Abstract

SCHOLTZ, Brenda M.; KAPESO, Mando  and  DE VILLIERS, M.R. (Ruth). The usefulness and ease of use of a mobile simulation application for learning of ERP systems. SACJ [online]. 2017, vol.29, n.2, pp.87-105. ISSN 2313-7835.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18489/sacj.v29i2.475.

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.

Keywords : ease of use; enterprise systems; ERP training; m-Learning; simulation-based learning; usefulness.

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