University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Factors influencing the adoption decision of metal additive manufacturing technologies

Nollet, L.J.E. (2017) Factors influencing the adoption decision of metal additive manufacturing technologies.

[img] PDF
740kB
Abstract:The adoption of metal additive manufacturing seems to be difficult for many companies, despite the fact that there is a wide variety of application possibilities. Therefore, it is essential to understand the main factors for the adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. The following research question is proposed accordingly: ‘Which factors influence the decision of potential customers whether or not to adopt metal additive manufacturing technologies in the Dutch manufacturing industry?’ A qualitative research approach was used, including sixteen semi-structured in-depth interviews at both adopting and non-adopting companies of metal AM systems. Only companies that considered to invest in a metal AM system were included in the research sample. Insight was provided by analysing 19 factors within the technological, organisational and environmental context. For adopters, we found that relative advantage, trialability, centralisation, champion, pressure from business partners and supplier marketing activities were stressed as important factors which positively influence the adoption decision of metal AM. In addition, the double role of the decider and the champion positively affected the adoption decision as well. For non-adopters, we found that trialability, observability, financial costs, centralisation, pressure from business partners and pressure from competition negatively influenced the adoption decision.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:Business Administration MSc (60644)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/73484
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page