Dissertation Information for Hassan J. Thabit NAME: - Hassan J. Thabit
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1987)
ADVISORS: - E. Blanche Woolls
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Allen Kent - William Nasri - Lawrence Howard
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: Information transfer: The diffusion of microcomputers in Saudi Arabian universities
Abstract: The study's purpose was to examine the diffusion of micros in Saudi Arabia in relation to hardware, software, users, and protential users. The study investigated the micro use by university students and faculty and identified available micro hardware and software. The study determined the source and channels of communications used and needed for the diffusions of micros and examined the vendor's role as information provider. Factors affecting the diffusion were investigated and the overall diffusion was evaluated as to: relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Questionnaires and interviews were used, and the subjects were students and faculty members, and micro vendors.
The findings showed that micros were perceived to have relative advantages, compatibility, simplicity, trialability, and observability by the study's social systems. Of the students and faculty surveyed, 28.6% used micros and the social network for micros was found to be generally established. However, vendor communication with clients was perceived as not very effective even though clients perceived vendors to have empathy and homophily.
Four factors were perceived to hinder micro diffusion: limited availability of Arabic micro literature; limited availability of university courses about micros; limited services including maintenance, training, and consultation; and lack of public awareness. Conversely, the following problems were found: abnormal, vague appearance of Arabic characters on the screen; lack of Arabic software; confusing Arabic computer terminology; and difficulty programming in Arabic. The absence of copyright policy for software was also determined to affect the development of software.
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MPACT Scores for Hassan J. Thabit A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:23:02
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