Measuring long term effects of technology transfer in developing nations: the case of Internet training at the Romanian Academy of Science

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ruth, Stephen R.

Affiliations: School of Public Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA Tel.: +1 703 993 1789; Fax: +1 703 993 2284; E‐mail: ruth@gmu.edu

Abstract: Technology diffusion in developing nations is dependent on a continuous flow of good training for all users and potential users. Yet relatively little analysis of the results of this training has been done beyond cursory post‐course evaluations. Despite the extensive investments in IT training by donors, multilateral organizations and the national governments, the return on investment for these courses and programs is not clear. This study aims to give a more explicit, long term perspective on IT training in developing nations by employing a popular evaluation model used widely in industry. The Kirkpatrick model treats the training event as only a first step in a process that ultimately involves changing attitudes, behaviors and even life styles. The Romanian Internet Academy case is a pilot study aimed at exploring longer term changes in attitudes and behaviors. While many predictor variables are appropriate, only age, gender, academic productivity and academic discipline were used in this preliminary study. Results indicate that this process can yield useful results for determining the true value of these courses and, just as important, can lead to establishing policies for improving results significantly.

Journal: Information Technology for Development, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 105-121, 2000