This study is part of a stream of research that has a goal of understanding software utilization choices of users by extending and testing TTF models in a variety of domains using various methods of model estimation. In particular, this study extends a TaskTechnology Fit (TTF) model by including the Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) construct, a strategy of model extension suggested by Berthon et al. (2002). In this study, the domain is the utilization of modeling tools by business students. The TTF models are estimated using PLS. This study finds that CSE, i.e., users' beliefs in their ability to use a technology, in a TTF model increases the explanatory power of the model over one with only task characteristics, technology functionality, and the fit (interaction) between them. CSE has a direct effect on tool utilization, but no significant interaction, i.e., fit, effects.

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In managing business process flows, safety stock can be used to protect against stockouts due to demand variability. When more than one location is involved, the concept of aggregation enables the pooling of demands and associated inventories, resulting in improved service levels without increasing the total level of safety stock. This pooling of safety stock can be done physically by consolidating inventory in one location, or by using virtual centralization, where inventories are kept at decentralized locations, but information is centralized. In teaching the concept of pooling safety stock, a simple inclass simulation can be helpful in demonstrating why the approach works. The approach presented here involves operations for a company where total product demand is constant, but there are two products and product mix can vary. The simulation can also be implemented using an electronic spreadsheet for classes that are taught on the Internet. A quiz was given to two sections, one that experienced the simulation and one that did not. A comparison of the results from the quiz provided evidence of the effectiveness of the simulation in helping students understand the impact of pooling safety stock. In addition, a brief anonymous survey that was administered in the section that had the simulation provided further support for the effectiveness of the simulation.

A computer simulation model of the locks system on the Illinois Waterway is described. The model was developed using ProModel for Windows and includes boats and barge tows traveling through the leeks system and operation of the leeks. Entities with attributes are used to simulate the boats and barge tows that enter the system, travel either upstream or downstream through the locks, and then leave the system. Locations are used for the locks and for entry and exiting of the boats and barge tows. The operation of the locks is simulated through the use of variables, resources, and operation logic in the processing module. The handling of both boats and barge tows in the helm greatly complicates the simulation model, since their differences in size is signitlcrmt. For example, a loekage can easily handle tenor more boats, while a barge tow with f~n barges can require a double lockage (typically nine barges for the fwst loekage and six barges and the tow boat for the second Ieckage). At times both barge tows and boats are included in a single loekage.

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