Technology has been an integral part of human life since the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, and the advancement of technologies has continued into the 21st century. Of all new emerging technologies, the computer has been identified as the most important, most complex and fastest emerging technology. In order for businesses to compete and survive within the business world, they are compelled to adopt new computer technologies. However, computers alone cannot improve organisational performance. Computers need to be accepted, optimally used and utilised by employees in order for an organisation to succeed. One such technology is SAP AG’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which is a real-time, fully integrated business system used by more than 170 000 organisations in 120 countries. Measuring information system success has been a concern since its inception due to its complexity and difficulty to appraise. Researchers traditionally attempted to measure success by the delivering of a functional information system product within certain monetary and time constraints. Subsequently, evidence suggested that a more accurate measure of success lies within the field of system use. One model of assessing and predicting user acceptance and which has gained popularity in recent years is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Apart from accepting the SAP ERP system, users should also be of the intention to continuously use it as a job requirement. The model for measuring user commitment is psychological attachment which determines whether the commitment is insincere and temporary, or long-lasting. Further, not only do users need to accept and continuously use an information technology like SAP ERP; they also need to be able to cope while using it. If not, psychological stress known as techno stress develops and prevents the optimal use of this system. With these three possible explanations for computer technology avoidance as a premise of departure, this study aims to determine the congruence, if any, between the sub-constructs of the TAM (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude toward using, behavioural intention to use and actual system use), psychological attachment (compliance, identification and internalisation), and techno stress (negative computer thoughts) within a South African SAP ERP user environment. A cross-sectional survey design was used rendering a convenience sample of N = 241 from among the SAP ERP user fraternity at a South African steel manufacturer. The measuring instruments used were the 23-item Technology Acceptance Questionnaire (TAM), the 10-item Psychological Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) and the 20-item Computer Thoughts Survey (CTS-C). Study 1 which was a literature review confirmed conceptual congruence in that although the technology acceptance model was the most parsimonious, powerful and widely applied theoretical model, it was constrained due to the omission of social influence (psychological attachment) as a contributing factor in the processes of behavioural change towards technology acceptance. Furthermore, it was found that techno stress lowers employee efficiency and creates dissonance in the work environment, resulting in acceptance, hesitance or resistance towards the technology in question. Congruence was established between the system itself (technology acceptance), social relationships (psychological acceptance), and inherent psychological stress (techno stress). The aim of study 2 was to test the technology acceptance model within a South African SAP ERP user environment. Structural equation modelling confirmed that positive inter-construct relationships exist between all TAM constructs. Actual system use, which is the measurement for technology acceptance, was directly affected by behavioural intention to use and indirectly by perceived usefulness. In turn, behavioural intention to use was directly affected by perceived usefulness, attitude toward using and indirectly by perceived ease of use. Attitude toward using was directly affected by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness was directly affected by perceived ease of use. Study 3 revealed that internalisation had a direct positive effect on behavioural intention to use and an indirect effect on actual system use via behavioural intention to use. Furthermore, in this study identification had direct positive effects on internalisation, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and actual system use. Indirect effects emerged between identification and behavioural intention to use via internalisation as well as behavioural intention to use via perceived usefulness. Compliance, on the other hand, had negligible, negative direct effects on all TAM constructs of which the most prominent was that on attitude toward using. Results acquired from structural equation modelling in study four confirmed that weak negative relationships existed between techno stress and all TAM constructs. This finding is contrary to other studies and can be attributed to the fact that participants in this study were at large, proficient around SAP ERP and therefore experienced low levels of techno stress. Furthermore, aspects such as effective training, clear deadlines, effective teamwork, recurrent performance evaluations, job security, career development and realistic job load are all antidotes for techno stress which is believed to be current within the participant fraternity. In a concluding chapter the conclusions derived from the literature review, as well as the empirical research were presented and recommendations flowing from this research study were made. / PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

[pt] Mobile Learning ou aprendizagem com mobilidade é a aquisição de conhecimento e habilidades por meio de tecnologias móveis em qualquer lugar e em qualquer tempo. É possível usar as tecnologias móveis e sem fio para acessar ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem, realizar cursos, interagir com colegas e instrutores e, buscar ou postar materiais em diferentes contextos ou momentos. Apesar de o mobile learning estar se espalhando no mundo, ainda é incipiente a comprensão sobre os fatores que impulsionam a sua adoção. Esta pesquisa revisou a literatura sobre mobile learning e modelos de adoção de tecnologia com o objetivo de investigar que fatores influenciariam a intenção de uso do mobile learning. O estudo foi realizado com alunos de graduação de uma Universidade Particular da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e obteve uma amostra de 402 discentes, por meio de uma survey. A coleta dos dados foi feita usando de um questionário estruturado com 52 questões. Os resultados, obtidos mediante o uso de modelagem de equações estruturais, indicam que as percepções de utilidade de curto prazo apresentaram os efeitos mais fortes dentro dos construtos avaliados sobre a intenção de usar m-learning por estudantes de ensino superior. Efeitos significativos também foram encontrados para facilidade de uso, compatibilidade e autoeficácia. / [en] Mobile Learning or learning with mobility is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mobile technology anywhere and at any time. You can use the mobile and wireless technologies to access virtual learning environments or accomplish several other goals, such attending a course, interacting with colleagues or instructors, seeking or posting content in different contexts or moments. Although mobile learning is spreading in the world, there is a lack of research on the factors that drive its adoption. This study revised the literature on mobile learning and models of technology adoption in order to understand which factors influence the intention to use mobile learning by higher education students. In order to achieve such a goal, a survey was conducted on undergraduate students of a private university in Rio de Janeiro, with a sample of 402 students being obtained. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire with 52 items. Structural equations modeling was employed, with the results indicating that perceptions of short-term utility showed the strongest effect on the intention to use m-learning by higher education students, with significant effects also found for ease of use, compatibility and self-efficacy.

<p>Traffic is inevitably a major source of air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Efforts are made towards reducing emissions by improving vehicle and fuel technology and promoting alternative, sustainable modes of transportation. Although the emergence of EVs has shown capabilities of decreasing energy use and emissions levels, the EV market is developing slowly mainly due to drivers’ range anxiety and charging time. Electric roadways (ERs) have been proposed as a solution to overcome the concerns related to EVs by converting road segments into powered lanes where vehicles can be charged as they move along the roadway. This technology has the potential to increase driving range, decrease battery size and thus, lower the weight and the cost of EVs. In this context, exploring the challenging concept of ERs comes natural. </p> <p>Since data on the market acceptance and the environmental implications on this technology are limited to non-existent, this thesis has the following objectives: 1) identify the factors that affect the short- and long-term intention to use ERs, 2) estimate the level of adoption of the ER technology and identify characteristics of the market segments and 3) assess the impact of ERs on criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions based on the market adoption results.</p> <p>To achieve these objectives, a survey of the general population in Los Angeles, California was conducted, gathering 600 responses representative of gender and age in the area. Los Angeles is considered a leader in electro-mobility and thus, a natural choice for the implementation of ERs. The short-or long-term intentions to drive on ERs and purchase an EV knowing about the availability of ERs were found to be correlated and thus, were modeled simultaneously using a bivariate ordered probit model. The compatibility of the ER technology with respondents’ lifestyle and needs, respondents’ tendency towards using sustainable forms of transportation, respondents’ innovativeness and perceived environmental benefits were among the most significant variables found to affect the short-term and long-term intention to use ERs.</p> <p>The level of adoption of the ER technology and corresponding market segments were identified using a combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis. Three clusters emerged from the analysis: early adopters (48.5%), mid-adopters (27.67%) and late adopters (23.83%) that differed in terms of demographics and socioeconomic characteristics, travel and EV charging characteristics and level of awareness. </p> <p>The adoption levels found were then used to estimate the emissions change due to the implementation of the ERs by 2050. Using the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 2017 EMissions FACtor model (EMFAC). Two scenarios were examined considering light-duty vehicles (LDVs) in a specific corridor: “with” and “without electrification” scenarios. The results suggested that the ER technology for light-duty vehicles has the potential to provide emission reductions of 4 to 24%. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to examine the effect of speed on the results.</p> <p>Turning to the practical implications, this thesis can provide a foundational framework for the evaluation of the ER technology in terms of environmental and economic viability and set the groundwork for future research. Ultimately, the short-term and long-term intention analysis can be used as a draft guide by state and local agencies and inform their strategic short- or long- range plans for mobility. By segmenting potential users, policy makers and transport operators can be informed about the main challenges regarding the promotion of the ER technology to distinct market segments and devise ways to accelerate its adoption. The findings from the impact analysis of ERs on criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases can also inform long-range transportation plans and existing regulations and policies in California and beyond.</p> <p> </p>

Technology has been an integral part of human life since the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, and the advancement of technologies has continued into the 21st century. Of all new emerging technologies, the computer has been identified as the most important, most complex and fastest emerging technology. In order for businesses to compete and survive within the business world, they are compelled to adopt new computer technologies. However, computers alone cannot improve organisational performance. Computers need to be accepted, optimally used and utilised by employees in order for an organisation to succeed. One such technology is SAP AG’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which is a real-time, fully integrated business system used by more than 170 000 organisations in 120 countries. Measuring information system success has been a concern since its inception due to its complexity and difficulty to appraise. Researchers traditionally attempted to measure success by the delivering of a functional information system product within certain monetary and time constraints. Subsequently, evidence suggested that a more accurate measure of success lies within the field of system use. One model of assessing and predicting user acceptance and which has gained popularity in recent years is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Apart from accepting the SAP ERP system, users should also be of the intention to continuously use it as a job requirement. The model for measuring user commitment is psychological attachment which determines whether the commitment is insincere and temporary, or long-lasting. Further, not only do users need to accept and continuously use an information technology like SAP ERP; they also need to be able to cope while using it. If not, psychological stress known as techno stress develops and prevents the optimal use of this system. With these three possible explanations for computer technology avoidance as a premise of departure, this study aims to determine the congruence, if any, between the sub-constructs of the TAM (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude toward using, behavioural intention to use and actual system use), psychological attachment (compliance, identification and internalisation), and techno stress (negative computer thoughts) within a South African SAP ERP user environment. A cross-sectional survey design was used rendering a convenience sample of N = 241 from among the SAP ERP user fraternity at a South African steel manufacturer. The measuring instruments used were the 23-item Technology Acceptance Questionnaire (TAM), the 10-item Psychological Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) and the 20-item Computer Thoughts Survey (CTS-C). Study 1 which was a literature review confirmed conceptual congruence in that although the technology acceptance model was the most parsimonious, powerful and widely applied theoretical model, it was constrained due to the omission of social influence (psychological attachment) as a contributing factor in the processes of behavioural change towards technology acceptance. Furthermore, it was found that techno stress lowers employee efficiency and creates dissonance in the work environment, resulting in acceptance, hesitance or resistance towards the technology in question. Congruence was established between the system itself (technology acceptance), social relationships (psychological acceptance), and inherent psychological stress (techno stress). The aim of study 2 was to test the technology acceptance model within a South African SAP ERP user environment. Structural equation modelling confirmed that positive inter-construct relationships exist between all TAM constructs. Actual system use, which is the measurement for technology acceptance, was directly affected by behavioural intention to use and indirectly by perceived usefulness. In turn, behavioural intention to use was directly affected by perceived usefulness, attitude toward using and indirectly by perceived ease of use. Attitude toward using was directly affected by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness was directly affected by perceived ease of use. Study 3 revealed that internalisation had a direct positive effect on behavioural intention to use and an indirect effect on actual system use via behavioural intention to use. Furthermore, in this study identification had direct positive effects on internalisation, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and actual system use. Indirect effects emerged between identification and behavioural intention to use via internalisation as well as behavioural intention to use via perceived usefulness. Compliance, on the other hand, had negligible, negative direct effects on all TAM constructs of which the most prominent was that on attitude toward using. Results acquired from structural equation modelling in study four confirmed that weak negative relationships existed between techno stress and all TAM constructs. This finding is contrary to other studies and can be attributed to the fact that participants in this study were at large, proficient around SAP ERP and therefore experienced low levels of techno stress. Furthermore, aspects such as effective training, clear deadlines, effective teamwork, recurrent performance evaluations, job security, career development and realistic job load are all antidotes for techno stress which is believed to be current within the participant fraternity. In a concluding chapter the conclusions derived from the literature review, as well as the empirical research were presented and recommendations flowing from this research study were made. / PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

[pt] A energia solar é única. Se por um lado é abundante e limpa, condição que a coloca no centro da discussão do desenvolvimento de uma matriz energética global mais sustentável, por outro, engloba a tecnologia de painéis solares fotovoltaicos, que cresce exponencialmente por permitir a produção própria de eletricidade. Neste contexto, o Brasil figura em posição ímpar: embora disponha de um dos maiores índices de irradiação solar do mundo, atualmente apenas 0,014 por cento da matriz energética brasileira provém deste tipo de energia. Portanto, em face a este potencial, julga-se fundamental compreender a percepção do consumidor sobre esta tecnologia. Neste sentido, o presente estudo propõe um modelo baseado na integração dos principais conceitos de distintas linhas teóricas comportamentais (theory of planned behavior; diffusion of innovations; value-belief-norm theory) com o objetivo de verificar os fatores que influenciam a Intenção de Uso de painéis solares instalados em residências. Ainda, analisa a influência da alternativa de aquisição da tecnologia por propriedade de terceiros (leasing) como variável moderadora da pesquisa. Os dados coletados por via de survey online com 441 participantes revelam fatos interessantes, como, por exemplo, a importância da capacidade do sistema em gerar economia financeira, do apoio de pessoas próximas ao potencial usuário, e de um sentimento de obrigação moral em adotar a tecnologia para evitar danos ao clima. Dado o pioneirismo desta pesquisa no país, os resultados alcançados podem representar um primeiro passo para a formulação de políticas que estimulem a difusão de painéis solares no Brasil. / [en] Solar energy is unique. While on the one hand it is abundant and clean, which puts it at the center of the discussion of the development of a more sustainable global energy matrix, on the other hand, it comprises the technology of photovoltaic solar panels, which grows exponentially in the world by allowing owners to produce their own electricity. In this context, Brazil is in a unique position: although it has one of the highest solar irradiation rates in the world, currently only 0.014 percent of the Brazilian energy matrix comes from this type of energy. Therefore, in view of this potential, it is considered fundamental to understand the consumer s perception of this technology. In this sense, the present study proposes a model based on the integration of the theory of planned behavior, diffusion of innovations and value-belief-norm theory in order to verify the factors that influence the Intention of Use of solar panels installed in homes. Also, it analyzes the influence of the alternative of technology acquisition by third party property (leasing) as a moderator variable of the research. Data collected through an online survey of 441 participants reveal interesting facts, such as the importance of the system s ability to generate money savings, the support of people close to the potential user, and a sense of moral obligation to adopt technology to prevent climate damage. Given the pioneering nature of this research, the results achieved can represent a first step towards the formulation of policies that stimulate the diffusion of solar panels in Brazil.

Magister Commercii - MCom / The research focuses on the acceptance of new technologies within the telecommunications industry. The study examines three models namely Innovation theory, Theory of Reason Action (TRA), and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study explores the technology acceptance models in order to explain why certain monitoring officers at ICASA would prefer specific technologies over others. Models of interest could be the innovation theory, TRA and TAM. After reviewing both models, the author will examine the TAM in detail as a model of interest in this study. In turn, this model is expected to assist us to understand why monitoring officer's at ICASA would prefer a particular frequency monitoring technology over the other. / South Africa

En la actualidad, las entidades financieras están incentivando a sus clientes a optar por canales digitales. En este sentido, los aplicativos de banca móvil permiten a los usuarios realizar transacciones en cualquier lugar y momento desde un dispositivo móvil. La presente investigación, busca identificar los factores de mobile marketing que influyen en la intención de uso y que conllevan a la satisfacción de los usuarios de banca móvil en Lima Metropolitana. Por ende, los factores considerados en la investigación son: personalización, movilidad, compatibilidad y localización. Para ello, el presente trabajo ofrece un balance bibliográfico que se centra en describir cada factor propuesto. En este sentido, se propone una encuesta digital sobre la percepción de los usuarios de la banca móvil y la elaboración de un focus group. Asimismo, se muestran las principales evidencias sobre el contenido de las principales entidades bancarias en sus redes sociales, las cuales hacen referencia a los factores de estudio. / Currently, financial institutions are encouraging their clients to opt for digital channels. In this sense, mobile banking applications allow users to make transactions anywhere and anytime from a mobile device. This research seeks to identify the mobile marketing factors that influence the intention to use and that lead to the satisfaction of mobile banking users in Metropolitan Lima. Therefore, the factors considered in the research are: personalization, mobility, compatibility and location. For this, this work offers a bibliographic balance that focuses on describing each proposed factor. In this sense, a digital survey on the perception of users of mobile banking and the development of a focus group is proposed. Likewise, the main evidence on the content of the main banking entities in their social networks is shown, which refer to the study factors. / Trabajo de investigación

The purpose of the research is the analysis of the concept of bad faith in the sphere of trade marks from the perspective of a fair balance of different interests of the trade mark proprietor and other undertakings in the European market. On the one hand, the starting point of European trade mark law is the protection of exclusive rights conferred on the owner of a registered mark. On the other hand, Article 16 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union guarantees the right to free access to the market. The research work analyses the scope of these conflicting rights and comes to the conclusion that the interests of trade mark law and market competition may have common ground despite different starting points between them. Bad faith behaviour in the market should also be assessed as an acute common issue. In that connection, the objective of the thesis is to examine how the balance of the interests is achieved in European trade mark legislation and in practice, whether this balance is fair when dealing with bad faith. Additionally, the thesis considers the issues of the definition of bad faith in European legislation and possible changes in the European trade mark system related to the concept of bad faith.

El siguiente trabajo de investigación tiene como principal objetivo determinar los factores que influyen y afectan la intención de uso del e-learning en estudiantes universitarios peruanos basándose específicamente en un contexto de Covid19. La investigación se basó en el Modelo de Aceptación de Tecnología (TAM) y las variables facilidad de uso percibida, utilidad percibida, disfrute percibido e influencia social. El estudio es de índole cuantitativo, realizado a una muestra de 400 estudiantes universitarios peruanos a través de un cuestionario múltiple por medio de preguntas en escala de Likert de 1 a 5 puntos, con el fin de recopilar datos. La determinación de la relación existente entre las distintas variables ya mencionadas y evaluadas serán analizadas por los resultados del cuestionario utilizando la técnica de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) basado en la varianza (PLS). / The main objective of the following research work is to determine the factors that influence and affect the intention to use e-learning in Peruvian university students based specifically on a Covid19 context. The research was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the variables perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and social influence. The study is quantitative in nature, conducted on a sample of xxx Peruvian university students through a multiple-choice questionnaire using a Likert scale of 1 to 5 points, in order to collect data. The determination of the existing relationship between the different variables already mentioned and evaluated will be analyzed by the results of the questionnaire using the structural equations technique (SEM) based on variance (PLS). / Trabajo de investigación

No description available.