Doi Theory Research Articles

Awareness and perceived readiness of Industry4.0 in Africa: a case study of SMMEs in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study assesses the awareness and readiness for Industry4.0 in African emerging economies. It also investigates the factors affecting the adoption of Industry4.0 among Nigerian SMEs based on the Diffusion of Innovation theory using quantitative methodology. A total sample of 377 employees was selected. The results show a positive but weak correlation among awareness and perceived readiness and the adoption of Industry4.0, suggesting that other factors such as trialability, compatibility, and relative advantage play a significant role in Industry4.0 adoption. The main challenges identified include high investment costs, a lack of managerial will, perceived complexity, and a shortage of adequately skilled human resources. The perceived level of readiness for Industry4.0 reveals most SMEs were at the computerisation stage, indicating a significant gap in Industry4.0 readiness. Theoretically, the study explores the DOI theory in African context by introducing awareness and perceived readiness as additional factors for adoption while managerially providing insights for industry4.0 adoption in resource-constrained economies such as Africa.

Analysis of Customer’s Continuous Use of Maritime Transportation Mobile Ticketing Application

With the rise of smartphones and internet connectivity, travellers have been increasingly seeking quicker and smoother purchasing processes. To address this behaviour, a passenger shipping company, launched their mobile ticketing app in 2018. However, despite closing offline ticketing booths in late 2023, the app adoption remains low. This research investigates factors influencing user adoption and usage of the app, employing a modified UTAUT model. A mixed-method approach utilizes questionnaires, data analysis using SPSS and PLS-SEM, and cluster analysis to identify user segments and pain points. The research analysis finds that only performance expectancy, social influence, voluntariness of use, system quality, and system quality with a moderating variable frequency of app use impact the user’s intention to continue using the app. These results are further clustered into four categories based on the DOI theory. These findings can be used by the company and other maritime transportation companies seeking to leverage mobile technology for improved customer experience and ticketing efficiency.

Enhancing Physics Education in Ugandan Teacher Training Institutions: Technology Integration and Gender-Inclusive Teaching Strategies

Purpose: This article investigates strategies to enhance physics education in Ugandan Teacher Training Institutes (TTIs) by utilizing the TPACK framework. It focuses on technology integration, professional development for educators, and innovative teaching approaches to improve the quality of physics education. Methodology: Employing a mixed-method design, this study examined ICT and gender integration in physics teaching across three Teacher Training Institutions in Eastern Uganda. The research utilized case study and survey designs, gathering data from 14 Physics Lecturers and 14 TTI administrators through surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with relevant expertise. Data were analyzed using content analysis and quantitative methods in Excel, adhering to ethical protocols that included obtaining permissions and ensuring confidentiality. Findings: The study highlights that while physics lecturers possess strong subject matter and pedagogical knowledge, there is a notable deficiency in updated ICT skills and gender-inclusive practices. Key strategies for enhancing ICT competencies include implementing professional development programs, adopting blended learning models, and conducting ICT integration workshops. The research identifies that demographic factors and digital literacy significantly influence ICT integration, emphasizing the need for targeted training and resource allocation to create inclusive, technology-enhanced educational environments aligned with TPACK, DOI, and sociocultural theories. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study underscores the critical need for comprehensive training in ICT and gender inclusivity within TTIs. It emphasizes the importance of institutional support and policy development to modernize physics education, enhance pedagogical practices, and promote gender equity.

How does cybersecurity awareness help in achieving digital financial inclusion in rural India under escalating cyber fraud scenario?

ABSTRACT The remarkable rise of cybercrime and its catastrophic consequences pose a significant threat to global financial and banking institutions. Financial inclusion is essential in fostering economic development and enhancing individual empowerment. Integrating digital technologies in the banking sector, promotes digital financial inclusion. However, the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes poses a significant threat towards digital financial inclusion. Considering the rising cases of cybercrimes, the research model integrates the constructs of UTAUT and DOI theory, along with two additional constructs, viz. cyber fraud and cyber security awareness, in the context of digital financial inclusion through payment banking in rural India. By examining the effect of cybercrimes on trust and adoption intention, the study provides valuable insights into the implications of digital financial inclusion. The findings revealed that cyber fraud harms trust and payment banking adoption. Cyber security awareness, facilitating conditions, and trust positively affect payment banking adoption, ultimately enhancing digital financial inclusiveness in rural India. The structural model suggests that emerging cyber fraud has become a significant challenge to digital financial inclusion. In contrast, cyber security awareness among payment banking users could be helpful for rural digital banking users to protect their bank accounts from cyber fraud.

Determinants of Digital Insurance Adoption among Micro-Entrepreneurs in Uganda

The insurance industry is constantly evolving with the help of technological advancements across the globe. The purpose of this study was to explore the critical factors that influence the adoption of digital insurance among microentrepreneurs in Uganda. The study involved 209 participants. The study used a modified DOI theory as a framework and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (IBM SPSS Amos 23.0). The results of the study indicated that knowledge of digital insurance, relative advantage, and perceived trust have a significant positive impact on digital insurance adoption among micro-entrepreneurs in Uganda. Conversely, the study found that perceived social influence had no significant impact. This study adds valuable insights to the literature on digital insurance and microentrepreneurs and aids policymakers and managers in understanding the influential factors for implementation.

중국 물류의 라스트 마일 로봇 배송에 대한 소비자의 태도와 의도에 영향을 미치는 요인 - DOI 이론과 TAM 이론 통합 분석 -

중국 물류의 라스트 마일 로봇 배송에 대한 소비자의 태도와 의도에 영향을 미치는 요인 - DOI 이론과 TAM 이론 통합 분석 -

A new perspective to evaluate the antecedent path of adoption of digital technologies in major projects of construction industry: A case study in China

The adoption of digital technologies is key to the digital transformation of the construction industry. However, the current adoption of digital technologies is limited. This study uses China as a case, combines the DOI and TOE theories to identify impact factors of the adoption of digital technologies in major projects. The configuration analysis is complemented with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. As a result, the study constructs the “TOE-D Technology Adoption Antecedent Framework”, including 11 antecedents, and identifies three distinct configurations types, namely: “Needs-Resource-Collaboration”; “Resource” under high competitive pressure; and “Resource” under low competitive pressure. Comparing the configurations horizontally, the core or edge characteristics of factor in configurations are analyzed. The results can help major projects in the construction industry to ascertain a combination of elements, which promote the adoption of digital technologies so that project practitioners can make targeted and precise adjustments to enable digital transformation of the construction industry.

Smile to pay: predicting continuous usage intention toward contactless payment services in the post-COVID-19 era

PurposeFinancial technology (FinTech) is undergoing a transformation as a result of robotics and artificial intelligence. FinTech service providers are embracing contactless technology, including the development and widespread adoption of innovative payment service. Among the many types of contactless payment services, facial recognition payment (FRP) has gained in popularity. To capitalize on this rising popularity, comprehending the mechanisms underlying continuous usage intention toward FRP is essential. Drawing from the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model, this study investigates how FRP attributes facilitate continuous usage intention.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 321 Chinese FRP users completed an online survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling analyzed the results of the survey.FindingsThe results reveal that relative advantage and compatibility, user-interface attractiveness and perceived security (stimuli) promote performance expectancy, effort expectancy and positive emotion (organism), which in turn foster FRP continuous usage intention (response).Originality/valueThis research presents an S-O-R model that incorporates several attributes from DOI theory, the UTAUT model and the AIDUA framework to elucidate the antecedents of consumers' continuous usage intention toward FRP. The findings corroborate the significance of the S-O-R mechanism in FRP, setting the groundwork for the acceptance and development of biometric authentication technologies in service contacts and banks. In addition, the study highlights opportunities and essential aspects for FinTech service developers and providers to consider in terms of their practical significance.

A Tale of Three Technologies: A Survival Analysis of Municipal Adoption of Websites, Twitter, and YouTube

This study addresses and compares the adoption rate of three technologies by Dutch municipalities: the adoption of websites between 1994 and 2000, the adoption of Twitter between 2008 and 2018, and the adoption of YouTube between 2006 and 2018. It analyses the municipal adoption curves of websites, Twitter, and YouTube, relating to DOI theory. Survival analysis is conducted of Twitter and YouTube adoption by municipalities, assessing the relationship between technology adoption and organizational and environmental factors. Additional survival analysis is conducted of the relationship between municipal adoption, media coverage of the technology, and user engagement with the technology. Media coverage appears to be a strong predictor for municipal adoption of websites, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as the level of user engagement. Twitter was adopted the fastest by municipalities, followed at a greater distance by website and YouTube adoption. Other findings include that municipalities already using YouTube were quicker to adopt Twitter, but not the other way around. Recently amalgamated municipalities were slower to adopt Twitter, as well as municipalities with a relatively larger presence of IT professionals.

Social Marketing Strategy to Promote Traditional Thai Medicines during COVID-19: KAP and DoI Two-Step Theory Application Process.

Introduction: Recently, the Thai government has been promoting the innovation of finished forms of traditional Thai medicine (TTM) products (e.g., tablets and capsules). According to the existing literature, most consumers are unaware of the finished forms of TTMs because of conflicting knowledge, information, and communication. Therefore, the consumers have poor perceptions about TTMs and their benefits. Purpose: This qualitative study explores the current perceptions about TTMs and the modes of promotion that are being utilized to develop a strategic communication plan for the finished forms of TTMs. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising thematic analysis, focus groups were conducted with thirty experienced consumers. Findings: Using KAP and DoI theory, the following three themes emerged in this study: (i) the current KAP of Thai consumers toward the finished forms of TTM; (ii) factors influencing the use of finished forms of TTM; and (iii) integrated marketing communication as a promotion strategy to rapidly disseminate knowledge. Research limitations/implications: Given Thailand’s large population, the findings of this study are substantially limited and cannot be generalized. Therefore, the findings herein may not reflect the experiences and opinions of the Thai consumers residing in other regions or the opinions of the entire country. Originality/value: This study utilises interdisciplinary methods and two-step theory application to explain the current knowledge and perceptions about the finished forms of TTM and develop proper communication and media strategies that can promote the finished forms of traditional Thai medicines, helping to widen their usage significantly.

Inflation and Saving: A puzzle

In the wake of the steep fall in the national savings due to economic shocks, among them the COVID-19 pandemic macroeconomic consequences, this study examines to what extent inflation explains the variation in the saving behavior in developing countries. Most past empirical studies investigated the role of inflation on savings only in advanced nations. The current study will investigate the effect of inflation on savings culture in Kenya. To determine how inflation explains saving, the study use s the ordinary least squares ( OLS ) estimation technique. From regression analysis findings, savings are positively related to inflation, economic growth, and interest rate. In contrast, consumption expenditure is negatively related to national savings. From estimation results, in Kenya, high inflation will stimulate further growth in the national savings. This finding is puzzling as it contradicts the implications of most monetary general equilibrium models. Expansionary inflation result implies that the central bank should vitalize inflation, to promote a higher saving culture in Kenya. JEL Classification: c22, e21, e31, f3 Keywords: Inflation, saving, puzzle, saving behavior, life cycle theory of savings, theory of consumer behavior DOI: 10.7176/DCS/12-6-06 Publication date: July 30 th 2022

한국 수출중소기업의 SCM 4.0에 관한 다차원적 결정요인 도출과 성과에 관한 연구

Purpose This study examines multi-dimensional determinants affecting SCM 4.0, and identifies whether innovation orientation plays a role as a mediator between these exogenous variables and SCM 4.0. In addition, this study recognizes whether SCM 4.0 influences Korean export SME operational performance. Design/Methodology/Approach Drawing on the comprehensive perspective in TOE, DOI, and dynamic capability theory, this study hypothesizes that technological uncertainty and the relative advantage of ICT are positively related to innovation orientation as mediating variables between these exogenous variables and SCM 4.0, and leading to performance. Data were obtained through a survey sent to export manufacturing SMEs in Busan and Gyoungnam in Korea. Findings The results suggest that all exogenous variables are mostly significantly related to SCM 4.0. Also, innovation orientation as mediating variables is statistically significant between these exogenous variables and SCM 4.0. In addition, results show that SCM 4.0 influences SMEs operational performance positively. This is a reason for SMEs to implement SCM 4.0. Research Implications This study agrees with the findings of antecedents affirming that SCM 4.0 positively influences a firm’s operational performance primarily by possessing the innovation orientation of the organization. Finally, this study suggests that implementing SCM 4.0 in SMEs may increase a sustainable competitive advantage in a dynamic global SCM environment and corporate value in a long-term perspective.

Understanding Organizations’ Artificial Intelligence Journey: A Qualitative Approach

Background: With growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, challenges and hurdles are also becoming evident. Organizations implementing AI are challenged to find ways to leverage AI to produce optimum results and benefits for the organization. Understanding other organizations’ AI implementation journeys will help them start and implement AI. By understanding the different facets of AI implementation, they can strategize AI to gain business value. Though several studies have examined AI adoption, there are few studies on how firms implement it. We close this gap by studying AI adoption and implementations in various firms. Method: Using a qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews, we studied twenty global organizations of various sizes that have implemented AI. Results: The study categorizes the results into four major themes – facilitators, barriers, trends, and strategies for implementing AI. Our study reinforces the relevance of the TOE framework and Roger’s DOI theory in studying AI adoption. Organizational factors such as top management support, strategic roadmap, availability of skilled resources, and corporate culture influenced AI adoption. Their lack of data or poor data quality is a primary challenge. The privacy laws concerning data, as well as regulatory bottlenecks, further exacerbate this problem. We also identified and mapped the standard AI implementations to their AI technologies. We found that most of them exploit AI’s image and natural language processing capabilities to automate their processes. Regarding implementation, firms work with partners to obtain customer data and use federated learning. Conclusion: Understanding firms’ AI implementation journey will help us promote further adoption and experimentation. Organizations can identify areas where they can leverage AI to enhance value, prepare themselves for the future, start and proceed with AI implementation efforts and overcome barriers they might encounter.

Multi-Perspective Decision-making Cloud Computing Adoption Model for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

The research aims to test the model of integrated DOI theory and TOE framework to predict Cloud Computing (CC) decision-making intentions of SMEs, Izmir, Turkey. The survey data was collected from 140 Information Technology (IT) decision-makers via Google forms survey tool. Confirmatory factor analyses were made to examine the decision-making approach of SMEs. The study revealed that the variance of top management support and complexity explained 29.8% of the decision-making approach to CC adoption. The originality of the study is that the research on cloud computing in Turkey is scarce and not comprehensive either. In addition, they are not for Turkish SMEs. This research will bring together an introductory plan for cloud providers to understand the intentions of SMEs for adopting cloud computing. This research will also provide scholars with an in-depth analysis of the status contributing to the academic research in the field of ICT development in developing countries. This study will contribute to SMEs’ ICT infrastructure policies, and support governments in creating a legal framework to make laws for a secure environment for SMEs to reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage over Large Enterprises (LEs). Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-SP1-010 Full Text: PDF

How the Coronavirus Inspired Teaching the Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Many public health courses include content on behavior change theories, including the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoI). In DoI, innovations are adopted based on 5 characteristics: the innovation's relative advantage of what came before, its compatibility with a person or group's culture, the complexity of the innovation, whether the innovation can be tried before fully adopted, and whether or not the effects of adopting this innovation can be observed in others. This paper describes the application of the public health response to COVID-19 in the US as a dynamic example with which to teach DoI theory in the context of an undergraduate program planning and evaluation class. Because students were forced into an online environment when essential businesses closed in an effort to ‘flatten’ the coronavirus curve, we describe the unique way the outbreak could be used in an organic online discussion in which students could use their own current experiences to extrapolate to the DoI constructs. While not done as a formal "lesson plan", we describe the students' engagement, provide commentary of their application of DoI to the COVID-19 response, and suggest how more formal exercises could be incorporated into undergraduate public health curriculum.

Transforming traditional CRM into social CRM: An empirical investigation in Iraqi healthcare industry

The unprecedented growth of social media usage questions the conventional customer relationship management (CRM). Social CRM strategy is a novel version of CRM empowered by social media technology that offers a new way of managing relationships with customers effectively. The aims of this study are two-fold, examining the important determinants of the successful adoption of the social CRM; and to validate the outcomes on this novel social CRM adoption in the healthcare industry. The proposed adoption model of this study derived with theoretical support from TOE, DOI and ISS theories in IS/IT, social media, and CRM literatures. This undertaking focuses on the use of structural equations modelling, to examine a theoretical social CRM (Social Customer Relationship Management) model involving 17 Iraqi hospitals, and a sample total of 428. The model's principal independent constructs are associated to the viewpoint of top management, IT staff and operational staff, regarding the grounds for social CRM adoption, the operations performed on social CRM, and the themes employed. PLS-SEM was applied for statistical analysis, to evaluate the hypnotized linkages between the variables. The results show that, social CRM adoption has a tremendous impact on healthcare organizations with its perceived benefits. According to the results attained, all constructs have significant impact on social CRM adoption except for leadership knowledge. Consequently, adoption results in remarkable outcomes that gives credence to the intervening performance of social CRM. Following an examination of the model, which included a scrutiny of its pathways, we are of the view that the concerns, past history, and potential let-downs with regards to social CRM adoption, need to be thoroughly investigated. This study is one of the few researches that provide the in-depth knowledge about the constructs impacting CRM transformation and the benefits attained. The results can guide healthcare providers during their efforts to develop effective marketing techniques, and advance the perceived benefits, particularly in the healthcare profession. Moreover, this study contributes to the IS literature by suggesting the empirically extended TOE model which advances the conventional TOE model.

Rheo-Optical Study on the Viscoelastic Relaxation Modes of a Microgel Particle Suspension around the Liquid–Solid Transition Regime

Dynamic viscoelasticity and dynamic birefringence of a microgel system were investigated around the liquid–solid transition concentration to clarify the molecular origin of the viscoelastic response of the microgel system. The complex modulus showed viscoelastic liquid-like behavior at concentrations, c, below a threshold cⱼₐₘₘᵢₙg for random close packing of the microgels, whereas viscoelastic solid-like behavior at c > cⱼₐₘₘᵢₙg. The imaginary part of the complex strain-optical coefficient changed its sign with increasing angular frequency ω in a liquid-like regime, suggesting that the stress and birefringence involved three relaxation mechanisms. Utilizing the stress-optical rule, SOR, for each relaxation process, the complex shear modulus at c cⱼₐₘₘᵢₙg, the ordinary SOR held well with a single stress-optical coefficient, C, implying that only one stress origin is dominant, which can be attributed to the orientational stress of densely packed microgels in permanent contact. The strain-optical coefficients evaluated using the Onuki–Doi theory reproduced the measurements qualitatively and supported these assignments.

Determinants of Islamic banking products and services adoption in Morocco: a conceptual framework

PurposeThe Moroccan monetary authorities have implemented an Islamic banking system since 2017 as an alternative to the conventional system. However, the adoption of Islamic banking products and services is not widely accepted by customers. The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual framework to understand the determinants of Islamic banking products and services adoption in Morocco.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a conceptual framework based on the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI). Thus, with reference to an extensive literature review done regarding adoption studies, the proposed research model integrates perceived attributes of innovation (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity and observability) suggested by the DOI theory. It also integrates other relevant variables that should be considered in the context of this study. These include knowledge, perceived risk and customer involvement.FindingsThe proposed conceptual framework demonstrates and justifies the relevance and the applicability of Rogers’ DOI to understand consumer decisions to adopt an innovation in general as well as Islamic banks in particular.Originality/valueSeveral studies have examined the factors influencing the adoption of Islamic banks; however, those carried out in the Moroccan context remain very limited. The majority of these studies examine the intention to adopt in the future, whereas the present study seeks to establish a conceptual research model that examines the determinants of current adoption of Islamic banking in Morocco and the continuity of this adoption over time. The novelty of this study is to develop a modified model based on DOI theory which, according to the existing literature, has not yet been tested in the Moroccan context.

COVID-19 IMPACT ON E-COMMERCE USAGE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to investigate the COVID-19 impact on e-commerce usage in the Malaysian healthcare industry through the Technological, Organizational, and Environmental (TOE) model.
 Methodology: This is a quantitative online survey-based research. The questionnaires are distributed among 100 samples from a healthcare provider, namely doctors, hospital management, medical assistant nurses, and medical supplier, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. The sample comprised 45% male and 55% female. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 25 and PLS-SEM 3.0 to examine the relationship between variables and to test the hypotheses.
 Main Findings: The finding reveals that organization readiness, e-commerce knowledge, and supply chain integration have a significant positive impact. In contrast, IT infrastructure and external pressure have an insignificant effect on e-commerce usage.
 Applications of the Study: The benefits obtained from this study can be used to empower e-commerce usage in the healthcare industry of Malaysia. Also, it will enhance the quality of services hence advancing the healthcare services and operations.
 Novelty/Originality of the Study: The combined effect of the TOE and DOI theory on e-commerce usage for the healthcare industry to contribute to the literature.

Literature Review of Technology Adoption Models at Firm Level; Special Reference to E-Commerce Adoption

With the onset of the fourth industrial revolution, technology has become a decisive part of human lives, and is used to speed up the processes of individuals and firms. The connected life employing the internet such as the adoption of e-commerce, which is an innovative technology adoption by firms as part of their business strategies is also one of the elements in the fourth industrial revolution, The successful innovative adoption is a critical task for any company and therefore, during the past few decades, the researchers have applied a few technological adoption models for their studies at the firm level.This paper aims to find-out the technological adoption models which were adopted by the researchers during the recent past for their technology adoption studies at a firm-level, especially on e-commerce adoption and implementation. Hence, this study focused on 50 empirical studies related to the technology adoption in different contexts within the past ten years and identified TOE and DOI theories, which are mostly applied or adopted by the researchers.