An Exploratory Study on the Measurement of ASP Service Quality in Small Firm

ASP 서비스 품질 측정에 관한 탐색적 연구: 소기업을 중심으로

  • 김성홍 (충북대학교 경영대학 경영학부)
  • Published : 2006.12.31

Abstract

Application service provider(ASP) model is emerging as a new form of application outsourcing. ASP model may be attractive for small companies and even some medium-sized companies because these companies lack appropriate resources and technical expertise to develop and operate their information system. However, studies of ASP model have so far been neglected. Service quality is argued to be a crucial success factor for ASP, but yet there is not an empirically validated instrument for measuring ASP service quality. Therefore, this paper aims to develop and test a model for measuring ASP service quality. In order to accomplish these, SERVQUAL that has developed in marketing area were adapted to the context of this study. The research sample was designed by randomly selecting 300 different companies from the database that listed up the small companies participating in "ASP based e-business project for small enterprises". 240 usable responses were received by interview. The results are that reliability and tangibility impact user performances and satisfaction more than any of the service quality dimensions.

애플리케이션 아웃소싱의 새로운 형태로 등장하고 있는 ASP 모델은 정보시스템을 자체적으로 개발하여 운영할 인력과 전문성이 부족한 중소기업에 적합하다. 그러나 ASP 모델에 대한 연구는 부족한 실정이다. 서비스품질은 ASP 핵심성공요인 가운데 하나로 거론되고 있지만 아직 ASP 서비스 품질을 측정하기 위한 타당한 도구가 개발되지 않고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 마케팅 분야에서 서비스품질을 측정하기 위한 도구로 개발된 SERVQUAL을 응용하여 ASP 서비스 품질 측정 모델을 개발하여 실증분석을 수행하였다. 본 연구의 표본은 "소기업 네트워크화 사업"에 참여하고 있는 소기업 가운데 무작위로 300개 기업을 선정하여 방문조사를 통해 240개의 설문지를 수거했다. 그리고 이러한 조사자료를 분석한 결과 신뢰성과 유형성은 다른 어떤 서비스품질 구성요인보다도 사용자 개인성과 및 만족도에 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다.

Keywords

References

  1. 박정현, 김정군, 김종욱, 이희석, 'ASP 기반 정보 시스템 성공모형 도출: 소기업 적용을 중심으로', 경영정보학연구, 제14권, 제1호,2004, pp. 43-58
  2. 통계청, 통계청 사업체기초통계조사, 2002
  3. Anderson, E. W. and M. W. Sullivan, 'The Antecedents and Consequences of Customer Satisfaction for Firms', Marketing Science, 1993, Vol. 12, No.2, pp. 125-143 https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.12.2.125
  4. Anderson, E. W., C. Fornell, and D. R. Lehmann, 'Customer Satisfaction, Market Share, and Profitability', Journal of Marketing, Vol.58, July 1994, pp. 53-66
  5. Anderson, E. W., C. Fornell, and R. T. Rust, 'Customer Satisfaction, Productivity, and Profitability: Differences Between Goods and Services', Marketing Science, Vol.16, No.2, 1997, pp. 129-145 https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.16.2.129
  6. Anderson, J. C. and D. W. Gerbing, 'Structural Equation Modeling in Practice: A Review and Recommended Two-Step Approach', Psychological Bulletin, Vol.103, No.3, 1988, pp. 411-423 https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.103.3.411
  7. Bailey, J. E. and S. W. Pearson, 'Development of a Tool for Measuring and Analyzing Computer User Satisfaction', Management Science, Vol. 29, No.5, 1983, pp. 530-545 https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.29.5.530
  8. Bei, L. T. and Y. C. Chiao, 'An Integrated Model for the Effects of Perceived Product, Perceived Service Quality, and Perceived Price Fairness on Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty', Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction and Complaining Behavior, Vol.14, 2001, pp. 125-140
  9. Bernhardt, K. L., N. Donthu, and P. A. Kennett, 'A Longitudinal Analysis of Satisfaction and Profitability', Journal of Business Research, Vol.47, 2001, pp. 161-171 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0148-2963(98)00042-3
  10. Bitner, M. J., 'Evaluating Service Encounters: The Effects of Physical Surroundings and Employee Responses', Journal of Marketing, Vol. 54, 1990, pp. 69-82 https://doi.org/10.2307/1251871
  11. Bolton, R. N., 'A Dynamic Model of the Duration of the Customer's Relationship With a Continuous Service Provider: The Role of Satisfaction', Marketing Science, Vol.17, No.1, 1998, pp. 45-65 https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.17.1.45
  12. Chau, P. Y. K., 'Reexamining a Model for Evaluating Information Center Success Using a Structural Equation Modeling Approach', Decision Sciences, Vol.28, No.2, 1997, pp. 309-334 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1997.tb01313.x
  13. Choudhury, V. and R. Sabherwal, 'Portfolios of Control in Outsourced Software Development Projects', Information Systems Research, Vol. 14, No.3, 2003, pp. 291-316 https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.14.3.291.16563
  14. Cronin, J. J. Jr. and S. A. Taylor, 'Measuring Service Quality: A Reexamination and Extension', Journal of Marketing, Vol.56, 1992, pp. 55-68
  15. Cronin, J. J. Jr., M. K, Brady, and G. T. M. Hult, 'Assessing the Effects of Quality, Value, and Customer Satisfaction on Behavioral Intention in Service Environments', Journal of Retailing, Vol.76, No.2, 2000, pp. 193-218 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-4359(00)00028-2
  16. Davis, F. D., R. P. Bagozzi, and P. P. Warshaw, 'User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models', Management Science, Vol.30, No.2, 1989, pp. 361-391
  17. DeLone, W. H. and E. R. McLean, 'Information Systems Success: The Quest for the Dependent Variable', Information Systems Research, Vol. 3, No.1, 1992, pp. 60-95 https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.3.1.60
  18. DeLone, W. H. and E. R. McLean, 'The DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems Success: A Ten-Year Update', Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol.19, No. 4, 2003, pp. 9-30 https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2003.11045748
  19. DeLone, W. H. and E. R. McLean, 'Measuring e-Commerce Success: Applying the DeLone & McLean Information Systems Success Model', International Journal of Electronic Commerce, Vol.9, No.1, 2004, pp. 31-47
  20. Delone, W. H., 'Determinants of Success for Computer Usage in Small Business', MIS Quarterly, Vol.12, No.1, 1988, pp. 51-61 https://doi.org/10.2307/248803
  21. Dewire, D. T., 'Application Service Providers', Information Systems Management, Vol.17, No. 4, 2000, pp. 14-19
  22. Dholakia, R. R. and N. Kshetri, 'Factors Impacting the Adoption of the Internet among SMEs', Small Business Economics, Vol.23, 2004, pp. 311-322 https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SBEJ.0000032036.90353.1f
  23. Durvasula, S., S. Lysonski, and S. C. Mehta, 'Testing the SERVQUAL Scale in the Business-to-Business Sector: The Case of Ocean Freight Shipping Service', The Journal of Services Marketing, Vol.13, No.2, 1999, pp. 132-150 https://doi.org/10.1108/08876049910266040
  24. Ekanayaka, Y., W. L. Currie, and P. Seltsikas, 'Evaluating Application Service Providers', Benchmarking An International Journal, Vol. 10, No.4, 2003, pp. 343-354 https://doi.org/10.1108/14635770310484971
  25. Fornell, C. and D. F. Larcker, 'Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error', Journal of Marketing Research, Vol.18, 1981, pp. 39-50 https://doi.org/10.2307/3151312
  26. Fornell C., 'A National Customer Satisfaction Barometer, The Swedish Experience', Journal of marketing, Vol.56, 1992, pp. 6-21 https://doi.org/10.2307/1252129
  27. Galletta, D. F. and A. L. Lederer, 'Some Cautions on the Measurement of User Information Satisfaction', Decision Sciences, Vol.20, 1989, pp. 419-438 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1989.tb01558.x
  28. Garver, M. S. and J. T. Mentzer, 'Logistics Research Methods: Employing Structural Equation Modeling to Test for Construct Validity', Journal of Business Logistics, Vol.20, No.1, 1999, pp. 33-57
  29. Grigoroudis, E. and Y. Siskos, 'A Survey of Customer Satisfaction Barometers: Some Results from the Transportation-Communications Sector', European Journal of Operational Research, Vol.152, No.2, 2004, pp. 334-353 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00028-6
  30. Grover, B., M. J. Cheon, and J. T. C. Teng, 'The Effect of Service Quality and Partnership on the Outsourcing of Information Systems Functions', Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol.12, No.4, 1996, pp. 89-116 https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.1996.11518102
  31. Hair, J. E. Jr., R. E. Anderson, R. L. Tatham, and W. C. Black, Multivariate Data Analysis, Fifth Edition, Prentice-Hall International, Inc., 1998
  32. Hallowell, R., 'The Relationships of Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty, and Profitability: An Empirical Study', International Journal of Service Industry Management, Vol. 7, 1996, pp. 27-42 https://doi.org/10.1108/09564239610129931
  33. Heo, J. and I. Han, 'Performance Measure of Information Systems(IS) in Evolving Computing Environments: an Empirical Investigation', Information & Management, Vol.40, 2003, pp. 243-256 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7206(02)00007-1
  34. Igbaria, M, N. Zinatelli, and A. L. M. Cabaye, 'Analysis of Information Technology Success in Small Finn in New Zealand', International Journal of Information Management, Vol.18, No.2, 1998, pp. 103-119 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0268-4012(97)00053-4
  35. Jayatilaka, B., A. Schwartz, and R. Hirschheim, 'Determinants of ASP Choice: An Integrated Perspective', European Journal of Information Systems, Vol.12, 2003, pp. 210-224 https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.ejis.3000466
  36. Jiang, J. J., G. Klein, and C. L. Carr, 'Measuring Information System Service Quality: SERVQUAL from the other side', MIS Quarterly, Vol.26, No.2, 2002, pp. 145-166 https://doi.org/10.2307/4132324
  37. Kang, H. and G. Bradley, 'Measuring the Performance of IT Services: An Assessment of SERVQUAL', International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Vol.3, No.3, 2002, pp. 151-164 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1467-0895(02)00031-3
  38. Kern, T., J. Kreijger, and L. Willcocks, 'Exploring ASP as Sourcing Strategy: Theoretical Perspectives, Propositions for Practice', Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Vol.11, 2002, pp. 153-177 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0963-8687(02)00004-5
  39. Kettinger, W. J. and C. C. Lee, 'Pragmatic Perspectives on the Measurement of Information Systems Service Quality', MIS Quarterly, Vol.21, No.2, 1997, pp. 223-240 https://doi.org/10.2307/249421
  40. Kettinger, W. J. and C. Lee, 'Perceived Service Quality and User Satisfaction with the Information Services Function', Decision Sciences, Vol.25, No.5, 1994, pp. 737-66 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1994.tb01868.x
  41. Kettinger, W. J., C. Lee, and S. Lee, 'Global Measures of Information Service Quality: A Cross-National Study', Decision Sciences, Vol.26, No.5, 1995, pp. 569-588 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1995.tb01441.x
  42. Lande, L., 'Software for Rent: Region is Ripe for a New Kind of Online Market', Asian Wall Street Journal Weekly, Vol.22, No.18, 2000, p.6
  43. Lee, J. and Y. Kim, 'Effect of Parnership Quality on IS Outsourcing Success: Conceptual Framework and Empirical Testing', Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol.15, No. 4, 1999, pp. 29-61 https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.1999.11518221
  44. Olsen, S. O., 'Comparative Evaluation and the Relationship Between Quality, Satisfaction, and Repurchase Loyalty', Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Vol.30, No.3, 2002, pp. 240-249 https://doi.org/10.1177/0092070302303005
  45. Palvia, P. C. and S. C. Palvia, 'An Examination of the IT Satisfaction of Small Business Users', Information and Management, Vol.35, 1999, pp. 127-137 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7206(98)00086-X
  46. Palvia, P. C., 'A Model and Instrument for Measuring Small Business User Satisfaction with Information Technology', Information and Management, Vol.31, 1996, pp. 151-163 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7206(96)01069-5
  47. Parasuraman, A., L. L. Berry, and V. A. Zeithalm, 'A conceptual model of service quality and its implications for future research', Journal of Marketing, Vol.49, Fall 1985, pp. 41-50
  48. Parasuraman, A., V. A. Zeithalm, and L. L. Berry, 'SERVQUAL: A Multiple-Item Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Service Quality', Journal of Retailing, Vol.64, No.1, 1988, pp. 12-40
  49. Pflughoeft, K. A., K. Rarnmamurthy, E. S. Soofi, M. Y. Ardekani, and F. M. Zahedi, 'Multiple Conceptualizations of Small Business Web Use and Benefit', Decision Sciences, Vol.34, No.3, 2003, pp. 467-512 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5414.2003.02539.x
  50. Pitt, L. F. and R T. Watson, and C. B. Kavan, 'Measuring Information System Service Quality: Concerns for an Complete Canvas', MIS Quarterly, Vol.21, No.2, 1997, pp. 209-221 https://doi.org/10.2307/249420
  51. Pitt, L. F. and R. T. Watson, 'Measuring Information System Service Quality: Lessons from two Longitudinal Case Studies', MIS Quarterly, Vol.22, No.1, 1998, pp. 61-79 https://doi.org/10.2307/249678
  52. Pitt, L. F., R. T. Watson, and C. B. Kavan, 'Service Quality: A Measure of Information Systems Effectiveness', MIS Quarterly, Vol.19, No.2, 1995, pp. 173-187 https://doi.org/10.2307/249687
  53. Pons, A. P., 'Enhancing the Quality-of-Service for Application Service Providers', Journal of Computer Information systems, Fall 2003, pp. 3-8
  54. Rai, A., S. S. Lang, and R. B. Welker, 'Assessing the Validity of IS Success Models: An Empirical Test and Theoretical Analysis', Information Systems Research, Vol.13, No.1, 2002, pp. 50-69 https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.13.1.50.96
  55. Raisinghani, M. and M. Kwiatkowski, 'The Future of Application Service Providers', Information Strategy: The Executive's Journal, Summer 2001, pp. 16-23
  56. Rogers, Everett M, Diffusion of Innovations, 4th edition, The Free Press, 2003
  57. Rushinek, A. and S. F. Rushinek, 'What Makes Users Happy?', Communications of the ACM, Vol.29, No.7, 1986, pp. 594-598 https://doi.org/10.1145/6138.6140
  58. Rust, R. T. and A. J. Zahorik, 'Customer Satisfaction, Customer Retention, and Market Share', Journal of Retailing, Vol.69, 1993, pp. 193-215 https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-4359(93)90003-2
  59. Rust, R. T., A. J. Zahorik, and T. L. Keiningham, 'Return on quality (ROQ): Making service quality financially accountable', Journal of Marketing, Vol.59, No.2, 1995, pp. 58-70 https://doi.org/10.2307/1252073
  60. Seddon, P. B., 'A Respecification and Extension of the DeLone and McLean Model of IS Success', Information System Research, Vol. 8, No.3, 1997, pp. 240-253 https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.8.3.240
  61. Seddon, P. B., V. Graeser, and L. P. Willcocks, 'Measuring Organizational IS Effectiveness: An Overview and Update of Senior Management Perspectives', Database, Vol.33, No.2, 2002, pp. 11-28
  62. Sigala, M., 'The ASP-Qual Model: Measuring ASP Service Quality in Greece', Managing Service Quality, Vol.14, No.1, 2004, pp. 103-114 https://doi.org/10.1108/09604520410513703
  63. Somers, T. M., K. Nelson, and J. Karimi, 'Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the End-User Computing Satisfaction Instrument: Replication within an ERP Domain', Decision Sciences, Vol.34, No.3, 2003, pp. 595-621 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5414.2003.02428.x
  64. Stank, T. P., T. J. Goldsby, and S. K. Vickery, 'Effect of Service Supplier Performance on Satisfaction and Loyalty of Store Managers in the Fast Food Industry', Journal of Operations Management, Vol.17, No.4, 1999, pp. 429-447 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-6963(98)00052-7
  65. Susarla, A., A. Barua, and A. B. Whinston, 'Understanding the Service Component of Application Service Provision: An Empirical Analysis of Satisfaction with ASP Services', MIS Quarterly, 2003, Vol.27, No.1, pp. 91-123 https://doi.org/10.2307/30036520
  66. Taylor, S. A. and T. L. Baker, 'An Assessment of the Relationship Between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in the Formation of Consumers' Purchase Intentions', Journal of Retailing, Vol. 70, No.2, 1994, pp. 163-178 https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-4359(94)90013-2
  67. Watson, R. T., L. F. Pitt. and C. B. Kavan, 'Measuring Information Systems Service Quality: Lessons From Two Longitudinal Case Studies', MIS Quarterly, March 1998, pp. 61-79
  68. Wittmann, A., 'Service Providers and Outsourcing', Network Computing, Vol.11, No.25, 2000, p. 103
  69. Zeithaml, V. A. and M. J. Bitner, Services Marketing, McGraw Hill, 1996
  70. Zviran, M. and Z. Erlich, 'Measuring is User Satisfaction: Review and Implications', Communications of Association for Information Systems, Vol.12, 2003, pp. 81-103