Level Of Technology Adoption Research Articles

Evaluating Power of Information and Coffee-Variety Choice on Smallholder Farmers’ Yields in West of Rift, Kenya

Coffee (Coffea sp.) is an important crop globally, employing millions along its value chain. It is the second most traded commodity after oil and the most consumed beverage in the world. In Kenya, it is one of the largest foreign exchange earners, grown by about 800,000 smallholder farmers and supporting many livelihoods. Its productivity, however, is hampered by several factors; climate change, pests, diseases, socioeconomic factors and technology adoption levels. Technology adoption is a process in which information acquisition is a prerequisite. The current study investigated the power of information and coffee variety choice on the yields of smallholder coffee farmers in West of Rift, Kenya. The study adopted an ex-post facto survey design and data were collected using semi-structured interview schedules from 140 farmers sampled through purposive and multi-stage sampling schemes. Farmers’ Agronomic information were measured using self-evaluation ranking scales (1-10), coffee varieties were separated into ‘new’ and ‘traditional’ and reported yields were measured in kilograms of cherry/tree. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis, computed by SPSS. Ruiru 11 variety dominated (53%), Batian (22%), K7 (18%) and SL28 (6%). New variety (Ruiru 11 and Batian) growers’ had significantly higher agronomic information score than traditional (K7 and SL28) as tested by Mann-Whitney U-test; U (N1=35, N2 =14) =143.500, Z = -2.295, P < .05. The ‘new’ variety growers had significantly higher mean yields compared to ‘traditional’; t (47) = 2.108, P = .040. Crop nutrition and canopy management were dominant areas of information needs. In conclusion, farmers with higher self-reported levels of agronomic information preferred new higher yielding disease resistant varieties and recorded higher yields. The linkage between farmers’ information levels, variety choice and yields is confirmed. It is recommended, information asymmetries needs to be addressed.

Are we nearly there yet? New technology adoption and labor demand in Peru

Abstract Forecasts about the effects of new technologies on labor demand are generally pessimistic. However, little is known about the current level of technology adoption and its effect on labor demand, particularly in developing countries. This paper exploits a national representative employer survey and administrative data from Peru to offer empirical evidence in this regard. Our results show that the adoption of new technologies by firms is still incipient in the country. However, when adopted, they slightly reduce the demand for workers in the medium term, particularly those in high-skilled and non-routine occupations, with a temporary job contract, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of Chinese products demand and supply in reducing market cost and improving technological performance: Empirical evidence from South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt

This study was conducted through an experimental study design. Our research question focuses on; (1) how Chinese products have reduced market costs in South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt? (2) What impact do Chinese products have on the technology development process of the selected countries? (3) Which factors influence the expansion of Chinese products in the international market and how does primary research provide recommendation for using Chinese products to reduces market cost and improve technological performance. 279 responses were collected from the respondent in the selected countries to examine the performance of Chinese products. SPSS statistics software was used to analyze data using snowballing method to access the participants. Result on regression and correlation tests show that the number of Chinese products in the market positively predicted the market price. Technology performances were found to negatively impacts the supply of Chinese products. Our findings make a critical contribution to the existing theories on technology innovation, performance management, and product pricing. More specifically, (1) The increasing supply of Chinese products negatively affects the performance of technology in Africa; (2) A low level of technology adoption in the African market negatively impacts technology performance and technical performance is highly correlated with the availability of Chinese products;(3) The increase in Chinese products contributed to lower market prices. Our findings further suggest the increased demand and supply of Chinese products will adversely affect technology performance. Therefore, this study recommend that African leaders empower the youth to increase their exposure to Chinese technology.

COMPARATIVE DESIGN STRATEGI PENINGKATAN DAYA SAING KLASTER USAHA KECIL DAN MENENGAH PENGOLAHAN KOPI

Indonesia is one of the largest coffee exporting countries in the world. Increasing the competitiveness of small and medium coffee industry clusters is a strategic issue that needs to be considered. The small and medium coffee industry in Indonesia can become a mainstay commodity for export to foreign countries. However, the small and medium coffee industry still has many obstacles, including low human resources capabilities, difficulty in penetrating access to capital, and low levels of technology adoption. This study was conducted to determine the strategy model for increasing the competitiveness of relevant small and medium industry clusters of coffee processing. One methodological approach alone is not enough to strive to increase the competitiveness of the small and medium coffee industry in Indonesia. Comparing strategic management is a choice of an alternative approach to able to increase optimal competitiveness. By comparing the structural equation model and SWOT analysis, it is hoped that the right program recommendations will be found to increase the competitiveness of the sustainable small and medium coffee industry.

When businesses go digital: The role of CEO attributes in technology adoption and utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has prompted a rush of technology adoption as businesses turned to digital technologies to avert closure in the face of an unprecedent pandemic. This study examines the adoption and utilization of e-commerce and remote work technologies among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the pandemic. Building on various streams of research on technology adoption and utilization, we elaborate how CEO gender and experience can shape risk-taking attitude and crisis responsiveness, influencing technology adoption and utilization decisions. Analysis using a rich dataset of >20,000 enterprises across 42 countries revealed that female CEOs were significantly less likely to adopt remote work technologies; moreover, female CEOs leading small-sized enterprises were less likely to adopt e-commerce. However, CEO gender was not associated with the utilization intensity of remote work and e-commerce technologies. CEOs' industry experience was found to have an inverted U-shaped relationship with the adoption and utilization of both e-commerce and remote work technologies. These results reveal that top management decisions attributable to CEO experience, and to a lesser degree to CEO gender, can help explain divergent levels of digital technology adoption and utilization during the pandemic.

Technology adoption by personnel in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria

The use of technology has attracted the attention of library personnel because it enhances and promotes dynamic library service delivery. Studies have shown that library personnel are reluctant to adopt technology for day to day operations. Low level of technology adoption may be attributed to characteristics associated with the individual, organization or the specific innovation. Therefore, the study investigated technology adoption by personnel in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria This study adopted the survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 234 library officers and librarians. Total enumeration was used. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.60 to 0.94. A response rate of 88.9% was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed a joint influence of individual, organizational and innovation characteristics on technology adoption (Adj.R2 = 0.14, F(1, 208)= 12.239, p < 0.05). The study concluded that organizational and innovation characteristics contributed to technology adoption by personnel therefore, it was recommended that library administrators should promote the adoption of technology for library services, dedicate more funds for acquiring technology infrastructure such as internet and computing devices, automate all library functions and develop local capacity to manage technology.

An Insight into the Level of Technology Adoption of Farmers of Jhelum Rice Variety in Kashmir Valley

This work is centered around the adoption level of Jhelum rice variety among the farmers in Kashmir Valley. The data collected from 120 respondents from four Jhelum growing districts (Badgam, Kulgam, Pulwama and Anantnag) has been subjected to Technology Adoption Index (TAI) to analyze the adoption level, and Multivariate Linear Regression Model to analyze its determinants. It has been found that farmers used excess seed material by 207.67 per cent, DAP and Urea by 28.00 and 10.82 per cent respectively. MOP use was recorded 3.69 per cent less than the recommended level, which stands one of the contributing factors of blast incidences in some farms. Incremental yield of 20.92 per cent was observed over the expected, which could be attributed mostly due to increased crop density rather than efficient production resulting from optimally dense farms. Regression analysis results have indicated that education level, experience and family labor of the respondents, coefficients of which were reported at 10.76, 0.56 and o.34 respectively, had a significant positive influence on TAI. Based on the results obtained, extension activities directed towards educating progressive farmers about Jhelum’s package of practices is suggested.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION STRATEGY OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN MICRO SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

This study explores the I-T-O-E framework to understand the dominant factors that specifically influence MSME adoption. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as one of the most affected needs to implement a marketing strategy through social media, due to low costs and ease of reaching consumers on a wider scale. West Java was chosen as the research location because the level of technology adoption in MSMEs is the highest among other big cities. The culinary sector was chosen because it is one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and is the sub-sector with the lowest use of internet media among other creative economy sub-sectors. The methodology is qualitative, involving interviews with participants (MSMEs in the culinary sub-sector) selected through snowball sampling. The result shows that individual factor holds the most important role in determining social media strategy in MSME. This research is expected to have significant implications for both theory and state public policy in increasing digital interconnection, inclusivity, productivity, and MSME income.

PREDICTORS TO INCREASE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN CONSTRUCTION: AN EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS FOR MALAYSIA

Accidents and injuries continue to be major problems in the construction industry despite persistent endeavours over the years to improve health and safety management. Novel approaches using emerging technologies can enhance construction safety performance. Given their limited adoption and lack of empirical evidence in the context of developing countries, this paper examines the predictors influencing the successful adoption of safety technologies in the construction industry. Using a survey questionnaire involving 133 Malaysian construction professionals, the significance of the predictors is prioritised. A factor analysis is used to reduce the predictors involved into a fewer number of dimensions. The most influential predictors are presented. Four underlying dimensions of the surveyed predictors are uncovered, comprising organisational commitment/technology orientation, supporting technological attributes, personal perception/performance expectancy and government support. The rate of technology implementation to improve safety risk mitigation in construction is still limited. By taking cognisance of the critical influential predictors involved, the adoption level of safety technology could be raised. This paper bridges the identified knowledge gap regarding the dimensionality of safety technology adoption predictors in construction, with findings that shed new light on the factors influencing technology adoption in a developing country to stimulate technological innovations to streamline construction safety.

Collaborative adoption of blockchain technology: A supply chain contract perspective

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly affected the development of enterprises. In the post-pandemic era, blockchain technology has become one of the important technologies to help enterprises quickly gain market competitiveness. The heavy investment required of supply chain stakeholders to employ blockchain technology has hindered its adoption and application. To tackle this issue, this study aims to facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology in a supply chain consisting of a core enterprise and a small/medium-sized enterprise through an effective supply chain contract. We analyze the performance of a cost-sharing (CS) contract and a revenue-sharing (RS) contract and propose a new hybrid CS-RS contract for better performance. We conduct comparative analyses of the three contracts and find that the hybrid CS-RS contract can more effectively incentivize both parties to reach the highest level of blockchain technology adoption and achieve supply chain coordination.

Understanding and predicting the determinants of blockchain technology adoption and SMEs' performance

PurposeThe success of SMEs' financial and market performance (MAP) depends on the firms' level of blockchain technology adoption (BCA) and identifying the crucial antecedents that influence SMEs' adoption. Therefore, this research attempts to develop an integrated model to understand and predict the determinants of BCA and its effect on SMEs' performance. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical foundations are the technology–organization –environment (TOE) framework and the resource-based view (RBV) perspective. The authors distributed a survey to SMEs in South Africa and received 311 responses. The covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) followed by the artificial neural network (ANN) technique was used for the data analysis.FindingsThe SEM results showed that SMEs' relative advantage, compatibility, top management support (TMS), organizational readiness (ORD), competitive pressures (COP), external support, regulations and legislation significantly influence SMEs' BCA. However, complexity negatively impacts SMEs' BCA. The analysis results also revealed that SMEs' BCA significantly influences the financial performance of the firms, followed by MAP. Furthermore, model determinants were input to an ANN modeling. The ANN results showed that TMS is the most critical predictor of SMEs' BCA, followed by ORD, COP, external support, and regulations and legislation.Practical implicationsThe results provide valuable information for SMEs when maneuvering their adoption strategies in the scope of blockchain technology. Additionally, from the perspective of an emerging market, the study has successfully contributed the TOE framework and the RBV.Originality/valueThis study is the first work to explore the determinants of BCA in the context of SMEs from a developing country. This paper is also one pioneer in attempts to develop a causal and predictive statistical model for predicting the determinants of BCA in SMEs' performance.

Frequency-dependent nanomechanical profiling for medical diagnosis.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM), developed in the early 1980s, has become a powerful characterization tool in micro- and nanoscale science. In the early 1990s, its relevance within biology and medicine research became evident, although its incorporation into healthcare applications remains relatively limited. Here, we briefly explore the reasons for this low level of technological adoption. We also propose a path forward for the incorporation of frequency-dependent nanomechanical measurements into integrated healthcare strategies that link routine AFM measurements with computer analysis, real-time communication with healthcare providers, and medical databases. This approach would be appropriate for diseases such as cancer, lupus, arteriosclerosis and arthritis, among others, which bring about significant mechanical changes in the affected tissues.

Imperatives of Technology Adoption Among Farmers Growing Horticultural Crops in Wokha District of Nagaland

A study was undertaken in the state of Nagaland to examine the socio-economic & psychological characteristics of the respondents, level of technology adoption and its association with the selected variables. Ex-post facto research design was followed for the study. The study was conducted purposively in Wokha district of Nagaland comprising three blocks viz., Wokha, Bhandari and Wozhuro. Further 15 respondents from two villages each for Orange, Banana, Pineapple and Litchi crops were selected making a sample size of 120 respondents. Major fi ndings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents were middle aged (35-55 years), male, had medium size of family, primary level educated, had medium level information sources utilization, extension contact and experience in cultivation of selected horticultural crops. Most had small land holding size. The highest mean annual income and income from crop was highest for orange growers with Rs.179723.33 and Rs.138023.33 respectively. 99.17 per cent of the farmers were not exposed to training, had medium level of scientifi c orientation, risk orientation, knowledge level, favorable attitude towards improved practices and medium level adoption. Variablesfamily size, experience in cultivation, size of land holding, knowledge and attitude showed positive and signifi cant correlation with adoption of improved cultivation practices. The study recommends more exposure visits and need based training programmes for increasing awareness, knowledge and technological skills of farmers. Further the government should take initiative for strengthening marketing support, procurements and provide incentives to set up processing units thereby reducing post-harvest losses and eventually improving the socio-economic status of the concerned farmers.

Challenges affecting bank consumers’ intention to adopt green banking technology in the UAE: a UTAUT-based mixed-methods approach

PurposeSustainability has become a global need for survival in every field since the side effects of financial development have resulted in environmental devastation. Green banking (GB) has been proposed as a way to reduce the carbon footprint caused by banking operations by promoting paperless financial services through the intensive use of technology. However, the adoption level of GB technology remains unsatisfactory among customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study aims to comprehensively investigate the challenges affecting the intention of bank consumers in the UAE to adopt GB technology.Design/methodology/approachThis study used exploratory sequential mixed-methods research. Preliminary semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten banking professionals using a purposive sampling technique to explore the challenges affecting consumers’ intention to adopt GB technology. Sequentially, the study tested various factors through a quantitative cross-sectional online survey of a sample of 332 bank customers and used the convenience sampling technique to obtain further empirical support for the research framework. Thematic content analysis using NVivo 11 was used for the qualitative data analysis. Meanwhile, partial least square structural equation modelling in Smart PLS 3.3 was used for the quantitative data analysis.FindingsThe qualitative analysis identified six new challenges affecting customers’ intention to adopt GB technology, including customer awareness, personal innovativeness, bank reputation, security and privacy, system quality and government support. The preliminary qualitative findings were confirmed mainly through quantitative data analysis, whereby customer awareness, personal innovativeness, system quality and bank reputation were found to significantly impact customers’ intention to adopt GB technology. However, the effects of security and privacy and government support were insignificant.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to propose a comprehensive model that considers individual, technological, organisational and environmental factors to address the issue of customers’ low GB technology adoption rates in the UAE. Meanwhile, this study extends the UTAUT by integrating new factors. This paper is also among the first to investigate customers’ GB technology adoption intention using a mixed-methods approach, which combines the strengths of quantitative and qualitative methods within the same study to offer better insights than a single-method approach.

The Relationship between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Organic Fertilizer Adoption among Almond Smallholder Farmers in Uruzgan, Afghanistan

Almonds are an important dried fruit and second in the ranking, after raisin and grape, in Afghanistan. The decline in their production is due to low levels of technology adoption, as well as the extreme use and poor timing of inorganic fertilizer application in the Uruzgan Province. Since organic fertilizers are vital to producing quality almonds, this study examined the relationship between the knowledge, attitude, and practice related to the adoption of organic fertilizer. This study applied the technology acceptance model (TAM) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the adoption of organic fertilizer. The Tarin Kowt District was purposively selected, as it represents the top almond-producing district of Uruzgan Province. A multi-stage sampling survey was employed with 116 almond smallholder farmers. The results show a positive and significant effect of practice and knowledge on organic fertilizer adoption. To improve organic fertilizer adoption, knowledge and practice should be advocated among almond smallholder farmers. This research contributes to the demonstration of practical training methods and participation in technology, as training is the most important factor in providing information about organic fertilizer adoption and could have a higher chance of stimulating farmers to adopt organic fertilizers.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY THE RICE FARMERS IN THE SOUTH-WEST REGION OF BANGLADESH

Modern technology adoption usually leads to an increase in agricultural productivity. The rate of this technology adoption might vary depending on diverse agro-economic and socio-political factors. This study attempts to scrutinize the pattern and level of technology adoption by the rice farmers in the south-west region of Bangladesh. Descriptive and inferential analytical techniques are applied using cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 120 rice-producing farmers in the south-west region of Bangladesh using a pre-tested interview questionnaire. The surveyed farmers have more than 23 years of farming experience on average. Study findings indicate that around 87 percent of the farming households have adopted modern technologies in terms of improved seed, irrigation management, and chemical fertilizer use in the study area. The ratio decreases to around 60 percent if the adoption of harvesting technology is considered. The farmers are lagging far behind to adopt mechanization in the land preparation phase in terms of tractor use. The technology adopter farmers observe that their intensity of technology adoption has increased over the time period. The study findings exhibit that the intensity of technology adoption is higher for the farmers who have better credit access and have engagement in the farmers’ group compared to others. Moreover, farmers who have received farm management training adopt modern technology more intensively than other farmers. This study identifies the backwardness of harvesting and land preparation phases in terms of technology adoption. It also finds that socio-economic circumstances and institutional issues trigger technology adoption decisions.

Development of a Procedure for Risk-Based Qualification of Additively Manufactured Components: Adopting to Oil and Gas Industrial Applications

Recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) technology provide the potential for on-demand and rapid production of spare parts during urgent repair times. Recently, big oil and gas companies have shown early progress in using additive technology in manufacturing specific heat exchangers, downhole cleanout tool nozzles, offshore risers, gas turbine nozzles, and subsea chemical stick injection tools. Despite the mentioned progress, the current adoption level of additive technology for the offshore oil and gas industry is very limited. Non-destructive and destructive evaluation methods of additively manufactured metallic components have been studied extensively. However, the technique selection procedure and scope of the required test methods have not been studied sufficiently. This paper discusses various elements related to the qualification of additively manufactured components for application in the oil and gas industry. A risk-based qualification method for identifying the scopes of required non-destructive and destructive tests and the resulting qualification procedure for additively manufactured spare components in offshore oil and gas applications is suggested.

Do farmer-actor interactions in the agricultural innovation system drive technological innovation adoption in Ghana?

The low level of technological innovation adoption among farmers has been a development concern. However, not much attention has been paid to how agricultural innovation system actors contribute to the adoption of technological innovations among farmers. This paper, therefore, analyzed the factors that drive the adoption of technological innovations using the agricultural innovation system concept. The study adopted a mixed method approach where qualitative data from focus group discussions were used to triangulate findings obtained from the quantitative data analyzed. A two-period panel data of 3486 observations of randomly sampled agricultural households across Ghana was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the multinomial logit regression model. Findings showed that farmers with strong ties in the innovation system had a higher probability of adopting multiple sets of innovations, compared to those with weaker linkages. Platforms that encourage actor interactions such as innovation platforms should be strengthened to increase the innovative performance of smallholder farmers. This study is one of the few that have quantified the effect the agricultural innovation system has on the adoption of innovations and hence makes a positive contribution to the budding literature regarding the importance of unpacking actor interactions whilst considering a holistic inquiry of the agricultural innovation system.

Baseball Fans’ Evaluations of Robot Umpire: The Perspective of Human-Robot Interaction

PURPOSE The current study examined how baseball fans evaluate a robot umpire from the perspective of the human-robot interaction. In particular, this study examined whether baseball fans evaluated more positively a robot umpire depending on whether a robot or a human umpire has the final authority to make ball-strike decisions, when the ball-strike decision contradicts with each other. Furthermore, the different types of expertise (baseball vs. image analysis) embedded in robot umpire and fans’ levels of technology adoption were used to examine the relationship between umpire type and evaluations of robot umpire. METHODS This study used 2 (final decision maker: robot vs. human umpire) by 2 (different types of expertise embedded in robot umpire: baseball vs. image analysis) by 2 (different levels of technology adoption: low vs. high) between-subjects design.RESULTS The results indicated that when a robot umpire had the final authority to make ball-strike decisions, baseball fans evaluated more positively the adoption of robot umpire, when image analysis expertise was embedded in the robot umpire rather than baseball expertise. Meanwhile, baseball fans evaluated more positively the adoption of robot umpire when baseball expertise was embedded in a robot umpire rather than image analysis expertise. CONCLUSIONS The current study provides meaningful implications regarding how to design an effective system for the operation of robot umpire in baseball.

The Impact of the 4.0 Paradigm in the Italian Agricultural Sector: A Descriptive Survey

This paper investigates how much Italian farms are involved in the so-called “Agriculture 4.0” (Agri 4.0) journey. The paper focuses on analyzing the knowledge and adoption levels of specific 4.0-enabling technologies while also considering the main benefits and obstacles. A descriptive survey was carried out on a total of 670 respondents related to agricultural companies of different sizes. The findings from the survey demonstrate that Italian farms are in different positions in their journey toward the Agri 4.0 paradigm, mainly depending on their size in terms of revenues and land size. Furthermore, there are strong differences concerning both the benefits and obstacles related to the adoption of the Agri 4.0 paradigm, here depending on the technology adoption level. Regarding future research, it would be interesting to carry out the same study in other countries to make comparisons and suitable benchmark analyses. Although scholars have debated about the adoption of technologies and the benefits related to the Agri 4.0 paradigm, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no empirical surveys have been carried out on the adoption level of digital solutions in agriculture in specific countries.