Meta-analysis of the DeLone and McLean models in e-learning success: the moderating role of user type

Purpose

Reviewing the existing literature in the field of e-learning success reveals a considerable number of studies that primarily investigate the causal relationships proposed by the DeLone and McLean (D&M) information system (IS) success model. However, the various relationships in the D&M model have found different levels of support or even contradictory results within the empirical literature. To synthesize the existing knowledge in the field of e-learning success, the authors have conducted a meta-analysis of e-learning success studies using D&M to combine the quantitative results and validate the model in this field. Furthermore, a moderator analysis involving user types was performed to examine the situation under which they may have different effects.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, through a systematic review of the studies, 44 independent studies were selected from 29 qualified related journals. In order to analyze the quantitative results of the studies, the meta-analysis of the effect sizes of the casual relationships in the D&M model has been used.

Findings

The findings indicated that all relationships of the model were supported. It was also revealed that the extent of effect sizes of the examined relationships depends on the type of user. Except for one relationship (user satisfaction and net benefit), all effect sizes of employees were more than those of students and teachers.

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis reviewed the relationships found in the literature on D&M constructs in e-learning contexts. This study better explains the e-learning success factors by consolidating contradictory findings in the past researches and contributes to the existing e-learning success literature. The findings can assist educational institutions and organizations in decision-making because the findings resulting from the meta-analysis are more consistent than previous primary researches.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread use of the D&M model in the field of e-learning success, no study has yet consolidated the quantitative findings of these studies and the current field abounds in some controversies and inconsistent findings. This paper integrates the results of empirical studies that examined the relationships within the D&M model. The main contribution of this paper, which is the first of its kind, is to apply meta-analysis to reconcile the conflicting findings, investigate the strengths of the relationships in the D&M model and provide a consolidated view.

A Systematic Review on Flood Early Warning and Response System (FEWRS): A Deep Review and Analysis

Flood is the major natural hazard in Malaysia in terms of populations affected, area extent, frequency, social–economic damage, and flood duration. This shows the importance of providing comprehensive and effective flood mitigation management, which requires government agencies to enhance their employment performance that involves technological innovation. A flood early warning and response system (FEWRS) is essential to ensure that all stakeholders receive the right information and are provided with necessary actions and response information to avoid loss of lives and property. It should have some effective usability features and success components of its strategic information access and display; existing FEWRS fail and often do not effectively provide information on flood disasters to reduce their impacts at a local level to save the population’s lives. The measurement of information system (IS) success remains a top concern for researchers, managers, and practitioners. Therefore, this study seeks to provide a systematic overview of the most successful model of employment-related technical advancement for the management of flood disasters to improve its employees’ performance. In addition, examined factors that affect the successful implementation of flood management approaches, based on a systematic literature review among IS, show interrelationship of success factors. Findings from the literature suggest that the DeLone and McLean (D&M) model is the most widely employed model, recorded in 28 studies (39%). Further description of the 28 studies indicates that the D&M was either adopted alone or integrated with other theories. Moreover, results suggest the D&M is has been applied alone 39% of the time and has been extended 29% of the time; in total, 68% of the time, D&M has been applied either alone or extended in the information system domain. Additionally, 22% of the time it has been integrated with other theories.