# INTRODUCTION Since ancient times and economic units of various sizes and types of have needed information for performing its work and making decisions, and because of the simplicity of the old organizations and their small sizes and the low competition they faced, it used simple information and readily available at low cost. As the work of economic units are complicated and the functions are diversified they needed information with certain specifications that are very difficult to be provided in the old ways, so special administrative units were established concerned with production and delivery of information to all users called the department (section) of information systems. These administrative units differ from one organization to another in terms of performance efficiency, effectiveness, quality and its role in guiding and improving the performance of sections of the organization. And this could be due to differing physical, technological, human, and organizational abilities. ( Walter, A, 2003) Much interest has increased in information systems and the volume of investment in it to get output that is accurate and able to meet users' needs, through the development, activation and increase the efficiency of its three components, namely inputs and processing output. Inputs are raw data that are received for these systems to be processed to access the outputs represented by the information sent to the users. The type of the sector plays a role in the design information systems and what is related to it of communication network operators and data analysis methods and the number of copies of documents and itinerary and control procedures, etc. ( Boockholdt J. L, 1999) Information systems in tourism sector is differentiated from other sectors by its services which is directed abroad and being diverse and highly competitive, so it requires internal and external information on all activities, functions and internal and external economic, political, cultural, historical and future trend. Jordanian tourism companies as an important part in this sector consider prospects and seek excellence and the competition of the surrounding States companies taking advantage of what this country enjoy of touristic potential. This study examines the extent of the interest of these companies in the information systems in terms of effectiveness and quality of services and their impact on performance. ( Taima, M, 2002) II. # PREVIOUS STUDIES Study Vlahos et al (2004) the study aimed to identify the extent of the use of information technology by German managers of and their understanding of information systems based on computers, and to identify how much are they satisfied with the supporting systems of the decision-making process. The study found that managers are heavily facing in working with modern information technology with 10 hours work with them in a week. It turns out that there is a relationship between information technology and the actual value of computerized information systems. Also it turns out that there is a positive impact of computerized information systems to various areas relating to decision. Walter study (2003) the study aimed to identify the impact of strategic information in administrative decision-making processes in small factories in America. The study found that managers at senior management levels interested in internal and external information at the same degree when making non routine decisions. They does not [refer a special method to access information on a specific problem. It was shown that flexibility and easiness access to internal information are of the most important reasons for the success of support decisions especially strategic ones. Study of Al-Essa (2000) This study aimed to identify the role of information systems for decision-making in the Ministry of education in Jordan, and to identify the coverage of information systems and the weaknesses in these systems in order to develop these systems and increase their effectiveness. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between the role of information systems and managerial decision-making at the Ministry of education, and between the variable of quality of devices used in information systems and decision-making, and the variable of the software used in information systems and decision-making. It was also shown that there is a relationship between the personnel working with the information system and decisionmaking, moreover there exist a relationship between data and decision making. The information base in terms of comprehensiveness, update, timing, speed and confidentiality are efficient in terms of providing the information necessary for decision. Study of Ramadan (1999) this study aimed to measure the impact of environmental and organizational factors and decision-making methods on accounting information system used in Jordanian industrial corporations. It was shown that there is a relationship between environmental factors and accounting information systems. And there is no relationship between organizational factors and accounting information systems. And it was found that the greater complexity of tasks have increased the need for decentralization, and in these circumstances, the accounting information system will become more complex and more sensitive and lead to integration in the information provided. It was found that there is a relationship between decision-making models and accounting information systems, as companies take into account the long term when the decision is taken to address unknown future circumstances at the present time. Study Al-Serhan (1995) this study aimed to determine the relevance and impact of technology on the degree of centralization, formality and complexity, as well as to find out how much are Jordanian companies interested in the impact of technology on various organizational elements, particularly the human element. Study found that there is a relationship between technology and the degree of centralization. And there is a relationship between technology and formality degree, between technology and complexity as a whole, and between technology and geographical variation. # III. # THE PROBLEM OF THE STUDY The problem of the study is represented in the unclearness of the extent of the effectiveness of information systems used in Jordanian tourism companies and the quality of services provided by these systems for users and the role of these systems in improving the performance of these companies. Therefore, the study will be launched from the following questions: 1. What is the extent of the effectiveness of information provided by the information systems section to the users in the Jordanian tourism companies? 2. What is the extent of the quality of services provided by the information systems section of the Jordanian tourism companies? 3. What is the extent of the contribution of information systems to improve the performance of the Jordanian tourism companies? IV. # THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY The importance of this study stems from being sought to uncover the reality of information systems used in a sector in a sector which provides an added value to the economic structure of Jordan, the tourism sector, represented in this study by the Jordanian touristic companies forming Jordan interface from the perspective of the tourist and the world. As the information system has a vital role in various functions of the economic unit parts, it is important to identify its situation in these companies in terms of positivity to promote it and negativity to eliminate or reduce it, especially with the scarcity of studies in terms of subject and sector. # STUDY OBJECTIVES The study aims to identify the extent of the effectiveness of information provided by the information systems in the Jordanian tourism companies. Identify the level of quality provided by these systems. As well as, to identify the role of these systems in improving company performance. # VI. # METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY The study adopted the analytical and descriptive approach, where preliminary data were collected from the study society and statistically analyzed to access the results of the study areas. # VII. # THE POPULATION AND THE SAMPLE OF THE STUDY The population of the study consists of the Jordanian tourism companies, 19 were randomly chosen as a sample of this study. # VIII. # THE STUDY HYPOTHESES Based on the questions raised, the study tests the following hypotheses: The first hypothesis states that "the information provided by the information systems section for users of the Jordanian tourism businesses is effective" The second hypothesis states that "the services provided by the information systems section of the Jordanian tourism companies are characterized by quality" The third hypothesis states that "information systems contribute to the improvement of the performance of the Jordanian tourism businesses." IX. # STUDY TOOL The questionnaire is the initial data collecting tool that is designed to measure the situation existed in the study population. 168 copies has been distributed to all employees identified using information systems. 132 copies have been restored. And the method of the questionnaire is based on closed questions, with answers available (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, disagree strongly). And the previous answers have been weighting by degrees (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) respectively. X. # USED STATISTICAL METHODS Several statistical measures were calculated and arithmetic, t test, and test Cronbach's alpha,and standard deviation.For answers of the questions, the criteria to accept question (item) is that the arithmetic mean is greater than 3 and that the item to be significant the t-value must be greater than the value of the tabulated value or that the observed significance level is less than 0.05. # XI. # DEGREES OF IMPORTANCE The arithmetic averages of the items which are statistically significant were given the following degrees: Greater than 3.00 -less than 3.5: weak From 3.50 -less than 4.00: moderate From 4.00 -less than 4.5: high degree Equals to or greater than 4.5 degrees: too high XII. DESCRIPTION OF PERSONAL FACTORS AND FUNCTIONAL RESPONDENTS # STABILITY OF THE MEASURE The stability of the measure was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, it is shown from Table ( # XIV. ITEMS CORRELATION WITH STUDY DIMENSIONS In order to test the correlation of the items with the dimension it is related to, the saturation of all items were found as shown in table (2), where it was found that all the saturations of the items to each dimension is big enough and is greater than 0.30 which is the criteria of acceptance, i.e., each item is related with the dimension it belongs to. XV. # HYPOTHESES ANALYSIS AND TESTING a) First Hypothesis The first hypothesis states that "the information provided by the information systems section for users of the Jordanian tourism businesses is effective" It has been shown from table for each item and the observed significance level for each item is less than 0.05, except items 2 and7, which that they are statistically significant, so all these items are statistical. Item (6) which measures the how much the information provided by information system section is characterized by organization, came in the first rank with an arithmetic average of 4.14 with a high degree. Also item (1) which measure how much the information provided by information system section is characterized by interpretability came in the second rank with an arithmetic average of 4.14 with a high degree. There are 4 items got medium degrees decently ordered according to the arithmetic mean: 5, 4, 10 and 3, and that measure reliability of the information, coherence, and comparability of understanding and relevance of the topics with the users need. 3 items got low degrees and they are decently ordered according to the arithmetic mean: 9, 11, and 8, which measure the how much the information helps in determining the dimensions of the problem and the availability of information easily and in a timely manner. 2. Item 2 has got an arithmetic average of 2.85 that is less than 3.00 which indicates that the information does not help to increase the competitiveness of tourism companies. As well as item 7 got an arithmetic average of 2.89 and that is less than 3.00, i.e., the information is not constantly and sufficiently updated. 3. All items which represent the effectiveness of information has got an arithmetic average of 3.57 and the observed level of significance 0.00 that is less than 0.05 which that it is statistically significant. Then the first hypothesis is accepted, so the information provided to users of information systems in Jordanian Tourism companies is effective with a medium degree. The second hypothesis states that "the services provided by the information systems section of the Jordanian tourism companies are characterized by quality" It has been shown from table (4): 1. With the exception of item 18, 19, all other items got arithmetic average greater than 3.00 for each, and the observed significance levels were less than 0.05 which means statistically significant, meaning that all these things are statistically existed. Item 14 which measure how much the services provided by the information systems section is trustworthy, came in the first rank with an arithmetic average of 4.65 in a very high degree. There are 4 items got medium degrees decently ordered according to the arithmetic average: 13, 12 and 16 receptively measuring the response of the information systems section to requested services in a timely manner, understanding of the needs of users and whether the staff is characterized by courtesy. Item 15 which measure whether the officials of the information systems section respect the users of the information, ranked in the last among the statistically accepted items and with an arithmetic average of 3.46 in a weak degree. 2. Items 18, 19, obtained arithmetic averages 2.43 and 2.78 respectively that is less than 3.00, and this shows that the training programs offered by the information systems section is characterized by diversity and renewal, and limited to a category without others, and does not cover all users from all sections. 3. All paragraphs which represent the quality of services has got an arithmetic average of 3.64, the observed level of significance is 0.00 less than 0.05. That is statistically significant. Therefore the second hypothesis is rejected and so the services provided by the information systems section of the Jordanian tourism companies are of medium quality. The third hypothesis states that "information systems contribute to the improvement of the performance of the Jordanian tourism businesses." It has been shown from table (5): 1. With the exception of item 24, 28, 29 and 32 all other items got arithmetic average greater than 3.00 for each, and the observed significance levels were © 2011 Global Journals Inc. (US) Global Journal of Human Social Science Volume XI Issue VIII Version I November 2011 Information Systems and Their Role in the Performance of the Jordanian Tourism Companies less than 0.05 which means statistically significant, meaning that all these things are statistically existed. Item 23 which measure the extent of the help of Information systems to increase individual productivity came in the first rank with an arithmetic average of 4.44 in a very high degree. Items 20 and 30 which measure the extent of the information systems improvement of the performance of work and its facilitation in solving the problems faced by the users came in the second and the third ranks respectively with high degree. 4 items: 21, 25, 26 and 27 obtained medium degrees ordered decently according to arithmetic averages measuring the extent to which information systems contribute to improve decisions taken, quality of users' work output, improve customer service and increase awareness of work-related information. Item 22 which measure the extent to which Information systems gives confidence to accomplish work, it has ranked the last among the statistically acceptable items with an arithmetic average of 3.33, in a weak degree. 2. Items 24, 28, 29 and 32, got arithmetic average less than 3.00, meaning that information systems are not flexible to meet changing needs, neither reduces cycle times nor information systems reduce costs of performing processes, and do not contribute to the involvement of employees in decisions. 3. All paragraphs which represent the improvement of performance has got an arithmetic average of 3.37, the observed level of significance is 0.00 less than 0.05. That is statistically significant. Therefore the third hypothesis is accepted and so information systems contribute to improving the performance of the Jordanian tourism companies in a weak degree. # RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS a) Results The study found the following results: 1. The information provided to users in Jordanian tourism businesses is effective in a medium degree, where the information provided from the information systems section is characterized by a high degree of organization and interpretability, and characterized by a medium degree of reliability and coherence and comprehensibility and relevance of topics to users' need, as well as the information helps in a weak degree to identify the dimensions of the problem, in the same degree they are readily available in a timely manner. But this information does not help increase the competitiveness of the Jordanian tourism companies, and there is no continuous and sufficient update for this information. 2. The services provided by the information systems section at the Jordanian tourism companies are of medium quality. The services provided by the information systems section is trustworthy in very high degree. Information systems section responds to services' requests in a timely manner, equally understands the needs of users, and is characterized by its kindness in a medium degree. And in a weak degree information systems section staff is respectful of the users of the information. On the other hand, the training programs offered by the information systems section is not characterized by diversity and innovation, and limited to a category without others, and does not cover all users from all partitions. 3. Information systems that improve the performance of the Jordanian tourism companies. Where it highly helps to increase individual productivity, and improve work performance, and convenience in solving problems faced by users. And these systems improve in a medium degree the extent to which information systems contribute to improve decisions taken, quality of users' work output, customer service and awareness of work-related information. Whereas information systems give confidence to complete the work in a weak degree. But these systems lack some things where they don't have the flexibility to meet changing needs, and do not reduce cycle times; neither reduce operations costs nor contribute to the involvement of employees in various decisions. # b) Recommendations The study recommends the followings: 1. Jordanian tourism companies should try to benefit from the available information in increasing their competitiveness. 2. Jordanian tourism companies should continuously and sufficiently update the outputs of the of the information systems. 3. Jordanian tourism companies should concentrate on the diversification and renewal renewed of the training programs offered by the information systems section, and cover all users of all sections, and not be limited to a category without the other. 4. It is necessary for Jordanian tourism companies to make their information systems flexible to meet changing needs. 5. Jordanian tourism companies should try to link and redirect information systems towards reducing cycle times, and reduce the cost of completing the operations. 6. Jordanian interest in tourism companies making information systems capable of engaging employees in various resolutions. 7. From the standpoint of continuous improvement, Jordanian tourism companies should promote pros identified in this study so as to increase the effectiveness of the information provided to different users, and raising the quality of services provided by the information systems section, the development and linking and routing information systems to improve performance in a greater form than it is. 8. Conduct studies to learn how to overcome the shortcomings and weaknesses identified in this study. ![2011 Global Journals Inc. (US) Global Journal of Human Social Science Volume XI Issue VIII Version I November 2011 Information Systems and Their Role in the Performance of the Jordanian Tourism Companies V.](image-2.png "©") 1Table No. (1) Shows a description of personaland functional factors of the sample individuals workingin touristic companies, as follows :? Specialization: 31.28% of tourism, 19.70% hotelmanagement, 15.15% of the sample their specialtywas management information systems, and 10.61%of the sample their specialty was accounting, 9.85 5of the sample their specialty was businessadministration, 3.03% of the sample their specialtywas finance. And 9.85% are from other disciplines.? Academic qualification: 50.0% of the sample studyhas a bachelor degree, and 28.03% of the samplehas diploma, 14.39% of the sample has generalsecondary certificate, and 6.06% has masters, and1.52% have PhDs.? Years of experience: it is shown that 39.39% of thesample their experience range from 6 to 10 yearsand 33.33% of the sample whose expertise rangesfrom between (1-5) years, 15.91% rangingexperience between 11 to15. 11.36% of those overand experience of 15 years.? Job level: the table shows that 53.02 of the staff areemployees and 29.48% of the sample is sectionchiefs, 12.88% who held the post of DeputyDirector, and 4.55% of managers.© 2011 Global Journals Inc. (US) Global Journal of Human Social Science Volume XI Issue VIII Version I 22) 3Information Systems and Their Role in the Performance of the Jordanian Tourism CompaniesNovember 2011 1Item No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9the effectiveness of the information Arithmetic average sd t-value Observed ? Degree The information provided to you from Item the information systems section is characterized by interpretable nature 4.12 0.90 14.32 0.00 High The information helps in increasing competitiveness 2.85 1.59 -1.09 0.28 --The information provided to you from the information systems section is characterized by coherence 3.61 1.13 6.24 0.00 Medium You can rely on the information provided you by the information systems section 3.80 1.06 8.71 0.00 Medium The information provided to you from the information systems section is relevant to the topics you need 3.88 0.97 10.46 0.00 Medium The information provided to you from the information systems section is well organized 4.14 1.08 12.14 0.00 High The information is not constantly and sufficiently updated 2.89 1.35 -0.90 0.37 ----The information you need is available and easily accessible 3.30 1.23 2.83 0.01 Weak Information is delivered in a timely 3.48 1.38 3.96 0.00 WeakGlobal Journal of Human Social Science Volume XI Issue VIII Version Imanner10The information presented to you from3.780.949.580.00Mediumthe information systems section isunderstandable11The information helps to determine the3.421.094.460.00Weakdimensions of the problem facingusersTotal3.570.5911.140.00Medium© 2011 Global Journals Inc. (US) 4services quality 5Information Systems and Their Role in the Performance of the Jordanian Tourism CompaniesNovember 2011 1performance improvement Arithmetic average sd t-value Information systems Improves Item No. Item 20 the performance of work 4.17 0.96 14.04 21 Information systems improves decisions taken 3.73 0.99 8.45 22 Information systems gives confidence to accomplish work 3.33 1.14 3.28 23 Information systems helps to increase individual productivity 4.44 0.79 20.84 24 Information systems contribute to the involvement of employees in decisions 2.46 0.98 -6.33 25 Information systems increases awareness of work-related information 3.67 1.18 6.48 26 Information systems improves the quality of users ' work output 3.61 1.05 6.65 27 Information systems helps to improve customer service 3.57 1.05 6.22 28 Information systems reduces costs of performing operations 2.36 1.07 -6.91 29 Information systems reduces 2.64 1.35 -3.10Observed ? Degree 0.00 High 0.00 Medium 0.00 Weak 0.00 High 0.00 -----0.00 Medium 0.00 Medium 0.00 Medium 0.00 ---0.00 ----Global Journal of Human Social Science Volume XI Issue VIII Version Icycle times30Information systems facilitate4.071.0711.450.00Highthe solution of problems facedby users31It is easy for users to use3.641.216.060.00Mediuminformation systems32Informationsystemsis2.140.98-10.140.00----characterized by flexibility tomeet changing needsTotal3.370.459.510.00Weak© 2011 Global Journals Inc. (US) * The effectiveness of accounting information systems in achieving security and the emphatic and reliability in electronic commerce ZAlkashi 2003 Oman University of Oman Arabic graduate M.S. thesis * The impact of information technology standard used in Jordanian commercial banks on the efficiency of its financial performance AIssam 2002 Sudan Gezira University M. Phil. thesis * Accounting information systems for decision-making. 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