Microcomputer training users?

The literature on computing in organizations assumes that users must be trained to get the most out of using their machines. The natural implication of this assumption is that trained users would differ markedly from non-trained users. Yet in exploratory survey research conducted in a large Southern California company, trained and non-trained microcomputer users did not differ along most work-related dimensions. Instead, where trained and non-trained users varied at all in their work habits and in their attitudes toward micros and training, the variation seemed more related to their desire for training, rather than to the training itself. The authors discuss the findings from this study and propose future research in the area of corporate-provided microcomputer training.

Intensity of end user computing

Much has been written in recent years on end user computing, based on assumptions concerning the motivations and attributes of end users. Most of this research has been descriptive in nature with little theoretical basis. The empirical study described in this paper was intended to assess factors affecting the intensity of participation in end user computing, while at the same time grounding the research on a firm theoretical base.Theory suggested three major groups of variables affecting intensity of participation in end user computing - organizational factors, top management leadership, and individual factors. Examination of survey data indicated that organizational and top management factors played no part in determining the intensity of EUC while there is a strong relationship between individual factors and intensity of EUC. The individual factors found relevant were reasons for using EUC, use made of the outputs, rank in the organization, years of experience with computers, and the type of hardware used.

Mis research directions

Several studies have addressed important issues for MIS research, but until now no empirical studies have been conducted to assess how MIS researchers themselves view the relatively new field. This survey of 397 MIS researchers revealed preferences for research methods and current areas of concentration, current studies being conducted, publication history, and other factors of interest. It found the subjects' assessment of the quality of MIS research relatively low and that they feel there is an over-emphasis on transient topics, rather than on topics of lasting significance. There is continuing evidence of fragmentation in the field. Few MIS researchers appear to rely on research frameworks. However, there is overall optimism that the quality of MIS research has been improving, and will continue to improve in the future. Implications for the future of MIS research are then discussed.

An architecture for distributed knowledge based-systems

Many management information systems have requirements that are inherently distributed, both logically and physically, however, no adequate architectures exist which allow multiple knowledge bases and databases to be shared and integrated. An architecture for Distributed Knowledge-Based Systems (DKBS) is presented which satisfies these requirements. A Distributed Knowledge Base Management System (DKBMS) is described which manages the meta-knowledge necessary to coordinate multiple local Knowledge-Based Systems (KBSs). We propose an object-oriented design for implementing the DKBMS structure and the communication protocol which connects the DKBMS with each of the KBSs. An application is described where the DKBS architecture might assist managers to integrate several KBSs which represent parts of a strategic plan.

Pathologic elements in the planning of information systems: the case of hospitals in Quebec

The existing usage of information technology for information systems in hospitals draws attention to the fact that: (a) health care units which operate sophisticated numerical instrumentation to support medical activities rarely employ computers for the management of their operations and (b) despite the availability of affordable information technologies (microcomputers, networks, etc.), few hospitals include such elements as health care unit management in the development of their information systems portfolio. Is this paradoxical situation a result of the planning methodologies or of factors affecting their use? Or can it be attributed to the failure of present planning methodologies to incorporate the diversity of computerization approaches of the various stakeholders involved? If this is the case, untapped potential computerization possibilities exist that could lead to the development of hospital services and increased organizational efficiency.

Integrating expert systems with group decision support systems

Expert systems are powerful tools that serve as adjuncts to decision making and have found wide applicability in a wide variety of areas. Integrating expert systems with group decision support systems has the potential to enhance the quality and effeciency of group communication, negotiation, and collaborative work. This paper examines possible synergies between the two technologies and provides a survey of current partially-integrated systems. Finally, a prototype design of a highly-integrated system is described with directions for further research.

The effectiveness of computer graphics for decision support

This research uses meta---analysis, a quantitative literature review technique, to integrate and combine the results fromseveral presentation format studies. The motivation behind this research is twofold: the conflicting research results found in the literature, and the lack of a cumulative body of knowledge. Meta---analysis is a research technique that provides a means for cumulating research findings across studies. In addition, meta-analysis can resolve differences found in previous studies by isolating the effect of moderator variables. This research found very strong evidence of the existence of one moderator variable, task complexity, which may have resulted in reported inconsistencies from prior presentation format research. Furthermore, an inverted "U---shaped" curve may explain the relationship between the effectiveness of graphs and task complexity. Specifically, using graphical data achieves better decision---making performance when the task is moderately complex. When the task complexity is either too low or too high, there is no performance difference between graphical and tabular presentation formats.

Telecommunication research in information systems

Telecommunications management is becoming a top priority of IS executives. Executives concerns range from network establishment and getting connectivity to using IS for competitive advantage. In a rapidly changing environment, these executives search for guidance and insights. Unfortunately they might find limited help from IS research. An extensive literature review of more than 9800 articles covering over eleven years of MIS research showed that academicians have not placed the same emphasis as practitioners on telecommunications management. Furthermore, the majority of telecommunications research focuses on lower level management issues, such as installing a network, rather than using IS for competitive advantage. More research in telecommunications is needed to provide IS executives with insights on how to manage the telecommunications function.

MIS research directions

Several studies have addressed important issues for MIS Research, but until now no empirical studies have been conducted to asses how MIS researchers themselves view the relatively new field. This survey of 397 MIS researchers revealed preferences for research methods and current areas of concentration, current studies being conducted, publication history, and other factors of interest. It found the subjects' assessment of the quality of MIS research relatively low and that they feel there is an overemphasis on transient topics, rather than on topics of lasting significance. There is continuing evidence of fragmentation in the field. Few MIS researchers appear to rely on research frameworks. However, there is overall optimism that the quality of MIS research has been improving, and will continue to improve in the future. Implications for the future of MIS research are then discussed.

Managing is Benefits for the 1990s

This paper analyses the situation and suggests a way ahead. It is in three parts. The first part reviews the situation at the start of the 1990s. It identifies the growing concern of managers about justifying IT investment, and the methods which they currently use in their organizations to do so. The second part discusses the challenge facing managers, at the general level and in the field of Information Management. A major challenge is for IT/IS to be viewed within the context of strategic business thinking, the principles of which are described in this section. The third part of the paper outlines the response of managers and IT professionals in this area in the 1990s. A benefit-level matrix is described which can be used as a tool for both analysis and synthesis within the business context. Finally, there is some practical guidance about managing benefits alongside other aspects of IT projects.