Implementing a technological innovation in small business centers in Kenya: Barriers and user concerns

Githeko, Jason Munyiri

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/23104 Copy

Description

Title

Implementing a technological innovation in small business centers in Kenya: Barriers and user concerns

Author(s)

Githeko, Jason Munyiri

Issue Date

1996

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Johnson, Scott D.

Department of Study

Education

Discipline

Education

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Mass Communications
• Education, Technology of
• Information Science
• Education, Vocational

Language

eng

Abstract

• Problem. The performance of African institutions has been negatively affected by the difficulty of communicating with other institutions. Despite several attempts to use low-cost computer networks to alleviate this problem, little is known about the factors that influence the success of implementation.
• Purpose. This study aimed to examine the process of implementing a FidoNet Bulletin Board System (BBS) in Kenya with a focus on: (a) factors that should be considered; (b) barriers to implementation; (c) changes in the concerns of BBS users; and (d) change in BBS users' perceptions regarding the utility of the BBS. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model developed by G. E. Hall and colleagues and E. M. Rogers' diffusion of innovations model constituted the conceptual framework.
• Method. A case study approach was adopted with the case consisting of four Small Business Centers (SBC) and a network services provider. Observations and interviews were conducted during site visits over a four-month period. Concurrently, modems and communication software were installed and SBC staff trained in their use. Two questionnaires were pre- and post-administered to participants to measure changes in user concerns and in their perception of the BBS' utility.
• Results and Conclusions. The categories of factors that need to be considered were: (a) effective promotion of networking; (b) the nature and reliability of telephone services; (c) computer systems maintenance; (d) security of equipment; (e) human resource concerns; (f) communication and coordination with project participants; (g) finance and budgetary priorities; (h) cooperation among networking service providers; and (i) government procedures and regulations.
• The categories of barriers identified were: (a) interpersonal and inter-organizational conflicts; (b) technical difficulties; (c) financial constraints; (d) regulatory problems; (e) skill and motivational problems; and (f) inadequate decision support systems. At the end of the study, users still displayed the profiles of new or non-users of the innovation (BBS) and their perception of utility of the BBS showed no change; consequently, it was concluded that substantial change in user concerns and perception of utility may take much more than four months. A number of recommendations are made and several areas of further study suggested.

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/23104

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 1996 Githeko, Jason Munyiri

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