Entrepreneurs'' attitude towards the computer and its effect on e-business adoption

This paper presents research exploring further the concept that many SMEs do not adopt computer based technologies due to decision maker's negative attitudes towards computers generally. Importantly, by assessing the entrepreneur's belief structure, we provide quantitative evidence how SMEs, particularly micros, are affected. Earlier research that addresses technology acceptance model (TAM) suggests that TAM parameters are particularly influential factors of e-commerce adoption, as perceived by top managers of SMEs. The model we develop is tested using a sample of 655 enterprises. The information was gathered, via a telephone survey of UK SMEs, from decisions makers in the enterprise. Technically, the paper uses k-means cluster analysis to segment respondents using the TAM perceptions, ease of use, usefulness and enjoyment. Based on two determined segments we look at the differential rate of adoption of internet, and the potential adoption of new e-collaborative technologies like video conferencing and electronic whiteboards. The diffusion of internet for low IT utility (LIT) segments was considerably slower than in the high utility segment (HIT). Similarly, the anticipated adoption of e-collaboration technologies was much lower for LIT than HIT. Interestingly, we find that LIT is populated by more micro SMEs than HIT. The results we present are limited however as our sample is considerably underweight in micro SMEs, suggesting that the problem may be much larger in the economy than our model predicts. For policy makers, this research confirms the value of knowledge transfer programs to SMEs in the form of technology support. Our research shows that organisations which have dedicated IT support will tend to be more advanced technologically than those that do not. The implication for entrepreneurs is if they can be persuaded that a technological route is beneficial to them, and that suitable support can be provided via KT, then operational efficiency gains could be made. This paper contributes to knowle

The search for innovators and early adopters of e-collaborative technologies within small and medium sized enterprises in the UK

New product diffusion theory predicts that innovators and early adopters are critical to the success of new innovations. The rate at which enterprises adopt e-Science technologies must therefore rely upon reliable market intelligence so that the critical early stages of adoption are successfully navigated by developers and planners. Failure to understand attitudes towards new technologies can lead to even useful technologies being under-adopted. This paper applies a survey based methodology to develop estimates of demand for web based virtual Collaborative technologies. We show that approximately 76% of the 1029 firms that we interviewed are technologically ready to deploy these technologies. We also show that 10% of all firms are ready look at these technologies as solutions to collaborative problem solving

Developing an e-infrastructure for social science

We outline the aims and progress to date of the National Centre for e-Social Science e-Infrastructure project. We examine the challenges faced by the project, namely in ensuring outputs are appropriate to social scientists, managing the transition from research projects to service and embedding software and data within a wider infrastructural framework. We also provide pointers to related work where issues which have ramifications for this and similar initiatives are being addressed

Smallpox: Federal, State, and Regional Plan

Since September 11. 2001 there has been an increased threat of a chemical or biological attack on America. One of the most likely agents to be used in such an attack is smallpox. The federal government has developed guidelines to assist the state and local governments in rolling out a smallpox vaccination plan for their citizens. Each state invited all of their local health departments to develop a plan of vaccinating healthcare workers against smallpox. Outlined in the following sections are those federal, state, and local smallpox plans.Master of Public Healt

Earnings Assimilation of Immigrants in Germany: The Importance of Heterogeneity and Attrition Bias

Heterogeneity in the ethnic composition of Germany's immigrant population renders general conclusions on the degree of economic integration difficult. Using a rich longitudinal data-set, this paper tests for differences in economic assimilation profiles of four entry cohorts of foreign-born immigrants and ethnic Germans. The importance of time-invariant individual unobserved heterogeneity and panel attrition in determining the speed of assimilation is analysed. We find evidence for heterogeneity in the assimilation profiles and for robust assimilation profiles for two entry cohorts only. Omitted variables, systematic sample attrition and the presence of second generation immigrants in the sample influence the speed of assimilation, but do not change the overall picture

FT4E: The Optimization of a Proven Modular Industrial Gas Turbine

This paper reviews the design of the latest version of the United Technologies FT4 modular industrial turbine. This FT4E design program was initiated early in 1976 and is scheduled for production in 1979. The broad experience of the FT4 is reviewed to show the basis for the design concepts and parameters that were the basis of the FT4E program.</jats:p