Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Background
The arrival of new technologies as helped improve many aspects of life. For example, License Plate Recognition is a modern technology that has helped improve mobility and safety in transportation (Rashid, Aibinu, Rahman, Suhaimi and Yunis 93). Many car parks have resulted to the use of technology to help in the logistics of operating a car park. Rashid et al., (93) argue that automatic parking systems are progressive because in addition to improving logistics, they also increase the convenience of public parking, eliminate the hassles of fee collection and also enhance the security, especially when the car parks in question are operated by city authorities. The data capture systems and automatic identification entails the recognition of number plates. This information is then used to access control as well as prepare the bills. Al-Kharusi and Al-Bahadly (55) also report an automatic parking system that in addition to the data capture of the vehicles accessing the parking lot also scans the entire space to reveal any empty parking spaces and notifies the administrators to guide the vehicles.
1.2. Research Objectives
1.3. Problem Statement
Many industries at present are benefiting from the numerous applications of technology and information systems. For instance, the retail industry has benefited immensely from the barcode reader technology as well as the radio frequency identification devices. The new technology has rendered systems that worked efficiently several years ago almost obsolete (Darlington and Urban 90). In order to meet the business needs of the contemporary business environment. The use of automatic identification systems and data capture systems presents various benefits to the business world (Darlington and Urban 90).
The operations of car parking lots can also benefit from the use of automatic identification systems and data capture systems. As cities get more vehicle traffic, there is an increased pressure on the city authorities to ensure that city bylaws regarding the use of public car parks are enforced. Additionally, there is an additional burden on those collecting parking fees. In Abu Dhabi, Mawaqef is responsible for ensuring that the use of parking is in accordance with the city by-laws. This is achieved by giving fines to people how flout the laws relating the use of public car parks.
At present, this is done through the issuance of tickets requiring the violators to pay their fines at the customer service. This is an element of cost that is associated with this approach to issuing fines. The use of automatic identification and data capture systems will help cut the cost of administering this service because it will reduce the employees required to work the system. Additionally, there is the aspect of the environmental impact on the employees as they have to work in searing heat throughout the day. This makes it important to understand the factors that influence the uptake of this technology in the operation of car parks. This is more the case in Abu Dhabi, a city that is experiencing a rapid growth in population as well as the number of vehicles in the city.
1.4. Research Questions
The following are the research questions that guide the study.
Are the car parks in Abu Dhabi using automatic identification and data capture systems?
What are the factors that influence the acceptance of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi?
How important are the factors that influence the acceptance of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi?
What are the barriers that limit the acceptance of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi?
What are the challenges that the car parks that use of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi face?
What are the incentives for the adoption of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi?
How does the environment created by the United Arab Emirates’ government affect the of automatic identification and data capture systems by car parks in Abu Dhabi.
What is the most appropriate of automatic identification and data capture system for use by car parks in Abu Dhabi
1.5. Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations
1.5.1. Assumptions
The study assumes that the respondents will be truthful in their responses. The responses will be sought from normal drivers, owners of car who reside in the city and people with disabilities who own cars. The study assumes that the three cohorts will represent the views of the motorists in Abu Dhabi.
1.5.2. Limitations
The study methodology does not explore the appropriateness of the various methods available for automatic identification and data capture systems. As such, the recommendations that will be made to the Abu Dhabi Parking Authority will not be based on empirical findings.
1.5.3. Delimitations
The study will employ online questionnaires for the quantitative data and personal interviews for the qualitative data. The study will be performed in Abu Dhabi only despite the existence of other suitable locations. The participants of the study will be limited to managers of the car parks in Abu Dhabi irrespective of whether or not they use the automatic identification and data capture systems.
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.1. Crowd sourcing
2.1.1. Crowd Sourcing Definition
Given that this is a relatively recent concept, there are varied definitions that characterize the varying perspectives with which the concept is viewed. One of the more popular definitions is the outsourcing of particular activities to other groups of people rather than assigning the activities to contractors or employees in an organization (Estelles-Arolas 3). Crowdsourcing is also defined as paying people to perform tasks that are web-based (Estelles-Arolas 3).
2.1.2. Crowd Sourcing and other Concepts
Other concepts that are related to crowdsourcing include worksource and expertsource. Worksource is a concept that entails the use of crowds of people to perform tasks which are repetitive in nature. Worksource also entails the use of crowds of people to perform piecework projects. Alsever argues that the concept of worksource acknowledges the fact that while some tasks are still important, they are cumbersome and labor intensive, and take valuable time from the terminal actions of projects. The notion of expertsource is in acknowledgment of the fact that some tasks require expert solutions that may not be available with ordinary crowds. In response to this challenge, the concept of expertsource entails the solicitation of solutions from the technical experts in the relevant fields.
2.1.3. Crowd Sourcing Advantages and Disadvantages
Crowdsourcing has various advantages and disadvantages.
2.1.3.1. Advantages of Crowdsourcing
The following are the advantages of crowdsourcing.
Crowdsourcing offers cost-effectiveness in the operations of an organization. This is because through crowdsourcing, the organization only pays for the tasks instead of salaried or hourly rates if the tasks were completed in-house.
There is diversity in experience because of the wide array of users. This can be beneficial, especially when crowd sourcing is done with the aim of getting solutions.
Crowdsourcing is beneficial when generating ideas. Instead of relying on the ideas of one individual, the management can sample the different ideas generated by the crowd.
2.1.3.1. Disadvantages of Crowdsourcing
The following are some of the disadvantages of crowdsourcing
There is a breach of confidentiality when the tasks are assigned to people who may not have the loyalty to the crowdsourcing organizations. This implies that tasks that required handling sensitive information cannot be assigned to these crowds.
There is also the aspect of language barrier, an element that can stifle communications.
It is difficult to guarantee the quality of the work performed; a factor that requires the supervisory oversight.
2.1.4. Crowd Sourcing Taxonomy
There are numerous algorithms for creating crowdsourcing taxonomy that is consistent globally. The difference between the different algorithms is the need for skilled or unskilled labor (Bragg and Weld 1). The difference between the needs of experts as compared to those of labor exerts a price differential, and therefore affects the ability to roll out a crowdsourcing initiative (Bragg and Weld 1).
2.1.5. Mobile Crowd Sourcing
Mobile crowdsourcing is a term that describes the processing of crowdsourcing activities through the use of Smartphones. The most common form of mobile crowdsourcing is the use of mobile applications or short message services. A perfect example of this is the City Guard application in Abu Dhabi. This application runs through Smartphones and allows the users to send messages through different media.
2.1.6. Government Crowd Sourcing
This concept describes the crowdsourcing activities that are initiated by the government. More often than not, the initiation of crowdsourcing activities by governments is with the aim of improving their service delivery. It entails the incorporation of the available technology in order to enable the delivery of services in a more convenient, faster and quality manner. An example of government crowdsourcing is the City Guard applications by the government of Abu Dhabi. It utilizes the presence of residents on various parts of the city and the increased coverage of mobile telecommunications networks to collect information on prevalent civic issues. This is an easier way for the government to administer services expeditiously while involving the residents in the management and maintenance of their communities.
2.2. Case Study
2.2.1. UAE General Background
The United Arab Emirates is a merger of six former states of the United Kingdom in 1972. The gross domestic product of the country matches those of developed nations in the west. The gross domestic product of the country is fueled by the enormous oil reserves. The country also has moderate foreign policies, a fact that has enabled it to play significant roles in the regional and global economy. Global finance, in addition to the revenue from oil sales have contributed to the development of the economy. The United Arab Emirates has also shunned the internal turmoil that has characterized many countries in the gulf. As argued by the Central Intelligence Agency, the relative peace has also contributed to the stability and economic development of the country.
2.2.2. UAE Smart Government
The United Arab Emirates has been involved in transforming its service delivery through the adoption of appropriate technology. One of the cities that have pioneered this approach to improving service delivery is Dubai. One of the initiatives in the city includes the Dubai Smart Government Establishment that aims at providing innovative government services through smart technologies. The approach used is broad based and touches in various issues relating to the adoption of these technologies. These include reforming of government strategies, their budgets and plans as well as revisiting the policies and legislations that impede the adoption of these technologies. The progress marks an era of smart governments, and a challenge for other cities to adopt the use of technologies to improve their service delivery.
2.2.3. UAE Government Crowd Sourcing Initiatives
The UAE government has recognized the power of crowdsourcing in improving service delivery. There are several crowdsourcing initiatives throughout several cities in the United Arab Emirates. One of the more popular crowdsourcing initiatives is the City Guard mobile application in Abu Dhabi. This is an initiative of the government to influence the involvement of the citizens in the management of the city. The initiatives helps the government uncover civic issues through reports made by the residents. Another crowdsourcing initiative is the Green Government initiative through the use of official websites. The government gets concerns, recommendations and solutions from the citizens regarding the issues that relate to the sustainability of the environment.
2.2.4. City Guard Application
This is an initiative that has revolutionized the lives of the residents of Abu Dhabi. Through the Smartphone application, the Abu Dhabi government has capacity-built its residents for increased involvement in the maintenance of their communities. As reported by McKenzie, this free application enables the residents of the city to inform the city authorities of the prevalent civic issues through the use of mobile telephony. This is one of the popular crowdsourcing initiatives of the government. The City Guard mobile application underscores the resolve of the government to engage with the citizens as well to improve the services of the government through the use of technology.
2.3. Acceptance and Utilization Factors
2.3.1. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
This is theory that explains the factor that influence people to accept and use technology. The theory explains the intentions that people have when using an information system. The theory also explains the usage behavior of people. In advancing this theory, Venkatesh et al., explored four constructs as the conditions that facilitate the acceptance and utilization of technology (Venkatesh, Thong and Xu 160). These factors include performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and effort expectancy. The social influence, effort expectancy and performance expectancy are postulated as the direct factors that determine the intention it using technology (Venkatesh, Thong and Xu 160). The facilitating conditions are direct factors that influence the use behavior. These are important factors in the proposed introduction of automatic identification. This is because they can influence the approaches used by Mawaqif in introducing the proposed idea.
2.3.2. Additional Acceptance and Utilization Factors
In addition to the four constructs highlighted above, there are other factors that moderate the acceptance and utilization of technology. These factors include the voluntariness of the utilization of technology, gender, the experience with the use of the proposed or related technology and the age of the users (Venkatesh, Thong and Xu 160). These factors are not among the four constructs highlighted above. However, these factors are still as significant in predicting the uptake and utilization of technology (Venkatesh, Thong and Xu 160). For instance, younger people may be more predisposed to taking up the new technology compared to older people. People with experience in using such technology are also more predisposed compared to people who are new to the technology (Venkatesh, Thong and Xu 160).
2.4. The Proposed Model
There are many approaches through which the use of automatic identification and data capture systems can be used in managing public car space. The proposed model for the city of Abu Dhabi involves the use of radio frequency identification. This entails the issuance of all vehicles with radio frequency identification tags that will aid in the automatic identification and data capture. In addition to the radio frequency identification tags, the owner of the car will also be given an account. The owner will then charge the assigned account with money. This is the money to be used for paying parking fees. Upon parking in one of the designated areas, the driver will scan a card linked with the radio frequency identification tag in conveniently placed facilities to pay for the parking. The money is automatically deducted from the users account.
In addition to the use for collection of parking fees, the system will also be used in the enforcement of the by-laws relating to the use of public parking spaces. Some of the parking slots are held in reserve for people with disabilities. Any people founding violating this provision will be fined. Using their radio frequency identification tags, the violators will be identified accurately and the fine will be charged to their account. It is easier to follow up in case they fail to pay the fine because the data capture system can accurately identify them. Additionally, parking spaces between nine o’clock in the evening to seven o’clock the following morning are reserved for residents of the city. Guests found violating these provisions will be fined in the same way.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1. Research Type and Data Collection
3.1.1. Qualitative Analysis
The researcher will collect qualitative data and also perform a qualitative analysis of the data. The qualitative analysis will enable the researcher generate new theories regarding the relationship between the variables of study. The qualitative analysis is influential in this study because it helps enhance the understanding as well as explain the context upon which the quantitative data should be understood (Bamberger 112).
3.1.2. Quantitative Analysis
The researcher will collect quantitative data for the purposes of this study. Quantitative data is important in testing the hypothesis regarding the factors influencing the uptake of automatic identification as well as data capture systems by the study population. The quantitative analysis of the data will also enable the researcher to establish the association between various variables so as to base the recommendations on empirical data (Bamberger 112).
3.2. Research Scope
3.2.1. Data Collection Timeframe
The current study us a cross-sectional study. This implies that the researcher will only collect the data from the respondents at one point in time (Brannon and Jess 26). Unlike longitudinal studies, the researcher will not follow the respondents after the data collection exercise (Brannon and Jess 26). While the timeframe does not allow the researcher to identify trends, it allows him to describe the perceptions of the respondents regarding the topic of study.
3.2.2. Population
The population for which this study is designed comprises of the users of vehicles in Abu Dhabi. These are the people who use the parking spaces within the city. Of note is that this population is comprises of people with disabilities, people who reside in the city, and the people who access the city for various purposes.
3.2.3. Sample
The researcher will use the stratified random sampling method in order to generate a sample that is representative of the study population. The researcher will prepare a sampling frame that consists of all three cohorts of people. The first cohort will comprise of normal car drivers. This cohort is operationally defined as the people who access the city for various purposes such as business and leisure among others, and do not fit into the other two groups. The second cohort will comprise of people who reside in the city and need to access the car parks at during the designated periods for residential parking. The third cohort will comprise of people with disabilities who have reserved parking spaces within the city. A sample of 10% of the study population for each of the two segments (residents and normal cars) will be used in the data collection process. However, the need to highlight the perceptions of the drivers with disabilities will require a higher percentage of respondents from their segment. In this regard, the researcher will use 20% of the population in this segment. This will be the sample size for the quantitative questionnaire. The researcher will use ten respondents from each of the three segments for the personal interviews.
3.3. Data Collection Method
The data collection method to be used by the researcher is a questionnaire. A questionnaire is appropriate for this study because it allows the researcher to collect large amounts of information regarding the study topic from the client. The questionnaire will also enable the client to perform quantitative data (David and Carole 159). The researcher will also use personal interviews in order to collect in-depth data from the respondents. Personal interviews are appropriate for collecting qualitative data because they allow the researcher to probe further for in-depth information (Smith 271).
3.3.1. Secondary Data
This study will employ secondary data in a bid to understand the factors that influence the uptake of automatic identification as well as data collection systems. The secondary data involves the findings of other similar studies, theories that explain the adoption of technology, and the recommendations made by other scholars. The secondary data will be used in the formulation of the study hypothesis and building a context for the study.
3.3.2. Primary Data
The arguments that arose from the secondary data and the study hypothesis will be tested using the primary data collected by the researcher. The primary data comprises of the responses from participants regarding the various variables of study. The researcher will manipulate the primary data in order to draw meaning from it.
3.4. Survey Design and Distribution
The researcher will use an online survey design. The hosting platform will be SurveyMonkey. The data collection instrument will be availed through this online platform. The selected respondents will be given a link that takes them to the web page where they can find the questionnaire. The link will be distributed to the all the participants selected for the study.
3.5. Validity and Reliability
The quality of the information derived through research is dependent on the reliability and validity of the data collection instruments (Monette, Thomas and Cornell 125). The researcher will improve the validity and reliability of the data collection instrument by training the research assistants who will be used in the collection of data (Monette, Thomas and Cornell 125). To establish and improve the reliability of the data collection instrument, the researcher will perform three steps. The first step will involve the pilot test reliability. The researcher will conduct a pilot study prior to the data collection exercise on people with similar characteristics with the study population.
This will enable the researcher to make corrections on the data collection instrument in readiness for the study (Monette, Thomas and Cornell 125). After the pilot test reliability has been performed and the corrections made on the data collection instruments, the researcher will then run alpha revisions (Radhakrishna 1TOT2). The typical range of the alpha reliability coefficient is between zero and one. Coefficients tending towards zero represent a data collection instruments laden with errors while coefficients tending towards one represent data collection instruments without error (Radhakrishna 1TOT2). The ideal alpha coefficient for the data collection instruments that indicates its reliability will be 0.70. It is only after the data collection instrument has attained an alpha coefficient of 0.7 that it will be ready for distribution for data collection.
The validity of the data collection instrument will be improved through five steps. The first step will involve the use of a panel of experts. This panel will be drawn from relevant people in the field of research (Radhakrishna 1TOT2). They will be tasked with discussing the data collection instrument to determine its validity. Their recommendations and corrections will be used to revise the instrument in readiness for the next step (Radhakrishna 1TOT2). The second step is the readability test using the Flesch-Kinkaid Readability Formula. The third step will entail the approval of the institutional review board to pave way for the field test using subjects with similar characteristics as the study sample. These subjects will not constitute the final study sample. Following the field tests, the researcher will then make corrections to the data collection instrument in readiness for the pilot study (Radhakrishna 1TOT2).
3.6. Pilot Study
Prior to the data collection exercise, the researcher will test the data collection instrument. The pilot test is a miniature scale trial where the researcher tests the mechanics of the data collection instruments, determines whether there are problems with the framing of the questions, and to also establish that the questions are framed in a way that they are understood as intended (Taylor, Gautam and Taposh 99). The researcher will then use the information from pilot study to improve the data collection instrument. The researcher will select the participants of the pilot study from the study population. However, the people who take part in the pilot study will not be included in the actual study (Taylor, Gautam and Taposh 99).
3.7. Research Ethics
The researcher will guarantee the confidentiality of the respondents. In this respect, the respondents will be required to sign an informed consent form before participating in the study. The informed consent form is an indication that their participation is voluntary and is based on their understanding of their role in the study. The respondents will be informed that they can withdraw from the study at any time. The information collected will not be divulged to people outside the study team.
Works Cited
Al-Kharusi, Hilal and Al-Bahadly, Ibrahim.Intelligent Parking Management System Based on Image Processing.World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2(2014): 55-67.
Bamberger, Michael. Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Development Projects.Washington, DC, 2000. Print.
Brannon, Linda, and Jess Feist.Health Psychology: An Introduction to Behavior and Health. Australia: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.
Darlington, Christopher and Urban, Boris.Adoption of automatic identification systems by grocery retailers in the Johannesburg area.Journal of Transport and Supply Management, (2011): 88-107.
David, Matthew, and Carole, Sutton.Social Research: The Basics. London. SAGE, 2004. Print.
Estelles-Arolas, Enrique. Towards an integrated crowdsourcing definition.Journal of Information Science, 20.10, (2012): 1-14.
Monette, Duane, Thomas, Sullivan, and Cornell, DeJong.Applied Social Research: A Tool for the Human Services.Australia: Brookscole, 2011. Print.
Radhakrishna, Rama. Tips for Developing and Testing Questionnaires/Instruments. Journal of Extension, 45.1.(2007): Tools of Trade/1TOT2
Rashid, Muhammad, Aibinu, Abiodun, Rahman, Ataur, Suhaimi, Nur and Yunis, Ainul. Automatic parking management system and parking fee collection based on number plate recognition. International Journal of Machine Learning and Computing, 2.2. (2012):93- 98.
Smith, Michael. Handbook of Program Evaluation for Social Work and Health Professionals. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.
Taylor, Bill, GautamSinha, and TaposhGhoshal.Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers in Management and Social Science. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India, 2006. Print.
Venkatesh, Viswanath, Thong, James and Xu, Xin. CONSUMER acceptance and use of information technology: extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. MIS Quarterly, 36.1. (2012): 157-178.
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McKenzie, Jessica. In Abu Dhabi, A Government-Led "Civic" App Is Surprisingly Popular. 12 Sep. 2013. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
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Appendices
Appendix I: Questionnaire
Please indicate your response to the following questions
How old are you?
Below 25 years
Between 25 years and 50 years
Above fifty years
What is you sex?
Male
Female
How often do you come to the city in a week?
Daily
Alternate Days
Weekends
For what reason do you come to town?
Work
Leisure and recreation
Shopping
Other (specify) _____________________________________________________
For how long do you require parking?
For less than an hour
Between an hour and two hours
Between two and eight hours
More than eight hours
How do you pay for parking?
Using coins and notes
Using SMS
I don’t pay for parking
Do you find paying for parking convenient for you?
Yes
No
If no, what do you find challenging?
Takes too long
The meters run out of change
The meters are placed far away
Other (Specify) ____________________________________________________
How do you choose where to park?
Free parking
Easy parking
Proximity to work place
Access to other modes of public transport
Availability of parking space
Other (Specify) ____________________________________________________
Indicate the extent to which you perceive the following parking issues to be concerning
Would you support a change in the mode of payment for parking and fines?
Yes
No
Do you know what radio frequency identification is?
Yes
No
Would you support the use of automatic identification through radio frequency identification in paying for parking and processing of fines?
Yes
No
Would you register for an account with Mawaqef and install the radio frequency identification chip visibly in your car?
Yes
No
Do you think the proposed system would improve the convenience of paying parking fees and fines?
Yes
No
What other systems and changes would you recommend?
Interview Schedule
How convenient do you find it to pay for parking and fines?
What are some of the challenges that you face with the current parking system around the city?
What recommendations would you make towards resolving these challenges?
What do you think of the proposal to introduce automatic detection and data capture systems to help manage public car parks in Abu Dhabi?
What are some of the challenges that would impede the implementation of this proposal?
What are some of the benefits of the implementation of this proposal?
The proposal involves all the cars to be fitted with radio frequency identification tags and the owners to register accounts with Mawaqif. What are some of the barriers that would meet the implementation of these elements?
What are the concerns with the use of automatic identification and data capture systems.
