Understanding the decision rules for 3D printing adoption

Modeling adoption of genetically modified foods: Application of Rough Set Theory and Flow Network Graph

Introduction

The main purpose of this study is to extract the rules and patterns governing the behavioral intention of consumers towards the adoption of genetically modified foods (GMFs).

Method

The proposed method is a combination of Rough Set Theory (RST) and Flow Network Graph (FNG). Data was collected from 386 consumers to extract rough rules. 13 rules have been chosen from 289 original rules that were divided into three groups: low, medium, and high intention to use GMFs. They were chosen because of the support values and other indexes that were used in the RST. Eventually, to interpret the performance of the generated rules, FNG were illustrated for each decision-making class, and seven patterns were extracted.

Results

The findings confirm that corporate social responsibilities, consumer concerns, occupational status, and consumer autonomy are more important than other observed dimensions in consumers' decision-making. Moreover, the findings illustrate that combining Rough Set Theory and Flow Network Graph could predict customers' intentions and provide valuable information for policy-makers in related active industries.

Discussion

Based on the analysis outcomes, the most significant factors that affect consumers' intention to use GMFs are: “consumer perception of CSR”; “consumer concerns”; “occupational status”; and “consumer autonomy”. Thus, managers and policymakers must pay more attention to these concepts when they survey consumer intention behavior.

What determines 3D printing adoption in the GCC region?

Purpose

The study aims to develop an integrated model for three-dimensional (3D) printing adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) context to form a baseline for more theoretical and empirical debate from emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach with a convenience sample is adopted since there is no formal body that has accurate data about the number of companies, governmental bodies, nongovernmental organizations, universities, labs, etc. that already have adopted 3D printing.

Findings

The results indicate that the technological usefulness of 3D printing and its ease-of-use factor were found to be lacking among community members and governmental officials. Yet, these factors were the most influential factor affecting the spread of 3D printing technology adoption in the GCC countries. Nevertheless, the adaptation of 3D printing is not yet at the level of its global markets, nor is it used within leading companies’ assembly lines. In addition, the 3D printing awareness and use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the adaptation rate is still below expectations due to several challenges that face the growth of the 3D printing market in the GCC countries. The most vital challenge facing 3D printing growth is manifested in governmental policies and regulations.

Practical implications

Companies’ managers can benefit from the current study results by focusing on the factors that facilitate 3D adoption and avoiding bottle-neck factors that hinder the speed of the 3D adoption. 3D providers can also benefit by understanding the factors that affect 3D adoption and designing their machine and marketing strategy in a way that helps the intended companies to easily adopt 3D printing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explored 3D printing adoption on the GCC countries’ level. It also adds a new flavor to the literature by exploring 3D adoption during the COVID-19 crisis.

Key factors influencing the implementation of three-dimensional printing in construction

Due to its wider applications and advantages, three-dimensional (3D) printing has attracted the attention of various industries in the past years. Although the implementation of 3D printing in many industries still has challenges, progress in the construction industry is particularly slow. This paper explores the key factors that influence 3D printing adaptation and implementation in construction. A qualitative research method considering a systematic review was adopted to achieve this aim. Relevant data spanning over a period of 20 years (2000–2019) considering four main databases were collected using specified keywords. A total of 137 published articles were downloaded, and 43 were finally selected after the screening criteria had been imposed. The results from this review enabled categorisation of the derived factors broadly into four categories: technology, organisation, environment and cost. Each of these main factors is constituted by subfactors. An understanding of these factors will be helpful in developing effective strategies towards adaptation and implementation of 3D printing in the construction industry. Since industry characteristics vary from region to region, the significance of these factors in various regions could be different and needs to be investigated further.