In this Chapter, I present and discuss a revision of the conceptual model presented in
Chapter 3 which can be used as a guide to help plan and adopt e-learning in the
developing country context. The revision takes into consideration the findings discussed
in Chapters 5, 6, and 7. Then practical and theoretical contributions of this study are
presented. Finally, potential for future related research is also presented.
As discussed in Chapter 3, I developed a conceptual model by combining insights from
the two theories – Hofstede’s cultural dimensions to gain cultural understanding and
Fullan’s educational change theory for the educational aspect of this study – with insights
gained from the literature review. This conceptual framework provided me with a useful
guide to the conduct of a study, for example, to guide the process of data collection and
analysis in this study.
As discussed in Chapter 4, the interpretivist paradigm was selected as the philosophical
context of this study while qualitative methodology was selected as the research
approach. They assisted me to gain deep insights, in-depth understanding of the unique
context and to achieve meaning and enhance my understanding of the factors that have
an impact on the introduction and use of e-learning in tertiary-level IM education in Sri
Lanka. I used the case research strategy. Qualitative methods (i.e., semi-structured
interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary evidence) were applied using the
methodological framework of Hennink, Hutter, and Bailey. For the overall research
project, the Hutter-Hennink qualitative research cycle was a useful tool for providing
structure and transparency and it helped me with the combination of deductive and
inductive analysis as well as interpretation, and thereby to revise the conceptual model.