Mandatory Laptop Computers for All Students: Lessons Learned from the Technology-Learning-Communication (TLC) Initiative at Northern Michigan University

Authors

Gary J. Brunswick, Walker L. Cisler College of Business, Northern Michigan UniversityFollow
Suvojit Choton Basu, Department of Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterFollow
Sameer Prasad, University of Wisconsin WhitewaterFollow
Lei-da Chen, Creighton UniversityFollow

Document Type

Work in Progress

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary observations of the Technology-Learning-Communication (TLC) initiative at Northern Michigan University. The authors have spent the last year conducting interviews to gather critical information on the impact of mandatory laptop requirement on the various stakeholders of the university. The motivations, processes, changes, and initial feedback from various individuals and groups are presented. It was found that such a technology-focused endeavor requires various structural as well as procedural changes. In fact in some facets the university has to transform itself into a highly cohesive and efficient business organization where procurement, distribution and inventory control become a part of the organization culture. The study also finds that need for welldefined metrics relating to outcome of the project need greater attention. This study provides valuable insight to other universities and decision makers. It is anticipated that this interesting case study will be available in its entirety in early 2002.

Recommended Citation

Brunswick, Gary J.; Basu, Suvojit Choton; Prasad, Sameer; and Chen, Lei-da, "Mandatory Laptop Computers for All Students: Lessons Learned from the Technology-Learning-Communication (TLC) Initiative at Northern Michigan University" (2001). ICEB 2001 Proceedings (Hong Kong, SAR China). 154.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2001/154