This study investigates adoption/use behavior within the context of Hong Kong Internet Banking services. A research framework based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2) and Social Cognitive Theory is developed to identify factors that would influence the adoption and continue use of Internet Banking. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed to examine the entire pattern of inter-correlations among the eight proposed constructs, and to test related propositions empirically. A survey involving a total of 499 university students is conducted and confirmatory factor analysis used to determine the measurement efficacies. The results reveal that both subjective norm and computer self-efficacy indirectly play significant roles in influencing the intention to adopt Internet Banking. Perceived ease of use has a significant indirect effect on intention to adopt/use through perceived usefulness, while its direct effect on intention to adopt is not significant.

The World Wide Web (WWW) or the Web has been recognized as a powerful new information exchange channel in recent years. Today, an ever-increasing number of businesses have set up Web sites to publicize their products and services. However, careful planning and preparation is needed to achieve the intended purpose of this new information exchange channel. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for effective commercial Web application development based on prior research in hypermedia and humancomputer interfaces. The framework regards Web application development as a special type of software development project. At the onset of the project, its social acceptability is investigated. Next, economic, technical, operational, and organizational viability are examined. For Web page design, both the functionality and usability of Web pages are thoroughly considered. The use of the framework should result in more effective commercial Web application development.

PurposeTo assess to what extent Chinese domestic banks' use of internet banking as a strategic response to the entrance of the WTO is affected by factors both external and internal to the banks.Design/methodology/approachA model depicted by a path diagram is developed to test the impact of various external and internal factors considered to have an impact on Chinese domestic banks' strategic response to the accession into the WTO. Survey questions from prior studies were adopted and modified. Structural equation analyses were used for data analysis.FindingsThe research hypothesis that the increasingly competitive conditions in the banking sector resulting from China's accession into the WTO has a significant effect on Chinese domestic banks' internet banking investment decisions was confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual model and research instrument could be further refined. The sampling frame used could be expanded to cover all banks in the Chinese mainland.Practical implicationsFindings of the study should benefit organizations in improving their use of IT as a strategic weapon, especially for the banking industry.Originality/valueThis study is the first empirical research on internet banking in mainland China from a strategic perspective.

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The right of blind people to access the Internet is simply ignored in many countries because Web pages have been designed for normal people. As a result, many blind people are not enjoying the benefits of the Internet and the improvement in the quality of life that Internet use can bring. In order for visually impaired persons to surf the Internet, it is necessary to develop a special humancomputer interface (HCI) system. This paper presents the design of a Web project for the blind. The aim of this research is to develop a new HCI model and an associated computer system for visually impaired people so that they can browse the World Wide Web via Internet. An assessment of the potential of a wide range of applications and their impact are also presented.