Establecimiento de las conductas problemas / meta

The quantitative data was designed and collected in an online survey format, where 22 respondents successfully completed the survey. Questions were grouped under a series of categories, informed by key research questions and contributing factors from the literature. A descriptive qualitative analysis method was used with measurable, interpretative and narrative tools to organise and analyse relevant data collected from the survey response schedule developed to study the research problem. Narrative analysis as described by Kaplan and Maxwell (1994:49) connotes ―analyzing the relationships between elements in a particular text, situation, or sequence of events‖.

Data was analysed by means of the classification of related questions under a set of mutually related categories. This was facilitated by each research sub-question as the focal point of inference; the rate of responses under each category of leading research question and data from the respondents was analysed qualitatively and interpreted using a descriptive data analysis tool. The graphs showed varying percentage levels of answers from the different questions in each category. A narrative summary of the graphs in each category was of descriptive nature with the level of response from each question discussed and the implications derived accordingly. The survey was designed to ascertain the knowledge of the participants regarding the factors affecting evaluation and adoption, its importance to business, the role in decision- making and the advantages and benefits realisable, while the interviews aimed at further exploration to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of evaluation and adoption issues.

3.10 Summary

This chapter provided an overview of the research philosophy followed, from which the ontology and epistemology guiding the research were presented and the research paradigm highlighted. The research design was also laid out with a description of the approach, strategy and methods of data collection in both qualitative and quantitative format. In conclusion, the ethical consideration and process followed, was stated.

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In summary, the ontological perspective of the research was a position of subjectivism which believes that phenomena exist because of the social interaction and actions based on the perceptions of actors. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm based on the epistemological view which holds that reality is based on the subjective interpretation of the observer. The study therefore falls into the paradigm classification of the interpretivism of Burrell and Morgan (1979), with the aim to understand the reasons behind the low evaluation and adoption of new technology by SMMEs.

The research followed an inductive approach of inferring to theory, and using findings to propose a set of evaluation guidelines for SMMEs. The research was designed based on qualitative research using multiple methods of data. A multiple case study was adopted as qualitative strategy of enquiry to support multiple organisations, together with a survey to support the results from the qualitative data. Units of analysis consisted of selected SMMEs within the Cape Town Metropolis. Primary qualitative data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data was collected by means of questionnaires together with literature and document analysis as secondary data sources. Both sets of data were analysed and presented in a qualitative manner using thematic analysis, hermeneutics and narratives.

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36Figure 4.1: Graphical representation of Chapter Four

Introduction

Evaluation and adoption of new technology by SMMEs in Cape Town

Analysis of survey

Sample and participant description

Analysis of interview

Keyword and category development Findings Summary Respondent description Categorisation of survey Findings Headline findings

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CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

Chapter Four presents the discussion of the data obtained from the interviews with the research participants and organisational cases of the research study. Categories and themes emerged from the research findings with the use of hermeneutics and thematic analysis methods for the interview data and a descriptive method of the survey data. The findings from the interviews and survey are presented in a narrative as well as descriptive form in relationship with the research questions and sub-questions. The business profile of the research samples, participants and cases of the research study together with their operational sector and number of employees are also described. Figure 4.2 shows the physical context of where the research was carried out in each location. It also shows the bigger Cape Town area including the areas known as the Cape Peninsula and Boland Region.

37Figure 4.2: Map showing the Cape Town Metropolis and the interview locations

Indicates location of interviews within and around Cape Town Metropolis

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The study focuses on the importance and advantages of the evaluation and adoption of new technology with the potential benefit to the business process and ultimately the success of the enterprise. The study was conducted to propose a set of guidelines that could assist SMME owners and managers in making informed decisions on adopting new technology with potential benefits and value for the business.

As stated in Section 1.2.1, one of the many challenges SMMEs are facing is that SMMEs do not sufficiently evaluate the potential, applicability and adaptability of new technology for the business, and as a result lose opportunities to gain a competitive advantage in the market. This can have an impact on the long-term viability of the business.

In an endeavour to find answers to the research problem, two main research questions are asked:

Research Question 1: What are the adoption challenges for SMMEs in terms of the evaluation of new technology?

Research Question 2: How does the evaluation of new technological innovations affect the adoption of new technologies in SMMEs?

Supporting the problem statement and research questions, the aim of this research is to explore the reasons behind the failure of SMMEs in evaluating and adopting new technology. The exploratory study is aimed at gaining a deeper insight into unknown and previously identified factors in the literature that affect and inhibit evaluation and adoption of new technology in SMMEs. The findings are used to propose a set of ICT evaluation and adoption guidelines for the successful evaluation and adoption of new technology innovations in SMMEs.