Interest in, and the need for, remote learning tools and techniques, as well as the adoption and deployment of digital technologies for tutoring and training, continues to rise. Concurrently, over the past decade, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) applications as a supplementary tool in the learning process has increased significantly. Therefore, VR simulation applications are expected to play a key role in people's education and training in the coming years. In this study, we designed and developed a VR training application called ViRtus -a VR-based system following constructivist and serious game human-computer interaction principles for VR-aided training- and applied it to a real-world scenario, i.e., the construction of an industrial electrical control panel. To demonstrate the potential and sustainability of the VR training system as an alternative to traditional apprenticeship training procedures, we conducted an experimental study comparing the real-world outcomes of three groups trained using a conventional method, a VR-only training, and a hybrid approach combining both. Based on qualitative assessments and the statistical analysis of practical experiments, the collected data and observations indicate that the hybrid VR constructivist training strategy -supplementing conventional trainer instructions with the VR application- can enhance training effectiveness and promote a more productive and sustainable workplace, for both trainees and trainers, in high-risk industrial tasks.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have established a reputation in the world of business as indispensables tools that integrate all departments and functions across a company into a single computer system.However, implementing an ERP system does not always result in enhanced organizational performance.In order to ensure successful implementation, companies should study the critical factors having an impact on the whole procedure.In this context, the present study proceeds in developing and testing an original conceptual framework (research model), which explores the factors having an impact on ERP implementation success (internal environment, technology-related issues, implementation team, end-users), as well as the impact of the implementation itself on organisational performance.The proposed conceptual framework was tested, using a newlydeveloped structured questionnaire, in a sample of 204 Greek companies that have already implemented an ERP system.The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was used in order to test the research hypotheses.

The highly competitive global environment of the last few decades has urged companies to rely on Information Systems (IS) in order to improve customer service, reduce costs and increase productivity.In that direction, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are being used as significant strategic tools that provide competitive advantages and lead to operational excellence.Despite that, ERP implementation projects are complicated, costly and include high failure risks.The present study aims (a) to develop and (b) empirically test a conceptual framework that investigates the factors affecting ERP system effective implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).The examination of the conceptual framework was made with the use of a newly-developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek SMEs.After the completion of the research period, 159 usable questionnaires were returned.The reliability and the validity of the questionnaires were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the "Structural Equation Modeling" (SEM) technique.Results offer interesting empirical observations and managerial implications.This work was not supported by any organization.According to Garg and Garg [8], this "enables the decisionmaking process to be timely, consistent and reliable across organizational units and geographical locations" (p.424).ERP implementation has various benefits throughout the organisation: elimination of redundant information, drastic declines in inventory, reduction of production cost, better understanding of the changing customer needs, more efficient management of the extended network of suppliers and customers, increased productivity, improved response time, and decreased production cycle [5] [8] [9] [10] [11].Considering these benefits, it is not surprising that ERP systems are being treated as a major development in the world of business, and have been accepted as a standard business software over the last fifteen years [8] [12].However, ERP implementation requires considerable financial resources, while the whole implementation project is considered complex, lengthy, and quite challenging [9] [ 1 3 ] .A s a r e s u l t , t h e s u c c e s s r a t e o f s u c h p r o j e c t s i s considered to be quite disappointing [14] [15] [16].More specifically, Samuel and Kumar [17], argue that the success rate is, only, around 50%, while approximately 90% of ERP implementation projects are late, or over budget.On the same vein, Umble and Umble [18] reported failure rates between 50% and 75%.Therefore, additional empirical studies are necessary in order to assist companies in increasing the success rates of ERP implementation projects.Under that context, the aim of the present study is twofold: (a) develop an original conceptual framework (research model) examining the impact of various research factors on ERP implementation success, (b) empirically test that framework, using data from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) located in Greece (empirical research).(a) The development of the conceptual framework was based on two methodological steps: firstly, a review of the literature identified the factors that were used by previous studies as antecedents of ERP implementation success; secondly, a panel of experts was used in order to discuss these factors and provide a list of the most significant ones.That approach was selected due to the significant number of factors that have been proposed in the relevant literature.More specifically, the members of the research team used the opinions of experienced practitioners as a criterion for selecting a specific set of factors from the extensive list that T Critical success factors for ERP implementation in SMEs

Nowadays, more and more people are using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in order to accommodate their daily needs.E-Government (e-Gov) adopts these technologies in an effort to provide prompt and secure services to citizens.However, the intention to use e-Government services has not yet been fully examined by the international literature.The present research attempts to bridge this gap, by examining the factors affecting citizens' intention to use e-Government services.In that direction, a conceptual framework (research model), based on an extensive review of the relevant literature, has been developed.The proposed conceptual framework has been empirically tested using a newly-developed structured questionnaire.Data were collected from a sample of 547 Greek citizens.The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire have been thoroughly examined, while the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique has been used to analyze the data.Results indicate that perceived usefulness is the most important determinant of the intention to use e-Government services.Other important factors are perceived trust, internet experience, peer influence, computer self-efficacy and perceived risk. Factors affecting the intention to use e-Government services

During the last ten years, Supply Chain Integration (SCI) has emerged as a key subject of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) literature. Despite its extended empirical investigation, very few studies have placed their focus on the information sharing perspective of supplier, internal and customer integration. On the one hand, numerous scholars theoretically argue that SCI is mainly concerned with the exchange of information, while on the other, very few have empirically examined whether information flows have a significant effect on the effectiveness of the supply chain. The present study examines the effect of SCI (measured exclusively from an `information sharing' perspective) on customer satisfaction, supply chain performance (SCP) and financial performance. In that direction, an analytical conceptual framework is being proposed. The examination of this framework was made with the use of a newly-developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek manufacturing companies. Supply chain managers were selected as key respondents, due to their knowledge and expertise. After the completion of the research period, 253 usable questionnaires were returned. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaires were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the “Structural Equation Modeling” (SEM) technique. Results offer interesting empirical observations and managerial implications.