Showing papers on "Diffusion of innovations published in 2019"

Impacts of urban living labs on sustainability transitions: mechanisms and strategies for systemic change through experimentation

Abstract: Urban Living Labs (ULL) are considered spaces to facilitate experimentation about sustainability solutions. ULL represent sites that allow different urban actors to design, test and learn from socio-technical innovations. However, despite their recent proliferation in the European policy sphere, the underlying processes through which ULL might be able to generate and diffuse new socio-technical configurations beyond their immediate boundaries have been largely disregarded and it remains to be examined how they contribute to urban sustainability transitions. With this study, we contribute to a better understanding of the diffusion mechanisms and strategies through which ULL (seek to) create a wider impact using the conceptual lens of transition studies. The mechanisms of diffusion are investigated in four distinct ULL in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Malmo, Sweden. The empirical results indicate six specific strategies that aim to support the diffusion of innovations and know-how developed within ULL to a broader context: transformative place-making, activating network partners, replication of lab structure, education and training, stimulating entrepreneurial growth and narratives of impact.

Diffusion of Innovations 1

Abstract: This chapter presents a theoretical and methodological approach to the study of communication and its effects through the diffusion of innovation from a communication approach. It demonstrates through the history of diffusion research how diffusion of innovations occurs and how it impacts communication outcomes. Based on rural sociology of the 1930s and 1940s, the impact of communication platforms and an “inside out” approach are introduced as ways to test and evaluate communication change through message and source strategies.

Big data adoption: State of the art and research challenges

Abstract: Big data adoption is a process through which businesses find innovative ways to enhance productivity and predict risk to satisfy customers need more efficiently. Despite the increase in demand and importance of big data adoption, there is still a lack of comprehensive review and classification of the existing studies in this area. This research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art by highlighting theoretical models, the influence factors, and the research challenges of big data adoption. By adopting a systematic selection process, twenty studies were identified in the domain of big data adoption and were reviewed in order to extract relevant information that answers a set of research questions. According to the findings, Technology–Organization–Environment and Diffusion of Innovations are the most popular theoretical models used for big data adoption in various domains. This research also revealed forty-two factors in technology, organization, environment, and innovation that have a significant influence on big data adoption. Finally, challenges found in the current research about big data adoption are represented, and future research directions are recommended. This study is helpful for researchers and stakeholders to take initiatives that will alleviate the challenges and facilitate big data adoption in various fields.

The Role of Business Model Design in the Diffusion of Innovations: An Analysis of a Sample of Unicorn-Tech Companies

Abstract: Innovation scholars have long studied how and why new products and services diffuse into the market following trajectories such as the S-curve and in accordance with epidemic, social, and informati...

Factors Affecting Web Disclosure Adoption in the Nonprofit Sector

Abstract: Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are strategically using their own personal website to present themselves to the public and share information. Despite the potential benefits of enhanced public confid...

A review of designing empirically grounded agent-based models of innovation diffusion: Development process, conceptual foundation and research agenda

Abstract: Modeling the diffusion of innovations is a very challenging task, as there are various influencing factors to consider. At the same time, insights into the diffusion process can help decision makers to detect weak points of potential business models. In the literature, various models and methodologies that might tackle this problem are presented. Between these, empirically grounded agent-based modeling turned out to be one of the most promising approaches. However, the current culture is dominated by papers that fail to document critical methodological details. Thus, existing agent-based models for real-world analysis differ extensively in their design and grounding and therefore also in their predictions and conclusions. Additionally, the selection of modeling aspects seems too often be ad hoc without any defendable rationale. Concerning this matter, to draw on experiences could guide the researcher. This research paper seeks to synthesize relevant publications at the interface of empirical grounding, agent-based modeling and innovation diffusion to provide an overview of the existing body of knowledge. The major aim is to assess existing approaches regarding development procedure, entity and dynamics consideration and theoretical grounding to suggest a future research agenda. This might lead to the development of more robust models. According to the findings of this review, future work needs to focus on generic design, model coupling, research consistency, modular testing, actor involvement, behavior modeling, network foundation, and data transparency. In a subsequent step and based on the findings, a novel model approach needs to be designed and implemented.

The (re)production of health inequalities through the process of disseminating preventive innovations: the dynamic influence of socioeconomic status

Abstract: Fundamental Cause Theory suggests the replacement of mechanisms that produce the persistent relationship between socioeconomic status and health over time. Understanding how this process operates i...

Diffusion of innovations and labor market challenges: a multiple case study from Angola

Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to gain a deeper understanding of the views of stakeholders residing within impoverished communities in Angola on rapid technology diffusion and its implication on labor market challenges within their regions. To address this gap, and consistent with the qualitative paradigm, this paper conducted methodological triangulation of the study’s multiple data sources, including semistructured interviews and archival data in the form of government labor reports, reflective field notes and archival data to establish the trustworthiness of the study’s data analysis and findings.,A gap in the literature exists between the general diffusion of technological innovations and socioeconomic development that results in an ambiguous connection between theory, academia and professional practice among sub-Saharan African countries. To inform governments in developing countries on how to effectively achieve the diffusion of innovations (DoI), this integrative literature review supports a broader qualitative multiple case study that offers insights into the views of stakeholders residing within impoverished communities in Angola, on rapid technology diffusion and its implication for labor market challenges. This overview of existing research offers a targeted knowledge base that can support future research and help promote the potential for socioeconomic development in low-income countries. By addressing the patterns of the relationship between various economic imbalances and the adoption of technology that promote the social divide, along with highlighting the importance of understanding the overall technological dualism between various social groups, promises effective policies for successful DoI in impoverished sub-Saharan African regions by evaluating its impact on local labor market challenges.,The results of this multiple case study research oversee a thematic analysis of the data collected based on the study’s multiple sources, following a cross-case analysis in which this paper synthesizes the findings of the initial thematic analysis of data to answer the study’s central research question. The multiple case study approach in this research follows the concept of replication logic discussed by Yin (2017) in which the same findings are replicated across multiple cases as similarities and differences are traced across cases, and the study results obtained in this way are deemed robust and reliable.,A potential key limitation in this study was associated to the participants’ limited experiences about the study’s central phenomenon, which if inadequate, could not have been reflective of the challenges faced and shared by the target population. This study mitigates the limitation with an observation in which a much sharper understanding of the participants’ knowledge about the topic of interest was developed. Another limitation was the sample size that could have been small and may not be representative of the entire population. This study mitigates the limitation through careful interpretation of the data and strong conclusion of results.,For practical implications, this study emphasized the importance of participative approaches to ICT implementation that if well adapted by policymakers could lead to a more contextually anchored ICT-supported poverty alleviation within different dimensions of poverty.,This study addresses an under-researched area on why innovation policy initiatives calling for technology diffusion in Angola continue to stall rather than combating labor market challenges in impoverished communities. This study brings the voices of local populations on technology diffusion in impoverished regions of Angola to the extant literature, launching the development of a body of knowledge that may point the way to a promising avenue of social change through innovation and technology diffusion.,This research is original and significant in that it addresses an under-researched area on innovation policy initiatives calling for technology diffusion in Angola that continue to stall rather than combating labor market challenges in impoverished communities. This study also makes an original contribution to Rogers’s seminal theory and concept of diffusion of innovations. The study’s results guided further research in technology adoption and innovation diffusion within Angola, a nation faced with poor human capital development and an increasing proportion of the world’s poorest people and unemployment.

A conceptual framework of the adoption of innovations in organizations: a meta-analytical review of the literature

Abstract: Studies on the adoption of innovations in organizations are abundant and have introduced many different factors that are likely to influence adoption decisions yet, somehow, without an integrated view among them and with somehow contradictory empirical results. This study introduces a conceptual framework in which the attributes of innovation–adoption decision linkages in organizations are mediated by both the behavioral preferences of managers and organizations’ resources and moderated by the innovation life cycle. It further meta-analytically tests the framework’s predictions on 185 primary empirical studies. The findings are expected to contribute to the literature on the adoption of innovations by deepening the theoretical conditions and empirical factors that are likely to influence adoption decisions in organizations. The study also has implications for practice, since it sheds light on the factors that practitioners can leverage to manage the diffusion of innovations.

Rationales for integrated reporting adoption and factors impacting on the extent of adoption: A UK perspective

Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the likely adoption of integrated reporting (IR), in addition to highlighting the limitations of current reporting practices. In particular, the analysis in this study used the characteristics of diffusion of innovation theory to investigate how perceptions of IR as offering a relative advantage over existing practices; its compatibility to existing organisational values, past experiences and needs; and its perceived complexity impacted on the adoption and diffusion of IR. Design/methodology/approach – Methodology was based on a content analysis of 22 UK FTSE 100 annual and sustainability reports across industries. To build a phenomenological triangulation research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten senior managers to ascertain their perceptions of current SR practices and IR. Findings – The analysis in this study revealed that low/medium levels of linkages exist between the majority of reports in the sample, thus limiting their usefulness. Based on these findings, this study suggests that senior managers perceive IR as having a relative advantage over existing practice. Overall, the senior managers interviewed were supportive of IR and this research revealed that many companies are starting to integrate their reporting along IR guidelines. This study further identifies factors that are likely to impact on more widespread diffusion of IR. Research limitations/implications – The sample size to assess linkages between reports was based on a sample of company reports across industries to give a balanced view of reporting practices. This could be viewed as a limitation as it was not a representative sample of the population as a whole. Another limitation of this research study was the small sample of organisations that participated in the interview process, and the single country focus. Practical implications – This study has identified several factors that were likely to impact on wider spread diffusion of IR, which should be of interest to practitioners in this field as well as those considering the adoption of IR. Originality/value – As an emerging phenomenon, there are few empirical studies exploring IR practices and perceptions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that provides some insights into IR from a UK perspective.

Innovation diffusion through standardization: A study of building ventilation products

Abstract: Standards on product information can facilitate the diffusion of innovations. This paper explores the standards related to the ventilation products with improved acoustic performance and the stakeholders involved. We introduce a new approach to classification and identification of the functions of standards in supporting such innovations. Moreover, our analysis of stakeholders indicates that the companies providing building modeling software have a pivotal role to play regarding the exchange of product information and the diffusion of innovative products. This is due to a market-mediated interdependence among ventilation product manufacturers, software companies, and engineering services firms that can create network effects.

Дифузія результатів інноваційної діяльності машинобудівних підприємств

Abstract: Дисертацію присвячено вирішенню наукового і прикладного завдання управління поширенням результатів інноваційної діяльності машинобудівних підприємств. Вперше розроблено функціональну модель рефлексивного управління дифузією результатів інноваційної діяльності підприємств, що базується на моделях матричних ігор для побудови оптимальних змішаних стратегій дифузії результатів інноваційної діяльності. Удосконалено методичні положення з оцінювання стану та альтернативного коригування процесу дифузії результатів інноваційної діяльності машинобудівних підприємств. Розвинуто поняття «дифузія результатів інноваційної діяльності підприємства», процес декомпозиції та концептуальну модель дифузії результатів інноваційної діяльності підприємств, класифікацію видів дифузії результатів інноваційної діяльності машинобудівних підприємств, а також класифікацію факторів, які впливають на дифузію. Диссертацию посвящено решению научного и прикладного задания управления распространением результатов инновационной деятельности машиностроительных предприятий. Впервые разработана функциональная модель рефлексивного управления диффузией результатов инновационной деятельности предприятий, основанная на моделях матричных игр для построения оптимальных смешанных стратегий диффузии результатов инновационной деятельности. Усовершенствованы методические положения по оценке состояния и альтернативной корректировки процесса диффузии результатов инновационной деятельности машиностроительных предприятий. Развито понятие «диффузия результатов инновационной деятельности предприятия», процесс декомпозиции и концептуальную модель диффузии результатов инновационной деятельности предприятий, классификацию видов диффузии результатов инновационной деятельности машиностроительных предприятий, а также классификацию факторов, влияющих на диффузию. The first chapter “Theoretical and applied grounds of the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results” discloses the essence and role of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results, considers results of innovative activities of enterprises as an object of diffusion, and specifies a notion of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results (a phenomenon, which accompanies a process of commercialization and contemplates through communication channels distribution of new or improved goods, technologies, a brand, a right to produce and use them, creative ideas elevated to know-how, etc. among potential consumers (users) over time and space). Unlike other scientists, the author has taken into account specified inherent features of diffusion and has concretized the relations between them to form own definition of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. The author has specified and supplemented a classification of types of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. In contrast to the current classifications, the proposed classification takes into consideration the nature of relations between factors. This is important in applying the factor analysis for choosing one managerial decision among a number of alternative ones. Such peculiarity has enabled to enhance their classification through introducing new classification features (in terms of object, level, geographic coverage, direction of implementation, initiating entities), to optimize and integrate classification features, to eliminate the repetition of the features, and to determine belonging of a certain type. Furthermore, the author has developed a conceptual model of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results, which, in contrast to the existing ones, describes the interaction of its key elements (principles, participators, processes, results, factors affecting a diffusion process) and concretizes a functional purpose and the essence of these elements. According to the model, there are interrelations between key components of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. These interrelations imply that participators of diffusion relations, who are guided by particular principles and influenced by factors affecting the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results and stipulating their nature, quality, and success, provide a process of diffusion of innovations in order to obtain a final result. In the second chapter “Analysing and assessing the status of the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results”, the author improves provisions on assessing the status of the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results. In contrast to the existing ones, the suggested provisions takes into account size of markets and diffusion velocity, market segmentation, and a level of filling a market gap of a market segment. This allows indicating factor and resultative features of the phenomenon of diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results as well as revealing and using reserves of intensification of the diffusion phenomenon for analytical purposes. The author has examined, systematized, and characterized factors affecting the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. The done research has shown that a number of factors, namely size of a market of a diffusion object, a level of diversification of a diffusion object, a concentration ratio for a diffusion object, quality of a diffusion object, price of a diffusion object, a level of development of market communications, the nature of a diffusion object, a level of development of a management system at a diffuser, a level of development of information security within a system for information support of a diffuser, and a level of creativity of a diffuser, influence to the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. Having analysed domestic and foreign experience related to the diffusion of innovations, the author summarizes that regardless of positive tendencies of the status of the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results to improve, it remains relatively unsatisfactory in general. A problem of development of innovations in Ukraine should not be solved at the micro-level only. The absence of appropriate facilities for the interaction of science and entrepreneurship is one of the main problems. In the third chapter “Improving methodical provisions regarding the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results”, the author has enhanced the consequence of stages for decomposition of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results, which take into consideration the conformity of methods for selling innovative products (diffusion tactics) and technologies with existing diffusion models (diffusion strategies). This process enables diffusers to gain positive externalities arising from distribution of own results of innovative activities among market participators. The author has developed a functional model for reflexive management of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results based on models of matrix games for building optimal maxed strategies of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results. Reflexive management aims at achieving a maximum effect from manipulating freedom of choice belonged to a rival or consumer (user) of an object of diffusion. Anticipated effects from applying reflexive management by a diffuser may be maximum, minimum, or medium. Applying of the functional model for reflexive management of the diffusion of enterprise innovative activity results by diffusers will conduce to strengthening their competitive positions and accelerating distribution of innovations and other results of innovative activities in a market. This measure will enhance economic efficiency of processes concerned with commercialization of innovations in general. In addition, the author has improved an approach to building a system of alternative approaches to correcting a process of the diffusion of machine-building enterprise innovative activity results owing to applying the Dijkstra’s algorithm. This algorithm differs from the existing ones by an opportunity to cease implementation of a strategy for promotion of results of innovative activities under achieving the value of a planned target indicator at one of stages of a chosen strategy. An advantage of applying the Markov chains contemplates that enterprises, which specialize in promoting goods, possess a considerable amount of retrospective information to be used for analysing various diffusion models, namely their economic efficiency.

One Does Not Simply Create a Meme: Conditions for the Diffusion of Internet Memes

Abstract: Internet memes are particularly popular among young social Web users. Research into this phenomenon is booming. However, the success and diffusion factors of memes remain unclear. This interdisciplinary study delves deeper into the question of how and why memes spread through social media platforms. Based on Spitzberg’s model of meme diffusion and Rogers’ framework on the diffusion of innovations, this study integrates linguistic perspectives on image-based memes. Using a quantitative content analysis ( n = 3,253), this study analyzes the reasons for the successful diffusion of the so-called Merkel Meme on Twitter. The results indicate success factors such as the participation of well-connected early adopter groups like journalists and media organizations in the early stage of the diffusion process as well as image editing.

The E-Banking and the Adoption of Innovations from the Perspective of the Transactions Cost Theory: Case of the Largest Commercial Banks in Lebanon

Abstract: Based on the transactions cost theory, this article aims to explore the adoption and the integration of innovations and e-banking by the largest commercial banks in Lebanon. Referring to Rogers’ models (Diffusion of innovations. The Free Press, A Division of Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1983 [16]; Diffusion of innovations. New York Free Press, 1995 [17]), we studied the effects of this adoption on transactions costs and we presented the key role played by information and communications technology (ICT) in organizations, especially at the cost level. Using a qualitative approach, our study reveals the complexity of this concept, particularly regarding the integration strategies of the latest technological innovations within the banking sector, which appear to be essential for the development and the continuity of the sector at the national and regional levels

Flipping the Diffusion of Innovations Paradigm: Embracing the Positive Deviance Approach to Social Change:

Abstract: The classical diffusion of the innovations paradigm has faced criticism for reifying outside-in, expert-driven approaches to solving problems and for overlooking and rejecting local solutions. In t...

Understanding professional advice networks in long-term care: an outside-inside view of best practice pathways for diffusion.

Abstract: Interpersonal relationships among professionals drive both the adoption and rejection of consequential innovations. Through relationships, decision-makers learn which colleagues are choosing to adopt innovations, and why. The purpose of our study was to understand how and why long-term care (LTC) leaders in a pan-Canadian interpersonal network provide and seek advice about care improvement innovations, for the eventual dissemination and implementation of these innovations. We used a mixed methods approach. An online survey was sent to senior leaders in 958 LTC facilities in 11 Canadian provinces and territories. Participants were asked to name up to three individuals whose advice they most value when considering care improvement and practice innovations. Sociometric analysis revealed the structure of provincial-level advice networks and how those networks were linked. Using sociometric indicators, we purposively selected 39 key network actors to interview to explore the nature of advice relationships. Data were analyzed thematically. In this paper, we report our qualitative findings. We identified four themes from the data. One theme related to characteristics of particular network roles: opinion leaders, advice seekers, and boundary spanners. Opinion leaders and boundary spanners have long tenures in LTC, a broad knowledge of the network, and share an interest in advancing the sector. Advice seekers were similarly committed to LTC; they initially seek and then, over time, exchange advice with opinion leaders and become an important source of information for them. A second theme related to characterizing advice seeking relationships as formal, peer-to-peer, mentoring, or reciprocal. The third and fourth themes described motivations for providing and seeking advice, and the nature of advice given and sought. Advice seekers initially sought information to resolve clinical care problems; however, over time, the nature of advice sought expanded to include operational and strategic queries. Opinion leaders sought to expand their networks and to solicit information from their more established advice seekers that might benefit the network and advance LTC. New knowledge about the distinct roles that different network actors play vis-a-vis one another offers healthcare professionals, researchers, and decision- and policy-makers insights that are useful when formulating best practice dissemination strategies.

The lived experiences of ICT and Engineering Faculty teaching in higher education institutions in Ireland and the United Kingdom, who adopt and implement mobile technology enhanced learning initiatives : a phenomenological investigation

Abstract: This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and lived experiences of information and communications technology teaching faculty and engineering teaching faculty in higher education institutions (all participant and institutional names herein are pseudonyms) who adopt and implement Mobile Technology Enhanced Learning. The theoretical framework was based upon innovation research and informed by applying Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation and Wenger’s Communities of Practice theories. Purposeful sampling was used to target twelve information and communications technology and engineering teachers in Ireland and the United Kingdom who utilised a variety of mobile devices across multiple platforms to enhance teaching and learning. Using phenomenological reduction to analyse data gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, observations, and an online focus group, the study revealed several overarching lessons. Participants experienced feelings of frustration, anxiety and uncertainty due to inadequate and obsolete mobile tools, issues with unreliable technical infrastructure and wireless networking connectivity, and time constraints arising from a sharp learning curve. Participants felt many higher education institute executives need to consult teachers when formulating and implementing an adoption strategy as they perceived a lack of appreciation by many higher education institute executives of their needs for successful adoption and implementation. Participants clearly required significantly more mobile Technology Enhanced Learning focused pedagogies. Learning about mobile Technology Enhanced Learning was mostly personal, predominantly through informal discussions but also professional learning communities of practice. Participants also required more collaboration and networked learning and practically focused continuing professional development and the associated time to acquire it. Participants perceived increased learner collaboration, global communication, motivation, engagement and achievement, and larger number of resources and improved teaching. Most significantly, teachers recognised the superior ability of mobile Technology Enhanced Learning to convey information and communications technology and engineering concepts to learners and consequently improved attrition rates. Keywords: Communities of Practice, CPD, Diffusion of Innovations, learner, mobile learning, mobile technologies, mobile TEL, PLC, teacher, technology adoption, technology enhanced learning, technology implementation, TEL.

Cloud Computing in Government Organizations-Towards a New Comprehensive Model

Abstract: Cloud computing is a new information technology paradigm, one which has been adopted in many different sectors. Many developing countries are working on improving e-government to provide services to their citizens that are integrated and effective. Therefore, the Saudi government has made improving e-government a high priority. The aim of this study is to explore significant factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing in e-government services in Saudi Arabia as a case study. After identifying these factors, we propose a new comprehensive model for the Adoption of Cloud Computing in Saudi G-GOVernment (ACCE-GOV) that has been adopted from the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. This research model examines factors of technological context (compatibility, complexity, service quality, security, and relative advantages), organisational context (top management support, organisation size, and technology readiness), environmental context (regulations and competitive pressures), and social context (awareness, trust, and attitude) in regard to the adoption of cloud computing. Ultimately, this study enhances the decision-making of the Saudi government through understanding and highlighting the most important factors that influence the adoption of cloud computing in an e-government context. This is a position paper, reporting on the work in progress. The findings of this study will be useful for the researchers who considers suitability of different methodological approaches for cloud computing adoption and evaluation.

Drip Irrigation Technology: Analysis of Adoption and Diffusion Processes

Abstract: Increasing concerns about water scarcity have promoted the adoption and diffusion of irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation, which allow farmers to use water in a more efficient way, while saving water resources. While some dry regions have embraced drip irrigation, this technology remains scarcely deployed on a global scale. In this chapter we provide an overview of the processes underlying the adoption and diffusion of innovations, with a focus on the specific context of the adoption and diffusion of drip irrigation technology within the agricultural community of Cartagena, in Southeast Spain. Our final aim is to inform policy makers charged with the designing of initiatives aimed at saving water and at increasing climate change resilience in agricultural contexts. Our main insights suggest that effective policies focused on irrigation technology uptake should consider social, economic, technological and environmental factors affecting adoption and diffusion dynamics, and specifically those factors that define perceptions of water scarcity, such as water prices and availability of water.

A qualitative study of the dissemination and diffusion of innovations: bottom up experiences of senior managers in three health districts in South Africa

Abstract: In 2012 the South African National Department of Health (SA NDoH) set out, using a top down process, to implement several innovations in eleven health districts in order to test reforms to strengthen the district health system. The process of disseminating innovations began in 2012 and senior health managers in districts were expected to drive implementation. The research explored, from a bottom up perspective, how efforts by the National government to disseminate and diffuse innovations were experienced by district level senior managers and why some dissemination efforts were more enabling than others. A multiple case study design comprising three cases was conducted. Data collection in 2012 – early 2014 included 38 interviews with provincial and district level managers as well as non- participant observation of meetings. The Greenhalgh et al. (Milbank Q 82(4):581-629, 2004) diffusion of innovations model was used to interpret dissemination and diffusion in the districts. Managers valued the national Minister of Health’s role as a champion in disseminating innovations via a road show and his personal participation in an induction programme for new hospital managers. The identification of a site coordinator in each pilot site was valued as this coordinator served as a central point of connection between networks up the hierarchy and horizontally in the district. Managers leveraged their own existing social networks in the districts and created synergies between new ideas and existing working practices to enable adoption by their staff. Managers also wanted to be part of processes that decide what should be strengthened in their districts and want clarity on: (1) the benefits of new innovations (2) total funding they will receive (3) their specific role in implementation and (4) the range of stakeholders involved. Those driving reform processes from ‘the top’ must remember to develop well planned dissemination strategies that give lower-level managers relevant information and, as part of those strategies, provide ongoing opportunities for bottom up input into key decisions and processes. Managers in districts must be recognised as leaders of change, not only as implementers who are at the receiving end of dissemination strategies from those at the top. They are integral intermediaries between those at the at the coal face and national policies, managing long chains of dissemination and natural (often unpredictable) diffusion.

Social media, diffusion of innovations, morale and digital inequality: A case study at the University of Limpopo Libraries, South Africa

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore social media usage in an academic library in South Africa and the factors influencing its use. The primary goal of the study was to examine perceptions surrounding the impact of non-adoption of social media on morale, and to explore the consequences of digital inequality.,Using a qualitative method, in-depth interviews were conducted with a small sample comprising six key informants at the University of Limpopo Libraries.,The findings suggest that non-adoption of social media has a negative influence on morale, and that it is a very necessary tool required for interaction with students as well as promotion and marketing of the library’s resources.,This paper is limited to one academic library in South Africa situated in a rural area. The research suggests that more academic libraries in rural areas be studied to ascertain if geographical location and finance are barriers to social media adoption.,This study addresses non-adoption of social media and suggests ways to improve employee morale and retention. The research contributes to current research.

On the evaluation of the takeoff time and of the peak time for innovation diffusion on assortative networks

Abstract: This paper deals with a generalization of the Bass model for the description of the diffusion of innovations. The generalization keeps into account heterogeneity of the interactions of the ...

Multiple Audiences for Encouraging Research Use: Uncovering a Typology of Educators:

Abstract: Purpose: We apply diffusion of innovations theory to examine two key research questions designed to inform efforts to improve the research–practice gap in education: (1) Are there distinct types of...

Applying the model of diffusion of innovations to understand facilitators for the implementation of maternal and neonatal health programmes in rural Uganda

Abstract: In Uganda, more than 336 out of every 100,000 women die annually during childbirth. Pregnant women, particularly in rural areas, often lack the financial resources and means to access health facilities in a timely manner for quality antenatal, delivery, and post-natal services. For nearly the past decade, the Makerere University School of Public Health researchers, through various projects, have been spearheading innovative interventions, embedded in implementation research, to reduce barriers to access to care. In this paper, we describe two of projects that were initially conceived to tackle the financial barriers to access to care – through a voucher program in the community - on the demand side - and a series of health systems strengthening activities at the district and facility level - on the supply side. Over time, the projects diverged in the content of the intervention and the modality in which they were implemented, providing an opportunity for reflection on innovation and scaling up. In this short report, we used an adaptation of Greenhalgh’s Model of Diffusion to reflect on these projects’ approaches to implementing innovative interventions, with the ultimate goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in rural Uganda. We found that the adapted model of diffusion of innovations facilitated the emergence of insights on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of health systems interventions. Health systems research projects would benefit from analyses beyond the implementation period, in order to better understand how adoption and diffusion happen, or not, over time, after the external catalyst departs.

Understanding Multi-Stage Diffusion Process in Presence of Attrition of Potential Market and Related Pricing Policy

Abstract: In the marketing literature, the concern of researchers for the study of diffusion of innovations is longstanding. The reason being it helps the manager in better understanding and predicting the penetration of innovation among the potential buyers. It has also been proved from past research that there is a definite time delay between the reception of information and the final adoption of a new technological product. Nevertheless, not all well-informed individuals will become eventual adopters because an informed customer will make a purchase decision only if the person is contented with the awareness he/she has received. This article investigates the implications of the informed and uninterested potential adopters using the three-stage structure of the diffusion process. Furthermore, an important aspect that influences the growth and long-term profit for the manufacturer; price has been incorporated into the modeling framework where a pricing policy with maximum expected profit for a new product in a multi-stage diffusion model is proposed. The problem is modeled as an optimal control problem. Further, the formulated model is justified by fitting it on different past sales datasets. The relevance of the developed model is illustrated by a numerical example.