Meta-analysis of the DeLone and McLean models in e-learning success: the moderating role of user type

Abstract

PurposeReviewing the existing literature in the field of e-learning success reveals a considerable number of studies that primarily investigate the causal relationships proposed by the DeLone and McLean (D&M) information system (IS) success model. However, the various relationships in the D&M model have found different levels of support or even contradictory results within the empirical literature. To synthesize the existing knowledge in the field of e-learning success, the authors have conducted a meta-analysis of e-learning success studies using D&M to combine the quantitative results and validate the model in this field. Furthermore, a moderator analysis involving user types was performed to examine the situation under which they may have different effects.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, through a systematic review of the studies, 44 independent studies were selected from 29 qualified related journals. In order to analyze the quantitative results of the studies, the meta-analysis of the effect sizes of the casual relationships in the D&M model has been used.FindingsThe findings indicated that all relationships of the model were supported. It was also revealed that the extent of effect sizes of the examined relationships depends on the type of user. Except for one relationship (user satisfaction and net benefit), all effect sizes of employees were more than those of students and teachers.Research limitations/implicationsThis meta-analysis reviewed the relationships found in the literature on D&M constructs in e-learning contexts. This study better explains the e-learning success factors by consolidating contradictory findings in the past researches and contributes to the existing e-learning success literature. The findings can assist educational institutions and organizations in decision-making because the findings resulting from the meta-analysis are more consistent than previous primary researches.Originality/valueDespite the widespread use of the D&M model in the field of e-learning success, no study has yet consolidated the quantitative findings of these studies and the current field abounds in some controversies and inconsistent findings. This paper integrates the results of empirical studies that examined the relationships within the D&M model. The main contribution of this paper, which is the first of its kind, is to apply meta-analysis to reconcile the conflicting findings, investigate the strengths of the relationships in the D&M model and provide a consolidated view.

Information systems success in libraries: a meta-analysis of ISSM and future direction

“…Xu and Du (2022) observed a significant influence of SysQ on US regarding the digital library. Previous meta-analyses in an organizational context (Kaur and Chauhan, 2018) and e-learning success context (Pour et al, 2022) showed a significant relationship between SysQ and US. Pour et al (2022) also provided a positive relationship between SysQ and IU.…”

“…Previous meta-analyses in an organizational context (Kaur and Chauhan, 2018) and e-learning success context (Pour et al, 2022) showed a significant relationship between SysQ and US. Pour et al (2022) also provided a positive relationship between SysQ and IU. Hence, based on evidence in the extant literature, the researchers hypothesized a significant positive relationship of SysQ with IU and US regarding libraries.…”

“…Afthanorhan et al (2020) measured the success of digital libraries and found a significant positive influence of ServQ on IU and US regarding the digital library. Pour et al (2022) investigated e-learning success through metaanalysis and provided a significant relationship of ServQ with IU and US. Hence, the researchers also assumed a positive significant relationship of ServQ with IU and US in the context of libraries and presented the following hypotheses:…”

System quality features and continuous usage intention of social network users: a multi-group analysis with gender

“…This study extends Bagozzi’s self-regulation theory on the continuous usage intention of social networks. DeLone and McLean’s model is the well-established model to study the effect of system quality features (Shim and Jo, 2020; Çelik and Ayaz, 2021; Jami Pour et al , 2021), while TAM is used to study the adoption intention of the particular social network (Lin et al , 2014; Liu et al , 2019). The study explores the effect of system quality features (appraisal) on the perceived usefulness and attitude (emotional reaction) for the continuous usage (coping response) of social network applications.…”

“…System quality has been found expressively influence users' satisfaction and perception of the overall success of using the system. Different studies over a while have demonstrated the importance of system quality in the adoption intention and the continuous usage intention of information systems (Wixom and Todd, 2005; Lin, 2008; Sharma and Sharma, 2019; Al-Fraihat et al , 2020; Jami Pour et al , 2021). Specifically, studies have found the effect of system quality features on the perception of usefulness and, thus, the continuous usage of different information systems (Ogbanufe and Gerhart, 2018; Al-Fraihat et al , 2020; Doshi, 2021; Ullah et al , 2021).…”