Factors in the Choice of MIS as a Major

Abstract

Decline of student enrollment in MIS major is still an issue. In order to reverse the trend, this study highlights the drivers toward the management information system (MIS) major in an Arab country based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Network Externalities Theory. This is the first study that integrates the perceived number of enrolled students (PNES) with TRA in addition to other variables (reputation of the instructor, job availability, financial considerations, computer self-efficacy, easiness of the major, and IT anxiety) with intention to enroll in MIS. The model was tested with 499 undergraduate students and analyzed with LISREL. Results indicate that, unlike western culture, the subjective norms and PNES (and not attitude) are important drivers toward the major. This study is relevant for practitioners who can learn strategies to attract more students to the MIS major.