Research Method Cost Effectiveness

Question: Discuss about the Research Method Cost Effectiveness. Answer: Introduction: According to Fabrizio and Hawn (2013), Wejnert defines diffusion of innovations is the spread of abstract concepts, ideas and actual practices applied in a system where the spread takes place via influence and communication. It is argued that the theory adds relative advantage such as cost effectiveness, reinvention and explains the complexities and task issues along with it. However, the theory is criticized for having a pro-innovation bias that assumed change is always good. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Edmunds, Thorpe and Conole (2012) state technology acceptance as the way people adopt and accept technology for usage. It mentions the psychological factors affecting technology accepted as developed by Davis for explaining technology use. According to the above figure, the perceived usefulness and ease of use serves as a mediator of actual system use. The two constructs help in underpinning the TRA as there is a link established between attitudes, intentions and actual system usage. Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour The Theory of Planned Behaviour helps in predicting the behaviour of people not having complete volitional control. Further, the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour focuses on the factors and beliefs that influences subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behavioural control (Zolait 2011). Dynamic capability theory involves the firms ability to build, integrate and reconfigure the rapidly changing business environments. They are necessary to meet challenges and build strategic assets such as technology, capability and customer feedback (Fabrizio and Hawn 2013). The stakeholder theory was originally formulated by Edward Freeman that considers the responsibility of managers to serve in the best possible interest of the shareholders (Fabrizio and Hawn 2013). Review of Empirical Research The following theories along with the empirical research from below provide a valuable starting point for studying the relationship between employee awareness and benefits of adopting ICT in the organization. Authors Purpose Variable from Research Methodology Limitation Extraction Chugh, Wibowo and Grandhi (2016) Determine the level of awareness of sustainable practices by Indian ICT professionals ICT usage Questionnaire using quantitative methodology Small sample size, geographical restriction Large organizations with more than 1000 employees have environmental sustainability awareness. Cecere et al. (2014) Studying the pattern of innovative activity in green ICT High growth, technological pervasiveness and other actors Qualitative using case study analysis The research method adopted in complex in nature There is high innovative activity where there is high growth and technological pervasiveness Radu (2016) Identifying emerging research trends in adopting green ICT. Economic, regulatory and ethical determinants Qualitative using review of existing literature No empirical test is made. General and specific determinants analysed separately. A few determinants of ICT adoption are competitiveness, cost reduction, dynamic of industry and various others. Khor et al. (2015) Overview of green IT applications Organizational theories Green IT/ IS implementation Qualitative using review of existing literature No primary method of data collection is used. No methodological aspects for application of theory are discussed. Organizations are increasingly becoming environmental-responsive. Buchalcevova and Gala (2013) Shows the drivers and inhibitors that influence Green ICT diffusion in Czech SMEs. Perceiving inhibitors and drivers Quantitative using survey No existing literature supporting concepts and theories are provided. There is lack of government support and incentives in adoption of green ICT practices. Peng (2013) Importance and impact of environmental challenges in the ICT industry ICT and environmental challenges Qualitative using review of existing literature The results are limited to China industry. Green ICT Conceptual Framework Technological Context System Quality Individual Impact Information Quality Organizational Context Low Financial Cost Positive Organizational Culture Technical Competence Environmental Context Less Energy Usage Low Environmental Footprint According to the above figure, it can be interpreted that the technological context, organizational context and environmental contexts, there is a difference in green employee awareness. The firm adopting technological innovations, both in equipment and processes make employees aware. Organizational context such as availability of resources, firm size and their culture also affects the employee awareness. Lastly, the environmental factors such as energy usage, impact on environment also affect employee awareness level and green ICT adoption. H0= There is an inverse or no relationship between employee awareness and adoption of ICT. H1= There is a positive relationship between employee awareness and adoption of ICT. Research Design and Methodology The research paradigm adopted for this study is epistemology. It is concerned with addressing facts that are acceptable. It also consists of acceptable knowledge about the information that can be treated as a fact. The philosophy is used as the information regarding employee awareness and ICT can be proved without doubt rather than opinions and changeable situations (Welman et al. 2012). The research philosophy adopted for the research study is positivism. Positivism generates hypotheses or research questions that can be tested allowing to measure acceptable and actual knowledge. This research method is adopted as the method chosen for collection and analysis is quantitative in nature (Welman et al. 2012). The methodology adopted for the current research problem is primary in nature. Primary data is adopted as not much secondary information is provided on the same research problem. Also, as it relates to employee awareness, the primary method shall be more suitable than secondary data collection. There is a gap in the existing literature that shall be minimized using this research study. Further, primary data is more relevant and accurately addresses the research intention (Welman et al. 2012). The research is conducted in a Malaysian organization with around 500 employees who shall be a part of the research study. Therefore, the target population is 500 employees. The sample size is chosen as 100 employees as the population size for the study is huge. The sampling is done using the simple random sampling where a group of people are randomly selected for the research study. The entire sampling process is carried in a single step where the people are selected entirely by chance (Welman et al. 2012). The simple random sampling gives equal chance or probability of getting selected. Every individual has an equal chance of getting selected for any subset of individuals (Welman et al. 2012). Approval was generated from the manager of Malaysian organization for conducting the research study. To attain the objectives of research, it required travelling to the Malaysian organization. Written consent of the participants was generated and there was no forceful attempt for involving the participants in the research study. Privacy and confidentiality of the data obtained is maintained. The participants were assured about the study not affecting their employment status (Welman et al. 2012). References Buchalcevova, A. and Gala, L., (2013). Green ICT drivers and inhibitors perceived by the Czech SMEs.Journal of Systems Integration,4(2), p.43. Cecere, G., Corrocher, N., Gossart, C. and Ozman, M. (2014). Technological pervasiveness and variety of innovators in Green ICT: A patent-based analysis.Research Policy, 43(10), pp.1827-1839. Chugh, R., Wibowo, S. and Grandhi, S., (2016). Environmentally sustainable Information and Communication Technology usage: awareness and practices of Indian Information and Communication Technology professionals. Journal of Cleaner Production, 131, pp.435-446. Edmunds, R., Thorpe, M. and Conole, G., (2012). Student attitudes towards and use of ICT in course study, work and social activity: A technology acceptance model approach.British journal of educational technology,43(1), pp.71-84. Fabrizio, K. and Hawn, O., (2013). Enabling diffusion: How complementary inputs moderate the response to environmental policy.Research Policy, 42(5), pp.1099-1111. Khor, K., Thurasamy, R., Ahmad, N., Halim, H. and May-Chiun, L. (2015). Bridging the Gap of Green IT/IS and Sustainable Consumption.Global Business Review, 16(4), pp.571-593. Peng, G.C.A., (2013). Green ICT: a strategy for sustainable development of China's electronic information industry.China: An International Journal,11(3), pp.68-86. Radu, L. (2016). Determinants of Green ICT Adoption in Organizations: A Theoretical Perspective.Sustainability, 8(8), p.731. Welman, C., Kruger, F., Mitchell, B. and Huysamen, G. (2012).Research methodology. 1st ed. Cape Town: Oxford University Press. Zolait, A., (2011). The nature and components of perceived behavioural control as an element of theory of planned behaviour.Behaviour Information Technology, 33(1), pp.65-85.