The Impact of System and Support Characteristics on User Acceptance of an Electronic Procurement System
Abstract
Studies on electronic procurement have entered a new stage. After initial research on the forms and effectiveness of electronic procurement tools, the focus is now shifting to user acceptance of these tools. Without sufficient levels of user acceptance and compliance, electronic procurement (EP) will not be able to fulfil the high expectations management has in terms of cost and price reduction. In order to improve EP usage, it is instructive for managers to know if and how various system and support characteristics influence user acceptance. In this study, we have investigated user acceptance of an EP tool in a public institution. Based on responses of 139 users of an electronic ordering system we empirically test the core tenets of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and model the effects of system characteristics (content, usability, and performance) and support characteristics (training and support) on perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use. We find that while the direct effects of system usability, system performance, and support on perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use are as hypothesized, neither content, nor training have significant effects on usefulness and ease-of-use respectively.
Contact information:
Prof.dr. J.Y.F. Wynstra
