Both groups were able to access the same online tools on the course web site, but the students in the test group were convincingly told how useful the tools were for course success.

These students significantly outperformed their peers on exams by about five points on a 100-point scale.

'Our emphasis on the superiority of the accompanying course web site got students to believe in it and expect that it would work for them. By believing in the tools more, they used the tools more often and performed better in the course itself,' said Eden.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that managers can strengthen their workers' belief in the utility of their tools to promote successful performance.

Eden notes that getting employees to believe in their resources can radically improve the transitions when companies go through mergers and acquisitions, especially when the different companies involved use different accounting and management systems.

His study will soon be published in the Journal of Management.