This study explored and described decision factors related to technology adoption. The research used diffusion of innovations and communities of practice (CoP) theoretical frameworks and a case study of Web services technology in the digital library (DL) environment to develop an understanding of the decision-making process. A qualitative case study approach was used to investigate the research problems and data were collected through semi-structured interviews, documentary evidence (e.g., meeting minutes), and a comprehensive member check. The research conducted face-to-face and phone interviews with seven respondents with different job titles (administraive vs. technical) from five different DL programs selected based on distinctive characteristics such as size of the DL program. Findings of the research suggested that the decision-making process is a complex process in which a number of factors are considered when making technology adoption decisions. These factors are categorized as organizational, individual, and technology specific factors. Further, data showed that DL CoPs played an important role in enabling staff members of a DL program to access up-to-date and experienced-based knowledge, provided a distributed problem solving and learning environment, facilitating informal communication and collaborative activities, and informing the decision-making process.

The purpose of this essay is to study whether streaming services has made a difference in the act of viewing linear TV together with others. The methods used in the research are: a focus group performed with six people, an email-interview with an expert in TV and a general survey used to define the user groups. The results shows that streaming services has had an impact on viewing patterns and also contributed with new ones. The Swedish consumer is more likely to use streaming services everyday except for Fridays, which can be attributed to a tradition called Fredagsmys (friday cosiness), co-viewing primetime TV on Fridays. Co-viewing TV is also affected by streaming services according to our studies, but not nearly as much as the viewing behaviours. We’re using a theory called Diffusion of Innovation to explain the usage of streaming services and why it has not been adopted by everyone as their main platform for viewing media.

The streaming of audiobooks is a new and fast-growing phenomenon amongst Swedish consumers. There exists a lack of knowledge on this topic as it is previously unexplored within academia. As the audiobook streaming services are growing it is important for providers and competitors to understand the key factors determining usage intention from an end-user’s perspective. This thesis therefore examines what factors influence end-user’s adoption of audiobook streaming-services, the examination extends both for consumers intention to begin using as well as continue using the service. Factors related to the end-user’s usage intention were explored and identified in a Swedish context. A theoretical model consisting of eight hypotheses was constructed to examine the relationships between five variables. The model is based on previous literature of technology adoption and in particular the technology acceptance model (TAM). Additional theory was gathered on previous research on similar technologies such consumers adoption of E-books and E-readers. To achieve the research purpose of the thesis, a quantitative method was used and data was gathered through an online questionnaire with 935 (769 valid) responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used with RStudio to test the collected data on our theoretical model. The results showcased that our model was successful in explaining key factors influencing usage intention. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence usage intention positively, while end-user’s attachment to paper books and reading impact usage intention negatively. Further results and the implications of these results are discussed.

Submitted in full fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF COMMERCE (Marketing) at the UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND 2015 / With an increase in the concern over the harmful effects of smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, there has been an increase in the use of a smoking alternative considered to be a healthier option, namely the e-cigarette. Thus, it is of interest to understand certain factors surrounding the novelty, and this research has been conducted in terms of evaluating the predictors of the diffusion of innovations on consumer resistance towards the e-cigarette among South African university students, with the primary purpose being to research a gap in the South African e-cigarette market, and to utilise the results to better understand the overall market. The gap in prior research has been identified as what appears to be a lack of information regarding the South African e-cigarette market, and in particular, the predictors of consumer resistance, including relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, and perceived risk. The study undertook a quantitative methodology in which 400 students from the University of the Witwatersrand were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 and AMOS for structural equation modelling. The results indicate that three of the six hypotheses are supported. Thus, indicating that marketers should focus on applying relative advantage, complexity, and perceived risk to marketing strategies. This study contributes to existing literature and contextual knowledge regarding consumer resistance and the diffusion of innovation. The results further provide marketing practitioners with a better understanding on how to limit consumer resistance and how to improve product diffusion of the e-cigarette, subsequently improving the rate of adoption. However, future research is necessary for corroboration. / MT2017

Vi går mot ett allt mer kontantlöst samhälle, där mobilbetalningar är det betalsätt som används mest efter kortbetalningar. Idag finns det ett stort urval av olika mobila betalningstjänster på marknaden. I denna studie kommer acceptans av digitala plånböcker att undersökas. Digitala plånböcker är betaltjänstapplikationer som bl.a. kan användas för att online och i fysisk butik. Mer specifikt kommer vi att undersöka de digitala plånböckerna Apple Pay och Samsung Pay, vilka är relativt nylanserade på den svenska marknaden. I och med det nya betaltjänstdirektivet (PSD2) som initierades av EU, förväntas fler företag tillhandahålla betalningstjänster som bygger på bankernas API och använda kundens kontoinformation. Denna potentiella förändring av den finansiella marknaden, där företag istället för banker tillhandahåller kunders kontoinformation och sköter deras finansiella tjänster, väcker frågor angående kunders uppfattade förtroende och risk. Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka faktorer som påverkade användares acceptans och avsikten att använda dessa digitala plånböcker. Dessa faktorer baserades på E-commerce acceptance model, vilken baserades på den etablerade modellen Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) och litteratur om faktorerna risk och förtroende. Data som låg till grund för empirin hämtades från elektroniska enkäter. Resultatet påvisade att faktorerna uppfattad nytta och förtroende hade starkast påverkan på respondenternas avsikt att använda de digitala plånböckerna. Resultatet och urvalet diskuterades även utifrån teorin Diffusion of Innovations för att kontextualisera studien. / We are moving towards an increasingly cash-free society, where mobile payments are the most frequently used payment method after card payment. Today there is a wide selection of different mobile payment services on the market. This study will focus on acceptance of digital wallets, which are payment service applications that can be used online as well as in physical stores. More specifically, we will examine the digital wallets Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which are newly launched on the Swedish market. With the new Payment Service Directive (PSD2) initiated by the EU, more companies are expected to provide payment services based on the bank's APIs to use the customer's account information. This potential change in the financial market, where companies instead of banks manage customer account information and financial services, raises questions about customers' perceived trust and risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate which factors influenced users' acceptance and intent to use digital wallets. These factors are based on the E-commerce acceptance model, which was based on the established model Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and literature on the factors risk and trust. The data which the results were based upon were obtained from electronic surveys. The results indicated that the factors perceived usefulness and trust had the strongest impact on respondents' intention to use the digital wallets. The result and sample were also discussed based on the theory Diffusion of Innovations to contextualize the study.

O processo acelerado de modernização científica e tecnológica tem gerado novas formas de conhecimento, o que tem levado instituições a rever o modo de formação dos profissionais. Dentre as várias características necessárias para este novo profissional, destacam-se a capacidade de buscar e utilizar novas informações, saber comunicar-se (nacional e internacionalmente), usar os recursos tecnológicos para a melhoria de vida, desenvolver a crítica e desempenhar a profissão de forma contextualizada e em equipe. Podemos afirmar então que o cuidado de enfermagem precisa ter uma abrangência maior. E assim, ao considerar a formação do enfermeiro, é que buscamos conhecer a situação atual do ensino, no que se refere à prevenção e tratamento de úlceras por pressão, nos cursos de graduação em enfermagem de oito Instituições Públicas de Ensino Superior do estado de São Paulo. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva do tipo inquérito, da qual participaram 36 docentes, a maior parte do sexo feminino (97,2%), casados (75%), com idade entre 41 a 45 anos, com um tempo de formado variando de 16 a 25 anos, com aperfeiçoamento, 22,2% , especialização, 86,1% , mestrado 83,3% e doutorado 52,7%. Tinham experiência anterior à docência 94,4%, sendo a área mais freqüente a assistencial (47,2%). Foram citadas 2 disciplinas obrigatórias e 3 eletivas sobre o tema. Dentre os docentes, 28% ministram conteúdo teórico em sala de aula, 75,6% em estágio curricular e33,3% teórico-prático em laboratório. O modo de preparação para o ensino ocorreu por meio de publicações científicas 88,9%, pela prática profissional anterior a docência 80,6 % e em cursos de extensão 61,1%. As publicações incluíram 13 títulos de livros, 8 revistas nacionais e 8 revistas internacionais. O método mais utilizado em sala de aula foi aula expositiva (44,4%), em laboratório de ensino foi a demonstração pelo professor (58,3%), e no ensino clínico foi um aluno faz o procedimento e os demais observam (83,3%).Com relação aos recursos computacionais, 87,5% das instituições possuem laboratórios de informática e 100% possuem servidor. A relação aluno/computador nos cursos variou de 5,3 a 26,6. O tema mais abordado sobre prevenção foi: Fatores de risco (91,7%), e sobre tratamento Métodos de limpeza, desbridamento, coberturas, alívio da pressão e controle da dor (91,7%). Quanto ao preparo do docente para o ensino do tema, 58,3% se sentem preparados e 41,7%, não. Os comentários e sugestões dos docentes evidenciaram a necessidade de um enfoque maior na prevenção de UP e maior divulgação de inovações entre docentes. / The accelerated process of scientific and technological modernization has created new forms of knowledge. As a result, institutions have reconsidered the way they educate professionals. Among the different characteristics this \"new\" professional needs, special attention must be given to the ability to search for and use new information, to communicate (in the national and international spheres), to use technological resources for a better life, to develop criticism and perform the profession in a contextualized form through teamwork. Thus, it can be affirmed that nursing care needs to expand its range. That is why, in view of nursing education, we aim to get to know the current situation of teaching on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in undergraduate nursing courses at eight Public Higher Education Institutions in the state of São Paulo. A descriptive inquiry was carried out. The participants were 36 lecturers, most of whom were women (97.2%), married (75%), between 41 and 45 years old; graduation times ranged from 16 to 25 years; 22.2% had taken refresher courses, 86.1% specialization courses, 83.3% Masters and 52.7% doctoral programs. 94.4% possessed earlier experience before teaching, most of whom (47.2%) in the field of care delivery. 2 compulsory and 3 optional subjects about the theme were mentioned. 28% of the lecturers presented theoretical contents in the classroom and 75.6% in curricular training, while 33,3 % offered theoretical-practical contents in laboratories. Teaching preparation was realized by means of scientific publications (88.9%), by professional practice previous to teaching (80.6%) and by extension courses (61.1%). The publications included 13 book titles, 8 national and 8 international journals. Seminars were the most used method (44.4%) in the classroom, demonstrations by the lecturer (58.3%) at the teaching lab, and a student demonstrating the procedure while the others are observing (83.3%) in clinical teaching. With respect to computer resources, 87.5% of the institutions have computer labs and 100% have a server. The student /computer index ranged from 5,3 to 26,6.The most frequently discussed theme related to prevention was: \'Risk factors\' (91.7%) and, in terms of treatment, \'Cleaning, debridement, dressing, pressure relief and pain control methods\' (91.7%). As to the lecturer\'s preparation for teaching about the theme, 58.3% feel prepared, whereas 41.7% do not. The lecturers\' comments and suggestions revealed the need for a greater focus on pressure ulcer prevention and for greater dissemination of novelties among lecturers.

The ability for an organization to innovate has become one of the most important capabilities needed in the new knowledge economy. The research has demonstrated that an organization’s culture of innovation in particular predicts organizational innovativeness across multiple industries. To provide support to these organizations in their abilities to understand the culture of innovation, researchers have developed instruments to measure culture of innovation, and while many of these instruments have been widely used to inform organizational opportunities for improvement, few of these instruments have been validated or replicated beyond their initial use. The current study employs multiple factor analytic methods to validate the factor structure of the Innovation Quotient instrument developed by Rao and Weintraub and assess the extent to which the instrument is reliable for multiple organizational groups. The results of this study, as well as implications for researchers interested in culture of innovation, are presented.

This qualitative bounded case study was designed to understand how technology integration in schools could be addressed in a first-wave country. The integration of educational technology in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), a first-wave agricultural civilization, can narrow the divide between STP and third-wave information age societies. The conceptual framework was based on theories of change, learning, and context. Toffler’s wave theory described how societies changed while Fullan’s change theory examined how the people might change. Roger’s diffusion of innovations addressed how processes change. Bandura, Vygotsky, and Siemen provided the framework for the learning within the model of change. Finally, the context theories of Tessmer and Richey’s instructional design, Lave and Wenger’s situated learning, and Sticht’s functional context theory were applied. Twenty five individuals from 5 schools, including teachers, school directors, key educational stakeholders, and the minister of education were involved in a pilot project to integrate technology into the science curriculum. The data were collected via interviews, reflective summaries, and confidential narratives. The resulting data were analyzed to find emerging patterns. The results of this analysis showed that a first-wave civilization can adopt a third-wave civilization’s features in terms of technology integration, when there is the support of opinion leaders and most of the necessary contextual requirements are in place. The study contributes to social change by providing access to knowledge through technology integration, which empowers both teachers and students.

Cloud computing provides an answer to the increasing costs of managing information technology (IT), and has become a model that aligns IT services with an organization's business strategies. However, concerns and uncertainties associated with cloud computing are deterring IT decision makers from making sound decisions regarding the adoption of the technology. The purpose of this online survey study was to examine the relationship between relative advantage, compatibility, organizational size, top management support, organizational readiness, mimetic pressure, normative pressures, coercive pressure, and the IT decision makers' intent to adopt cloud computing. The theoretical framework incorporated the diffusion of innovations theory, a technology-organization-environment framework, and institutional theory. The survey participants were 136 IT decision makers from different U.S. industries. The Pearson's coefficient analysis indicated a significant correlation between the dependent variable (intent to adopt) and all independent variables except organizational size. The regression model was a statistically significant predictor of the dependent variable and accounted for approximately 74% of the variance in the dependent variable, primarily predicted by top management support, normative pressure, relative advantage, and organization readiness. The implications for positive social change include the potential of implementing innovations that would augment technology efficiency, decrease workplace personnel issues, and create a more desirable and flexible workplace. Flexibility at work enables employees to be able to participate in other nonwork roles such as family, child, and elder care, or education.

This dissertation addresses a specific aspect of the broad area of communication systems used among researchers. This research has undertaken to establish a broader view of the communication practices of scholars to understand the motivations behind their publication choices. Open access offers a solution to issues with the scholarly publication system such as delays in publication and restricted visibility of research due to high subscription costs. The principle of open access is to enable maximum access to findings from publicly funded research to maximise social returns on public investments. Despite the apparent benefits of open access, the uptake has been limited. ¶ This thesis research takes a holistic view of the researcher as a communicator to uncover the reasons why researchers are making the publishing decisions they are. In-depth interviews were conducted with 43 researchers in three disciplines at two institutions, the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales. The disciplines, Chemistry, Sociology and Computer Science, were known to have different publication practices, The questions asked about all aspects of researcher communication including researching, authoring, informal communication, article submission, refereeing, mentoring and data storage. ¶ The findings show that traditional arguments for open access are ineffective. The Reward function of scholarly publishing is central to managing academic careers and supports traditional publishing systems. While having work openly accessible increases an academic’s exposure and possibly therefore their citation counts, unless alternative internet-based forms of metrics are adopted, the open access option will not directly appeal to researchers. ¶ Information-seeking behaviour demonstrates how disciplinary differences affect researcher’s interaction with technology. The disciplines showed marked differences in almost all the areas explored, and the behavioural norms expressed in each discipline have direct bearing on the likelihood of members of that discipline embracing open access. The ‘institutional/disciplinary divide’ means that researchers must publish in ways that run counter to their disciplinary norms in order to satisfy institutional and grant funding requirements. ¶ Until governments, and particularly university administrations, recognise the need to consider the discipline and the need to consider the individual and respond to these needs, and until there is a realisation that different disciplines may require radically different approaches, there will not be a large-scale adoption by individual researchers of the current open access tools. Either institutional repositories need to adapt dramatically to offer work practice benefits or the broader academic population will only use institutional repositories under duress, which is not the situation envisaged by open access advocates. The alternative is for communities to develop their own subject-based repositories, a development that again is likely to be highly dependent on communication norms in different disciplines.