A Hybrid Approach Based on Fuzzy TOPSIS-AHP for Ranking and Classifying MOOC Key Acceptance Factors

This investigation is done during COVID-19 to identify, rank, and classify MOOC (massive open online course) key acceptance factors (KAFs) from an Indian perspective. A systematic literature review identifies 11 KAFs of MOOC. One more novel factor named ‘contingent instructor' is proposed by the authors considering pandemic and new normal post-COVID-19. The paper implements two popular fuzzy MCDM (multiple-criteria decision-making) techniques, namely fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy AHP, on 12 KAFs. The fuzzy TOPSIS approach is used to rank factors. Affordability, performance expectancy and digital didactics are found as the top three KAFs. Fuzzy AHP classified KAFs into three groups, namely high, moderate, and low influential. Examination of the literature indicates that this study is among the first attempt to prioritize and classify MOOC KAFs using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy AHP approach. The results offer managerial guidance to stakeholders for effective management of MOOC, resulting in higher acceptance rate. Likewise, this investigation will upgrade the comprehension of MOOC KAFs among academicians.

The Social Acceptance Factors for Insulation Boards Produced With CO2-Derived Foam

The negative consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions have incited research to focus on developing sustainable technologies to reduce the use of fossil raw material. Carbon Capture and Utilization is such a technology. It reuses captured CO2 as raw material for the production of salable products. Beyond their technical and economic feasibility, the acceptance of these products is vital for the successful roll-out of the technology. The two-step empirical study—a qualitative preliminary study (n = 8 experts, n = 16 laypeople) and a quantitative survey study (N = 643)—described in the present paper focused on the acceptance of insulation boards produced by means of CCU by its potential Dutch and German consumers. The study aimed to quantify the level of public acceptance of the product, to identify perceived (dis)advantages, and to pinpoint the drivers behind the acceptance. In the survey, respondents evaluated cognitive and affective acceptance factors, as well as the acceptance of the use of plastic in the product. The results showed that the respondents had little knowledge on CCU, but that CCU insulation boards were nevertheless accepted rather than rejected, with the benefit perception being the common predictor for the three acceptance measures. Public communication and policy should address the product’s (environmental) benefits and foster an increase in the public awareness of the technology.

Influential Factors for Older Users’ Acceptance of eHealth Services: an Integrated Acceptance Framework (IAF) (Preprint)

BACKGROUND eHealth and Telehealth play a crucial role in assisting older adults who visit hospitals frequently or who live in nursing homes and can benefit from staying at home while being cared for. Adapting to new technologies can be difficult for older people. Thus, to better apply these technologies to older adults’ lives, many studies have analyzed acceptance factors for this particular population. However, there is not yet a consensual framework to be used in further development and the search for solutions. OBJECTIVE This paper presents an Integrated Acceptance Framework (IAF) for the older user’s acceptance of eHealth, based on 43 studies selected through a systematic review. METHODS We conducted a four-step study. First, through a systematic review from 2010 to 2020 in the field of eHealth, the acceptance factors and basic data for analysis were extracted. Second, we carried out a thematic analysis to group the factors into themes to propose and integrated framework for acceptance. Third, we defined a metric to evaluate the impact of the factors addressed in the studies. Last, the differences amongst the important IAF factors were analyzed, according to the participants’ health conditions, verification time, and year. RESULTS Through the systematic review, 731 studies were founded in 5 major databases, resulting in 43 selected studies using the PRISMA methodology. First, the research methods and the acceptance factors for eHealth were compared and analyzed, extracting a total of 105 acceptance factors, which were grouped later, resulting in the Integrated Acceptance Framework. Five dimensions (i.e., personal, user-technology relational, technological, service-related, environmental) emerged with a total of 23 factors. Also, we assessed the quality of the evidence. And then, we conducted a stratification analysis to reveal the more appropriate factors depending on the health condition and the assessment time. Finally, we assess which are the factors and dimensions that are recently becoming more important. CONCLUSIONS The result of this investigation is a framework for conducting research on eHealth acceptance. To elaborately analyze the impact of the factors of the proposed framework, the criteria for evaluating the evidence from the studies that have extracted factors are presented. Through this process, the impact of each factor in the IAF has been presented, in addition to the framework proposal. Moreover, a meta-analysis of the current status of research is presented, highlighting the areas where specific measures are needed to facilitate e-Health acceptance.