Service modularity in e-learning programs: an analysis from the perceived usefulness perspective
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 16 March 2022
Issue publication date: 6 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the effects of service modularity on the perceived usefulness (PU) of e-learning programs through the perceived ease of use (PEoU) and service customization.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was used to test four hypotheses with survey data from 517 undergraduates in Turkey.
Findings
Results show that service modularity affects the PU of e-learning programs through the PEoU. Service customization negatively moderates the effect of service modularity on the PEoU, but positively moderates the effect of the PEoU on the PU of e-learning programs.
Practical implications
This study offers insights that support the decisions of policymakers and higher education institutions on how to design appealing e-learning programs cost-effectively.
Social implications
This study reveals the determinants of the PU of e-learning, which could support the democratization of access to higher education in emerging countries where barriers to higher education are relatively greater than in developed countries.
Originality/value
The concept of service modularity is explored in the e-learning context from the students' perspective. This study shows that the standardized interfaces across course modules increase the PU of e-learning programs by improving the ease of use. It also shows, interestingly, that service customization, enabled by modularity, is not always appreciated by service consumers, because of the potential extra effort demanded in communicating their unique needs to service providers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank anonymous reviewers for commenting on this paper. The authors also thank Sevda Dede, Taylan Özgür Demirkaya, İlker Korkmaz, Dr. Bengü Sevil Oflaç, Dr. Tunca Tabaklar and Dr. Kaya Oğuz for their support on data collection.
Citation
Sorkun, M.F., Yurt, O. and Hsuan, J. (2022), "Service modularity in e-learning programs: an analysis from the perceived usefulness perspective", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 42 No. 5, pp. 637-660. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-09-2021-0598
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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