Using 414 business undergraduates at two universities in the US, a 28-item computer self-e cacy scale is validated and used to examine the relationship between (a) training and computer self-e cacy and (b) user attitudes and computer self-e cacy. Survey responses were collected both at the beginning and end of an introductory computer course. A principal factor analysis of the computer self-e cacy scale supported a conceptually meaningful four-factor solution with high alpha reliabilities. Results suggest that training signi® -cantly improved the computer self-e cacy of males and females in this study for all factors. Training programs seemed more eOE ective for male and female respondents with positive attitudes toward computers. Training programs seemed less eOE ective for respondents with negative attitudes toward computers. Implications of these ® ndings are discussed and research opportunities described.
Offshore provision of IS/IT related services has been growing rapidly in recent years and seems firmly set to continue. This trend is fueled by the many advantages of offshore service procurement; however, there are dangers in this practice. Furthermore, offshoring requires adaptation of the IS function and IS management. This, in turn suggests the need for modifications of IS curricula in order to prepare graduates for the new environment. The advantages of offshoring are those of outsourcing in generalcost saving and allowing the organization to focus on its core activities. The main dangers include loss of possibly-important business skills and reliance on remote suppliers who face risks that are unfamiliar to the client firm. The loss of jobs due to offshoring also introduces political considerations. Offshore IS activities are generally the responsibility of an organization's CIO. This management responsibility requires awareness of cultural and legal differences and of risks associated with offshoring and outsourcing in general. Offshoring has an effect on job opportunities for graduates of IT Offshoring: History, Prospects and Challenges/Davis et al. information systems programs. The number of some jobs will shrink, but new positions with new responsibilities are likely to emerge. Training of students in the U.S. and other countries in the developed world to function in an environment of offshored operations will introduce new IS roles and skills and require the adaptations of IS curricula.
This paper argues for a greater emphasis on the sociocultural aspects in the teaching, research and practice of IS project management. It does not advocate disregarding the technical aspects, but suggests that an equal regard for these other key elements for the successful development of information systems is appropriate, indeed essential. Guidelines are provided for ensuring these are considered in any IS project development. These guidelines are formed from an analysis of some key case studies in IS project success and failure and include stakeholder analysis, top manager as champion, participation, long term strategic planning, training and education, taking account of cultural differences, and equal consideration of qualitative measures.
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