title: The development of an international model for technology adoption: the case of Hong Kong

authors: Au, Alan Kai Ming

abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationships between the internal beliefs formation of a decision-maker on technology adoption and the extent of the development of a technology adoptive behaviour. In particular, this study aims to develop an International Model For Technology Adoption (IMTA), which builds upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen 1992) and improves on the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis 1986). 

The development of such a model requires an understanding of the environmental factors which shape the cognitive processes of the decision maker. Hence, this is a behavioural model which investigates the constructs influencing the adoption behaviour and how the interaction between these constructs and the external variables can impact on the decision making process at the level of the firm. 

Previous research on technology transfer and innovation diffusion has classified factors affecting the diffusion process into two dimensions: 1) external-influence and 2) internal-influence. Hence, in this research, the International Model For Technology Adoption looks at how the endogenous and exogenous factors enter into the cognitive process of a technology adoption decision through which attitudes and behavioural intentions are shaped. 

Under the IMTA, the behavioural intention to adopt is a function of two exogenous variables, 1) Strategic Choice, and 2) Environmental Control. The Environmental Control factor is further categorised by two exogenous factors, namely, 1) Government Influence, and 2) Competitive Influence. In addition, the Competitive Influence factor is, in turn, classified into five forces: namely, 1) Industry Structure, 2) Price Intensity, 3) Demand Uncertainty, 4) Information Exposure, 5) Domestic Availability. 

Regarding the cognitive process which forms the attitude to adopt, it is hypothesised to be affected by six other endogenous beliefs: 1) Compatibility; 2) Enhanced Value; 3) Perceived Benefits; 4)Adaptative Experiences, 5) Perceived Difficulty; and 6) Suppliers’ Commitment. 

A survey research method was utilised in this study and the research instrument was developed after a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and an expert interview. A total of 298 completed questionnaires were returned; giving a response rate of 13.56%. Of the 298 questionnaires, 39 of the responses were unusable with missing date. This gives a total of 259 usable questionnaires and an effective response rate of 11.78%. 

The results of the analysis suggested that the fitness of the International Model For Technology Adoption was good and the data of this study supported the overall structure of the IMTA. When compared with the null model, which was used by the EQS as a baseline model to judge to overall fitness for the IMTA, the IMTA yielded a value of 0.914 in the Comparative Fit index; hence, indication of a good fit model. 

In addition, the results of the principal component analysis also illustrated that the 16-factor International Model For Technology Adoption was an adequate model to capture the information collected during the survey. The results shown that this 16-factor structure represented nearly 77% of the total variance of all items. A further analysis into the factor structure, again, revealed that there existed a perfect match between the conceptual dimensionality of the International Model For Technology Adoption and the empirical data collected in the survey. 

However, the results of the hypotheses testing on the individual constructs were mixed. While not all the magnitude of these ten hypotheses was statistically significant, almost all pointed to the direction conceptualised by the IMTA. 

From these results, it can be interpreted that while the results of the structural equation modelling analysis provided overall support to the International Model For Technology Adoption, the results of individual constructs of the Model revealed that some constructs were forming a larger impact than others in the decision making process to adopt foreign technology. In particular, the intention to adopt was greatly affected by the attitude of the prospective adopters, the influence of the government and the degree of industry rivalry. However, the impact of the overall competitive influence factor on the intention to adopt was not supported by the results. Again, the existence of investment alternative was also not a serious concern for the prospective adopters.

text: The development of an international model for technology adoption: the case of Hong Kong The purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationships between the internal beliefs formation of a decision-maker on technology adoption and the extent of the development of a technology adoptive behaviour. In particular, this study aims to develop an International Model For Technology Adoption (IMTA), which builds upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen 1992) and improves on the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis 1986). 

The development of such a model requires an understanding of the environmental factors which shape the cognitive processes of the decision maker. Hence, this is a behavioural model which investigates the constructs influencing the adoption behaviour and how the interaction between these constructs and the external variables can impact on the decision making process at the level of the firm. 

Previous research on technology transfer and innovation diffusion has classified factors affecting the diffusion process into two dimensions: 1) external-influence and 2) internal-influence. Hence, in this research, the International Model For Technology Adoption looks at how the endogenous and exogenous factors enter into the cognitive process of a technology adoption decision through which attitudes and behavioural intentions are shaped. 

Under the IMTA, the behavioural intention to adopt is a function of two exogenous variables, 1) Strategic Choice, and 2) Environmental Control. The Environmental Control factor is further categorised by two exogenous factors, namely, 1) Government Influence, and 2) Competitive Influence. In addition, the Competitive Influence factor is, in turn, classified into five forces: namely, 1) Industry Structure, 2) Price Intensity, 3) Demand Uncertainty, 4) Information Exposure, 5) Domestic Availability. 

Regarding the cognitive process which forms the attitude to adopt, it is hypothesised to be affected by six other endogenous beliefs: 1) Compatibility; 2) Enhanced Value; 3) Perceived Benefits; 4)Adaptative Experiences, 5) Perceived Difficulty; and 6) Suppliers’ Commitment. 

A survey research method was utilised in this study and the research instrument was developed after a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and an expert interview. A total of 298 completed questionnaires were returned; giving a response rate of 13.56%. Of the 298 questionnaires, 39 of the responses were unusable with missing date. This gives a total of 259 usable questionnaires and an effective response rate of 11.78%. 

The results of the analysis suggested that the fitness of the International Model For Technology Adoption was good and the data of this study supported the overall structure of the IMTA. When compared with the null model, which was used by the EQS as a baseline model to judge to overall fitness for the IMTA, the IMTA yielded a value of 0.914 in the Comparative Fit index; hence, indication of a good fit model. 

In addition, the results of the principal component analysis also illustrated that the 16-factor International Model For Technology Adoption was an adequate model to capture the information collected during the survey. The results shown that this 16-factor structure represented nearly 77% of the total variance of all items. A further analysis into the factor structure, again, revealed that there existed a perfect match between the conceptual dimensionality of the International Model For Technology Adoption and the empirical data collected in the survey. 

However, the results of the hypotheses testing on the individual constructs were mixed. While not all the magnitude of these ten hypotheses was statistically significant, almost all pointed to the direction conceptualised by the IMTA. 

From these results, it can be interpreted that while the results of the structural equation modelling analysis provided overall support to the International Model For Technology Adoption, the results of individual constructs of the Model revealed that some constructs were forming a larger impact than others in the decision making process to adopt foreign technology. In particular, the intention to adopt was greatly affected by the attitude of the prospective adopters, the influence of the government and the degree of industry rivalry. However, the impact of the overall competitive influence factor on the intention to adopt was not supported by the results. Again, the existence of investment alternative was also not a serious concern for the prospective adopters.

year: 1997

title: Adaptive digital twins for energy-intensive industries and their local communities

authors: Walmsley, Timothy Gordon

subjects: digital twin

abstract: Digital Twins (DTs) are high-fidelity virtual models that behave-like, look-like and connect-to a physical system. In this work, the physical systems are operations and processes from energy-intensive industrial plants and their local communities. The creation of DTs demands expertise not just in engineering, but also in computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence. Here, we introduce the Adaptive Digital Twins (ADT) concept, anchored in five attributes inspired by the self-adaptive systems field from software engineering. These attributes are self-learning, self-optimizing, self-evolving, self-monitoring, and self-protection. This new approach merges cutting-edge computing with pragmatic engineering needs. ADTs can enhance decision-making in both the design phase and real-time operation of industrial facilities and allow for versatile 'what-if' scenario simulations. Seven applications within the energy-intensive industries are described where ADTs could be transformative.

text: Adaptive digital twins for energy-intensive industries and their local communities Digital Twins (DTs) are high-fidelity virtual models that behave-like, look-like and connect-to a physical system. In this work, the physical systems are operations and processes from energy-intensive industrial plants and their local communities. The creation of DTs demands expertise not just in engineering, but also in computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence. Here, we introduce the Adaptive Digital Twins (ADT) concept, anchored in five attributes inspired by the self-adaptive systems field from software engineering. These attributes are self-learning, self-optimizing, self-evolving, self-monitoring, and self-protection. This new approach merges cutting-edge computing with pragmatic engineering needs. ADTs can enhance decision-making in both the design phase and real-time operation of industrial facilities and allow for versatile 'what-if' scenario simulations. Seven applications within the energy-intensive industries are described where ADTs could be transformative.

year: 2024

title: Rata, the Effect of Māori Land Law on Ahikāroa

authors: Whaanga, Mere Joslyn

subjects: Ahikāroa

abstract: Rata, the effect of Māori land law on ahikāroa is an examination of the special relationship a whānau of Ngāi Tahu (ki Wairoa) has had since 1868 with their ancestral land Tutuotekaha. The effects of Māori land law on traditional concepts of land tenure are analysed from the advent of the Native Land Court in the 1860s through to a modern shareholding in the Anewa Trust. An analysis of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 looks at the basis for the current legislation and how the principles are applied in the case study central to this thesis, an application to have Rata farm returned to the Whaanga whānau.

The research and writing is multi-disciplinary, combining history, Māori land law (ture) and Māori land lore (tikanga and traditional ecological knowledge). An auto-ethnographic approach is balanced by the commentary and judgements of the Māori Land Court and the Māori Appellate Court which are documented in the final section of the thesis.

This thesis questions the canons of Māori land ownership and management – consolidation, amalgamation and incorporation – and posits whether these forms of land holding have become yet another type of alienation.

The three main areas are
I) Ahikāroa
Chapters 2 and 3 examine traditional Māori land tenure; definitions of mana whenua, the obligations as well as the authority; and traditional ecological knowledge, agriculture and Māori land lore. The latter illustrates ways of knowing the land, how, why and when its resources were used. Members of the community of Iwitea were interviewed to provide accounts of usage of some of the traditional resources known to remain on the Tutuotekaha blocks.

II) From gardeners and gatherers to agricultural shareholders
Chapters 4, 5 and 6 examine the shift from traditional tenure and land usage to large-scale agricultural shareholdings. The changes as land passed through the Native Land Court from 1868 are contextualised within the upheaval and radical reconfiguring of Māori society in the Mahia and Wairoa areas as Pākehā settlement increased, and the region was engulfed by the Hauhau and Te Kooti conflicts. This section contains an overview of Māori land law from 1862 to 1987 and the ideological conflict between the colonisers and the colonised. As well, it looks at the influence of Sir James Carroll and Sir Āpirana Ngata, the reasons that Māori went into large-scale farming and how Ngata’s 1931 policies set the model for the incorporations and trusts that still hold most of the district’s Māori land today.

III) Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, philosophy versus implementation
Chapters 7 through to 11 centre on Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and the application to the Māori Land Court to partition Rata farm from the Anewa Trust. The philosophy of the Act is examined, aided by Deputy Chief Judge Fox’s commentary. This section documents the processes of filing the application to partition, the discussions and outcomes of a judicial hearing, two Māori Land Court hearings and subsequent appeals to the Māori Appellate Court.

text: Rata, the Effect of Māori Land Law on Ahikāroa Rata, the effect of Māori land law on ahikāroa is an examination of the special relationship a whānau of Ngāi Tahu (ki Wairoa) has had since 1868 with their ancestral land Tutuotekaha. The effects of Māori land law on traditional concepts of land tenure are analysed from the advent of the Native Land Court in the 1860s through to a modern shareholding in the Anewa Trust. An analysis of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 looks at the basis for the current legislation and how the principles are applied in the case study central to this thesis, an application to have Rata farm returned to the Whaanga whānau.

The research and writing is multi-disciplinary, combining history, Māori land law (ture) and Māori land lore (tikanga and traditional ecological knowledge). An auto-ethnographic approach is balanced by the commentary and judgements of the Māori Land Court and the Māori Appellate Court which are documented in the final section of the thesis.

This thesis questions the canons of Māori land ownership and management – consolidation, amalgamation and incorporation – and posits whether these forms of land holding have become yet another type of alienation.

The three main areas are
I) Ahikāroa
Chapters 2 and 3 examine traditional Māori land tenure; definitions of mana whenua, the obligations as well as the authority; and traditional ecological knowledge, agriculture and Māori land lore. The latter illustrates ways of knowing the land, how, why and when its resources were used. Members of the community of Iwitea were interviewed to provide accounts of usage of some of the traditional resources known to remain on the Tutuotekaha blocks.

II) From gardeners and gatherers to agricultural shareholders
Chapters 4, 5 and 6 examine the shift from traditional tenure and land usage to large-scale agricultural shareholdings. The changes as land passed through the Native Land Court from 1868 are contextualised within the upheaval and radical reconfiguring of Māori society in the Mahia and Wairoa areas as Pākehā settlement increased, and the region was engulfed by the Hauhau and Te Kooti conflicts. This section contains an overview of Māori land law from 1862 to 1987 and the ideological conflict between the colonisers and the colonised. As well, it looks at the influence of Sir James Carroll and Sir Āpirana Ngata, the reasons that Māori went into large-scale farming and how Ngata’s 1931 policies set the model for the incorporations and trusts that still hold most of the district’s Māori land today.

III) Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, philosophy versus implementation
Chapters 7 through to 11 centre on Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and the application to the Māori Land Court to partition Rata farm from the Anewa Trust. The philosophy of the Act is examined, aided by Deputy Chief Judge Fox’s commentary. This section documents the processes of filing the application to partition, the discussions and outcomes of a judicial hearing, two Māori Land Court hearings and subsequent appeals to the Māori Appellate Court.

year: 2012