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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2005

Vachara Peansupap and Derek Walker

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors affecting adoption and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in large ICT‐experienced…

2103

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors affecting adoption and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in large ICT‐experienced Australian construction organizations. During 2002 the researchers undertook an online survey, supplemented by a hardcopy collection option, to gather data from three major construction organizations with many years experience with implementing and adopting IT. The analysis concentrated on a common class of ICT adopted across the three organizations so that factor analysis could be validly undertaken. Results identified 11 factors that were found to influence ICT diffusion and adoption by the organizations that were grouped into management, individual, technology and workplace environment categories. These concurred with theory from the change management, innovation diffusion and organizational learning literature. Further, in‐depth qualitative analysis through case studies (beyond the scope of this paper) also helped to explain and make sense of the results. The results help to better explain human related factors in particular in terms of the broader and emerging literature of organizational learning and innovation adoption with a clear focus on how the people‐side of ICT diffusion and adoption is undertaken. This ICT diffusion and adoption study is undertaken at the firm‐level (micro analysis) as opposed to the industry level (macro analysis) and so provides insights into the interplay between diffusion and adoption concepts.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2011

Udechukwu Ojiako and Bartholomew Aleke

In the literature, technology has been shown to perform two major roles, one functionalist and the second symbolic. The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultural…

Abstract

Purpose

In the literature, technology has been shown to perform two major roles, one functionalist and the second symbolic. The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultural expressions in the form of symbols impact on technology diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained primarily through qualitative research (semi‐structured interviews, document analysis and field notes/observation). Data analysis and coding was conducted using template analysis (Atlas.ti).

Findings

The findings of the research suggest that an understanding of the symbolic role of technology in the form of “space”, physical structures, communication facilitators and a status symbol may enhance the success of its adoption among indigenous agribusinesses.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its focus on a select set of symbolic dimensions of culture. Emphasising a limited set of cultural dimensions assumes that other imperatives may not have a high impact on technology diffusion.

Originality/value

The focus in this case is on small‐scale indigenous agribusinesses operating in the Southeast of Nigeria. The authors employ broader social anthropological and sociological theories which lie outside the parameters of standard technology adoption and diffusion of innovation theories to support the study.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Vishal Singh and Jan Holmström

Despite the recognized role of motivation of actors in technology adoption decisions, there is limited understanding of the psychological processes underlying the motivation. The…

2973

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the recognized role of motivation of actors in technology adoption decisions, there is limited understanding of the psychological processes underlying the motivation. The purpose of this paper is to explore this gap by investigating Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption from the viewpoint of Maslow’s motivational theory on hierarchy of needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses mixed methods. Initially theoretical arguments establish the suitability of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as the conceptual framework to investigate technology adoption. The hypotheses and research questions are investigated using data collected through focus group interviews, interviews and field observations in Australian architecture engineering and construction (AEC). The findings are validated with a survey of BIM adoption cases reported in literature, and additional interviews conducted in Finnish AEC sector. Finally, abductive reasoning is applied to seek the best possible explanation for the observed patterns.

Findings

It is found that besides individuals, organizations also demonstrate hierarchical ordering of innovation-related needs. Three broad categories of innovation-related needs are identified. Using abduction, the innovation-related needs of actors are described in terms of stable and excited states.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are primarily based on studies conducted in regions with developed economies.

Practical implications

This research shows that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs could be a useful diagnostic framework to assess actors’ response towards technology adoption.

Originality/value

This investigation into the potential usefulness of Maslow’s theory into understanding technology adoption is by itself a novel research contribution. The finding that hierarchical view of needs can partly explain the adoption decisions of both individual and organizational actors is an original contribution.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2013

Ahmad Fareed Ismail, Steffen Frank Zorn, Huey Chern Boo, Sambasivan Murali and Jamie Murphy

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how three organizational factors – affiliation, sufficient capital and company age – related to 323 Malaysian foodservice companies'…

1435

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how three organizational factors – affiliation, sufficient capital and company age – related to 323 Malaysian foodservice companies' diffusion of six information technology (IT) applications. The IT applications, basic or advanced, respectively, represent two innovation diffusion levels, adoption and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study drew on a survey of chief executive officers, owners, information system/technology managers, operations managers, and account/financial managers in 323 Kuala Lumpur and Selangor foodservice companies. The study conducted logistic regression to examine factors related to the adoption and implementation of IT applications.

Findings

IT adoption and implementation related significantly to sufficient capital. Company age and affiliation showed an insignificant relation with adopting and implementing IT applications.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first hospitality study to examine simultaneously the diffusion of basic and advanced IT applications. Most studies investigate the adoption of one or two innovations, such as spreadsheets, web sites, and e‐mail, without considering diffusion stages. This study demonstrates multiple innovations, multiple diffusion stages and multivariate analyses.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Dong-Hee Shin and Frank Biocca

The purpose of this paper is to analyze user behavior toward multi-screen services by employing neural networks to predict overall customer satisfaction and to prioritize the…

1705

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze user behavior toward multi-screen services by employing neural networks to predict overall customer satisfaction and to prioritize the factors that influence customer intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-screen experiences require a new approach incorporating multiple methods. A proposed multi-state analytic approach in which the research model is tested using structural equation modeling was utilized. The results were then used as inputs for a neural network model to predict multi-screen adoption.

Findings

The findings indicate that multi-screen quality significantly influences usability, which subsequently affects the adoption of the technology.

Practical implications

The policy and managerial implications of multi-screen development are discussed based on the models of acceptance and diffusion.

Social implications

The emergence of multi-screen services as well as the simultaneous and sequential engagement of users with multiple devices throughout the day challenges the ability of marketers to develop effective communication strategies.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth analysis and heuristic data regarding user drivers, market dynamics, and policy implications in the one-source multi-use ecosystem.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2021

Bethan Alexander and Anthony Kent

Continuous change has long been recognized as a core characteristic of retailing, its recent acceleration unprecedented, yet innovation in retailing remains under-researched…

3123

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous change has long been recognized as a core characteristic of retailing, its recent acceleration unprecedented, yet innovation in retailing remains under-researched, especially within fashion retailing. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to generate a deeper understanding of if, and to what extent, fashion retailers across different market segments are innovating in terms of in-store technology diffusion over time by taking a long-term perspective over five years.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on retail change and innovation diffusion theory, the study takes a qualitative approach, using direct observation of 71 fashion stores in London (UK) in 2014 and 2019. In total, 142 stores were tabulated in Excel and qualitatively analysed manually and with NVivo.

Findings

The findings identify the innovation adoption strategies implemented, the types of in-store technologies adopted over time and the fashion retail innovation adopters.

Originality/value

The research offers new knowledge in terms of retail innovation and retail change, specifically on retail diffusion of innovation and the importance of in-store technology integration. Several practical implications for improving technology innovation management are also identified.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 49 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2010

Dimitris Assimakopoulos and Herman Wu

This research paper aims to apply the technology‐organization‐environment (TOE) framework to describe and discuss the critical factors concerning the diffusion of voice over…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to apply the technology‐organization‐environment (TOE) framework to describe and discuss the critical factors concerning the diffusion of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) innovations among Chinese large enterprises, in particular, Air China and Harvest Fund.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper deploys a dual case study methodology and extensive triangulation, including review of archival data, in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders, and a questionnaire survey.

Findings

Key factors were identified that have significant influence on the VoIP adoption by Chinese large enterprises. These factors were grouped under the TOE framework to facilitate analysis. Based on the rich data set, the paper identified the following key factors for successful adoption, implementation, and use. Managers of large companies seem to consider reliability of a new technology as the most important factor to be considered for feasibility study and budget approval. At the same time, top management support is extremely important in China. For the top executives, especially those with government background, any major decisions must not only be financially sound but also politically correct. In addition, compatibility with pre‐existing systems, following technology trends and ease of use were also viewed as critical factors influencing the initial adoption of VoIP technology and also affecting its success of implementation and subsequent use.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is exploratory in nature including a dual‐case study design. Further descriptive or/and explanatory studies may help confirm the identified factors and provide additional evidence and explanations why these factors are critical for the diffusion of VoIP among Chinese large companies. Second, a future research avenue is the deregulation of the sector by the Chinese government. Further study can focus on what kinds of benefits can be derived from deregulation as in other countries or regions and how to deregulate current restrictions and foster the development of this market in China. Third, the companies studied in this paper are large companies with a history of government control. With the gradual rise of private companies in China, a future researcher could study the key influential factors for VoIP adoption for these companies.

Originality/value

Out of these critical factors, the paper identifies two rarely mentioned factors that are critical among Chinese large enterprises: first, technology trend; and second, the innovation's return on investment (price/total cost of ownership). The paper also spells out management implications for practitioners in large Chinese firms.

Details

Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2018

Samad M.E. Sepasgozar, Steven Davis, Martin Loosemore and Leonhard Bernold

Research into the construction industry’s adoption of modern equipment technologies, such as remote-controlled trucks, excavators and drones, has been neglected in comparison to…

1803

Abstract

Purpose

Research into the construction industry’s adoption of modern equipment technologies, such as remote-controlled trucks, excavators and drones, has been neglected in comparison to the significant body of research into the adoption of information technology in construction. Construction research has also neglected to adequately consider the important role of vendors in the innovation diffusion process, focussing mostly on the role of the customer. Set within the context of Australia’s construction industry, the purpose of this paper is to address these gaps in knowledge by exploring the role of customers and vendors in the diffusion of modern equipment technologies into the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using contemporary models of innovation diffusion which move beyond the simple dualistic problem of whether innovation is supply-pushed or demand-pulled, 19 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with customers and vendors involved in two major modern equipment technology trade exhibitions in Australia. This was followed by the collection of documentary data in the form of photos, directory books, marketing material, catalogues, websites and booth and exhibition layouts to validate the proposed model and provide insights into vendor marketing strategies. These data were analysed using both content analysis and principal component analysis (PCA).

Findings

According to the PCA and content analysis, vendor’s engagement in the adoption of modern equipment technologies falls into three stages that correspond to three stages in the customer’s adoption process. In the first stage, customers identify possible solutions and recognise new technologies following a previous recognition of a need. Vendors provide facilities for attracting potential customers and letting customers know that their technology exists and can help solve the customer’s problem. The second stage involves customers gaining knowledge about the details of the new technology, and vendors focusing on detailed knowledge transfer through written materials and demonstrations of the functionality of the new technology. In the third stage, customers have specific questions that they want answered to assist them in comparing different vendors and solutions. By this stage, vendors have built a close relationship with the customer and in contrast to earlier stages engage in two-way communication to help the customer’s decision process by addressing specific technical and support-related questions.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this research is in addressing the lack of research in modern equipment technology adoption for building construction and the lack of data on the role of vendors in the process by developing a new empirical framework which describes the stages in the process and the ways that customers and vendors interact at each stage. The results indicate that conceptually, as the construction industry becomes more industrialised, current models of innovation adoption will need to develop to reflect this growing technological complexity and recognise that vendors and customers engage differently in the adoption process, according to the type of technology they wish to adopt.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 25 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Martin Loosemore and Steven R. Davis

The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of research in information and equipment technology adoption in the construction industry. The study also aims to…

2928

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of research in information and equipment technology adoption in the construction industry. The study also aims to formulate a conceptual framework of the different stages in the adoption process identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of contemporary research in technology adoption in construction research literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic framework is initially proposed containing the fundamental concepts of “pre-adoption”, “adoptionand “post-adoption”. The review separates the literature according to three key perspectives: “socio-economic”; “managerial”; and “psychological”. The applicability of the existing approaches to the construction context is discussed, and then a new conceptual framework for construction is developed.

Findings

Significant gaps in the understanding of construction technology adoption are identified that provide an interesting agenda for future research. A Construction Technology Adoption Framework is presented, which draws together all of sub-processes involved in technology adoption. This framework covers key activities of both the vendor and the customer.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been restricted to information technologies and construction equipment technology. Other construction technologies, such as formwork systems, have not been examined.

Practical implications

The new framework provides a direction for research into the technology adoption process including key sub-processes and potential research areas. The framework also assists vendors to influence customers’ decision-making processes, and guides new customers in setting up their own decision procedures.

Originality/value

This paper departs from earlier research by focusing on information and equipment technology adoption rather than innovation adoption in general. In addition, this paper considers both sides of the adoption equation (vendor and customer), which is in contrast to previous binary studies which considered one side or the other. It delineates the boundaries of different concepts such as diffusion, adoption, acceptance and implementation, which have been interchangeably used in previous studies. This paper introduces the concept of dissemination to construction, which has previously been investigated in other industries.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2023

Tianxin Li, Zhongfu Li and Jin Cai

Insufficient intra-organizational diffusion of prefabricated construction (PC) technology hinders its implementation benefits. More research on intra-organizational diffusion of…

Abstract

Purpose

Insufficient intra-organizational diffusion of prefabricated construction (PC) technology hinders its implementation benefits. More research on intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology is required to improve organizational performance in PC implementation. This study aims to explore the antecedents and consequence of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study established an antecedent and consequence model of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology from the perspective of contingency theory. The model was empirically tested by 91 valid questionnaires using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that organizational support (OSU), organizational climate (OC) and mechanistic organizational structure (OST) positively influence intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology, which further positively influences organizational performance. The relationship between OC and intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology is mediated by OSU. Technological turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between OSU and intra-organizational diffusion.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to study the antecedents and consequence of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology and an expansion of contingency theory in the research field of PC technology. This study helps to theoretically stimulate future research on intra-organizational diffusion and practically promote intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology along with improving organizational performance in its implementation.

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