Effective Implementation of Technology Innovations in Higher Education Institutions: A Survey of Selected Projects in Universities in Africa
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Date
2014
Authors
Kandiri, John Mugo
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Abstract
The significance of technology in higher education institutions cannot be overstated.
Research indicates that though there is a degree of application of technology in teaching
and learning, its usage has been below par as compared to other industries. Many models have been developed in attempt to explain how to spur effective implementation of technology use with little success. One such model is the organizational theory model.
However, the role of sponsors, the team leader and innovation efficacy plus the
underlying issues that affect innovation implementation have not been clearly addressed.
This study used the Partnership for Higher Education, Education Technology Initiative
projects to investigate the determinants of technology innovation implementation
effectiveness in higher education institutions. These projects were implemented between
2008 and 2012 and endeavored to stimulate technology uptake in African universities.
The study was based on 26 technology implementation projects drawn from seven
universities spread in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The descriptive study adopted
a critical realism method so as to unearth the issues that affect technology
implementation effectiveness. A total of 105 usable survey responses were received with
53 interviews conducted. Due to the dichotomous nature of determining implementation
effectiveness (successful or failure), logistic regression was used to determine the factors
that influence technology innovation implementation effectiveness. Quantitative data
was analysed using SPSS version 17 and R-statistical package while data from
interviews were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis method. The items within
the broader variables were subjected to exploratory factor analysis using principal
component method. It was found that 30 percent of the projects were partially successful
since they met only some of the objectives, 55 percent had techno-political failure, with
15 percent absolute failures. The results showed that project sponsors, top management,
organizational culture, team leadership, financial motivation, organizational climate and
innovation efficacy were important determinant to technology implementation
effectiveness. Technology framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes
were found to be underlying issues in technology implementation. The study
recommended need to manage technology transfer problem, develop innovation
adopting nature and absorptive capacity in universities so as to enhance technology innovation implementation effectiveness.
Description
Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) Department of Management Science 148 p. November 2014.