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A new literature is emerging around the role of self‐service technologies (SSTs) such as airline ticketing machines, automatic teller machines, and computer‐based shopping services in the strategic offering of service providers. SSTs allow (or force) consumers to help produce their own service encounters via machine interaction rather than by interacting with a firm’s service personnel. Firms which introduce SSTs wish to gain rapid acceptance and usage of these technologies by potential consumers. This study investigates whether the provision of more personal control to consumers can reduce their perceived risk, enhance the perceived value of the SST, and induce greater adoption intention associated with the innovation. Propositions are tested using an experiment. Multiple analysis of covariance and follow‐up tests either fully or partially supported 11 out of 12 hypotheses. A set of managerial implications and recommendations is provided.

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A volume integral equation method is introduced for the solution of elastostatic problems in heterogeneous solids containing interacting multiple inclusions, voids, and cracks. The method is applied to two-dimensional problems involving long parallel cylindrical inclusions and cracks. The influence of interface layers on the interfacial stress field is investigated. The stress intensity factors for microcracks in the presence of interacting inclusions or voids are also calculated for a variety of model geometries. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are examined through comparison with results obtained from analytical and boundary integral methods.

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