A preliminary study of ecommerce adoption in developing countries

What factors underlie the adoption dynamics of ecommerce technologies among users in developing countries? Even though the internet promised to be the great equalizer, the nuanced variety of conditions and contingencies that shape user adoption of ecommerce technologies has received little scrutiny. Building on previous research on technology adoption, the paper proposes a global information technology (IT) adoption model. The model includes antecedents of performance expectancy, social influence, and technology opportunism and investigates the crucial influence of facilitating conditions. The proposed model is tested using data from 172 technology users from 37 countries, collected over a 1‐year period. The findings suggest that in developing countries, facilitating conditions play a critical moderating role in understanding actual ecommerce adoption, especially when in tandem with technological opportunism. Altogether, the paper offers a preliminary scrutiny of the mechanics of ecommerce adoption in developing countries.     

Integrating TTF and UTAUT to explain mobile banking user adoption

Due to its advantages such as ubiquity and immediacy, mobile banking has attracted traditional banks’ interests. However, a survey report showed that user adoption of mobile banking was much lower than that of other mobile services. The extant research focuses on explaining user adoption from technology perceptions such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, interactivity, and relative advantage. However, users’ adoption is determined not only by their perception of the technology but also by the task technology fit. In other words, even though a technology may be perceived as being advanced, if it does not fit users’ task requirements, they may not adopt it. By integrating the task technology fit (TTF) model and the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT), this research proposes a mobile banking user adoption model. We found that performance expectancy, task technology fit, social influence, and facilitating conditions have significant effects on user adoption. In addition, we also found a significant effect of task technology fit on performance expectancy.     

Testing the moderating role of need for cognition in smartphone adoption

While numerous studies have identified various cognitive and social factors affecting the adoption of new technologies and innovations, the role of individual differences has not yet received full research attention. In this study, we focused on the need for cognition (NFC; Cacioppo, J.T. and Petty, R.E., 1982. The need for cognition. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 42, 116–131) and examined the implications of this personality variable relative to smartphone use. The results based on the survey data (N=411) provided support for our hypotheses that NFC is an important motivational personality construct that distinguishes between adopters and non-adopters of smartphones. We also found that NFC moderates the linkages between instrumental beliefs, social influence factors, and behavioural intentions (BI). Specifically, perceived usefulness had a stronger effect on BI for high-NFC people, whereas perceived ease of use and subjective norms had stronger effects for low-NFC people. The findings reveal possible important variations in technology adoption and the role of NFC in governing these alternative decision-making processes. Implications for theory, product design, as well as for managers are discussed.     

The acceptance and use of interactive whiteboards among teachers: Differences in UTAUT determinants between pre- and post-adopters

With the spread of new educational technology such as the interactive whiteboard (IWB) teachers, as potential users, need to adapt their teaching in order to successfully utilize it. Despite considerable efforts in motivating teachers to use new educational technology, there are mixed feelings about whether to accept and use this technology in the classroom or not. In this study we propose to extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with a new moderator variable user type in order to investigate differences in the UTAUT determinants between pre- and post-adopters of IWBs. The results of the study showed significant differences in causal effect sizes between pre- and post-adopters for several paths of the proposed research model. When compared to post-adopters, we can see that for pre-adopters: 1) social influence has a bigger impact on behavioral intentions, 2) performance expectancy more strongly affects attitudes toward using IWBs, and 3) there is a difference in attitudes towards using IWB on users' potential use of IWBs. For post-adopters: 4) the facilitating conditions have a bigger impact on the actual use of IWBs, and 5) behavioral intention is a stronger predictor of the actual use of IWBs when compared with pre-adopters.     

Integrating context-awareness and UTAUT to explain Alipay user adoption

Due to its advantages, Alipay has become one of the largest third-party payment platforms in China. However, Alipay is also confronted with dual challenges from inherent technology to external competition. In fact, Alipay user adoption is determined not only by perception of the technology but also by the context-awareness. In other words, even though a technology may be perceived as being advanced, if it cannot use the context to provide relevant information or services, they may not adopt it. By integrating the context-awareness and the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT), this paper proposes a model of Alipay user adoption. We found that the relationship between the context and Alipay user adoption is mediated by performance expectancy and effort expectancy. While the relationship between the ubiquity and Alipay user adoption is only mediated by the performance expectancy.     

The effect of service employees’ technology readiness on technology acceptance

As much of the work of service employees is supported by IT, the quality of the service often depends on how the technology is used. Most employees only use a fraction of the functionality available on their desk-top. This may also depend on their personality. We performed research on the relationship of personality and technology acceptance.     

Predicting different conceptualizations of system use: Acceptance in hedonic volitional context (Facebook)

This research examines the relationship between the predictors of use and the different conceptualizations of system use in a hedonic volitional setting (Facebook). Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, an investigation into the three aspects of system use: the user, system and task were carried out. Results from a cross-sectional survey of 449 students show that behavioral intention has a significant influence on all aspects and dimensions of system use including cognitive absorption and deep structure use. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence are significantly related to system use. From the component model, performance expectancy is only significant with deep structure use. Hedonic performance expectancy is found to be significantly related to cognitive absorption. Results also demonstrate that predictors of usage have a significant relationship with the user aspect of system use. The variance explained in usage conceptualized as the user/task aspects is much higher than that of the system/task aspects or one-dimensional measures. Overall, conceptualizing system use using the user/task aspects offers greater explanatory power in Facebook use.     

Five-factor model personality traits as predictors of perceived and actual usage of technology

Understanding the adoption and use of technology is extremely important in the field of information systems. Not surprisingly, there are several conceptual models that attempt to explain how and why individuals use technology. Until recently, however, the role of personality in general, and the five-factor model (FFM) of personality in particular, had remained largely unexplored. Our study takes an interactional psychology perspective, linking components of the FFM to the use of technology within the conceptual framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). After empirically confirming previous research findings linking performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence to technology use, we test direct relationships between FFM personality traits and technology use in the context of a web-based classroom technological system, utilizing measures of perceived and actual use of technology. Consistent with expectations, conscientiousness and neuroticism are associated with perceived and actual use of technology, with conscientiousness demonstrating a positive association with both perceived and actual use and neuroticism, a negative association. Extraversion was also significantly associated with actual use, although not in the positive direction expected. Further, the significant relationships between the personality traits and the actual use of technology were direct and not mediated by expressed intentions to use the system.     

机房计费管理系统

机房计费管理系统是针对学校机房或网吧自动计费方面工作而开发的管理软件。系统采用模块化程度设计方法,根据实际的要求,实现机房的自由上机划卡计费管理、后台存储管理、查询管理及用户管理等功能。用户通过相应的模块,对学员库的基本情况进行维护,使机房的收入得到高效管理。机房值班人员只需通过简单的操作即可轻松的管理机房自由上机。从而使得在管理上更具合理性、规范性、科学性、严谨性、透明性,并可减轻工作人员的工作强度,避免重复劳动,提高工作效率。     

Healthcare Technology Self-Efficacy (HTSE) and its influence on individual attitude: An empirical study

Previous research on technology acceptance and adoption has established perceived self-efficacy as an important factor influencing user acceptance of information technologies. However, research on self-efficacy perceptions and its effect on user attitude in the context of health technologies is limited. This study identifies three self-efficacy factors that may be important for shaping individual attitude toward healthcare technologies. This research proposes a new context-specific self-efficacy factor, Healthcare Technology Self-Efficacy (HTSE) and a conceptual model incorporating HTSE and two existing self-efficacy factors, General Self-Efficacy (GSE) and Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE). The conceptual model is validated using a survey of 314 participants. We found that HTSE has a positive influence on attitude toward the use of health technologies. We also found that two existing self-efficacy constructs (GSE and CSE) have positive relationships with HTSE. However these two factors did not have any significant influence on attitude toward health technology use, contrary to our expectations. Rather, HTSE mediates the relationships between GSE and attitude and the relationship between CSE and attitude in the context of health technology use behavior. The results of this study have important implications for both research and practice in the healthcare technology domain.     

Charismatic leadership and user acceptance of information technology

Although there is widespread agreement that leadership has important effects on information technology (IT) acceptance and use, relatively little empirical research to date has explored this phenomenon in detail. This paper integrates the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with charismatic leadership theory, and examines the role of project champions influencing user adoption. PLS analysis of survey data collected from 209 employees in seven organizations that had engaged in a large-scale IT implementation revealed that project champion charisma was positively associated with increased performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition perceptions of users. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research in this area are provided.     

Understanding the successful adoption and use of IS/IT in SMEs: an explanation from Portuguese manufacturing industries

Abstract. The objectives of the research were to identify factors enabling or inhibiting the adoption and use of information systems and technology (IS/IT) in Portuguese manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and understand how these factors interrelate in determining relative success in the adoption and use of IS/IT. This research elicited factors from previous quantitative and qualitative research, which had been shown to influence IS/IT adoption in SMEs in other contexts. A strategic change framework was used to structure the factors and ensure that comprehensive evidence about their nature and effects could be obtained in the empirical research. Further factors were identified by initial fieldwork, before carrying out 12 in‐depth case studies, across a range of situations – different industries, different levels of adoption and a range of degrees of success in IS/IT use. The pattern that emerged from the analysis of the data shows that certain factor combinations and relationships appear to determine the relative degrees of IS/IT success across the firms. This pattern can also be explained by interpreting the roles and relationships of the key actors involved in the process of IS/IT adoption and use. Top management perspectives and attitudes towards IS/IT adoption and use play an important role in the development of internal IS/IT competencies and provide an important contribution to the development of a context that enables IS/IT success.     

基于BFDP技术的飞行数据处理系统

在分析国内外现有空管系统中飞行数据处理子系统特点和不足的基础上,提出一种基于BFDP技术的飞行数据处理子系统架构的设计方法。系统模型采用飞行数据处理服务、系统升降级技术和数据同步技术等,实现了基于BFDP的飞行数据处理系统功能。应用结果证明:该架构提高了系统运行的稳定性和可靠性。     

Factors affecting the acceptance of information systems supporting emergency operations centres

Despite the recognition that information system acceptance is an important antecedent of effective emergency management, there has been comparatively very little research examining this aspect of technology acceptance. The current research responded to this gap in literature by adapting and integrating existing models of technology acceptance. This was done in order to examine how a range of technology acceptance factors could affect the acceptance of emergency operations centre information systems. Relationships between several of these factors were also examined. Questionnaire data from 383 end-users of four different emergency operations centre information systems were analysed using structural equation modelling. This analysis concluded that technology acceptance factors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and information quality explained 65 percent of variance in symbolic adoption, which is a combination of mental acceptance and psychological attachment towards an information system. A number of moderating effects of age, gender, experience of use and domain experience were also identified. A mediating component, of performance expectancy, explained 49 percent of variance between facilitating conditions, information quality, effort expectancy, and resulting symbolic adoption. These findings highlight a need to re-focus technology acceptance research on both mediating and moderating effects and the importance of considering domain specific factors. Applied recommendations are also made, for successfully implementing relevant information systems.     

The effects of perceived risk and technology type on users’ acceptance of technologies

Previous studies on technology adoption disagree regarding the relative magnitude of the effects of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. However these studies did not consider moderating variables. We investigated four potential moderating variables – perceived risk, technology type, user experience, and gender – in users’ technology adoption. Their moderating effects were tested in an empirical study of 161 subjects. Results showed that perceived risk, technology type, and gender were significant moderating variables. However the effects of user experience were marginal after the variance of errors was removed.     

The roles of intrinsic motivators and extrinsic motivators in promoting e-learning in the workplace: A case from South Korea

Acceptance of e-learning by employees is critical to the successful implementation of e-learning in the workplace. To explain why employees might accept the e-learning technology, motivational factors must be considered. Although the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has identified many variables to understand employees’ motivation to use e-learning, current literature cannot conclude the roles of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators in the technology adoption process. Consequently, organizations often overestimate the effects of extrinsic motivators in promoting e-learning while ignoring employees’ intrinsic motivation. To examine the effect difference between the two motivational factors, this study surveyed 261 employees in a food service company in South Korea with the UTAUT instrument. Upon analyzing 226 valid cases with LISREL, the findings revealed that intrinsic motivators (effort expectancy, attitudes, and anxiety) affected employees’ intention to use e-learning in the workplace more strongly than did the extrinsic motivators (performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions). Furthermore, the effects of intrinsic motivators mediated the effect of extrinsic motivators. Implications of this study are important for both researchers and practitioners.     

Industry 4.0 smart reconfigurable manufacturing machines

This paper provides a fundamental research review of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS), which uniquely explores the state-of-the-art in distributed and decentralized machine control and machine intelligence. The aim of this review is to draw objective answers to two proposed research questions, relating to: (1) reconfigurable design and industry adoption; and (2) enabling present and future state technology. Key areas reviewed include: (a) RMS – fundamentals, design rational, economic benefits, needs and challenges; (b) Machine Control – modern operational technology, vertical and horizontal system integration, advanced distributed and decentralized control; (c) Machine Intelligence – distributed and decentralized paradigms, technology landscape, smart machine modelling, simulation, and smart reconfigurable synergy. Uniquely, this paper establishes a vision for next-generation Industry 4.0 manufacturing machines, which will exhibit extraordinary Smart and Reconfigurable (SR*) capabilities.     

Computer self-efficacy in an ongoing use context

The objective of this study is to examine whether computer self-efficacy continues to influence the use of information technology in an ongoing use context where experienced personnel use computers to do complex and dynamic knowledge work. Hypotheses are proposed concerning the determinants and consequences of computer self-efficacy. Using a survey of 153 engineers engaged in computer intensive design work, a preliminary test of the hypotheses is conducted using structural equation modelling (LISREL). The results suggest that the impact of self-efficacy on the effectiveness of ongoing computer use may be indirect, mediated by intrinsic motivation. The results also suggest that, in the ongoing use context, user autonomy, learning capabilities, and collegial support are determinants of computer self-efficacy. The conclusion is that computer self-efficacy continues to play an important role among ongoing users. Its influence is not limited to the early stages of user interaction with technology (i.e., adoption or training).     

Computer self-efficacy in an ongoing use context

The objective of this study is to examine whether computer self-efficacy continues to influence the use of information technology in an ongoing use context where experienced personnel use computers to do complex and dynamic knowledge work. Hypotheses are proposed concerning the determinants and consequences of computer self-efficacy. Using a survey of 153 engineers engaged in computer intensive design work, a preliminary test of the hypotheses is conducted using structural equation modelling (LISREL). The results suggest that the impact of self-efficacy on the effectiveness of ongoing computer use may be indirect, mediated by intrinsic motivation. The results also suggest that, in the ongoing use context, user autonomy, learning capabilities, and collegial support are determinants of computer self-efficacy. The conclusion is that computer self-efficacy continues to play an important role among ongoing users. Its influence is not limited to the early stages of user interaction with technology (i.e., adoption or training).     

Factors that determine residents’ acceptance of smart city technologies

ABSTRACT

While some cities attempt to determine their residents’ demand for smart-city technologies, others simply move forward with smart-related strategies and projects. This study is among the first to empirically determine which factors most affect residents’ and public servants’ intention to use smart-city services. A Smart Cities Stakeholders Adoption Model (SSA), based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), is developed and tested on a mid-size U.S. city as a case study. A questionnaire was administered in order to determine the influence of seven factors – effort expectancy, self-efficacy, perceived privacy, perceived security, trust in technology, price value and trust in government – on behaviour intention, specifically the decision to adopt smart-city technologies. Results show that each of these factors significantly influenced citizen intention to use smart-city services. They also reveal perceived security and perceived privacy to be strong determinants of trust in technology, and price value a determinant of trust in government. In turn, both types of trust are shown to increase user intention to both adopt and use smart-city services. These findings offer city officials an approach to gauging residential intention to use smart-city services, as well as identify those factors critical to developing a successful smart-city strategy.