Investigating Factors Influencing Spreadsheets Competency of Undergraduates: Domain-Based vs Tool-Centered Learning Approach

Abstract

Spreadsheets have become an indispensable part of the business world, and it is crucial that they are integrated into the corresponding study programs' curricula. However, despite their widespread use in organizations and higher education courses, there are still some challenges associated with their utilization. The risk of using spreadsheets can be singled out as very significant, and it is directly conditioned by the quality of the spreadsheet model. Although these are well-known issues, their interconnection with learning-approach has not been sufficiently explored. This paper presents the research on the interdependence of the risk of use and the quality of the spreadsheet model on the one hand, and the learning approach (tool-centered vs domain-based), on the other hand. The participants in the study were from two universities, fourth-year students of Business Informatics and Operations Management students. Both groups of students have taken courses that involve working with spreadsheets. The spreadsheet course for Business Informatics students was based on a tool-centered learning approach, while Operations Management students undertake more domain-based learning approach. Furthermore, Business Informatics students took the spreadsheet course after several programming and database courses, and therefore had a solid IT background. Operation management students took multiple courses related to problem-solving, engineering, and quantitative methods. The total number of participants was 60. Contrary to the assumption that students with greater IT background would create higher-quality spreadsheets, the results indicate no significant difference in quality between students with and without an IT background. Additionally, domain-based learning did not result in better-quality spreadsheet models. The study also explored students' attitudes toward spreadsheet risks. Students who were more familiar with spreadsheet risks, best practices and model development frameworks, created higher-quality spreadsheets with fewer errors. Consequently, incorporating lessons related to spreadsheet risks and best practices in spreadsheet courses can positively impact the quality of students' spreadsheet models. Finally, the study highlights the need for end-users and organizations to be aware of the risks that spreadsheet applications can pose in business decision-making. This paper should point out the importance of necessary improvements in curriculum of spreadsheet courses since it is evident that the mistakes have been made in training spreadsheet end-user developer for more than 30 years.