Learning from the Learners: the role of technology acceptance and adoption theories in understanding researchers’ early experiences with CAQDAS packages

This paper presents findings of a qualitative longitudinal study tracking the use of different CAQDAS tools over the period of 12 months. This is the first project of its kind that follows researchers from learning a CAQDAS software to applying skills and using it in a research project. Findings illustrate that initial enthusiasm with the potential of software is often tempered by frustrations with its actual use. Users frequently attribute frustrations and cessation of use to lack of software functionality. However, successful adoption of CAQDAS technology is related to methodological awareness, adeptness in the techniques of analysis and technological understanding. Theories of technology acceptance and adoption have been used to contextualise findings and to develop a CAQDAS-specific model that helps teaching CAQDAS software

An innovative training model for an organization embracing technology

The significance of information technology (IT) for modern business and, indeed, research in general cannot be questioned, as its sheer pervasiveness adequately attests. However, simplistic views of technological utopianism are now being offset by accounts of technological dystopianism. Clearly organizational management have wholeheartedly subscribed to an IT future as a staggering 41 percent of total capital expenditure in US organizations currently goes on IT. However, organizations face enormous difficulty in trying to achieve successful training programmes in the instruction and use of IT. This research study involved the construction and implementation of an IT training programme to inform midcareer employees, in a large multinational organization, of the benefits of IT. Davis (1989) identified two constructs as relevant to user acceptance of technology, namely ease of use (EOU) and perceived usefulness (PU). These constructs were operationalised into a set of principles to underpin the training programme which was delivered in two phases, each specifically addressing one of Davis’ constructs. While the research is at an early stage, some preliminary lessons have been learned. For example, Davis’ chain of causality operates in a fairly simple linear fashion, in that ease of use (EOU) is identified as a necessary pre-condition before perceived usefulness (PU) can be achieved. However, our research would suggest that this relationship is more interrelated and complex. Early signs suggest that the relationship between ease of use and perceived usefulness is not a simple linear sequential one whereby EOU must first be established as a necessary precondition for PU which in turn successfully leads to user acceptance of technology. Rather, the perceived usefulness of the technology can serve as a significant motivator initially which will help overcome EOU issues. Thus rather than operating in a sequential chain, the EOU and PU constructs may operate in a parallel cyclical fashion

An Investigation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of E-payment System in Libya

Electronic payment systems (EPS) have received considerable attention from researchers and business owners worldwide, because of their potential to support economic development and growth. Despite the significant contribution of the growth in EPS to the ability to complete transactions via the Internet, Libya lags significantly behind developed countries in its adoption of EPS. This research focuses on factors affecting EPS adoption and use in Libya, explaining how they positively or negatively affect Libyan customers and organisations‟ willingness to adopt EPS. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders, including consumers, organisational staff (e.g. Telecommunications Companies, Banks, the Ministry of Telecommunication and Informatics, etc.), and strategic decision-makers (e.g. the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Director of Islamic Banking at Bank of Republic). The research implements Grounded Theory methods (GT), in particular the Straussian approach, to analyse, explore, and investigate the socio-organisational, technical, political, and economic factors affecting the adoption of EPS in Libya, and importantly the relationship between these factors. It discusses the impact of the factors identified, from both organisational and consumer perspectives, highlighting the factors and issues that need to be overcome to support successful adoption of EPS. The findings confirm that, for consumers and organisations alike, economic factors (e.g. perceived benefits, cooperation with existing entities, mutuality of stakeholders, Internet costs, standard of living, marketing businesses, awareness, withdrawal control, XX feasibility studies on EPS implementation, Islamic banking services and competition) are the core factors influencing the system‟s adoption. Furthermore, the findings revealed three new and significant factors of relevance to Libya, including standard of living, post coding and the unstable political situation in the country. These represent a unique contribution to the body of knowledge, illustrating the attitude of the Libyan people toward Internet usage, and current obstacles to EPS adoption. The use of substantive GT, in particular the Straussian approach, for data collection and data analysis in the field of EPS adoption, and the assessment of organisational and consumer attitudes, is unique to this research to the best of the researcher‟s knowledge. Thus, the research embodies a substantial contribution to the body of knowledge. The interpretive analysis of data using a Straussian approach has permitted the researcher to attain a deep understanding of the socio-organisational, economic, political, and technical factors affecting adoption of an E-payment system in Libya, as implemented by different stakeholders: Consumers, and Organisational. The benefits that the adoption of EPS in Libya will bring, include facilitation of online transactions, the availability of more secure websites, easier payment and access to the global markets. Furthermore, detailed recommendations are also being offered to assist decision-makers in the development and introduction of EPS in Libya, i.e. including the Communications and Informatics Ministry, which is hoped will advise internet service providers and companies to discount the cost of using the internet for limited bandwidths, in order to insure everyone access to the internet, and EPS