Journal of End User Computing 15 Vol. 8, No. 3 The Impact of Decision Support The Impact of Decision Support The Impact of Decision Support The Impact of Decision Support The Impact of Decision Support Training on Computer Use: The Effect Training on Computer Use: The Effect Training on Computer Use: The Effect Training on Computer Use: The Effect Training on Computer Use: The Effect of Prior Training, Age, and Gender of Prior Training, Age, and Gender of Prior Training, Age, and Gender of Prior Training, Age, and Gender of Prior Training, Age, and Gender F. Nelson Ford Auburn University William N. Ledbetter Middle Tennessee State University Tom L. Roberts Middle Tennessee State University This paper reports the effects of a training program designed to acquaint managers with the capabilities of modern computer technology that assists managerial decision making. Managers from state agencies and departments were the subjects for the study. The managers in the sample represent wide ranges of responsibility, age, and prior computer training. Each manager was given an orientation in computers and information systems concepts and quantitative techniques. They then analyzed a comprehensive case using a spreadsheet–based decision support model. At the end of the training period, the managers completed a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of the training. Differences in participants' use of computers were analyzed based on demographic factors and on prior computer training and experience. The percentage of time spent using a computer to assist in job performance and the percentage of decisions made with computer assistance before and after training were also investigated. The significance and implications of the results are discussed and conclusions drawn. Topics for further research are also identified. Manuscript originally submitted April 29, 1994; Revised August 12, 1994; Accepted October 6, 1994 for publication. Information technology permeates the business envi- ronment. The lower prices and greater accessibility of micro- computers, the proliferation of application software packages, and increased networking capabilities bring increased com- puting capacity to the fingertips of managers in today's orga- nizations. However, even the casual observer of the work environment quickly notes that many managers who have microcomputers or computer terminals on their desks are infrequent users or do not use the technology at all. What factors differentiate frequent users from infrequent users or non–users? Is age or gender or prior computer experience, for example, a significant factor? Will training effectively in- crease managers' use of information technology? Because there are few obvious answers to these questions this study was designed to shed further light on this intriguing area of inquiry. The target population for this study was managers at many levels of responsibility in state government. Partici- pants from diverse departments and agencies (e.g. Mental Health, Corrections, Revenue, Welfare, Highway) repre- sented a broad cross-section of prior computer background, age, and other factors of potential interest. The managers were enrolled in a certification program entitled the Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program. The program, implemented in a number of states, comprises six levels of management instruction and practical experience. Each level consists of about six days of classroom instruction, as well as outside (on-the-job) assignments. The fourth level of this program is the basis for this research. The level, entitled "Decision Support for Managers," includes instruction in information systems concepts and terminology, and empha- sizes instruction about how managers can make the informa-