Thomas Scannell

Shop floor manufacturing technology adoption decisions: An application of the theory of planned behavior

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify key factors that influence the decision to adopt computerized numerical control (CNC) and direct numerical control (DNC) machines, material working lasers and robots (specific advanced manufacturing technologies – AMT) using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the underlying framework.Design/methodology/approach – Firms that had recently adopted a shop floor manufacturing technology were surveyed. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the 123 responses.Findings – The TPB explained a substantial amount of variance in behavioral intentions to adopt an AMT. As proposed, attitude towards adoption and subjective norms significantly influence a decision maker. However, perceived behavioral control did not have a significant impact on intentions. The TPB was shown to be an effective predictor of technology adoption in a specific context.Research limitations/implications – Single respondents were used – future research might include multiple respon...

Shop floor manufacturing technology adoption: an adaptation of the technology acceptance model

This research examines the decision process for adopting a specific subset of advanced manufacturing technologies: computerised numerical control (CNC), direct numerical control (DNC), material working lasers, and robots, a subset of AMT collectively referred to as shop floor manufacturing technology (SFMT). A modified technology acceptance model was developed to test the proposed relationships in the decision process. Survey responses from 124 managers who recently invested in an SFMT were analysed using structural equation modelling. The modified model provides a framework for examining SFMT adoption processes, though not all hypotheses were supported. For example, supplier support did not have a significant influence on perceived behavioural control, suggesting that technology suppliers remain an untapped resource. SFMT performance outcomes suggest that adopters are making good decisions, though there is room for improvement.