The Usefulness and Ease of Use of a Mobile Simulation Application for Learning of ERP Systems

Authors

  • Brenda Scholtz Nelson Mandela University
  • Mando Kapeso Nelson Mandela University
  • Ruth de Villiers

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18489/sacj.v29i2.475

Keywords:

Ease of use, Enterprise Systems, ERP Training, m-Learning, simulation-based learning, usefulness

Abstract

The hands-on use of complex, industrial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in educational contexts can be costly and complex. Tools that simulate the hands-on use of an ERP system have been proposed as alternatives. Research into the perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of these simulation tools in an m-learning environment is limited. As part of this study, an m-learning simulation application (SYSPRO Latte) was designed based on experiential learning theory and on a previously proposed theoretical framework for m-learning. The application simulates the hands-on experience of an ERP system. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of a study of 49 students who used SYSPRO Latte and completed a questionnaire on its PEOU and PU. The results revealed that students perceived SYSPRO Latte to be easy to use and useful, and verified other studies identifying a correlation between PEOU and PU. The study also confirmed the benefits of simulation-based learning and m-learning particularly for content presentation. The importance of considering design principles for m-learning applications was highlighted. This study is part of a larger, comprehensive research project that aims at improving learning of ERP systems in higher education.

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Published

2017-10-13

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Research Papers (general)

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