Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Volume 11, Issue 4, October 2014.
Purpose With e-learning being a critical component of modern educational systems it has become essential to ensure that Learning Management Systems of a high standard are being developed. In the field of Systems Development Methodologies, much research has been done and the value of SDMs is proven and documented. To enhance the chances of developing LMSs of outstanding quality, it is crucial that SDMs are applied efficiently, as they can have a significant impact on the development process. Thus, the focus of this study was to determine if SDMs are being utilised effectively in the development of LMSs in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A positivistic research approach was followed. By utilising a survey as the main research method quantitative data were generated. By statistically analysing the dataset, meaningful results were obtained. Findings This study shed some light on how LMS procurement and development is being done in South Africa and revealed that the use of open-source systems currently exceeds the use of proprietary systems. The results of the research showed that SDMs (e.g. Rapid Application Development) are being used effectively in the development of e-learning systems. Strong relationships exist between many of the SDM factors identified (e.g. performance expectancy and the perceived support of the methodology) and the quality and productivity of the development process. This in turn has a strong influence on the impact SDMs have on the quality of LMSs. Originality/value The study made a contribution to the discipline of information systems, and more specifically, learning management systems, by providing insights with regard to the factors effecting the use and effectiveness of SDMs in developing LMSs. As far as could be ascertained, this study generated the first empirical data on the procurement and development of LMSs in South Africa
Purpose With e-learning being a critical component of modern educational systems it has become essential to ensure that Learning Management Systems of a high standard are being developed. In the field of Systems Development Methodologies, much research has been done and the value of SDMs is proven and documented. To enhance the chances of developing LMSs of outstanding quality, it is crucial that SDMs are applied efficiently, as they can have a significant impact on the development process. Thus, the focus of this study was to determine if SDMs are being utilised effectively in the development of LMSs in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A positivistic research approach was followed. By utilising a survey as the main research method quantitative data were generated. By statistically analysing the dataset, meaningful results were obtained. Findings This study shed some light on how LMS procurement and development is being done in South Africa and revealed that the use of open-source systems currently exceeds the use of proprietary systems. The results of the research showed that SDMs (e.g. Rapid Application Development) are being used effectively in the development of e-learning systems. Strong relationships exist between many of the SDM factors identified (e.g. performance expectancy and the perceived support of the methodology) and the quality and productivity of the development process. This in turn has a strong influence on the impact SDMs have on the quality of LMSs. Originality/value The study made a contribution to the discipline of information systems, and more specifically, learning management systems, by providing insights with regard to the factors effecting the use and effectiveness of SDMs in developing LMSs. As far as could be ascertained, this study generated the first empirical data on the procurement and development of LMSs in South Africa
