Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Jorge Gaytan

Abstract

Business leaders' lack of effective technology strategies results in lower quality products in the machining industry. This multiple case study was an exploration of the strategies that machining industry business leaders in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) used to implement technology training. The population consisted of 9 business leaders from 3 machining industry SMEs in the southeastern United States who had successfully used technology-training implementation strategies. The conceptual framework for this study was the reasoned action theory, as demonstrated through the technology acceptance model (TAM). The data collection process included semistructured interviews and organizational documentation. Data analysis was conducted following Yin's 5-step approach. Data were compiled and organized, disassembled into fragments, reassembled into sequence of groups, and interpreted for meaning. Methodological triangulation and member checking validated the trustworthiness of those interpretations. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: ensuring technology preparedness, delivering appropriate employee training, and overcoming barriers to implementation. The implications of this study for positive social change include the potential to establish a workforce with high technology skills that is prepared to provide an improved quality of life for themselves and their families.

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