Investigation of factors affecting the adoption research information management system (SIMAP) by faculty members of the Tabriz University: Application of innovations diffusion theory

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the adoption of SIMAP by Tabriz University faculty members based on Rogers diffusion of innovation theory. Methodology: The research was conducted through a descriptive-survey method. From 800 faculty members, 260 individuals were randomly selected and questionnaire was distributed among them, Finally, 174 questionnaires (67%) were completed and returned. Data analysis was performed by using T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and Kolmogorov-Smirnov and through Factor analysis. Findings: The Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was not a significant relationship between the mean of adoption rate and the age of Tabriz University faculty members. The results of correlation test showed that characteristics of Rogers diffusion of innovation theory (i.e. “relative advantage”, “trainability”, “compatibility”, “complexity”, “observability”, and “seriousness of university”) were effective in the acceptance of SIMAP. Also there was a significant relation between adoption rate and five of these characteristics. The results also showed that the mean of the adoption rate of SIMAP among the Tabriz University faculty members was 3.10 of 5 confirming that faculty members accepted SIMAP slightly higher than the moderate level. The curve of the adoption rate of SIMAP among the faculty members was normal, and therefore, the plot of the adoption rate of SIMAP versus the time, was an S-shaped curve. Conclusion: this study confirmed The Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory (2003) in the fields of adaptors categories, characteristics of innovation and S-shaped curve, among faculty members of Tabriz University.

Keywords

• information management system
• innovations diffusion theory
• faculty members
• adoption
• simap