The adoption of on-demand learning in organizations in the United States
by Cui, Lianbin, Ph.D., SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT CARBONDALE, 2010, 263 pages; 3408625

Abstract:

There is a lack of studies on the current status of the use of on-demand learning in organizations and factors that may accelerate or hold back the acceptance and implementation of on-demand learning in organizations. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the adoption of on-demand learning in organizations in the United States. More specifically, this research was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) Are training professionals familiar with the concept of on demand learning? (2) What are the most commonly practiced on-demand learning applications in organizations? (3) What are the most commonly used on-demand learning devices? (4) Which subject areas are appropriate for applying on-demand learning? (5) What factors explain and predict the adoption of on-demand learning? (6) Does organizational nature (non-profit vs. for-profit) have an impact on the adoption of ondemand learning? (7) Does economic sector have an impact on the adoption of on-demand learning? (8) Does organizational size have an impact on the adoption of on-demand learning? and (9) Does training budget have an impact on the adoption of on-demand learning?

Study results indicated that although many factors influence the adoption of on-demand learning in organizations, compatibility and top management support were the most significant determinants in general. The training budget was a moderator for the adoption of on-demand learning and it amplified the effects of top management support and organizational centralization on the adoption process. The adoption of on-demand learning among small organizations, non-profit organizations, or organizations with relatively small training budgets, was primarily determined by available organizational resources, such as technical infrastructure, financial resources for experimental innovations, professional development opportunities, and investment on training and development. But among for-profit organizations or large organizations (i.e., 1,000 employees and over), the adoption of on-demand learning was primarily determined by its compatibility with organizations and organizational openness. Moreover, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, costs, and customer demand were not significant determinants in this study. In short, organizational factors had a greater explanatory power than innovative, environmental, or individual variables. Recommendations were proposed for future studies.

 
AdviserC. Keith Waugh
SchoolSOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT CARBONDALE
SourceDAI/A 71-07, p. , Jul 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsAdult education; Educational technology; Vocational education
Publication Number3408625
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3408625
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.