Information technology adoption and implementation in higher education: evidence from a case study in Lebanon

Abstract

Purpose Research has shown that information technology has a tremendous effect on higher educational (HE) institutions. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that would depict and highlight on the financial, cultural, political and social difficulties that affect the adoption of technology in HE institutions.

Design/methodology/approach In this study, it is hypothesized that cultural, political and financial resources of the university administrative body, together with the employees’ background in terms of academic experience and education, shape the approach to a successful IT adoption. To investigate the proposed framework, a survey targeting employees, and an interview targeting IT managers were conducted.

Findings The results indicate that the university structural framework together with IT knowledge and awareness at the university administrative level restrains any individual cultural and political effects on the IT adoption even if it is implemented partially.

Research limitations/implications First, the respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Second, the data were collected through self-report questionnaires.

Practical implications The results of this study are important for university administrators, technology suppliers and donors, as this may contribute to better understanding of the factors that could influence the adoption, management and use of ICT resources for enhancing the knowledge of the university capabilities.

Originality/value This study is the first one to address the integration of IT in HE institutions in the region; the results have implications for IT adoption in such institutions. More importantly, the study suggests a framework that reveals multiple levels of influence that impact the adoption and implementation of IT in the institutions.