Graphicrd user interfaces (GUIS) are on their way to becoming the most pervasive interface for desktop systems at least partly because of conventional wisdom abut their ease of use. Such an assumption may have been kindled by vendors' claims about the inherent usability of such interfaces aSthough previous research on the productivity gains from GUIS has yielded mixed results. This paper reports the results of a field study of 230 users of a popular GUI, Microsoft Corporation's Windows. The study examined Windows' ease of use --an important factor contributing to eventual productivity. The results indicate that contrary to ppular belief GUIS are not universally easy to use --certain types of individuals are likely to find them easier to use than others. Organizational roles and management initiatives can also influence perceptions of ease of use. The findings also suggest that ease of use is enhanced through opportunities for self training rather than traditional, formal training.

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Rapid and constant changes in technology necessitate a proactive approach to the maining and development of information systems professionals. However, due to the escalation of demands placed on the information systems fimction, such training and development needs are ofien either ignored or addressed in a reactive mode. We present a model of training that can guide management action in assessing the training needs of IS professionals, in facilitating voluntary participation in training, and in ensuring that training is targeted effectively. The model is strongly grounded in existing theories; it also extends prior research and provides some unique insights into training related issues. Specific research hypotheses related to the model are presented. The design awl operationalimtion of an empirical study that can be utilized to test the research hypotheses is discussed.

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