3.2 THEORATICAL FRAMEWORK
3.2.3 Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT)
39 | P a g e
of the implications for this study, prevalence of unregulated or unplanned rapid densification along the coastal areas of uMnini Trust traditional council, has caused serious environmental degradation and compromise sustainable urban development as there are housing or settlement (social development) occurring within Coastal Management Zone that supersedes environmental protection as discussed by Ferando (2003) and Hove (2004). When these pillars of sustainability are not balanced, sustainable development goals are compromised which is not good for future generation. In this study, social development has eventually superseded environmental management, as the people are degrading agricultural potential areas in search for cheaper farm land in peri-urban areas.
3.2.3 Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT)
40 | P a g e
Figure 3.4: The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT)
(Data Source: Vankatesh et al, 2003)
In reference to this study, remote sensing and GIS are computer-based systems used for many operations and applications through their wide implementation in many disciplines (Chang, 2010). The integration of these innovative and efficient systems assists the municipalities, and other institutions to understand how LULCC change affects and interacts with global earth systems, therefore, information is needed on what changes occur, where and when they occur, moreover the rates at which they occur, and the social and physical forces that drive those changes (Lambin, 1997). In case of this study, changes in land cover and in the way, people use the land have recognized over the last 15 years is important for environmental management and development planning (Turner, 2002). The emergence of the high-tech like GIS and remote sensing systems has assisted in a consistent monitoring and modelling of land use/land cover patterns.
According to Kachhwala (1989), the application of remotely sensed data made possible to study the changes in land cover in less time, with a better accuracy in association with GIS that provides suitable platform for data analysis, update, and retrieval (Chilar, 2000; Kachhwala, 1989). However, despites the positive outcomes of these systems it is maintained in Alwahaishi and Snasel (2013) that in developing countries, it is the lack of top management support and capital resources that stand as barriers in information technology adoption and advancement.
41 | P a g e
3.2.3.2 Principles of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model
According to van Schaik (2009) in relation to Figure 3.4 above, there are four core constructs of the UTAUT which include; performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitation conditions.
Vankatesh et al (2003) and van Schaik (2009) contend that performance expectancy refers to the mentality of the user of the system either remote sensing or GIS believing that the use of the system can help in performing the task. Effort expectancy also depends on the user behavior that the system that he/she is using will be easy to use based on the skills the practitioner possesses. Social influence includes external forces such as other humans who influences the user of the system. The final contrast, facilitating conditions are based on the user behavior that the organizational and technical infrastructure are there to assist in the use of the system.
The abovementioned factors are influenced by experience, age, gender, and voluntariness of use from the practitioner for effective acceptance of the technology in the organization or government (Vankatesh et al, 2003; van Schaik, 2009; Williams et al, 2015; Ahmad et al, 2014). The prevalence and use of GIS and other related geospatial technologies by the municipalities like eThekwini Metropolitan and other institutions for their day-to-day operations make it easier for decision-making process. However, as illustrated by Vankatesh et al (2003), the effectiveness and accuracy of these technologies entirely depends on the vast experience and age of the user. In terms of this study, acceptance of geospatial technologies such as GIS and remote sensing for mapping and monitoring land use and land cover change for development planning could help the authorities for supplementary planning methods and to resolve complex spatial related problems.
3.2.3.3 Lessons from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT)
Different organizations and government departments require advanced technology and innovation to perform their day-to-day duties and to acquire current and up-to-date information that helps in decision making process. The acceptance and use of the advanced technologies like remote sensing and GIS, requires the practitioner with relevant skills and expertise, and vast experience to use the technology in order to yield high accuracy results. To obtain best results within municipalities and other institutions for planning and other software purposes, as depicted on Figure 3.4 this is entirely depends on the user behavior and belief that the system (in this context GIS and remote sensing) will assist in completing tasks. The acceptance of remote sensing and GIS and their use for development planning requires the organization and local government to have technical infrastructure in order to enable the effective use of the system. The application of these
42 | P a g e
systems contributes to human wellbeing because their ease of use, ability to achieve the task, and their positive impact on the workplace performance.