. The research model was tested using the structural equation modelling‐based Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology.
Findings
First, use of e‐LMS is not positively related to systems quality, information quality, self‐managed learning, and user satisfaction. Second, the findings strongly support the previous works of Rai, et al., Livari, and Freeze, et al. These three studies found strong positive relationships between information quality and user‐satisfaction and between systems quality and user‐satisfaction in a voluntary or mandatory use context. Third, perceived user satisfaction with e‐LMS is a very strong predictor of system effectiveness. This is in accordance with the findings and conclusions discussed in the literature on student satisfaction (Freeze et al., Eom et al., Rai et al., Livari). Of the four factors hypothesized to affect user satisfaction with e‐LMS, only two (systems quality and information quality) are supported at p<0.01.
Practical implications
This paper provides empirical evidence to support that e‐learner satisfaction is an important predictor of e‐LMS effectiveness and that systems quality and information quality have significant direct impacts on the perceived satisfaction of e‐learners with e‐LMS.
Originality/value
This study provides new empirical evidence that e‐learners' self‐regulated learning behavior may not lead to a higher level of e‐learners' satisfaction with e‐LMS, but it may lead to a higher level of satisfaction with web‐based courses.
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REFRIGERATION in aeroplanes does not, so far, involve the use of any techniques which have not already been established and used in other fields. These techniques must be…
Abstract
REFRIGERATION in aeroplanes does not, so far, involve the use of any techniques which have not already been established and used in other fields. These techniques must be considerably extended, however, and the features which distinguish this branch of refrigeration from others are that:
THE application of science and technology to industrial processes over the last twenty‐five years has unquestionably made life for most people more materially satisfying. The…
Abstract
THE application of science and technology to industrial processes over the last twenty‐five years has unquestionably made life for most people more materially satisfying. The paradox is that, side by side with high earnings, there is an almost unprecedented mass of unemployment. This situation puzzles politicians no less than industrialists and union leaders.
ALINA VICKERY, HELEN BROOKS, BRUCE ROBINSON and BRIAN VICKERY
The issues involved in the construction of an expert system for retrieval are described, together with some of the techniques that have been used in artificial intelligence and…
Abstract
The issues involved in the construction of an expert system for retrieval are described, together with some of the techniques that have been used in artificial intelligence and information science to tackle them. The solutions adopted by the prototype expert system PLEXUS are described, with particular reference to the semantic processing that takes place. The paper concludes with a discussion of continuing issues on which work is currently proceeding.
Syed Kashif Raza Zaidi, Cassy Daniels Henderson and Gaurav Gupta
The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that affect the adoption of an electronic tax filing system in an emerging economy. Using the theory of planned behavior, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that affect the adoption of an electronic tax filing system in an emerging economy. Using the theory of planned behavior, the technology acceptance model (TAM), the information systems success model (ISSM), and Hofstede’s cultural values as the theoretical basis, this paper examines the influence that computer skills (CS), perceived ease of use (PEoU), perceived usefulness (PU), information systems quality, and espoused national culture have on the adoption of an electronic tax filing system in an emerging economy.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was used to collect the data from individuals who e-filed theirs or someone else’s (individual and/or business) income taxes using government or private vendor websites. Snowball sampling technique is used to collect the data. A total of 201 usable questionnaires were analyzed.
Findings
Results indicate that PEoU and PU have a positive impact on user satisfaction (US), and higher US is linked to higher intentions of adopting online tax filing. Results show that high-power distance positively influences US.
Practical implications
The study provides insight for policymakers in emerging economies involved in diffusion of technology decisions. Considerations for requisite CS, perceptions of usefulness and ease, and culture should be included in the diffusion process.
Originality/value
This paper provides evidence supporting the predictability of TAM and ISSM in technology adoption. In addition, the study examines the moderating effect of culture on technology adoption. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to develop and test a holistic technology adoption model in context of a multicultural and emerging economy.
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