framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

a reflection of that society; the organisations‟ working culture could be
classified as Apollonian in Handy‟s terms too. Universities, by the
nature of their professional activities, are always seen to follow the
Athenian to Dionysus cultures or the task culture; yet in the universities
of the UAE the Apollonian culture seems to be the dominant model as
evidenced by interviews. Integrating new technologies proved to be a
complex task and integration policies should take into consideration the
culture in which the technology is to be used. As the UAE society is
Apollonian dominated; integrating technology should be top to bottom
approach. That is the integration should be descending from top or
senior management. Implementation models that have proved success
in the past should be considered.
In the case of the VDS, as it proved its usefulness and its success in the
first workshop and the repeated demand from the university to hold
another one and the attention it arose in the media prove the importance
of such systems in the UAE. In addition, the VDS met the visions of the
UAE that were highlighted by the leaders in the country and it works in
parallel with the requirements the government has placed for its
graduates.
The VDS experience in the University of Sharjah revealed the lack of
technical support due to the management style in perception of the
workshop.
9.5.1.2 The Need for a Champion
The VDS 3 case study analysis (Chapter 8) revealed the importance of
having a champion; or a person who believes in the effectiveness and
usefulness of the use of technology in order to facilitate technology
integration. In the VDS 3 case study Dr. Radoine‟s enthusiasm towards
the VDS and his informal support after talking to the researcher helped
to smooth the integration process. This indicates the importance of
having a champion who believes in the technology and facilitates its use
among the staff. To achieve this, a sponsor or a champion should be
contacted before hands. The sponsor could do more than offer moral
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