Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2018, Educational Studies

With the rapid increase in medical knowledge, the ability to use “point of care” information, and the expectation of transparency in working with patients, practitioners are increasingly compelled to use electronic continuing medical education (eCME). However, despite being less effective, pre-digital practitioners often prefer direct contact with faculty lecturers and taking notes on handouts for formal continuing medical education (CME). As the use of technology for learning inevitably evolves, understanding the process of how professionals adopt it for learning will remain meaningful. The research addressed this issue: How have pre-digital physician assistants continued their professional learning in a digital world? Using a lens of the technology acceptance model and its later iterations as theoretical grounding, qualitative interviews were conducted with a bounded group of nineteen physician assistants who graduated from the same training program from 1979 to 1984 using voice over Internet protocol. The understanding of how pre-digital professionals continue their learning in a digital world can be broken into three themes: (a) individuals who demonstrate a willingness to change adapt their learning practices as technology evolves, (b) motivated learners gravitate toward environments that are rich in devices, programs, and people who encourage their continued use of digitally mediated education, and (c) external requirements from medical professional, governmental, and commercial organizations have rendered the use of technology as mandatory to retrieve authoritative information. The implications of this study were to help individual practitioners and employers more effectively integrate technology into professional learning practices and potentially to influence policy decisions regarding continuing education requirements – both for testing and training and to improve patient care.

Committee: David Stein PhD (Advisor) Subjects: Adult Education; Aging; Continuing Education; Educational Technology; Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2014, Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Technology

Educational technology is prevalent in higher education. An example of educational technology that has become ubiquitous at colleges and universities is a course management system (CMS). Although numerous benefits are associated with course management system use, both for students and faculty members, not all faculty members utilize a CMS. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence CMS adoption for faculty members from community colleges in different Carnegie classification location settings. By determining the factors that most influence CMS adoption, college administrators and state leaders could initiate policy changes to attempt to influence all faculty members to adopt a CMS into their instructional practices. The study found that a reward structure was the factor that most faculty members acknowledged would be most effective in influencing faculty CMS adoption. Further, the study found that different adoption factors affected faculty members differently based on their community college Carnegie location setting. Specific differences regarding the different adoption factors with faculty members from different community college locations were discussed. Finally, several topics for future studies were recommended.

Committee: Berhane Teclehaimanot Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Robert Sullivan Ph.D. (Committee Member); David Meabon Ph.D. (Committee Member); Gregory Stone Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Educational Technology

Doctor of Management, Case Western Reserve University, 2010, Weatherhead School of Management

Technology diffusion research has largely centered on the study of the diffusion of common technological innovations that intersect human activity in business processes (e.g. web-based e-commerce, spreadsheets, ERP systems). There has been less research into the diffusion of specialized technologies in high-risk environments where the potentially highly negative but low probability consequences of adopting the technology can affect the adoption decision and outcomes. Such technologies are typically employed by highly trained individuals, such as surgeons, whose work are enhanced and transformed by the use of technology. Computer assisted surgery (CAS) exemplifies this technology diffusion arena: surgeons must exhibit a high level of trust in such technology, while the risks associated with the use of the technology may be perceived as high though low in probability. Computer assisted surgery, an example of clinically oriented high trust high risk technology, has experienced slow adoption by orthopedic surgeons. We surveyed individual orthopedic surgeons, both in a qualitative study and quantitative study. This inquiry offers three contributions. First, we defined the role that risk and trust plays in the acceptance decision. Second our study links the diffusion decision of the system to the perceived assigned usefulness of the characteristics of the artifacts that make up the system. Third, we extend prior research on technology diffusion to a class of technologies in which trust and high-level risk may play a pivotal influence in the final adoption decision.

Committee: Nicholas Berente Ph.D. (Advisor); Kalle Lyytinen Ph.D. (Advisor) Subjects: Medicine; Technology

Master of Science (M.S.), Xavier University, 2020, Psychology

The current study investigated the relationship between technology readiness (TR; Parasuraman, 2000) and job satisfaction. Participants were recruited via MTurk and assessed on their TR and job satisfaction. The final sample consisted of 93 participants. Findings indicated that overall TR, as well as combined TR drivers, were positively correlated with overall job satisfaction. The TR driver optimism was positively correlated to ability utilization, as well as independence. The TR driver innovativeness was positively correlated with creativity. Combined TR inhibitors were not significantly related to overall job satisfaction, nor were the individual TR inhibitor facets significantly related to the chosen job satisfaction facets. These findings suggest that TR may play a significant role in employee job satisfaction in the modern workplace, and that TR driver facets may hold a more significant role in this relationship.

Committee: Dalia Diab (Committee Chair) Subjects: Organizational Behavior; Psychology; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2018, Manufacturing and Technology Management

The Change Management literature confirms that beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes are critical aspects of successful technology change (Armenakis, Harris, & Feild, 2001; Vakola & Nikolaou, 2005). However, apart from those factors, the literature emphasizes the importance of individual differences. Emotional Intelligence is one of the characteristics that defines individual differences (Mangal, 2007). It is the ability to understand self and others' emotions, and to manage emotions and relationships (Reuven Bar-On, 2006; Goleman, 1998; John D. Mayer, Salovey, Caruso, & Sitarenios, 2001). Emotional Intelligence (EI) influences individual responses to change (Vakola & Nikolaou, 2005; Vakola, Tsaousis, & Nikolaou, 2004). Emerging research also suggests that the Technology Acceptance Model's (TAM) beliefs constructs, perceived ease of use (PEOU), and perceived usefulness (PU) are partial predictors of an individual's behavior (Agarwal & Prasad, 1999). Accordingly, this study attempts to assess crucial factors affecting the intentions to adopt cloud computing by including EI as antecedents to PU and PEOU. The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between EI and users' perceptions and intentions to accept cloud computing. This study showed that the level of EI relates to individual technology acceptance with regard to cloud adoption. The study applied the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence (SSREI) scale to measure EI levels of cloud users using a sample of 310 individuals working in US organizations who have recently adopted cloud computing technology. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed model. The results of hypotheses testing indicate that emotional intelligence is positively and directly related to users' perceived ease of use, users' perceived usefulness, and users' intention to use the cloud computing technology. It also indicates that perceived ease of use is positively related to the perceived usefulness of cloud (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jenell Wittmer PhD (Committee Chair); Margaret Hopkins PhD (Committee Member); Eusing Jung PhD (Committee Member); Mohamed Hefzy PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Business Administration; Information Systems; Information Technology; Management

PHD, Kent State University, 2018, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Ambassador Crawford / Department of Management and Information Systems

The ubiquity of information, in part a consequence of the fast growth of Internet technologies, provides individuals with previously unknown opportunities to acquire and share information about new technology products. One may witness numerous situations where potential adopters observe the decisions (but not the reasoning) of others, and imitate their system usage behaviors. This implies that herd behavior can lead to en mass adoption and subsequent abandonment patterns. Adopting a herding lens, this dissertation investigates individuals' technology adoption and post-adoption behaviors. Drawing on the rich extant literature on technology adoption, post-adoption usage, and technology exploration, and integrating it with other relevant research streams, I aim to shed light on understudied determinants of individual decision-making regarding technological artifacts in highly uncertain environments. Each of the three essays concentrates on investigating different technology-related phenomena, i.e., adoption, usage, and exploration of technology by individuals through the lens of herd theory. My research follows the three-manuscript model. In the first essay, which focuses on the adoption phase, I look at user and technology characteristics and their interaction with the antecedents of herd behavior, observed popularity of prior adoption and perceived uncertainty. In the second essay, I extend my focus to the post-adoptive context and study the impact of the herd effect on how a user's task-technology-fit perceptions evolve over time. I also investigate factors influencing en mass abandonment in herd-like adoption conditions. In the third essay, which focuses on a specific explorative technology usage behavior, I investigate how team-level factors influence herd-like adoption and consequently explorative learning behaviors in the post-adoption stage.

Committee: Greta Polites (Committee Chair); Mary Hogue (Committee Member); Dong-Heon Kwak (Committee Member); Christopher Groening (Committee Member) Subjects: Information Systems

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2018, Instructional Technology (Education)

Despite its benefits, international education places significant demands of a transitional nature on international students that often require them to adapt to language, cultural and social differences. In addition to other academic adjustments, the nature as well as extent of use of digital tools and technology-enhanced academic approaches may constitute an area of adjustment. This study examined international graduate students' use of technology to support learning and scholarship at an academic institution in the midwestern United States. A total of 94 international students (50 males and 44 females) who had completed at least one semester of graduate-level academic study at the target institution participated in an online survey during the Spring 2017 semester. Statistical analysis of the data was undertaken to reveal students' perceptions regarding key factors surrounding academic technology use within their new learning environment, most importantly access to learning technologies, and the academic culture supporting technology integration for teaching and learning. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of four key factors—performance expectancy, instructor influence, facilitating conditions and skill—theorized to be predictors of technology usage diversity. Examination of the relationship between these factors was informed by research literature on technology adoption, specifically, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis & Davis, 2003). A three-way between-subjects ANOVA was also conducted to determine whether differences in usage patterns exist among international graduate students by gender, graduate level, and by country of origin. Open-ended responses were also examined to determine technology-related strategies that could be implemented by instructors and the institution to enhance international students' learning. It was found that international graduate students regard (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Greg Kessler (Committee Chair); David Moore (Committee Member); Danielle Dani (Committee Member); Chris Guder (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Educational Technology; Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2016, Instructional Technology (Education)

This study aimed to investigate predictive factors that influence faculty members at Al-Qunfudah University College to adopt integrating technology into the teaching process by applying the initial four UTAUT factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions to predict the behavioral intention of the faculty to integrate technology in teaching. Barriers that faculty encounter and potential incentives that faculty would receive were highlighted since the college did not have a clear vision toward adopting technology tools yet. A hard-copy survey was distributed among all staff members. Only 142 surveys were collected out of the 185 representing the total size of the faculty. In addition to the survey, ten faculty members were interviewed by the researcher inside the college campus. Multiple regression was used to highlight the influence of these factors on the outcome variable. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to detect whether or not the initial UTAUT variables are correlated with each other. An independent-samples t-test was used to compare the mean scores of faculty's behavioral intentions regarding their gender. One-way ANOVA was directed to identify the differences among three divided groups of faculty's ages on the behavioral intention. As well, it was employed to identify the differences among the three divided groups regarding years of teaching experience on their behavioral intention. The results of the regression analysis revealed that all independent variables predicted the behavioral intention to adopt technology for education; however, performance expectancy and social influence showed as insignificant predictors after controlling for other variables. Results of the interview supported the significant results of all four predictors which represented the triangulation of the study. Also, there were no differences among faculty's behavioral intentions to adopt technology integration in the teachi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Greg Kessler (Committee Chair); Gordon Brooks (Committee Member); Min Lun Wu (Committee Member); Danielle Dani (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Educational Technology; Teaching; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2015, EDU Teaching and Learning

In order to increase the number of American STEM degree recipients, it is important for academics to develop ways to improve students' interest, retention, and success in fields like engineering. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between first-year engineering students' (FYES) perceived (a) knowledge, (b) usefulness, as well as (c) frequency and nature of use of technology and their academic achievement (i.e., grades). This investigation focused on the specific types and uses of educational technology by FYES, while also analyzing differences by race/ethnicity and gender. Previously, scholars have employed a broad definition of technology to describe hardware such as cell phones and computers or software for word processing and web-based applications. Such definitions have been used to understand how collegians, instructors, and professionals interact with technology. In the present study, educational technology signified specific computer and information technology such as computer hardware (e.g., desktops, laptops), computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word/Excel, MATLAB, SolidWorks), electronic devices (e.g., cellphones, tablets, E-readers), and the Internet (e.g., websites, course management systems). Rogers' (1995) technology adoption theory was chosen for the current study as it related well to the present research questions. A multi-step approach (i.e., descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, hierarchical linear regression) was used to analyze survey data from nearly 500 students. Results from the present study determined there were significant racial/ethnic differences in FYES' perceived usefulness as well as frequency and nature of use of technology. There were also significant gender differences in FYES' perceived knowledge and usefulness of technology. Furthermore, FYES' background characteristics significantly predicted their final course grades in the second of two Fundamentals of Engineering courses. Findings (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Paul Post PhD (Advisor); Terrell Strayhorn PhD (Advisor); Lin Ding PhD (Committee Member); Robert Gustafson PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Educational Technology; Engineering; Technology

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2014, Leadership Studies

Individual access to mobile devices has increased dramatically in recent years, and faculty and students are beginning to use smartphones and tablets to support teaching and learning. This correlational study surveys faculty and students at a private, liberal arts university to better understand perceptions about the devices for use in an academic setting. Student and faculty responses are compared using adopter categories and innovation attributes developed by Rogers' (2003) diffusion of innovations. Two survey instruments were developed for this study. The Faculty Smartphone and Tablet Diffusion of Innovations (FSTDIS) and Student Smartphone and Tablet Diffusion of Innovations (SSTDIS) were created based on a previous survey aimed at faculty adoption of a course management system. The surveys were sent to approximately 250 faculty members and between 1,700 and 1,900 students. Results from the surveys were used to address four research questions comparing faculty and students, as well as perceptions of the value of smartphones and tablets in higher education. Findings from this study can be used by university administrators to increase the adoption of mobile devices for academic purposes. Rogers' (2003) diffusion of theory provides a framework for technology adoption in organizations.

Committee: William Ingle (Advisor); Rachel Reinhart (Committee Member); Allison Goedde (Committee Member); Chris Wolverton (Committee Member) Subjects: Educational Leadership; Educational Technology; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2008, ED Physical Activities and Educational Services

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the data collected on ARRT certified radiographers utilizing digital imaging equipment support the modified TAM2 theoretical model in a radiology department where the equipment use is mandated. This study measured model fit using SEM as well as examining a series of dependence relationships between observed exogenous and endogenous variables.The study population consisted of 120 radiographers certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) utilizing direct capture digital radiographic units in The Ohio State University Medical Center Healthcare System. A survey method was used to investigate the applicability of the modified TAM2 utilizing a written questionnaire adapted from previous Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2) studies. The response rate was 92.5%. The results of this study indicate the data does support the implied theoretical model; however age and gender were shown to have little impact on the original model. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were used to examine a series of dependence relationships between observed exogenous and endogenous variables. Two relationships were identified in this study in reference to the intention to use digital imaging equipment in a mandated healthcare environment. A relationship was recognized involving voluntariness and subjective norm and concerning subjective norm and the intention to use the digital imaging equipment. These findings support previous research indicating that the social context in which the technology is employed plays an important role in an individual's decision to ultimately use the technologic innovation.

Committee: David Stein PhD (Advisor); Joseph Gliem PhD (Committee Member); Melanie Brodnik PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care; Information Systems

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Teaching and Learning

This study determined the level of computer use for instructional purposes by technology education teachers in Ohio public schools. The study also investigated the relationships between the level of use and selected factors: expertise; access; attitude; support; and teacher characteristics. This study derived its theoretical framework from Rogers' (1995) model of diffusion of innovations. A survey-correlation research design was used. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to all technology education teachers (N = 1170) in Ohio public schools in the 2002–2003 school year. Validity and reliability were established for the survey instrument. The return rate of the survey was 66%. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. The findings of this study indicated that technology education teachers have high levels of computer use in mainstream computer uses such as word processing, e-mail, Internet, and classroom management. Strong positive correlation existed between the level of computer use and teachers' perceived expertise and teachers' perceived attitude toward computers as tools. In addition, moderate positive correlation existed between the level of use and teachers' perceived access to computers. Multiple regression analysis indicated a positive predictive value toward computer use with the demographic characteristics of instructional experience and modular instructional method, and a negative predictive value with age and urban geographic location. The independent variables that explain the greatest amount of variation in the level of computer use were in order of predictive value: teachers' perceived expertise, attitude, and access. Technology education teachers have high levels of computer use in mainstream applications and low levels of computer use in specialized applications. These levels of use are slightly lower than the state levels. Those teachers that possess expertise are the ones who use the computer for instructional purposes. Pos (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Paul Post (Advisor) Subjects: Education, Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2009, Operations

This dissertation is comprised of three essays. The first, “Optimal Marketing Strategies for Competing New Ventures in a Nascent Industry” has been originally accepted for publication in the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. It considers new ventures that are pioneering a nascent industry. Just as their established counterparts do, these ventures strive to increase profit by acquiring sales of rival new ventures. However, new ventures can also grow by attracting unrealized sales. The essay investigates the resulting tradeoff in marketing expenditures via a differential game between two competing new ventures. Extensive numerical analysis suggests that an increase in a new venture's unit profit margin, effectiveness in gaining new sales, or initial sales level, but a decrease in sales decay, may cause a positive spillover for its rival. The second essay, “Integrating Customer Preferences with Technology Adoption and Product Redesign in a Duopoly” focuses on a firm's decision to add a technology that changes how customers interact with the firm's product. We formulate a two-stage game-theoretic framework to investigate the conditions under which two competing firms should add a technology, and how a firm that adopts technology should redesign its product to incorporate technology. We investigate how prospective and existing customers' preferences for the technology and the product-technology fit should affect the firm's adoption and product redesign decisions. We articulate conditions for the existence of a Nash equilibrium where both firms add technology, and demonstrate that customer preferences for technology standardization may actually impede standardization. The third essay, “New Product Positioning for a Segmented Market” focuses on how competing firms should set price and quality for a new technologically-advanced product. The targeted market is comprised of two customer segments that differ in innovativeness. We analyze a c (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Moren Levesque (Advisor); Lisa Maillart (Committee Member); Bo Carlsson (Committee Member); Danny Solow (Committee Member) Subjects: Management; Operations Research; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2008, Management Information and Decision Systems

Over two decades MIS Research has identified wide range of individual influences which shape user attitude and lead to the initial acceptance of new technology. The research has emphasized expanding the knowledge base of attitudinal influences that shape the development of intention to use. Far less is known regarding the development of usage behaviors and their integration and habitualization within existing practices after the initial acceptance. This research explores the relationship between intention to use, habit development, and the actual long-term use of technology. It compares between the development of individual habit and technology use in voluntary conditions where individual choice drives use, versus habitualization in mandated settings where organizational rules define the nature of usage patterns. In voluntary settings cognitive attitudes and intentions drive the behavior of individuals. In organizationally mandated settings, usage behaviors establish habits which subsequently shape attitudes regarding the technology. The study shows significant differences between the attitude-behavior relationship in voluntary and mandated adoption settings. It also shows that individual habit is a significant mediator between attitudes and behavior. In voluntary users behavioral intention is a significant influence on use, but it also shapes development of habits. In mandated setting technology use is not significantly related to attitudes and intentions, but instead shapes individual habit, which mediates between use and attitude formation. The salience of habit builds attitudes towards technology, but also weakens active cognition (behavioral intention) as the driver which initiates use.

Committee: Betty Vandenbosch (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2023, Manufacturing and Technology Management

Blockchain technology (BCT) is a novel technology that can significantly change the business operations and models that we have today. It offers various advantages such as automation, improved efficiency, faster processing, cost savings, enhanced trust, and the elimination of intermediaries. BCT has many applications across diverse industries, including finance, commerce, food and agriculture, healthcare, education, and supply chain management. Despite its promising potential, the adoption of BCT remains relatively low due to a lack of understanding of the technology and uncertainties regarding its value proposition for businesses. This dissertation topic examines two research questions. First, the topic examines the determinants of blockchain adoption in supply chain management from beyond the dominant perspective. Second, the topic examines how blockchain adoption can create value for firms improving supply chain resilience in order to survive and sustain in a dynamic environment. The dissertation draws on dynamic capabilities theory to conceptualize the BCT adoption as a unique information processing capability that builds supply chain operational capabilities to improve supply chain resilience. Furthermore, the dissertation employs the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, institutional theory, and management fashion theory to identify and theorize paths via which factors influence blockchain adoption. This dissertation employs a survey method to collect data. The unit of analysis is firms that has adopted BCT or have the intention to adopt BCT in supply chain in the United States. The unit of observation is information systems or supply chain professionals who are familiar with blockchain applications in supply chain management (SCM) in different industries. These participants must have at least three years of experience with blockchain-related projects in the SCM. The study collected 320 responses from (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Benjamin George (Committee Co-Chair); Bassam Hasan (Committee Co-Chair); Mai Dao (Committee Member); Kishwar Ahmed (Committee Member) Subjects: Business Administration; Information Systems

Bachelor of Arts, Walsh University, 2022, Honors

When purchasing a good or service, there are now more options than ever when deciding how to pay. Recently, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payment apps have become popular. Extant literature shows that credit cards and mobile payments have an effect on how people interact with purchases, those interactions being evaluated by pain of payment, convenience, and willingness to pay (WTP). However, P2P apps have not yet been evaluated on those same criteria. This study seeks to fill in the gap with a focus on the college-aged population. My study primarily compared P2P apps with debit cards and used cash as a constant. Participants found debit cards more convenient than P2P apps. Participants were willing to pay more with P2P apps than debit cards for lower priced items, but the inverse was found for higher priced items. I recommend that future research expands beyond the scope of this study of college-aged students.

Committee: Dr. Philip Kim (Advisor); Dr. Jennifer Clevinger (Committee Member); Dr. Nina Rytwinski (Committee Member); Dr. Julie Szendrey (Other) Subjects: Finance; Information Systems

Doctor of Management, Case Western Reserve University, 2020, Weatherhead School of Management

Technology disruption is radically challenging contemporary business models forcing business leaders to adopt and innovate continuously. Numerous studies have documented factors that determine the success or failure of technology adoption and the timing of adoption. However, there is a lack of studies that examine the specific means through which CEO leadership and capabilities influence IT-business alignment and the timing of technology adoption. In this mixed-methods study, I extend the concept of dynamic managerial capability theory to examine the effect of the transformational leadership characters of a CEO and his or her influence on IT and business alignment. This also includes the timing of technology adoption using the lens of diffusion of innovations theory. I also examine how the chief information officer (CIO) behaviors influence moderates this relationship. This research suggests that when new transformational CEOs are introduced to or promoted within the organization, their ability to adapt to dynamic situations, intellectual stimulation, charisma, and individual consideration shapes the timing of technology adoption. In addition, the CIO's ability to be effective in his or her role, his or her relationship with the CEO, and the ability to be an active member in the top management team is vital for the success of transformation efforts.

Committee: Kalle Lyytinen Ph.D. (Advisor); Philip Cola Ph.D. (Advisor) Subjects: Management; Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2021, Manufacturing and Technology Management

Commercial drones are among the technologies that are capable of changing business drastically. This dissertation aims to study the adoption and operations of commercial drones to provide methodologies and insights for scholars and practitioners into different stages of the commercial drones' lifecycle. The first essay reviews the current body of knowledge towards a broader scope. It provides a comprehensive literature review targeting published articles in top business journals. By using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Diffusion Innovation theory and synthesizing the reviewed literature, the first essay identifies the influential factors on the rate of commercial drones' adoption. The second essay focuses on the post-adoption operational issues of commercial drones in a deterministic environment in which the customers' locations are known and fixed. It analytically studies the logistics planning of hybrid commercial drones and aims to maximize the sustainability of the logistics by evaluating social, environmental, economic costs. Two mathematical models are proposed to maximize the sustainability of logistics planning in a deterministic environment. The third essay incorporates the uncertainty in the customers' locations and proposes a two-step methodology to address such an uncertainty. The proposed methodology consists of scenario-based mathematical modeling to help with strategic decision-making, and a simulation-optimization approach to aid in tactical and operational decision-making. Overall, this dissertation studies the rapid adoption and sustainable operations of commercial drones in deterministic and stochastic environments. It identifies influential factors in the rate of adoption of commercial drones, develops two mathematical models to aid in sustainable logistics planning of commercial drones considering the deterministic customer locations, and proposes a two-step analytical method to assist in strategic, tactical, (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Yue Zhang PhD (Committee Co-Chair); Marcelo Alvarado-Vargas PhD (Committee Co-Chair); Xinghao Yan PhD (Committee Member); Matthew Franchetti PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Management; Operations Research; Sustainability; Technology

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2020, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

With the advent of technology, digital applications and digital devices have permeated our day to day life. While technologies are widely adopted, use and acceptance may vary across groups. Recently, studies have been conducted to monitor and assess the use of these digital technologies within the older population, specifically adults 62+ years or older. Although the studies indicate a growing increase in the usage of these, there is ambiguity around the actual usage of these technologies within this population cohort. This thesis research aims to investigate the use of digital devices and applications within the older population specifically looking at the actual usage of email, cellphones, tablets etc. The research further delves in to understand the number, type and preference of technologies older adults 62+ possess, and understand how they are used at retirement communities.

Committee: Claudia Rebola Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Craig Vogel M.I.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2019, Agricultural and Extension Education

Agriculture constitutes a very important sector for many economies of sub-Saharan African countries. including Malawi. However, most of the countries in this region have historically experienced, and continue to experience, high levels of poverty due to low agricultural productivity. Limited access to information that guides farmers' production decisions has been cited as a key constraint affecting agricultural production in these countries, including Malawi. As such, the Malawi government has recommended improving access to agricultural information as a means for increasing agricultural production. Increased technological advancement in communication has led to an increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as mobile phones and radio, by various agricultural organizations to deliver scientific information to farmers. However, little is known regarding farmers' participation and involvement in these ICTs in terms of content and channel selection despite the country's commitment to promoting farmer-led agricultural transformation.Therefore, this concurrent triangulation mixed methods study sought to explore the drivers of agricultural communication (AGCOM) in Malawi and the impact of AGCOM on farmers' participation in agricultural development. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using surveys, and semi-structured interviews were administered to 71 AGCOM officers working for different agricultural organizations in Malawi and 30 farmers. The findings indicated that the availability of funds, existing policies, organizational mission, and the agricultural calendar were the main factors that influenced development and dissemination of AGCOM. Additionally, it was indicated that AGCOM officers do not have perceived control over the communication process even though their role is to package and disseminate the information using various communication channels promoted by their organizations. Farmers also reported not havi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mary Rodriguez (Committee Co-Chair); Emily Buck (Advisor); Jera Niewoehner-Green (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Education