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A comparison of spreadsheet users with different levels of experience

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  • Lawson, Barry R.
  • Baker, Kenneth R.
  • Powell, Stephen G.
  • Foster-Johnson, Lynn

Abstract

How do experienced spreadsheet users compare to inexperienced ones, and what light can this comparison shed on spreadsheet best practices? This is the question we address in this paper, using the results from a survey of nearly 1600 respondents. This survey was completed by a wide range of spreadsheet users and focused on their significant characteristics and practices. We were interested in their training, experience, collaboration, and quality control methods. We also examined the number of spreadsheet functions they used regularly, the manner in which they created spreadsheets, and the types of tests they used to check results. We compared two subgroups corresponding to two extremes with respect to their self-reported level of experience and skill. Each subgroup was represented by roughly 10% of the total respondents. Our results suggest that there is a substantial difference between these groups, not only in their personal backgrounds and the corporate setting within which they work, but also in their individual spreadsheet skills and practices. We find that the most experienced subgroup exhibits many desirable characteristics and practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawson, Barry R. & Baker, Kenneth R. & Powell, Stephen G. & Foster-Johnson, Lynn, 2009. "A comparison of spreadsheet users with different levels of experience," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 579-590, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:37:y:2009:i:3:p:579-590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Pongpattrachai, Dichapong & Cragg, Paul & Fisher, Richard, 2014. "IT infusion within the audit process: Spreadsheet use in small audit firms," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 26-46.
    2. Danny Weathers & Scott D. Swain, 2024. "A scaffolded learning approach to increasing student comfort with Microsoft Excel," Journal of Marketing Analytics, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(2), pages 198-208, June.

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