Abstract
In recent years much emphasis has been placed on personal computer technology throughout the United States, because of the growth of industry requirements. Unfortunately, within many organizations there has been problems in implementing the technologies because of ineffective user training programs. The writer has elected to investigate the training programs, and review the training methods that are being used to ascertain why users are having difficulties. Furthermore, the writer will survey the training methods to determine if they are being effectively used and figure out how they are impacting the organizations and users. The dissertation research is limited to a literature review, an observation of a training process, and a field survey involving a questionnaire sent to 500 recipients. The recipients are members of the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE), who were located throughout the United States and the country of The Netherlands. Two-hundred and eighty (280) questionnaires were answered and returned. Many fine comments were provided by the respondents. Although many organizations throughout the United States have invested million of dollars on computer technology hardware, software, and training, their users are continuing to experience difficulties learning to use the technology. Organizations who are providing training are using various training methods to provide users a basic understanding on the use of the personal computer. The data collected were satisfactory for the purpose of this study. All research questions were answered and research hypotheses were tested and supported by the findings. The study concluded the personal computer has been accepted by most organizations and users not just on the merit of an effective training program, but also because of the potential to increase productivity.