Field Work at Abilene Christian University

(February 4, 2008) Principle Investigator Dr. Timothy M. Chester, assisted by Mr. Gerald Flynn (both  of Pepperdine University), made a site visit to Abilene Christian University to conduct qualitative focus groups designed to assist in the building of the Higher Education TechQual+ Project instrument.  Over two days Dr. Chester and Mr. Flynn conducted five separate focus groups consisting of faculty, students, and staff.  Over eight hours of discussions regarding technology services were recorded and will be processed and made available through the Higher Education TechQual+ Project website by late spring (2008).

This field work will be instrumental to the overall process of creating version 3.0 of the TechQual+ instrument.  The narratives will be subject to a content analysis that will inform the development process.  Version 3.0 is expected to be available for use by participating institutions by March 1, 2008.  Field work will be conducted at additional institutions throughout 2008.

"We are very grateful for the significant commitment of time and resources made to the Higher Education TechQual+ Project by Abilene Christian University" noted Dr. Chester.  "Gerry and I found the faculty, students, and staff at ACU to be delightful and we have picked up several new insights that will advance this research project.  Ultimately, the payoff of ACU's investment will be increased quality of technology services at ACU and within all of Higher Education.  We are very grateful for the participation of Kevin Roberts, CIO at ACU, Kay Reeves, the Director of Technology Support Services, and many others."