The impact of training and support on the effectiveness of management software applications used by associate directors

If an information system is to be of value to an organisation it is essential that it be used effectively. This research addresses the issue of effectiveness as it applies to personal computer based management software applications. A review of the literature identified training and support for implementation as being determinants of information system effectiveness. The review also identified the quality of an information system (measured by two variables, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) as being a surrogate measure of information system effectiveness.

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between between these two determinants of information system effectiveness and the effectiveness of management software applications used by Associate Directors in Queensland TAFE Colleges.

The results of the research indicate that there is no correlation between the level of training and support for development and maintenance provided to Associate Directors and the effectiveness of management software applications they use. This is not consistent with previous research. Reasons for this inconsistency may include inappropriate training and poor identification of information needs by users leading to a perception, on the part of users, that personal computer based managament software applications have no relevance to their decision making functions.