The growth of electronic commerce, in particular business-to-consumer, has been explosive during the last few years. Until recently, the Web community has been a male dominated western-oriented society, with the design of Web sites reflecting that homogenous audience. Using an adapted version of Hofstede's dimensions as a means of differentiation, this study explores the perception and satisfaction levels of one hundred and sixty subjects on four web sites. Analysis indicates that perception and satisfaction differences exist between the cultural clusters and gender groups within those cultures --- Asia, Europe, Latin & South America, and North America. In particular, the perceptions of the Asian and Latin/South American were found to be similar, as were the perceptions of the Europeans and North Americans. Qualitative analysis indicates that females within certain cultures have widely different preferences from their male counterparts regarding web site attributes.

Abstract. The development, implementation and ownership of information systems, especially large‐scale systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), has become progressively longer in duration and more cost intensive. As a result, IS managers are being required to justify projects financially based on their return. Historically, information systems have been difficult to quantify in monetary terms because of the intangible nature of many of the derived benefits, e.g. improved customer service. Using the case study methodology, this paper examines an attempt by a large computer manufacturer to incorporate intangibles into traditional cost–benefit analysis in an ERP project. The paper reviews the importance of intangibles, lists intangible benefits that are important in ERP projects and demonstrates the use of a scheme through which they can be incorporated into traditional evaluation techniques.

Three approaches to computer training (behavior modeling, self-paced study, and lecturing) and a no-training control condition were compared concerning their relative performance across an array of evaluation measures in a field experiment. Learning theories of K. Lewin (1951) andD. A. Kolb (1984) were used to provide theoretical bases for the training approaches and the measures of learning. Trainees were 160 novice computer users from the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion at Gulfport, Mississippi. Measures of cognitive learning and skill demonstration were highest for behavior modeling, followed by the self-paced condition. Results were similar for measures collected immediately after training and 1 month after training. Satisfaction with the computer system 1 month after training was also highest for behavior modeling. Implications are discussed, especially those pertaining to transfer of cognitive and skill-based learning.The research presented in this article represents Steven J. Simon's fulfillment of doctoral dissertation requirements from the University of South Carolina. This research was performed during his service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Navy or the Department of Defense.We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of dissertation cochairs Varun Grover and James Teng and dissertation committee member Kathleen Whitcomb. We also thank Brian Klaas, Joe Martocchio, and the U.S. Navy.

This study compares traditional and nontraditional training techniques with regard to computer related training. Its purpose was to determine which training methods could best be utilized in computer related training to maximize a trainee's retention of material and transfer of learning. A field experiment was conducted using two hundred members of active duty U.S. Naval Construction Battalion as subjects. Evaluation of trainees included a pre-training screening, post-training evaluation (immediately after training), and a follow-up session (four weeks after the post-training session) utilizing previously validated instruments. Training treatments included instruction (lecture), exploration (independent study), and a nontraditional technique—behavior modeling (an enhanced combination of the other two methods). Performance outcomes were operationalized using hands-on task performance and comprehension of the computer system as dependent variables. End-user satisfaction with the computer system was also measured. Two covariates, cognitive ability and system use, were also introduced into the study. The use of hands-on training methods, especially behavior modeling, resulted in superior retention of knowledge, transfer of learning, and end-user satisfaction. Cognitive ability failed to be a good predictor of trainee success but a connection was established between training methodology, system use, and end-user satisfaction.

The dominant market for enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors has traditionally been the largest of multinational corporations. Until recently, most vendors (SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, etc.) have promoted a “one size fits all” solution built on “industry best practices.” This approach forced organizations to either conform to the “best practices” and configurations suggested by vendors and implementation consultants or embark on extremely costly reconfiguration of their ERP package. The study reviews the concepts of control, coordination, and their trade‐offs plus Bartlett and Ghoshal’s topology of firm strategy. Human resource issues are introduced as examples of organization elements that may or may not conform to the enterprise design structure within coordination and control. Finally, the concepts of control and coordination and the Bartlett and Ghoshal topology are combined to create a firm strategic orientation which is then matched to an ideal ERP configuration or enterprise information architecture.