TY - JOUR
T1 - Intelligent support systems in agriculture
T2 - How can we do better?
AU - Lynch, T.
AU - Gregor, S.
AU - Midmore, D.
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - There has been considerable effort and money spent in the development of intelligent support systems (decision support systems and expert systems) for use by farmers, but few systems appear to be adopted for regular use. An examination of the conceptual issues concerning the adoption of innovations, with particular reference to software products, identifies major factors that appear to influence the adoption of these systems by farmers. The conceptual frameworks used for this analysis include Rogers' diffusion theory, the perceived usefulness and ease-of-use of software, software development methods with a focus on the adopter-based approach to technology, and user involvement in the development of an innovation. As a result of this approach, we argue that the low adoption rate of intelligent support systems is understandable and could have been predicted. Different approaches are needed if we are to do better in the future. These include participatory approaches, using 'softer' systems methodologies that acknowledge the importance of involving the user early in the development process and that pay attention to the decision-making styles and social context of potential users.
AB - There has been considerable effort and money spent in the development of intelligent support systems (decision support systems and expert systems) for use by farmers, but few systems appear to be adopted for regular use. An examination of the conceptual issues concerning the adoption of innovations, with particular reference to software products, identifies major factors that appear to influence the adoption of these systems by farmers. The conceptual frameworks used for this analysis include Rogers' diffusion theory, the perceived usefulness and ease-of-use of software, software development methods with a focus on the adopter-based approach to technology, and user involvement in the development of an innovation. As a result of this approach, we argue that the low adoption rate of intelligent support systems is understandable and could have been predicted. Different approaches are needed if we are to do better in the future. These include participatory approaches, using 'softer' systems methodologies that acknowledge the importance of involving the user early in the development process and that pay attention to the decision-making styles and social context of potential users.
KW - Adoption
KW - Agriculture
KW - Decision support systems
KW - Expert systems
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0033857715&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1071/EA99082
DO - 10.1071/EA99082
M3 - Article
SN - 0816-1089
VL - 40
SP - 609
EP - 620
JO - Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
JF - Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
IS - 4
ER -