Technology Acceptance Model in U.S. Extension: CRM Adoption

QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION OF TAM

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employment. The study adheres to all guidelines set forth by the researcher’s institution and the

regulations outlined by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The well-being and safety of all

participants are prioritized during this process to ensure the minimization of any distress.

Summary

This chapter outlines the research methodology used to investigate CRM technology

usage and considerations in the CES. This qualitative phenomenological approach utilizes

qualitative data collection methods such as surveys and one-on-one semi-structured interviews

with CES professionals. The study aims to explore the potential of CRM systems in enhancing

internal and external communications, client engagement, and outreach efforts for the CES. The

TAM provides the theoretical frameworks to provide insights into the perceived benefits,

challenges, and use cases of CRM implementation. The research is conducted over a three-month

period and engages with land-grant universities to include voluntary participants from as many

diverse institutions as possible. The survey data is collected utilizing JotForm software. One-on-

one semi-structured interviews are conducted over Zoom videoconferencing and transcribed

using AI technology. Subsequently, they are coded for thematic analysis, utilizing connecting

strategies to gain a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon from the data.

To ensure the credibility of this research, multiple data sources are triangulated. The

researcher engages extensively with participants to represent their perspectives fully, and critical

stakeholders provide feedback on the research process. Dependability is enhanced through

complete documentation of data collection efforts and analysis processes, along with regularly

briefing participants and critical stakeholders on the process to gather further insights. The

transferability of the findings is facilitated by providing detailed descriptions of the research

context and participant profiles. Ethical considerations include providing clear explanations to

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