Application of the DeLone and McLean’s model to assess the effectiveness of an intranet in an open distance learning library

Date
2017-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Technology enables communication and sharing of knowledge on many levels. Organizations are procuring different types of information systems to facilitate knowledge-sharing efforts and to stay relevant in this digitally competitive world. Universities are also investing in such systems, one being the intranet. The study identified the collection of log on count statistics to assess the effectiveness of the intranet as a knowledge-sharing tool as being insufficient as it fails to address the deeper issues associated with the effective functioning of an information system. The study used the dimensions of the DeLone and McLean’s model, namely, information quality, intention to use, system quality, service quality, user satisfaction and net benefits, to report on the state of the Unisa Library’s intranet to assess its effectiveness as a knowledge-sharing tool. The target population consisted of all the permanent library staff members in different capacities within different directorates. A quantitative research methodology was used to collect data by means of a self-administered online questionnaire. The results gathered from the study show that there is an awareness of the intranet within the organization. However, optimal utilization is lacking. The results further indicate that the various sources of knowledge-sharing platforms add to the inadequate exploration of the intranet. The construct of use was highly ranked in the study, which shows that while there is usage of the intranet, the usage is inadequate. The study makes recommendations to increase the usage of the intranet.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Die tegnologie maak kommunikasie en die deel van kennis op vele vlakke moontlik. Organisasies maak gebruik van verskillende tipes inligtingstelsels as pogings om die deel van kennis te fasiliteer en om relevant te bly in 'n mededingende digitale wereld. So ook bele universiteite in hierdie tipe stelsels, waaronder die intranet. Die studie is toegespits op die versameling van aanmeldstatistieke om die doeltreffendheid van die intranet te evalueer as 'n onvoldoende hulpmiddel vir die deel van kennis, aangesien dit nie die dieperliggende kwessies wat verband hou met die doeltreffende funksionering van 'n inligtingstelsel aanspreek nie. Die studie gebruik die dimensies van die Delone en McLean se model, naamlik: gebruik, inligtingkwaliteit, die voorneme om te gebruik, stelselkwaliteit, dienskwaliteit en gebruikertevredenheid om verslag te doen oor die stand van die intranet van die Unisa-biblioteek se doeltreffendheid as ’n hulpmiddel om kennis te deel. Die teikengroep bestaan uit die biblioteek se permanente personeellede in verskillende hoedanighede binne verskillende portefeuljes. 'n Kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodologie word gebruik om data in te samel deur middel van 'n self-geadministreerde aanlynvraelys. Die resultate wat uit die studie volg, toon dat daar 'n bewustheid van die intranet binne die organisasie is. Die optimale benutting daarvan ontbreek egter. Die resultate dui verder aan dat die bewustheid van die verskillende hulpbronne van kennisdeelplatforms ook bydra tot die onvoldoende verkenning en gebruik van die intranet. Die gebruikkonstruk word hoog aangeslaan in die studie wat toon dat die intranet wel gebruik word, maar dat dit is egter nie voldoende nie. Verder maak die studie aanbevelings om die gebruik van die intranet te verhoog.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2017.
Keywords
Intranet, Knowledge sharing, Information systems, UCTD, Computer networks
Citation