QUESTION ONE [50]

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

Adoption of new information technologies in rural small businesses

G Premkumar & M Roberts

The media discussion on `information superhighway', `Internet' and `national information infrastructure (NII)' has highlighted the potential of information technology in modern society. The changes in information and communication technologies provide both opportunities and threats to small businesses located in rural communities. The objective of this study is to identify the state of use of various communications technologies and the factors that influence the adoption of these technologies in small businesses located in rural communities in the US. A research model is postulated that contains 10 independent variables under three broad categories innovation, organizational and environmental characteristics. The dependent variable, adoption of information and communication technologies, is measured as the degree of adoption of four modern communication technologies by the organization. Data from 78 organizations were collected using a structured interview process. The results of data analysis using statistical analysis indicate that relative advantage, top management support, organizational size, external pressure and competitive pressure are important determinants of adoption.

Source: G Premkumar & M Roberts (1998) Adoption of new information technologies in rural small businesses, Omega, College of Business, Iowa State University, USA, Volume 27, Issue 4, August 1999, Pages 467-484, available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305- 0483(98)00071-1, accessed on: 30/01/2020

1.1. Identify the objective of this study. (2)

1.2. Recognize the dependent variable (2)

1.3. Use a diagram to illustrate and discuss the four (4) Probability Sampling techniques for a population of 20 people. (20)

1.4. Define the sample population (2)

1.5. Classify the data collection method used in the above study. (2)

1.6. Develop ten (10) questions you would include in the interview schedule to achieve the objective. (20)

1.7. State the data analysis used in the above study. (2)