Models and Theories in Human-Computer Interaction/Small Business and TAM

The Technology Acceptance Model is best used to measure the rate in which companies adopt new technology that impacts work performance. Usefulness and ease of use as the primary factors used to evaluate new technologies in the workplace. The TAM model differs greatly from the Diffusion model, which relies heavily on the evaluation of societal factors over time.

In the case for a local, family owned heating and air conditioning business that has been in business for 20 years the decision to upgrade their computer systems and office management software to Windows 8 was not easy. The upgrade was at least 10 years overdue. The cost associated with such a change and the efficacy rate was a major factor. The perceived usefulness and ease of use was skewed by the cost-benefit paradigm. For small companies the decision to adopt new technology can be a painstaking one.