A critical factor of e-learning success is the e-learning readiness of the online user. However, there is a scarcity of studies on online instructors' e-learning readiness (E-Readiness) in an online learning environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there were correlations among online instructor E-Readiness dimensions and factors at the design and delivery stages that affect system outcomes. In this study, the DeLone and McLean model was used as a framework for research to test E-Readiness with the System Design stage (comprising System Quality, Information Quality, and Service Quality), System Delivery stage (comprising System Use, and User Satisfaction) and Net Benefits stage (comprising Net Benefits). A total of 113 online instructors at a Caribbean university system completed a Web-based questionnaire containing previously validated and adapted items. The questions were answered using a five-point Likert scale and the survey results were analyzed using aggregates and linear regression statistical methods. The results revealed that the e-learning systems success score of the university was 4.07 out of 5 or 81.4%, while the E-Readiness score of online instructors was 4.53 out of 5, or 90.6%. Linear regression analysis showed that E-Readiness was a significant and positive predictor of the System Design, System Delivery, and System Outcome stages and their associated dimensions. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the constructs together accounted for 42.2% of the variance in Net Benefits. Of the six predictors in the model, User Satisfaction provided the largest unique contribution when the other predictors in the model were held constant. The other predictors in the model (System Quality, Service Quality, Information Quality, System Use and E-Readiness) were not statistically significant and provided no significant or unique contribution to Net Benefits. Further information is provided regarding factors affecting net benefits among online instructors using online learning environments. This information can be used to address online instructors' barriers to technology use.

Few studies have been undertaken which examine the correlation between design of the receptionl/waiting areas of the outpatients' departments and the implications for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and non-PFI hospitals, in particular the interior environment with reference to user satisfaction. This study investigates to what degree user satisfaction has been achieved in the design of the receptionlwaiting areas in PFI and non-PFI hospitals. The aim of the investigation is to determine whether user satisfaction can be achieved in PFI or non-PFI hospital environments, particular in the outpatients' department. To ascertain whether hospital environments facilitate user friendly and therapeutic characteristics/attributes conducive to user satisfaction, two strands of investigation were undertaken; a) investigation and analysis of PFI and non-PFI hospital design; b) the study of users (PFI and non-PFI) via questionnaire surveys and analysis of their perceptions. The research methods utilised combinations of qualitative information from interviews, discussions with hospital end users, architects/designers and Consortium executives. The surveys undertaken with patients, hospital staff and NHS Trust Managers provided quantitative data to measure the degree to which user satisfaction had been achieved. The main findings of the design analysis identify the strengths and weaknesses in the design of the 'main' and 'sub' reception/waiting areas respectively. The results of the patient surveys, discussions and interviews revealed more positive perceptions of the hospital facilities for PFI hospitals and a general acceptance of the hospital facilities in the non-PFI hospitals. However, the other comments section of the questionnaires reveals some psychological needs of the user were not being met. The hospital staff surveys, discussions and interviews revealed the spatial planning was not ideal for their functional needs. The survey of NHS Trust Managers, Architects/Designers and Building Contractors revealed the difficulties associated with the collaborative process and the implications for the design development process, when reflecting upon 'cost effectiveness' and 'value for money' issues. The conclusions drawn from the study suggest that there is a case for the standardisation of therapeutic environments in the development of 'new build' hospital projects via the design development and collaborative process. The recommendation (see p. 313) provides a design protoeo/that enhance and aids the design development process via selective expertise, which addresses the functional and psychological needs of the hospital end user.

Objective: The researcher replicated 12 questions from a previous user satisfaction study for the C-HOBIC assessment tool at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg Manitoba. The research questions were: (a) what is user satisfaction regarding the C-HOBIC assessment tool 20 months after implementation, (b) has user satisfaction changed since the first evaluation, and (c) do user demographics correlate with user satisfaction and the C-HOBIC assessment tool? Method: 20 months after the previous study (Canadian Nurses Association, 2015), a convenience sample of 71 participants from a pool of approximately 700 clinicians completed an online survey comprised of 12 questions taken from the previous study. Results: The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, descriptive statistics, chi-square test for independence, and Spearman’s correlation. The Likert-style survey produced discrete, ranked data that did not follow a normal distribution. Overall user satisfaction with the C-HOBIC assessment tool was rated higher in the previous group (n=59) as compared to user satisfaction in the current group (n=71). There was a significant but weak correlation with gender and C-HOBIC patient outcomes positively influencing patient care directions, and improving patient care planning. A significant but weak correlation existed between the years of a participant's clinical experience and the ease of integrating C-HOBIC into practice. Conclusions: There were more participants not satisfied with the use of the C-HOBIC assessment tool than were satisfied. Participants in this study had less user satisfaction with the C-HOBIC assessment tool and associated outcomes than participants from a similar study 20 months before. Gender and years of clinical experience are correlated with user satisfaction. The small sample size, the non-normally distributed data, and convenient sampling method do not support generalization of the results beyond the data set. / Graduate / 0569 / alshunt@gmail.com

Esta dissertação trata de uma pesquisa empírica que tem como principais objetivos identificar na literatura os determinantes de satisfação de usuários de Governo Eletrônico e aplicar o modelo proposto aos usuários do portal de Cabo Verde. O estudo dos modelos de satisfação dos usuários de Governo Eletrônico foi realizado através de pesquisa bibliográfica. Enquanto que para avaliar a satisfação do usuário do portal do governo de Cabo Verde foi adotada a pesquisa quantitativa. Foi selecionado para esse estudo os modelos de avaliação de satisfação do usuário do Governo Eletrônico dos autores Alawneh, Al-Refai e Batiha (2013), no Artigo: Measuring user satisfaction from e-Government services: Lessons from Jordan, e Damian (2012), na sua tese de doutorado: Um modelo para análise de sites de governos eletrônicos. O modelo adaptado é composto por cinco dimensões: segurança e privacidade, confiabilidade, acessibilidade, divulgação dos serviços disponíveis no portal de e-gov e agilidade dos serviços públicos. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados através de aplicação de questionários enviados por meio eletrônico aos usuários cadastrados no portal. Os métodos propostos para a análise de dados foram a análise descritiva, a análise fatorial e a análise fatorial confirmatória para analisar a satisfação dos usuários como um todo. A pesquisa obteve 250 respostas completas, sendo que 29 respondentes afirmaram que nunca utilizaram o portal e 221 afirmaram que usavam o portal. Como resultado principal observou-se que todas as medidas utilizadas no estudo estão dentro dos valores aceitáveis na literatura, o que demonstra que a escala em estudo é confiável e válida para medir a satisfação do usuário do Governo Eletrônico. Contudo, esses resultados foram relevantes para fornecer as principais contribuições teóricas e práticas em relação a satisfação dos usuários do Governo Eletrônico. / This dissertation is an empirical research that has as main objective identify in the literature the determinants of e-government users satisfaction and implement the proposed model to the Cape Verde portal users. The study of models of e-government user satisfaction was achieved through literature. While to evaluate user satisfaction of the Cape Verde government portal was adopted quantitative research. For this study it was selected the assessment models of user satisfaction of e-government of the authors Alawneh , Al - Refai and Batiha (2013 ) , in the Article : Measuring user satisfaction from e-government services: Lessons from Jordan , and Damian (2012 ) in his doctoral thesis : a model for analysis of electronic government websites . The adapted model consists of five dimensions : security and privacy , reliability , accessibility , publicizing the services available on the portal of e- gov and agility of public services . The research data were collected through questionnaires sent electronically to the registered users on the portal. The proposed methods for data analysis were descriptive analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to analyze user satisfaction factor analysis as a whole. The search obtained 250 complete responses, while 29 respondents said they never used the portal and 221 said they used the portal. As main result it was observed that all measures used in the study are within acceptable values in the literature, which shows that the scale in study is reliable and valid to measure e-government user satisfaction. However, these results were relevant to provide the major theoretical and practical contributions towards user satisfaction of e-government.

A obesidade é um grave problema de saúde pública, tanto pelo seu impacto na expectativa média de vida quanto pela piora em sua qualidade. Dessa forma, a promoção da alimentação saudável é uma medida essencial que pode ser alcançada pela educação alimentar e nutricional (EAN), visando à conscientização da população em relação aos benefícios que bons hábitos podem oferecer por meio de diversas ações políticas e estratégias relacionadas a essa área temática. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados de um programa de educação alimentar para perda de peso em relação à antropometria e à satisfação dos usuários. O estudo foi realizado a partir de um banco de dados do Programa de Educação Alimentar (PRAUSP), uma estratégia multiprofissional e interdisciplinar para indivíduos com excesso de peso com duração de 12 semanas, realizado no Campus de uma universidade pública. Coletou-se informações sociodemográficas e antropométricas iniciais e finais (peso, altura, circunferência da cintura-CC e circunferência do quadril-CQ) de 176 adultos de ambos os sexos, com excesso de peso, que participaram do programa entre 2007 e 2013. Ainda, foram utilizadas informações contidas no instrumento de Avaliação Final para avaliação da satisfação e mudanças alimentares e comportamentais adquiridas no período de intervenção. As medidas de peso e altura foram utilizadas para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e as medidas de circunferências, que também foram utilizadas para o cálculo da relação cintura-quadril (RCQ). Como resultados, verificou-se que a maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (81,3%), com idade média de 45 anos (DP =12), casada (61,4%), com o ensino médio concluído (51,7%). O IMC médio dos participantes foi de 33,25 kg/m² (DP = 5,79) no início do programa e 32,13 kg/m² (DP = 5,72) após a intervenção (p=0,000). A circunferência da cintura (CC) média passou de 101,56 cm (DP = 12,29) para 97,99 cm (DP = 12,35) nas mulheres e de 118,84 cm (DP = 13,05) para 112,62 cm (DP = 11,67) nos homens (p=0,000). A relação cintura quadril (RCQ) também apresentou alteração na amostra total, reduzindo de 0,89 cm (DP = 0,08) para 0,88 cm (DP = 0,08) (p= 0,000). Observou-se que a perda de peso média foi de 3,5%. Sessenta e dois por cento das mulheres e 44,4% dos homens apresentaram perda de até 5%, enquanto 22,9% das mulheres e 42,5% dos homens obtiveram perda ponderal maior que 5%. A maioria dos participantes (84,1%) ficou satisfeita com a estratégia e apresentaram mudanças relacionadas ao hábito alimentar, como aumento do consumo de água e alimentos mais saudáveis, maior fracionamento das refeições e tempo de mastigação. Conclui-se que o programa de educação alimentar teve impacto positivo com resultados bastante satisfatórios, tendo sido bem avaliado pelos participantes. Assim, essa estratégia pode ser considerada uma iniciativa efetiva de EAN para o tratamento do excesso de peso e deve ser implementada em outros espaços comunitários nas áreas da saúde e educação / Obesity is a major public health concern because of its impact on longevity and prejudice in quality of life. Thus, the promotion of healthy eating is a key action that can be achieved by food and nutrition education (FNE). Its aim is to provide public awareness of the benefits of good habits through several political and strategic actions related to this subject area. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of a nutrition education program for weight loss in relation to anthropometry and user satisfaction. The study was conducted from the database of the Nutrition Education Program (PRAUSP), a 12-week multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary strategy for overweight individuals, held on the campus of a public university. Initial and final socio-demographic and anthropometric information were collected (weight, height, waist circumference - WC, and hip circumference - HC) from 176 overweight adults of both sexes, who participated in the program between 2007 and 2013. Information contained in the Final Assessment instrument were also used for assessing satisfaction and dietary and behavioral changes acquired during the intervening period. Weight and height measurements were used to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) and circumference measures were used to evaluate the waist-hip ratio (WHR). Most participants were female (81.3%) and, on average, participants were 45 years of age (SD = 12). The majority of the sample was married (61.4%) and 51.7% had completed the high school. The mean BMI of the participants was 33.25 kg/m² (SD = 5.79) at the beginning of the program and 32.13 kg/m² (SD = 5.72) after the intervention (p = 0.000). Mean waist circumference (WC) went from 101.56 cm (SD = 12.29) to 97.99 cm (SD = 12.35) among women and 118.84 cm (SD = 13.05) to 112.62 cm (SD = 11.67) among men (p = 0.000). The waist-hip ratio (WHR) also changed in the total sample, reducing from 0.89 cm (SD = 0.08) to 0.88 cm (SD = 0.08) (p = 0.000). The average weight loss was 3.5%. Sixty-two percent of women and 44.4% of men showed loss of up to 5%, while 22.9% of women and 42.5% of men lost more than 5% of weight. Most of participants (84.1%) were satisfied with the strategy and presented changes related to eating habits, such as increase in water consumption and healthier foods, more fractionated meals and higher chewing time. It is concluded that the nutrition education program had a positive impact. Results were very satisfactory and the program was well evaluated by the participants. Therefore, this strategy can be considered an effective initiative of food and nutrition education for the treatment of overweight and should be implemented in other community spaces in the areas of health and education

A segurança da informação é uma das grandes preocupações dos gestores corporativos nessas últimas décadas e responsável por grandes prejuízos as organizações. A prevenção desses problemas pode ser alcançada através da educação e da conscientização do usuário no uso da tecnologia de maneira segura, utilizando práticas que estejam de acordo com as políticas de segurança da informação das empresas. Gestores tem dificuldade de entender e decidir que tipo de ação deve ser realizada para proteger informações. A falta de conhecimento, métricas e dados sobre o assunto são os principais problemas relatados pelos gestores para tomada de decisão sobre investimentos. Diversos estudos indicam que o uso de práticas de segurança por usuários e investimentos em treinamento e conscientização são a maneira mais eficaz de evitar problemas relacionados à segurança da informação. A satisfação do usuário é uma das formas comprovadas na literatura de SI de medir a qualidade do investimento em SI e a intenção de uso do SI pelo usuário. O objetivo da pesquisa é desenvolver um instrumento para medir a satisfação do usuário com as práticas de segurança da informação. Para atingir esse objetivo, fatores sobre a satisfação do usuário com SI foram identificados na literatura. Esses fatores foram combinados para elaboração de um instrumento de pesquisa sobre satisfação do usuário com as práticas de segurança da informação. Um modelo conceitual foi elaborado e validado através de uma survey realizada com usuários de computador que utilizam sistemas de informação corporativo. Obteve-se um total de 229 respostas, com 173 questionários válidos. A análise de dados utilizou modelagem de equações estruturais baseado em covariância para avaliação do modelo conceitual e das hipóteses de pesquisa. O resultado indica satisfação com os benefícios percebidos com a segurança frente ao esforço para alcança-los, mas insatisfação do usuário com o uso do sistemas de informação com as práticas de segurança. / Information security is a major concern for management in recent decades and responsible for major losses in organizations. The prevention of these problems can be achieved through user education and awareness on using technology safely, using practices that are consistent with the information security policies on firm. Managers face difficulties to understand and decide what action should be taken to protect information systems. Lack of knowledge and metrics on the information security are the main problems reported by managers for decision on information security investments. Several studies indicate that user involvement and investment in training and awareness are the most effective way to avoid problems related to information security. User satisfaction is one of the proven ways to measure the quality of investment and use intention of information systems. The objective of this research is to develop an instrument to measure user satisfaction with information security practices. To achieve this goal, factors to measure IS user satisfaction were identified on literature. A research instrument was developed based on these factors to measure user satisfaction with information security practices. A conceptual model was developed and a survey was conducted with enterprise information systems users. There was obtained a total of 173 usable questionnaires. Structural equation modeling covariance-based was used to evaluate model and research hypotheses. The result indicates satisfaction with percept benefits from information security compared with efforts to achieve them, but user dissatisfaction over the information systems use with security practices.

La presente tesis tuvo como objetivo principal determinar la asociación de la satisfacción de los usuarios de las oficinas administrativas con la calidad del sistema de trámite documentario. Para el logro del objetivo planteado se realizó un estudio descriptivo-correlacional, no experimental de corte transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo basada en análisis de datos. The main objective of this thesis was to determine the association of the satisfaction of the users of the administrative offices with the quality of the document processing system. For the achievement of the proposed objective, a descriptive-correlational, non-experimental cross-sectional study was carried out, with a quantitative approach based on data analysis.

The causes of conflict among users of outdoor recreation resources have received little attention from recreation researchers. Knowledge of factors responsible for conflict might assist recreation planners' attempts to reduce future instances of conflict and help management focus its conflict resolution efforts. A theory of conflict is offered as the first step in systematically procuring such knowledge. A definition and characteristics of outdoor recreation conflicts are presented; four comprehensive causes of user conflicts are proposed. Ten propositions are used to link these factors to conflict and suggest future research hypotheses. The social psychological dynamics of conflict, as described here, have implications for understanding the sources of user dissatisfaction. In part two, 120 interviews, taken from two conflict situations involving mechanized and nonmechanized forms of recreation, were used to examine the heuristic value of the theory's concepts. A case study format was used for the analysis. The interviews demonstrated a need to distinguish between potential and felt, or experienced, conflict, due to the latter's dependence on a chance social interaction. Nonmechanized users displayed a high conflict potential, indicated by conflict avoidance behavior, which reduced reports of felt conflict. Fewer mechanized users expressed felt conflict. Stereotyping of the opposite group's lifestyle was found in both cases, as was a lack of intergroup communication. A negative evaluation of the other group's lifestyle seems inherent in such stereotypes. Opposing groups sought different outcomes from interacting with a natural environment though backcountry vehicle users showed a more diverse set of interactions than the literature or stereotypes suggest. Users demonstrated possessiveness for a particular recreation place--this orientation may also exist for categories of places such as National Parks. The findings support the contention that differences in lifestyle, modes of experiencing natural environments, and resource specificity are factors responsible for conflict and worthy of future research.

The growing importance of dogs in people’s lives and in high-density urban environments has increased demand for a place where people and their dogs can interact and exercise together. The recent increase in the number of dog parks across the country is evidence of these demands of dog owners and their companions. However, due to the absence of empirical study on dog parks and their attribute of non-market values, the benefits of dog parks are often underestimated and considered less in the decision making process regarding resource allocation. A post-occupancy evaluation at four dog parks was conducted to investigate use patterns of dog parks and user activities, to identify user preferences and the environmental factors influencing activities, to provide insights and guidelines in developing effective dog parks, and to estimate users’ willingness to pay for dog parks using contingent valuation method. A multiple-method approach was used to collect data including site observations and analysis, a questionnaire and behavioral mapping. The results indicated that dog parks received considerable use, served a variety of demographic groups and supported their exercise and social activities. Dog-park users were generally satisfied with dog parks but they expressed various preferences and needs. It is evident that dog parks are not only a place for dogs to exercise but a place for people to exercise, socialize, relax and enjoy greenery just like other parks. Proximity of dog parks was found to be a critical factor in encouraging frequent dog park use and satisfying users’ needs. Over eighty percent of survey respondents expressed that they were willing to pay an annual fee for dog parks, indicating the importance of visiting dog parks as outdoor recreation. Conservative estimate of average willingness to pay was $56.17/ household/ year. Satisfaction with maintenance and facilities, income, education and family size were found to be significantly associated with willingness to pay. These results could assist local governments and park planners in estimating aggregate monetary value of the dog parks and cost-benefit analysis to justify the development and maintenance of dog parks. Design guidelines and recommendations were generated based on the empirical findings for future design of dog parks.

Electronic medical records (EMR) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) are recognized as a means to improve quality of care and patient safety. This research examines factors that contribute to clinician acceptance of an EMR implemented in a pediatric hospital system and applies this knowledge to improve implementation methods to ensure they foster acceptance. A framework for User-Centered Implementation (UCI) was developed based on previous EMR and CPOE, technology acceptance, user-centered design, and change management research. The UCI framework identifies tools from change management and user-centered design and links them to the systems development lifecycle stage(s) at which they can be applied to achieve improved user acceptance. Next, a study examined clinician EMR acceptance in a pediatric hospital system at various points during their EMR implementation which employed a UCI-based methodology. Surveys before and after implementation of each phase examined physician, nurse, and other staff perceptions about the systems usefulness (performance expectancy (PE)) and ease of use (effort expectancy (EE)). Results indicate users had positive perceptions of system ease of use (EE) after implementation. Post-implementation PE ratings were neutral or positive for most users. Pre- and post-implementation regression models indicate the factors that influence PE change over time. Compatibility with clinician work practices was important both before and after implementation. Before implementation, users who perceived a greater need for the system and felt their needs were represented during design had higher expectations of system usefulness. After implementation, system characteristics including how well it supports clinical decision making and how easy it is to use influenced PE. Support provided by super users positively influenced both PE and EE after implementation. Based on these findings, guidelines for using UCI to improve clinician acceptance of EMR are presented. Designing EMR systems that are usable within the clinical work context enables clinicians to focus on the patient, rather than the system. Accomplishing this in practice is difficult given the complexity of EMRs and the dynamic clinical processes they support. This studys results indicate the UCI framework can be effectively applied to EMR implementations to improve the usability, utility, and, consequently, acceptance of these systems.