Factors Affecting the Adoption and Use of Smart System Organizations - Research Proposal Example

Factors affecting the adoption and use of smart system organizations Name Institutional affiliation Introduction Advancement in computer technology has led to the development of various smart devices and systems. Organizations all over the world are striving to incorporate smart systems into their operations in order to get a competitive edge. Governments have also realized the importance of smart systems and they are seeking to provide their respective citizens with high quality and efficient services. In general, technology has become an important aspect of our lives. Not only has it made communication easier, but it has also increased the efficiency of service delivery (Kaczynski, 2010). The invention of the phone and the internet has revolutionized the way people communicate and interact (Lytras & Corti, 2012). Smart technology could be defined as the application of scientific knowledge to create smart devices. Smart devices incorporate chips or brains in their systems, and this enables them to do a number of tasks at fast speeds. Smart technology has without any doubt impacted both the production of goods and services and the governance of people. Most governments all over the world are now utilizing smart technology in their delivery of services to the people. Smart systems utilized by governments range from educational systems to health systems. Most governments are also increasing the efficiency of their economies by utilizing smart systems in revenue and tax collection. Adoption of such systems within organizations comes with a number of challenges, the chief one being the employees’ willingness to adapt to the new systems. In most cases, the attitude of employees towards innovation would determine whether the use and adoption of smart systems within an organization is successful or not. A lot of research has been done on factors that affect the use and adoption of technology in developed countries. There was need to look at the factors that influence use and adoption of technology in developing countries. This paper looks at the use and adoption of smart technology in UAE and the factors influenced it. Purpose of the study Technology is rapidly growing and to increase their service delivery, states and governments are increasingly adopting the use of smart systems. Smart systems increase efficiency and service quality and it is no doubt that technology plays an important role in driving the economies of countries. This study analyses the use of smart technology in the UAE, with the main aim being to identify the various factors that have over the time affected the adoption and use of smart system in the UAE. The study will analyze a number of smart systems in place in the country as well as other system that the government hopes to adopt soon. Given the important role smart systems play in the economy of any given country, it was important to conduct a study that analyses the factors that hinder or encourage the adoption and use of these systems. In addition to that, this study will also provide states that are on their way to adapt smart systems an insight on various factors that would positively impact their adoption and use Research problem The UAE lead in smartphone penetration in the globe (Chamat, 2014). This clearly indicates that its citizens appreciate the role smart technology plays in the modern life. The state’s government is also on the forefront in adapting a number of smart systems with most of them such as smart building systems and smart irrigation proving successful. A number of projects to adapt smart systems are still ongoing. A number of factors have contributed to the adaption and use of smart technology in the state. They include the government’s willingness, penetration of smart devices, availability of finances, and employee willingness among others. The following are the research questions this paper seeks to answer. 1. What are the factors that have affected the use and adoption of smart technology in the UAE? 2. How have the factors affected the use and adoption of the systems 3. In what ways can the systems in place in UAE be adopted in other states while keeping in mind the factors? Rationale and newness of the study Very little research concerning the factors that contribute to the adoption and use of smart systems in developing nations has been conducted. The study is relatively new due to the fact that smart systems and technology are developing at a very fast rate. It is not a surprise that new smart technologies keep cropping up every other week. The UAE government and organizations have in the past few years increased its investment in ICT and smart systems development. The rationale of this study is to analyze the main factors that have contributed to the development of this systems as well as their use. Literature review Talukder and Yeow (2007) compare website usability, norms, marketing and language differences in virtual communities in US and Bangladesh. They acknowledge the fact that the two countries are different in terms of technological development with the US being more superior to Bangladesh. Their aim off undertaking the study was to identifying the factors that bring out the large technological gap between the two countries and identify ways to improve virtual communities in Bangladesh as well as other developing nations. They point out the fact that internet, as technology, has become very popular in the modern society. Various factors that have contributed to the increased use of the internet are pointed out. They include convenience, availability, quick response time as well as easy access to large amounts of data. They point out that the government, software and hardware developers and marketers have a role in ensuring that virtual communities in Bangladeshi are improved. Quazi and Talukder (2011) investigate how demographics influence the perception and adoption of innovation among individuals in a workplace. They point out that favorable attitude from employees toward a given innovation results to the adoption the innovation. They point out various factors that determine the acceptability of an innovation in the workplace. They include training and the education levels of the employees. It is discussed that training can be utilized to create a positive attitude among employees and this in turn makes it possible to get the employees accept an innovation within the organization. Education levels, on the other hand, also play an important role in influencing the employees’ attitudes. They point out the important role technology and its growth plays within an organization. Not only does it improve the performance of an organization, but it also results to the improvement of the efficiency and productivity of the employees. For an innovation to be successfully adopted and be used within an organization, the employees must have the right attitudes and behavior (Quazi and Talukder 2011). Little is known about how individual employees in an organization adopt to new innovations despite intense research into the topic (Talkuder et al 2008). The study by Talkuder et al (2008) looks at factors that determine innovation adoption within organizations. They acknowledge the fact that technology has a great potential of improving the performance of any given organization. For the technological systems and innovations put in place by organizations to be successful, employees and other stake holders should accept them. Talkuder et al point out that resistance to change has been the main factor hindering the efficiency of technological innovations. They point out that little is known about drivers of innovation adoption and use. The study points out that individual and social factor have an impact on the adoption of technological innovation in an organization. Talkuder (2012) also looks at the factors that determine adoption of technological innovation by individual employees. He points out that in order for an innovation within an organization to be successful, it should be ensured that adopters and factors influencing their decisions are well understood. He points out that it is the people who implement an innovation, and that it has to pass through a number of stages before it becomes implemented. Talukder and Quazi et al (2013) analyze ways in which social influence impacts individual adoption to social networks. Their study is within SME’s context. They acknowledge the fact that the internet is the most important innovation in ICT and that it has the potential to spur economic growth. A number of advantages that the internet innovation has brought to the small businesses are outlines. They state that virtual social networks play an important role in adoption of ICT innovations. They point out that a number of benefits can be achieved through utilization of virtual social networks. The benefits include saving of costs, time and enabling new opportunities to be discovered. Organizations have seen the importance of technology in boosting their performance and have increased their investment in new technologies. Innovation of new technologies is going on at fast rate but the rate at which the new technologies are being adopted and used are still low (Quazi and Talukder, 2011). Quazi and Talukder argue that the social environment within which workers operate influences the adoption of innovation. Lam and Lawrence (2002) discuss the importance technology plays in education. They point out that through technology, learners are able to control their own learning as well as access vast amounts of academic and non-academic information that teachers alone will not be able to provide to them. Helpman (2004) points out the importance of technological development in driving forward a state’s economy. It boosts total factor productivity as well as economic growth and UAE leadership has done well to appreciate technology as an economic growth driver Key factors The United Arab Emirates is among the top ten states where smart phone penetration has gone above 50%. A recent survey shows that the rate of smartphone penetration in the UAE is currently at 80% making it the world leader in smartphone penetration (Chamat, 2014). This clearly shows that smart technology has grown in importance in the UAE and that both consumers and the government have seen the important role the technology plays in businesses and the economy as a whole. Smart devices have become the devices of choice to most citizens due to the fact that they make it possible to remain in touch through various social media applications as well as viewing media, locating businesses and procure a number of content. The government is currently transforming into a smart government and four main factors have been pointed out as the drivers of smart governance. They include smartphone usage, cheaper data plans, government employee readiness and leadership. They key factor in the adaption and use of smart systems in the UAE is the government’s initiative, led by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai whose vision is to transform Dubai and the state as a whole into a smart city (Dsg, 2013). This factor can be summarized as visionary leadership. The leadership of the state has ensured that various smart projects continue to be adapted despite the fact that they are costly and require costly monitoring. The visionary leadership has also made it possible for Dubai to be turned into one of the world’s most beautiful systems where many government departments such as the police have adapted smart technologies. The government has also incorporated innovation in its 2021 vision and this has without any doubt contributed to the adaption and use of smart systems. The diversification of the state’s economy has also played an important role in the adaption and use of the smart system. The state initially relayed on oil as the main source of income but over the years, the government saw the need to diversify the economy in order to ensure continued growth of the economy even when its oil reserves eventually dry out. The use of smart systems in Dubai has made it one of the major tourist destinations in the world. In addition to that, a huge number of investors are continually flocking Dubai due to the great opportunities it presents. Not only has it established itself as the regional financial center, but it has also established itself as a real estate development center and export and re-export center (Schiliro, 2013). Another important factor that has contributed to the adaptation and use of smart systems in the UAE is the massive oil revenues the state has accumulated over the years. Shihab (2001) points out that the massive oil revenues minimize the lengthy and most of times, difficult process that countries require to finance technological growth as well as economic growth. Not only has the oil revenue enabled the transformation of Dubai from a sleepy town to a vibrant metropolis, but it has also enabled the state to adapt and use a number of complex yet effective smart systems. Most developed countries had to go through various hypothetical levels of development to reach the levels they are now but this was not the case with UAE (Schiliro, 2013). Methodology Research Method and Data collection To react to the research problem secondary data was used. This included raw data as well as published works in this area of study. Secondary data collection methods were utilized to collect the secondary data. The secondary sources used include Secondary books, Journals, magazines and newspapers. After finding and going through the secondary data, it was evaluated by setting up the data set variables together with their definitions and explanation of each variable. The data set variables were then used to place all the collected data in a tabular form after which the highlighted points were further analyzed. This was to ensure that comparisons are easily made and that the final conclusion would be arrived at more easily. A part from that, it ensured that the findings a better general context. Secondary data is able to provide a conceptual and comparative data, which in turn makes it possible to triangulate the final findings. Resources and cost of the study This study entirely utilized secondary sources meaning that the costs were minimal. Unlike primary sources, use of secondary resources does not require one to carry out preliminary and on ground analysis of the situation. Resources utilized included books, journals and various websites. Conclusion Use of smart systems is increasing gaining popularity around the globe. Not only is the number of smartphone users in the world rising, but companies are also coming up with a variety of smart devices. This study’s aim was to investigate the various factors that have influence that adoption and use of smart systems in the UAE. Smart technology has grown in importance in the UAE and that both consumers and the government have seen the important role the technology plays in businesses and the economy as a whole. The study outlined the various smart systems in use in UAE. They include smart transportation, smart healthcare, smart education, and Dubai’s smart city. Increased demand of online services, Visionary leadership as well as the government initiative to diversify the economy were identified as the main factors that have affected the adoption and use of smart systems. In addition to that, the massive revenue from oil was also pointed out as one major factor that has enabled the state to adopt and use various smart systems. References Dsg (2014). All-out smart change is coming. Retrieved from http://www.dsg.gov.ae/SiteCollectionImages/Content/DeG%20Documents/November-2013-en.pdf Helpman, E. (2004). The Mystery of Economic Growth, Cambridge (MA), The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press Kaczynski, T. J. (2010). Technological slavery. Port Townsend, WA: Feral House. Lawrence, G. (2002). Teacher-student role redefinition during a computer-based second language project: Are computers catalysts for empowering change? Computer Assisted Language Learning, 15 (3), 295-315. Lytras, M. D. & Corti, I. N. (2012). Trends and effects of technology advancement in the knowledge society. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Quazi, A. & Talukder, M. (2011). Demographic determinants of adoption of technological innovation. Journal Of Computer Information Systems, 52 (1). Schiliro, D (2013). Diversification and development of UAE’s Economy. Retrieved from http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/47089/1/MPRA_paper_47089.pdf Shehhi, M. A., Mohammad, M. & Rajan, A. V. (2013). Smart device applications for higher level it courses. pp. 77--81. Shihab, M. (2001). Economic Development in the UAE, in I. Alabed, P. Hellyer (eds.), United Arab Emirates: A New Perspective, Trident Press Ltd. 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Impact of social influence on individuals’adoption of social networks in SMEs. Journal Of Computer Science, 9 (12), p. 1686. Read More