Management Information Systems Students Research Articles

Predicting women's career decisiveness in the ICT sector: A serial multiple mediation model among MIS students.

This study explores the factors that influence women's career decisions in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, as perceived by women Management Information Systems (MIS) students. It examines how career optimism (CO) and perceived employability (PE) affect the link between irrational beliefs about employment (IB) and career decisiveness (CD). The study involved 232 female students from ICT-related programs in Turkey. Data were collected using four different scales and analyzed for accuracy and connections between factors. To prevent the effects of common method bias, Harman's single-factor test was used, followed by an analysis of mediation effects. Results showed that women students' IB about employment negatively impacted their CD. CO helped mediate this effect. Moreover, both CO and PE together had a mediating role in how IB affected CD. These findings offer valuable insights into the individual and contextual factors shaping women's career decisions. They also support initiatives to boost women's career stability, which aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8. Encouraging career optimism and employability may reduce the negative effects of IB and contribute to a fairer job market where women can pursue ambitious careers.

The Phenomenon of Voluntary Dropout: An Investigation into Management Information Systems Students

The Phenomenon of Voluntary Dropout: An Investigation into Management Information Systems Students

Abstracts

Abstracts

Redesigning an Introductory Programming Course to Facilitate Effective Student Learning: A Case Study

Redesigning an Introductory Programming Course to Facilitate Effective Student Learning: A Case Study

Developing Employability Skills in Information System Graduates

It is widely acknowledged that traditional teaching methods such as lectures, textbooks and case study techniques on their own are not adequate to improving the most in-demand employability skills for graduates. The aim of this article is to explore the potential impact that novel learning and teaching methods can have on improving the employability skills of Management Information System (MIS) graduates. To do so, the article reports the results of an experiment that was conducted with MIS students at the Faculty of Business and Economics in Qatar University, that combined lectures, case study-based workshops, flipped classrooms, presentations, problem-based learning and collaborative learning. The findings of this experiment suggest that known methods of classroom-based learning and teaching used for MIS graduates are failing to develop important graduate skills such as, critical thinking, time management and how to conduct research when faced with challenging problems.

Exploring Pair Programming Benefits for MIS Majors

Pair programming is a collaborative programming practice that places participants in dyads, working in tandem at one computer to complete programming assignments. Pair programming studies with Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) majors have identified benefits such as technical productivity, program/design quality, academic performance, and increased satisfaction for their participants. In this paper, pair programming is studied with Management Information Systems (MIS) majors, who (unlike CS and SE majors taking several programming courses) typically take only one programming course and often struggle to develop advanced programming skills within that single course. The researchers conducted two pair programming experiments in an introductory software development course for MIS majors over three semesters to determine if pair programming could enhance learning for MIS students. The program results, researchers’ direct observations, and participants’ responses to a survey questionnaire were analyzed after each experiment. The results indicate that pair programming appears to be beneficial to MIS students’ technical productivity and program design quality, specifically the ability to create programs using high-level concepts. Additionally, results confirmed increased student satisfaction and reduced frustration, as the pairs worked collaboratively to produce a program while actively communicating and enjoying the process.

Understanding of MIS Specialty in Jordan: Empirical Investigation from Students’ Perspective

The Management Information Systems (MIS) specialty plays a crucial role in the management and application of information technology and information systems in organizations. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for qualified graduates in the MIS specialty. However, there is a lack of the understanding of the MIS specialty among the Jordanian students. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting students’ understanding of MIS specialty in the Jordanian universities. The study followed quantitative research approach which is survey-based using a questionnaire. Around 250 questionnaires were distributed randomly to MIS students at the private universities in northern region in Jordan and 194 valid questionnaires were received. Multiple regression technique was deployed for the data analysis. The results revealed that the students’ capabilities, the students’ beliefs, and the students’ expectations were significantly influencing the students’ understanding of MIS specialty. Moreover, the results indicated that the developed model explains 40.5% of the variance in the students’ understanding of MIS specialty. Practically, students understanding of the MIS will enable them to market the specialty in Jordanian market.

MIS students and the systems analysis and design course project: a proposed experiential approach

A challenge faced by many instructors of systems analysis and design courses is the selection or development of projects that provide challenging, yet suitable, learning experiences for students. Employing a use-cases approach in undergraduate management information systems (MIS) courses offers students a host of opportunities to experientially examine real-world problems that require real-world solutions. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systems analysis and design example case, show the progression of case development, and offer a generalised grading rubric that may be used when assessing the achievement of student learning outcomes and determining overall project success. Additionally, theoretical support for employing such a project, as well as benefits to students, is discussed.

Using language learning strategies to improve the writing skills of Saudi EFL students: Will it really work?

Abstract This study investigates the use of language learning strategies (LLSs) by Saudi EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study determines if gender and academic major have any effect on that use and reveals the potential benefits for Saudi students in the area of strategy instruction. Data was collected during the academic year 2007–2008 from three sample universities in Saudi Arabia using Rebecca Oxford’s Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), a self-report questionnaire, as the instrument. Participants in the study ( N = 165) were all enrolled in similar Freshman English composition courses and totaled 71 male students and 94 female students. The results of ANOVA (analysis of variance) tests showed that female students used slightly more LLSs than male students, and Computer Science students used slightly more LLSs than Management Information Systems students. In response to these findings, a program for direct strategy instruction was piloted with an English writing class at one of the sample universities. Encouraging results from this trial program suggest new avenues for approaching the teaching of writing inside the Kingdom.

Post-Secondary Students Prefer IM to Email for Personal and Social Communication

A review of:
 Lancaster, Sean, David C. Yen, Albert H. Huang, and Shin-Yuan Hung. “The Selection of Instant Messaging or E-mail: College Students’ Perspective for Computer Communication.” Information Management & Computer Security 15.1 (2007): 5-22.
 
 Objective – This study investigates college students’ perceptions of instant messaging (IM) and e-mail for conveying emotions, aiding in relationship building, ease of use, and reliability.
 
 Design – A survey consisting of 59 questions was administered to 1,000 college students, resulting in 545 usable responses.
 
 Setting – The research took place at a midwestern university in the United States.
 
 Subjects – 1,000 Management Information Systems (MIS) college students.
 
 Methods – A 59-question survey was distributed to 1,000 MIS students during the 2005 academic year. 545 usable responses were returned. Participation was voluntary. During the pre-phase of the research, four categories were determined: emotion, relationship, usage, and reliability. Questions were then written for a pilot study using Likert scaling. The post-research phase involved evaluating the questions linguistically to ensure proper word usage, comprehension, and lack of bias.
 
 Main Results – The questions in the section on conveying emotion dealt with how well the two technologies (e-mail and IM) communicated feelings and emotions. While both technologies were acknowledged as being able to communicate more than merely text, IM was clearly preferred for expressing emotion. Fifty-two percent of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed that they used emoticons (originally symbols created with letters and special characters; later evolving into graphical images produced and made available by IM companies) to express emotion in IM, while fewer than 11% agreed or strongly agreed that they did so in e-mail. More than 70% of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed that their friends used emoticons in IM, while fewer than 14% strongly agreed or agreed that their friends used emoticons in e-mails. More than 75% of respondents agreed that it is easier to convey emotions in IM than via e-mail. 
 
 Analysis on the questions that dealt with the technologies as useful relationship builders again showed a preference for IM. IM was preferred by a greater number of respondents for fostering friendships, improving relationships with friends or team members, building relationships, social interaction, and social networking. This section also found that more than 75% of the respondents felt that IM was more useful than e-mail when interacting with friends. However, when asked about interacting with co-workers specifically, only 44% were in agreement. Nearly 32% were neutral on this point, while 24% were in disagreement. It appears that IM is preferred over e-mail for fostering social and friendly relationships, but is not preferred when the interaction is work-related and more professional.
 
 In terms of use, both technologies were considered easy to learn and use by more than 90% of respondents. In terms of preferred use, more than 60% of respondents use IM for personal and social interaction, while less than 1% uses IM for work-related activities. Nearly 80% of respondents preferred using e-mail for work, and nearly 75% preferred using IM for social interaction. Sixty-three percent of respondents did not agree that IM is just as effective as face-to-face meetings, while nearly 75% did not agree that e-mail can be as effective as meeting face-to-face.
 
 In the areas of reliability, security, and privacy of IM and e-mail, respondents perceived e-mail more favourably. Sixty-four percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that IM is very reliable, while 80% of respondents felt the same way about e-mail. Just over 30% of those questioned agreed that IM is very secure, while more than 50% felt that way about e-mail. However, the gap is narrower when users were queried as to whether or not they worry about security: 13% strongly agreed with the statement that users do not worry about their security when using IM, while 15% strongly agreed with the statement as it pertained to e-mail. The same types of questions were asked about perceived privacy. Nearly 50% agreed that their privacy is protected with e-mail, while just under 35% had the same belief about IM. More than 60% of respondents reported that they do not worry about privacy when e-mailing, while about 53% of respondents do not worry about privacy with IM.
 
 Conclusion – IM was perceived more favourably than e-mail in 3 of the 4 categories: conveying emotions, building relationships, and ease of use. In the reliability category, e-mail was perceived more favourably. However, there is a division between social interaction and professional communication. IM is preferred for personal and social relationships, while e-mail is preferred for work-related communication. Neither of the technologies is as desirable as face-to-face meetings.

An Empirical Study about the Critical Factors Affecting MIS Students’ Job Opportunities

For the first time in many years, Management Information Systems (MIS) students and faculty are seeking ways to improve full-time job placement for program graduates. Due to sharp IT budget cuts, the slowing economy, and outsourcing, job opportunities for MIS graduates have become scarcer than ever before. In addition to achieving good academic performance, MIS students have adopted aggressive approaches to securing employment, such as building MIS-related internship experiences, adding additional majors, and taking more technical course work. Research on the critical factors affecting MIS full-time job opportunities has not received enough attention, and little empirical research is currently available. There are several factors generally known to affect full-time job opportunities for graduates. These factors include the intern-like work experience, nature of work experience, multiple majors, the timing of major declaration, grade point average, and gender difference. An urgently needed empirical study has been completed and the results are reported in this paper.

Determinants of Graduating MIS Students Starting Salary in Boom and Bust Job Markets

This study investigates the influence of internship experience, grade-point average (GPA), and job market on the starting salaries of management information systems (MIS) graduates. The seven-year period of the study includes the strong job market of the Internet boom, as well as the weak job market following the Internet bust. The regression results indicate that several factors are significantly related to starting salary including internship experience, GPA, job market, and size of employer. Internship experience was found to play a particularly strong role in predicting MIS starting salaries. A significant interaction effect indicates that the positive effect of internship experience is stronger during a weak job market. Graduates with internship experience also found employment more quickly. The study is based upon academic and placement data collected from 126 graduates from an AACSB accredited MIS program at Western Washington University during the years 1997-2003.

Integrating Intellectual Property Concepts into MIS Education: An Empirical Assessment*

ABSTRACTThe evolving legal environment surrounding intellectual property (IP) and its impact on information systems, especially involving electronic commerce, and the type of education and training provided by management information systems (MIS) faculty to MIS students is a relationship that has not been investigated. Although organizations are confronted with IP infringement actions dealing with copyright, trademark, and their relationship to information systems, these issues are not adequately dealt with in MIS courses and programs today. These include improper posting of copyrighted material onto Web sites, improper use of metatags, and inappropriate deep linking and framing. Metatags, linking, and framing are often integral components of e‐commerce and web development coursework. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study surveyed 122 MIS academics to ascertain their intentions to incorporate these IP concepts into their MIS courses. The results strongly support the TPB constructs regarding faculty members' intentions to incorporate these issues. Follow‐up contacts with a number of respondents also showed very strong support for academics actually incorporating these issues into their coursework.

A Comparative Analysis Of Student Job Placement In Management Information Systems: An Exploratory Study

A Comparative Analysis Of Student Job Placement In Management Information Systems: An Exploratory Study

An investigation the factors affecting MIS student burnout in technical-vocational college

Management information system (MIS) students are one of the most important information system (IS) employee sources. However, the determinants of student's burnout for MIS major students have received little attentions, despite their importance as indicator in predicting professional burnout and their working intention after their graduation and becoming IS professionals. This study explores the antecedents of student burnout for MIS major at technical-vocational college. Self-efficacy, social support, and sex-role were considered as antecedents to MIS student burnout. A questionnaire method by self-administered technique was used in this study. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the hypotheses. Statistical results displayed that MIS students with social support, self-efficacy and femininity have predictive power over student burnout. MIS students with social support and masculinity also have predictive power over self-efficacy.

Multimedia learning system and its effect on self-efficacy in database modeling and design: an exploratory study

Metadatabase modeling and design integrate process modeling and data modeling methodologies. Both are core topics in the information technology (IT) curriculum. Learning these topics has been an important pedagogical issue to the core studies for management information systems (MIS) and computer science (CSc) students. Unfortunately, the learning curve for the associated metadatabase modeling methodologies and their corresponding computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools have made it difficult for students to grasp. Addressing this learning issue, this study developed a multimedia learning system (MLS) and examines the effect of this MLS on the self-efficacy of learning these topics. It confirms that the MLS has significant impact on the self-efficacy in learning and that the software usefulness and software ease-of-use indeed affect the learning self-efficacy of MIS students. Furthermore, longer usage of the MLS can improve the self-efficacy in learning, but cannot make the improvement faster. Finally, the MLS can help the MIS students improve their self-efficacy in learning more than helping the CSc students.