A manager who has invested a fortune in IT
If you are a manger, who has already invested a fortune on information technology system, how can you catch the value from information technology system? There are several information systems which are applied by organizations, such as ‘Customer relationship management’(CRM) system, which is a multifaceted process, mediated by a set of information technologies, focuses on creating two-way exchanges with customers so that firms have an intimate knowledge of their needs, wants, and buying patterns; Supply chain management (SCM) system, which is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the operations of the supply chain as efficiently as possible; Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which attempts to integrate several data sources and processes of an organization into an unified system. Certainly, others IT methods also should be used, such as web service.
Organizational investments in information technology systems could support planning, decision-making, and communication process to organization. However, IT systems cannot improve organizational performance if they aren’t used correctly. Unfortunately, resistance to end-user systems by managers and professionals is a widespread problem. To better predict, explain, and increase user acceptance, mangers need to better understand why people accept or reject IT. Therefore, the technology acceptance model (TAM), which is currently the dominant referent theoretical frameworks explaining user acceptance of IT was introduced. Many researches have found that as individuals gained direct experience with a system over time, they relied less on social information in forming perceived usefulness and intention but continued to judge a system’s on the basis potential status benefits resulting from use. Thus, training needs to be given to employees by managers. Technology training is often the first time most employees have direct hands-on experience with new software and therefore provides employees with information to assess usability. However, Training is important not only to facilitate learning how to use a new technology but also to manage employee perceptions and attitudes about the new technology.
It is found that perceived ease of use and two motivators (intrinsic rewards and perceived usefulness) are strongly correlated with user information technology success. Managers should teach users how to use specific applications and how to use different options that allow them to have control or that encourage them to explore the capabilities of the system. The provision of opportunities to gain experience in using IT system, specifically, for new or inexperienced users, would be beneficial in encouraging increased user IT success. In addition, a successful manager should make sure that IT systems are updated in time and adapt to new circumstance. In order to provide effective training to employees, mangers should combine the IT development with Human Resource Management. Firstly, mangers should employ right IT specialists who could provide effective IT training. Secondly, mangers should build a harmony atmosphere within organization which is suitable for employees to study, and let them know who can help them when problems occur. Finally, mangers should introduce a feasible and effective monitoring and evaluation system. It enables they could control the process of IT training.
Jun Wu Li
