Efficacy of the Technology Satisfaction Model (TSM): An Empirical Study

With the rapid uptake of the Internet and e-learning systems worldwide, online research databases have become necessary, even indispensable, tools for research and learning. The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) recognizes the huge potential of databases in improving educational outcomes, and in promoting research among its students and academic staff. In line with its aim to become a research university and centre for educational excellence, the IIUM introduced its online database system in 2000 as part of its e-library services. However, despite a decade of existence, the database was found to be underutilized, especially by postgraduate students. As such, the prime objective of this study is to validate the Technology Satisfaction Model (TSM) to assess its efficacy on students' satisfaction in using online research databases in higher education. A total of 180 postgraduate students from four faculties (Education, Human Sciences, Engineering and Economics) were selected using stratified random sampling procedure. The questionnaires' reliability and validity were performed through a Rasch model using Winsteps version 3.49. The data were analyzed applying the Structural Equation Modeling to test the hypotheses of TSM. The results of this study revealed that computer self-efficacy had a statistically significant direct influence on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Subsequently, students' perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had statistically significant positive direct influence on their satisfaction in using online research databases. On the other hand, computer self-efficacy had a significant indirect influence on satisfaction mediated by perceived ease of use. Finally, computer self-efficacy also demonstrated a statistically significant indirect influence on satisfaction mediated by perceived usefulness of databases. The findings contributed that the TSM is viable to examine the successful integration of online research databases among postgraduate students in higher education.