User Acceptance of CASE Tools in Systems Analysis and Design: An Empirical Study
Subhasish Dasgupta, Maliha Haddad, Peter Weiss, and Enrico Bermudez
Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) consists of a set of tools that support automation of various software engineering processes. CASE is extensively used by software developers in industry in systems analysis and design due to gains it provides in productivity and improved documentation quality. Studies indicate that with the proliferation of information technology in today’s organizations and the capital investments required that users must use and accept technology to improve productivity. In this study we examine the determinants of CASE tool acceptance and use. We simulate a systems development environment in a classroom and examine the determinants of CASE tool use. We use the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to identify and test core determinants of user intention to use these tools. Data was collected and analyzed from 85 students regarding their use of CASE technology in the classroom. Results show partial support for the UTAUT in that participants’ performance expectancy and social influence affect behavioral intention to use CASE tools while effort expectancy did not. Results also show that facilitating conditions, computer anxiety and attitude toward using technology have an effect on intention to use CASE tools. Considering the substantial investment required to acquire CASE tools, we believe our findings on the determinates of CASE tool acceptance are important both to industry in the use of CASE and to universities in teaching with CASE.
Keywords: Computer Aided Software Engineering, CASE Tools, UTAUT model, technology acceptance
Dr. Subhasish Dasgupta is Associate Professor of Information Systems in the School of Business, George Washington University. Dr. Dasgupta received his Ph.D. from Baruch College, The City University of New York (CUNY), and MBA and BS from the University of Calcutta, India. He has published his research in refereed journals such as, Decision Support Systems, European Journal of Information Systems., Journal of Global Information Management, Electronic Markets journal, Simulation and Gaming journal and Electronic Markets. Dr. Dasgupta has published two edited books, Internet and intranet technologies in organizations, and Encyclopedia of Virtual Communities and Technologies. He has also presented his research in major regional, national and international conferences.
Dr. Maliha Haddad is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology Management in the School of Business at George Washington University. She received a Doctor of Science degree in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering from George Washington University , a Masters in Computer and Information Systems from GA Tech and a Bachelor in Mathematics from GA State University. Dr. Haddad industrial experience spans a variety of roles involving all aspects of information systems development as a consultant, principal information engineer, project manager in the US and overseas. Dr. Haddad has published articles on software engineering and process improvement. Her most recent efforts are in the areas of hidden costs incurred in software acquisition projects, applying knowledge management concepts to acquisition processes and use of CASE tools within the IS curriculum.
Dr. Peter Weiss is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology Management in the School of Business at George Washington University. He received a Doctor of Science degree in Computer Science from George Washington University , a Master of Science in Administration degree in Business Management from George Washington University, a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelors degree in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Before joining the faculty of George Washington University , Dr. Weiss had industrial experience in system development, project management and IT consulting to both commercial and government clients.
Enrico Bermudez is a Doctoral Candidate in Information Systems in the School of Business, George Washington University. His professional experience includes Biomedical Information Systems Officer for the U.S. Army, Chief Information Officer of a government hospital in California, USA and information management officer for a large regional medical center in Hawaii, USA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The Pennsylvania State University. He has also co-authored a conference paper and presented his research during the International Conference on Informatics Education and Research 2005.
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