Information technology (IT) acceptance research has yielded many competing models, each with different sets of acceptance determinants. In this paper, we (1) review user acceptance literature and discuss eight prominent models, (2) empirically compare the eight models and their extensions, (3) formulate a unified model that integrates elements across the eight models, and (4) empirically validate the unified model. The eight models reviewed are the theory of reasoned action, the technology acceptance model, the motivational model, the theory of planned behavior, a model combining the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior, the model of PC utilization, the innovation diffusion theory, and the social cognitive theory. Using data from four organizations over a six-month period with three points of measurement, the eight models explained between 17 percent and 53 percent of the variance in user intentions to use information technology. Next, a unified model, called the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), was formulated, with four core determinants of intention and usage, and up to four moderators of key relationships. UTAUT was then tested using the original data and found to outperform the eight individual models (adjusted R 2 of 69 percent). UTAUT was then confirmed with data from two new organizations with similar

Information quality (IQ) is critical in organizations. Yet, despite a decade of active research and practice, the field lacks comprehensive methodologies for its assessment and improvement. Here, we develop such a methodology, which we call AIM quality (AIMQ) to form a basis for IQ assessment and benchmarking. The methodology is illustrated through its application to five major organizations. The methodology encompasses a model of IQ, a questionnaire to measure IQ, and analysis techniques for interpreting the IQ measures. We develop and validate the questionnaire and use it to collect data on the status of organizational IQ. These data are used to assess and benchmark IQ for four quadrants of the model. These analysis techniques are applied to analyze the gap between an organization and best practices. They are also applied to analyze gaps between IS professionals and information consumers. The results of the techniques are useful for determining the best area for IQ improvement activities.

Communicated by S. Wiedenbeck Along with increasing investments in new technologies, user technology acceptance becomes a frequently studied topic in the information systems discipline. The last two decades have seen user acceptance models being proposed, tested, refined, extended and unified. These models have contributed to our understanding of user technology acceptance factors and their relationships. Yet they have also presented two limitations: the relatively low explanatory power and inconsistent influences of the factors across studies. Several researchers have recently started to examine the potential moderating effects that may overcome these limitations. However, studies in this direction are far from being conclusive. This study attempts to provide a systematic analysis of the explanatory and situational limitations of existing technology acceptance studies. Ten moderating factors are identified and categorized into three groups: organizational factors, technological factors and individual factors. An integrative model is subsequently established, followed by corresponding propositions pertaining to the moderating factors.

This research examines the impact of primitive affective reactions to information technology on subsequent cognitive reactions and behavioral intention on IT use, and the potential change of such impact over time. We ground our work in theories of psychology and information systems and propose a theoretical model in which the user’s perceptions regarding the affective quality of an IT influences cognitive reactions and behavioral intention to use IT. The model was validated by surveys in two field studies of 226 and 196 college students, respectively, who were asked to evaluate a course management system, WebCT. The first study occurred during weeks 3 and 4 of the spring 2004 semester, when subjects were getting familiar with WebCT for their classes. The second study ran during weeks 11 and 12 of the same semester, when WebCT had been used quite intensively in the classes. The theoretical model is supported by both studies, indicating that the impact of perceived affective quality persists, even when subjects ’ familiarity with and use of the IT increases. Our research identifies perceived affective quality as another, more-fundamental, and sustained source of user intention of IT use that has not been widely recognized yet. From a theoretical perspective, this research breaks the conventional cognition-driven paradigm of studying user reactions to technology and calls for attention to affect and emotion in examining people’s everyday, normal interactions with IT. Practically, the research provides empirical evidence for IT designers, trainers, and stakeholders to better strategize their resources and emphases.

a fit framework and a case study

Mobile information systems (IS) hold great promise to support organizational processes. Clear guidelines, however, of how to design effective mobile IS in support of organizational processes have not been developed. Based on earlier research that emphasizes the importance of fit between organizational tasks and technology and that develops fit profiles for specific task−technology combinations, this paper develops a task−technology fit (TTF) profile for mobile IS to support managerial tasks. We suggest a three−way match between dimensions of managerial tasks, mobile IS, and the mobile use context. We find that use situations characterized by high distraction and poor quality of network connection are particularly challenging for the design of mobile IS, and that the user interface requires particular attention. The proposed conceptual model of task−technology fit provides guidelines for the design of effective mobile IS and for future research studies.

The recent introduction of a spate of data access applications, such as OLAP and data mining tools, has led to an increased interest on the part of both scholars and practitioners on how best to use and benefit from these tools. This paper reports on six exploratory case studies involving eight decision-makers and seven endusers. A process model based on the Value Chain is proposed and explained. Results show that database usage and information processing practices have indeed grown more sophisticated. Implications for practice and future research aimed at testing the Value Chain model are proposed.

This research examines the application of the tasktechnology fit (TTF) model to World Wide Web (WWW) usage for electronic commerce (EC) purposes. Conducted from corporate buyers ’ perspective, this study assesses the extent to which Internet websites in general support the procurement process. The model suggests that a better fit between the tasks required during the procurement process and Internet websites’ functionalities leads to a higher level of WWW usage, which then leads to an improved performance for users. All relevant constructs are discussed. Scales used to measure them are then developed. Data collected from 110 corporate buyers from over 100 organizations operating in a wide range of industries helped assess

Task−technology fit has been developed as a diagnostic tool to determine whether information systems meet user needs, and has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the effectiveness of various types of information systems, such as group support systems and management support systems. Despite empirical evidence for the relevance of task−technology fit to improve information system effectiveness, the theory of task−technology fit provides little guidance of how to determine and operationalize fit for particular combinations of task and technology. Consequently, the theoretical validity of the concept of task−technology fit remains limited as does its practical applicability. In this paper, we present the results of an inductive study to explore the concept and antecedents of fit for mobile information systems to support mobile professionals. We performed a content analysis of online user reviews of four mobile technology products with the objective to identify issues that are relevant to users. The mobile technology products include a cell−phone, two personal digital assistants (PDAs), and an ultra−light laptop. The identified issues can be grouped into four conceptual constructs: overall user evaluation, task−related

Since technology adopters are sensitive to perceived ease of use, online shoppers who are novices to a product category may be particularly sensitive. We developed a predictive model of decision quality centered on perceived ease of use for online shoppers who are novices to a product category. The antecedents of perceived ease of use in this study are novice category knowledge, perceived time pressure and purchase involvement. We had undergraduate students interact with multiple-stage shopping engines (MSSEs) of varying effort-accuracy tradeoffs in our purposebuilt Web store. Both novice category knowledge and perceived time pressure negatively impacted purchase involvement and perceived ease of use of the MSSEs. Perceived ease of use of the MSSEs positively impacted their perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness positively impacted decision quality, which was measured objectively, with data envelopment analysis, and subjectively, with the weighted additive method. Six of the seven hypotheses were supported. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences among the MSSEs and purchase involvement did not positively impact perceived ease of use. The results, analyzed via partial