Personality Differences and Computer Related Stress in Business Students

Article Abstract:

There has been long-term interest in the processes that affect human-computer interaction, particularly those causing stress. Computer related stress has previously been correlated to general stress (Cohen, Kamarack, and Mermelstein 1983) and to somatic complaints (Derogatis et al. 1974). A negative correlation between perceived stress and academic performance has also been documented (Hudiburg and Jones 1991). This study compares computer related stress levels in three business student populations (239 students): juniors who have not begun their major course work, seniors who are MIS majors, and graduate MBA students. Using standard analysis of variance, we found that MIS students experienced a significantly higher number of stressors than the other two groups and a greater average severity of stress than the premajors. Human-computer interaction is suspected to be more stressful for MIS students than other business students because their use of computers is greater and their grades are more heavily weighte d toward computer work. This study further considers the various personality types/learning styles of these students and investigates how they might be accommodated to minimize anxiety. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test and a computer assignment preference test were administered to the 239 students. Recommendations for different learner types, in terms of environment variables and computer assignment characteristics, were made.

Stress (Psychology), Business students, Human-computer interaction

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Student and Employer Perceptions of Desirable Entry-level Operations Management Skills

Article Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a significant difference between employers and students on their perceptions of the importance of skills and traits critical for securing entry-level employment in operations management. Another major concern in this study is whether employers value general skills more than technical abilities. To address our research questions, a two-page questionnaire was developed. We found significant differences in mean scores between employers and students in their perceptions of the importance of general skills, technical skills, and personality characteristics. In addition, our findings indicate that employers value general skills significantly higher than technical skills. The results of this study provide a foundation for operations management programs in curricula reengineering and ultimately provide the business community with more qualified applicants.

Operations research, Management science, Reports, Students, Surveys, Employers, Skilled labor, Business schools

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People, Prose, and Processors: The Haworth College of Business Electronic Portfolio Project

Article Abstract:

This descriptive study of 184 small firms identified strategies most frequently used by their managers. These strategies were identified using the Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix, a situational model in which the identification of levels of innovation and risk lead to prescriptions of appropriate strategies. Concurrently, this model was empirically tested and its validity supported. Of the strategies used, the five most common were: "work to create a competitive advantage," "maintain innovation," "lower the costs of developing and/or maintaining one's venture," "defend product/service as it is now," and "create a first mover advantage." In addition, there were no differences between the use of strategies by entrepreneurs in service and manufacturing industries.

Methods, Business education, Haworth College of Business

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