Measuring the Effectiveness of Hypertext In Decision Support

Robert P. Minch, Boise State University
Gary I. Green, Boise State University

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This document was originally published by IEEE in Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual Hawaii International Conference. Copyright restrictions may apply. doi: 10.1109/HICSS.1990.205291

Abstract

Hypertext is an emerging technology that has not been researched adequately, particularly in organizations that utilize decision support technologies. This paper suggests that developing a set of dependent variables to measure effectiveness of hypertext in decision support is an important first step in a program of research. A review of empirical hypertext research is presented followed by a discussion of research assessing effectiveness of decision support and related systems. The role of hypertext in organizations is conceptually linked to the three main phases of the decision making process: problem structuring, analysis, and problem resolution. A set of six classes of appropriate dependent variables for assessing effectiveness of hypertext is suggested within the context of the decision making phases: information content and function variables are associated with problem structuring; presentation and usage variables are associated with analysis; outcome and perception variables are associated with problem resolution.