| The model presented in this study was developed by combining information found in the literature with information gained from a research project conducted in the People's Republic of China. The research project was prompted by the fact that very little is known about implementing new information technology such as CDROM systems within academic institutions in a developing country like China. The focus of this project is on the potential implementation of information systems which could provide better access by the academic community to large North American bibliographic databases.;The study was conducted using a "Naturalistic and Participant-oriented" approach. Data collection took place over a concentrated period of five months. A case study was conducted at one site and interviews and visits were made to other sites.;First the general context of the research is presented, as background to the development of a general model for implementing any educational innovation in any context. This general model is then applied to an Independent Research Project, which was used as a source of data for this thesis. Next the model is used to evaluate a plan, resulting from the research project, for implementing a network to provide improved access to ERIC in China. Based on this evaluation the plan was revised and a general Model for Implementing Cooperative Information Systems in Chinese Academic Institutions developed. Although several factors have been considered in developing the model, the emphasis of this study is on cultural and social factors. |
