Source: Untar Public Relations – CS

Technological advancements have transformed the way people conduct transactions. Transaction systems initially began with bartering, which was considered inefficient due to the absence of a clear standard of value. The emergence of money as a medium of exchange and the subsequent evolution from paper-based payments to digital transactions have significantly improved the way people engage in financial activities.

This development served as the foundation for Tommy Setiawan Ruslim’s dissertation defense titled “Factors Influencing the Attitudes and Intentions of Generation X in Several Cities in Java Toward Using E-Wallets” during the Open Examination of the Doctor of Management Science Study Program (DIM) at the Untar Graduate School, held at the Auditorium of Untar Campus I on Monday (26/8/2024).

The doctoral candidate explained that the study aimed to examine the influence of ease of use, usefulness, compatibility, security, and health considerations on the attitudes and intentions of Generation X in several cities across Java regarding e-wallet adoption, particularly in the post-pandemic era.

Involving 363 respondents, the research revealed that ease of use does not have a significant influence on the attitudes and intentions of Generation X to use e-wallets. In contrast, the study found that attitude serves as a positive mediating variable between security and health factors and the intention to use e-wallets. The findings also indicate differences between Generation X in Java and younger generations regarding the influence of ease of use on attitudes and intentions toward e-wallet adoption.

During the question-and-answer session, External Examiner Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrus Taba, S.E., M.Si., questioned whether health considerations had not been regarded as important in transactions prior to the pandemic.

Responding to the question, Tommy explained that throughout the pandemic years, contactless payments became a necessity. Therefore, the health aspect examined in the study was intended to determine whether such behavior has continued and evolved into a habit even after the pandemic ended. The findings indicate that the effect remains evident today.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Dyah Erny Herwindiati, M.Si., as the primary promoter, also encouraged Tommy to apply the knowledge gained throughout his professional career and to implement the theoretical and practical recommendations proposed in the research.

Graduating with a cum laude distinction, Tommy became the 12th doctoral graduate of the Doctor of Management Science Study Program at the Untar Graduate School. (CS/YS/KJ)