Majharul Talukder

The Impact of Social Influence on Individuals' Adoption of Innovation

This article empirically examines the impact of social factors (peer and social network) on attitudes toward innovation and the impact of that attitude on individual employees adopting innovation in their workplaces in Australia. This research uses quantitative research methodology and specifically multivariate statistical analysis. The research framework is based on the theory of reasoned action, the technology acceptance model, Frambach and Schillewaerts conceptual framework, and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Data were collected from employees of a tertiary institution in Australia using a structured questionnaire. The results of multiple regression analysis show that social network impacts significantly on attitudes toward an innovation which, in turn, affects the innovation adoption behavior of employees. Furthermore, social network has been found to directly influence the innovation adoption process. This outcome has strategic implications for organizations in the effective management of innovation involving employees. These implications are highlighted in the article. This research has focused on only one organization in a particular region in Australia. Future research can explore the relationship between variables by including a number of organizations across Australia and beyond to provide a deeper insight into the issues explored in this article.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE ON INDIVIDUALS' ADOPTION OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN SMES

While prior studies focused on the determinants of adoption of technological innovation in large scale businesses, there is a lack of empirical research o n this issue of acceptance of social networks in SM Es in emerging economies. This study addresses this lacuna by focusing on the social factors driving Indones ian SMEs’ adoption of technological innovation. A theoretical model based on the extant literature and established theories in the relevant field is empir ically tested in this study. Data were collected th rough a structured questionnaire and analyzed using correla tion matrices and multiple regressions. The most st riking finding of this study is that social factors which has been rarely explored in prior research in SMEs’ context is instrumental in broadening our understanding SMEs’ practice of technological innovation in an emerg ing economy. This finding has implications for SMEs and the government in designing an appropriate strateg y for the implementation of technological innovation that are highlighted in the study.

The development and research tradition of statistical quality control

The purpose of this study is to fill three gaps in the literature of quality control. First, this study expounds the chronological development of statistical quality control (SQC) to date, for there is a paucity of an up-to-date chronology of SQC in the literature. Second, the concept of statistical quality control has been analysed from the perspective of scientific inquiry to determine whether SQC has evolved or has been evolving as an evolutionary, revolutionary or progressive research program. Third, this paper discusses whether the discipline of statistical quality control has its own research tradition. We employed a qualitative method to address our research questions. We argue that the concept of statistical quality control has emerged as a scientific revolution in the arena of quality control and that the discipline of statistical quality control has its own research tradition. This study provides both practitioners and academicians with not only an up-to-date account of SQC but a sense of the legitimacy of SQC as a discipline. SQC provides a systems perspective to quality control and has paved the way for enterprise-wide quality philosophies such as TQC, TQM, zero defects, Six Sigma, ISO, etc.

Development of an Enhanced Model of Innovation Adoption by Individual Employees

This research investigates the antecedents and provides a new theoretical framework that addresses the adoption decision by individual employees in the organizations. The study integrates the theory of reasoned action, technology acceptance model, and the conceptual model provided by Frambach and Schillewaert (2002). Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of employees using a structured questionnaire. The research uses multivariate statistical analysis to test the proposed enhanced model, which is largely supported and validated, accounting for 60% of the variances in usage. This result has strategic implications for organizations in the effective management of innovation involving employees in their workplaces.

A multi-perspective cultural study of information technology in developing and developed countries

The increasing dynamics in the information technology field and imperative ongoing changes to keep in the global arena have led to failures arising from inadequate understanding of cultural influences on virtual communities design and development. This study explores some of the similarities and differences between the cultural background and information technology development approaches of 48 virtual community sites from three different countries: Venezuela, Bangladesh and the USA. We argue that an in-depth understanding of a countrys cultural dimension of developing and developed virtual communities is detrimental to help web developers and marketers to produce effective virtual community websites. A model relating cultural dimensions between developed and developing virtual communities was formulated emphasising on a multiple level of analysis encompassing the levels of technology (T), organisation (O) and individual-society perspectives (P), as suggested by Linstone (1984). Implications for further research and practice are discussed.

Developing a research framework for virtual community systems

This paper proposes a conceptual framework integrating the drivers and outcomes of usage of virtual community (VC) systems. A through literature review is undertaken emphasising the literature underlying philosophical and theoretical foundations of VC and its usage. Search for empirical evidence on VC adoption is also carried out; in particular, literature relating to drivers of VC, the level of satisfaction of VC members, their belonging and inclination to use VC systems are explored. The possible variables that may moderate the relationship between the drivers of VC usage and users satisfaction are also proposed. The possible moderating variables include the gender, age and level of education of users of the virtual community. A sketch of the conceptual model is provided along with the methods to operationalise the constructs within the model in future research. The possible links between variables are also depicted towards facilitating empirical testing of the model.

Modelling a microwave chaotic generator for RADAR and communication systems

This paper presents a new expression of the q-v characteristic of the varactor non-linear capacitor. Microwave chaotic communications systems are demonstrated using AM signal and the application of the microwave chaotic generator in chaotic radar systems using RF signal are obtained. The transmitter for both systems are simulated based on frequency multiplier chains. The original transmitted signals are recovered using the same model system but based on its an inverse via mathematical way.

INNOVATION THROUGH A SELF-ORGANIZATION LENS

This study argues that the concept of ‘self-organiz ation’ is useful as an alternative to evaluate inno vative capacity in rural communities and enable an effecti ve engagement with the economic development regions. The concept of self-organization provides a means o f reviewing regions in a manner which enables local Governments to measure and develop innovative capacity. Developing innovative capacity is seen as an important driver for achieving the targets of a cou ntry strategic planning agenda. This paper presents a study in the state of South Australia, Australia in which the self-organization concept offers a strategy fo r proactively engaging the regions to innovation.

Idea adaption, social interactions and small world networks: An Australian study

Organizations need a capacity to adapt new ideas and therefore require the means to visualize them. Idea adaptation is understood to be a social interaction process. This idea of adaption capacity might therefore be understood and managed by visualizing it using small world theory. This paper will explain how and why small world visualization can be used to represent idea adaption capability. The small world structure is preferred because it represents loose coupling and distinguishes the need for both discipline-specific knowledge (strong ties) and interaction with alternative ideas (structural holes, weak ties). Furthermore, it appears to be the evolved preferred natural networking structure for idea sharing. An illustration of how the small world structure might be visualized is provided by mapping the idea adapting networks of two loosely coupled organizations.