| The purpose of this case study was to increase the understanding of transfer processes from one point to another. In this case study, RBM (the transferred technology) was transferred from developers in Western developed countries to end-users in developing countries. In particular, the study focuses on a Trees and Markets (T&M) program in a global research and development non-profit, located in a developing country. The study aimed at identifying the peculiarities associated with such a transfer, especially in a context of a science-based development not-for-profit organization. To further enhance and illuminate understanding of the case, three implementing field-sites were visited.;Given the need for a deep understanding of how the transfer process occurred in its dynamic social context, why it worked or was not working, coupled with the long time frame for such transfer processes, meant that in-dept case study research design would be most appropriate. The data-gathering techniques that dominated the study were observation, interviewing, and document reviews. In-dept interviews with a total of 38 respondents, was Conducted from T&M headquarters and at field sites. The use of multiple methods to data collection methods was to enhance validity of case study findings through triangulation, Given that the T&M Program was to vast (29 countries), purposefully chosen events, documents, and people were involved in answering the research questions.;While any research design has its advantages and disadvantages, the merits of choosing this design against others was largely dictated by the research problem and questions being asked. A qualitative approach was utilized to analyze the data.;The results indicated that although the transfer was partially successful, complex transfers like RBM that are social change processes or transformations take lengthy periods of time to become widely adopted. They require sustained attention to many factors. Technology acceptance in the wider organization, which includes perceived profitability and congruence of RBM, was low. According to Rogers, 1995 and Hall and Hord, 1987, acceptance has to precede the technical installation phase for a successful transfer process. |
