Measuring Mobile Phone Technology Adoption in SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
Renatus Mushi ◽  
Said Jafari ◽  
Almar Ennis
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Adoption Studies ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Computing Technologies ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Critical Literature

Mobile technology has experienced a huge acceptance by many users in the current generation. This is due to the benefits offered through its use by individuals and organisations. Similarly, technology adoption studies have widely been used to uncover factors which determine their adoption in different contexts. Some of the scenarios in technology adoption differ due to the specific technology which is under study. For instance, mobile phone technology differs from other computing technologies in several aspects due to its nature i.e. mobility. These differences come along with some different insights concerning the adoption of mobile phones in a particular context. Highlighting important issues on studying the adoption of mobile technology is necessary, especially in developing countries where SMEs are engaging in the usage of mobile phones to accomplish business processes. Thus, this paper provides set of metrics for measuring adoption of mobile phone technology in SMEs. This qualitative study uses a combination of critical literature reviews and interviews conducted by involving key stakeholders of SMEs in Tanzania. This paper shows that among the existing metrics which are used in measuring adoption of other computing technologies, only value creation metric has more realistic grounds to explain the extent of mobile phones adoption in the context of SMEs.

Measuring Mobile Phone Technology Adoption in SMEs

2018 ◽  
pp. 1546-1557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renatus Mushi ◽  
Said Jafari ◽  
Almar Ennis
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Adoption Studies ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Computing Technologies ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Literature Reviews

Mobile technology has experienced a huge acceptance by many users in the current generation. This is due to the benefits offered through its use by individuals and organisations. Similarly, technology adoption studies have widely been used to uncover factors which determine their adoption in different contexts. Some of the scenarios in technology adoption differ due to the specific technology which is under study. For instance, mobile phone technology differs from other computing technologies in several aspects due to its nature i.e. mobility. These differences come along with some different insights concerning the adoption of mobile phones in a particular context. Highlighting important issues on studying the adoption of mobile technology is necessary, especially in developing countries where SMEs are engaging in the usage of mobile phones to accomplish business processes. Thus, this paper provides set of metrics for measuring adoption of mobile phone technology in SMEs. This qualitative study uses a combination of critical literature reviews and interviews conducted by involving key stakeholders of SMEs in Tanzania. This paper shows that among the existing metrics which are used in measuring adoption of other computing technologies, only value creation metric has more realistic grounds to explain the extent of mobile phones adoption in the context of SMEs.

Promoting Voluntariness on Technology Usage in Organisations

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
Renatus Mushi ◽  
Said Jafari
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Technology Diffusion ◽  
Technology Usage ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Thin Client ◽  
The Impact

Voluntariness in technology adoption and use is vital in promoting technology diffusion and use in organisations. Various technology adoption models have been proposed to explain the adoption of technologies in different settings, such as organizational and individual, as well as in the voluntary and mandatory contexts. Recently, uptake of mobile phones in achieving organisational targets has been increased in developing countries and Tanzania in particular. This is due to the notable improvements in both hardware performance and sophistications. In organisation context, not all users are willing to use technology as required. In such circumstances, they are mandated to use it in order to fulfil their working duties. This leads to poor uptake of technology and results to unclear understanding regarding to their attitudes towards using it. While some studies have discussed the impact of voluntariness in using traditional desktop computer systems and thin client computing, mobile phone technology has not received the deserved attention. Discussing voluntariness in using mobile phone technology in organisations in relation to other technologies is essential especially due to its usage in both working and private purposes. This paper describes the voluntary aspects of using mobile phones in performing activities of the firms in Tanzania and compares it with desktop and thin client technologies. Also, it proposes possible ways of handling such situation in order to improve its use. Among others, the paper has analysed mandotoriness on usage of mobile technology. Further, it highlights key areas which should be addressed in order to improve the usage of mobiletechnology in organisations and eventually cover the gap caused by such mandatory situations.

Promoting Voluntariness on Technology Usage in Organisations

2018 ◽  
pp. 1488-1500
Author(s):  
Renatus Mushi ◽  
Said Jafari
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Technology Diffusion ◽  
Technology Usage ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Thin Client ◽  
The Impact

Voluntariness in technology adoption and use is vital in promoting technology diffusion and use in organisations. Various technology adoption models have been proposed to explain the adoption of technologies in different settings, such as organizational and individual, as well as in the voluntary and mandatory contexts. Recently, uptake of mobile phones in achieving organisational targets has been increased in developing countries and Tanzania in particular. This is due to the notable improvements in both hardware performance and sophistications. In organisation context, not all users are willing to use technology as required. In such circumstances, they are mandated to use it in order to fulfil their working duties. This leads to poor uptake of technology and results to unclear understanding regarding to their attitudes towards using it. While some studies have discussed the impact of voluntariness in using traditional desktop computer systems and thin client computing, mobile phone technology has not received the deserved attention. Discussing voluntariness in using mobile phone technology in organisations in relation to other technologies is essential especially due to its usage in both working and private purposes. This paper describes the voluntary aspects of using mobile phones in performing activities of the firms in Tanzania and compares it with desktop and thin client technologies. Also, it proposes possible ways of handling such situation in order to improve its use. Among others, the paper has analysed mandotoriness on usage of mobile technology. Further, it highlights key areas which should be addressed in order to improve the usage of mobiletechnology in organisations and eventually cover the gap caused by such mandatory situations.

Social Resilience in Action

2014 ◽  
pp. 297-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Braga ◽  
Robert K. Logan
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Social Resilience ◽  
Cell Phone Use ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Complex Picture

Recent statistics about the mobile phone market in Brazil state that for every 100 inhabitants there are 130 mobile phones. Despite the euphoria that those numbers bring to business, the social uses of mobile technology in Brazil tells a lot about Brazilian society and culture itself, and show a more complex picture than merely a marketing phenomenon. The authors examine subversive cell phone use in Brazil against the background of the cell phone use worldwide and the social implications of that cell phone use. As soon as a technology is implemented in a culture, it is possible to observe uses that were not intended by the inventors or producers of that technology. People create different strategies to take advantage of the new resource. Using social interaction theories and an ethnographic approach in the natural setting of cell phone use in Brazil, the authors observed how people use the mobile phone technology for interpersonal communication. This chapter addresses three subversive uses of mobile technology, namely, i.) strategies of mobile phone coding; ii) SIM card management; and iii) criminal uses of mobile phones.

Mobile Virtual Communities

2007 ◽  
pp. 632-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. El Morr
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Mobile Phone Applications ◽  
Major Trend

The adoption of mobile phone technology on a large scale in today’s societies turned mobile phones into a universal tool. Phone companies are deploying 3G mobile technology and planning for 4G; nevertheless, the “killer” applications are yet to be developed. Meanwhile, mobile virtual communities (MVCs) are emerging, and their applications are diverse: they range from education, to entertainment and lifestyle. Our vision is that mobile virtual communities will be a major trend and could create a momentum for 3G and 4G mobile phone applications. In this article we analyze the different types of mobile virtual communities, and we draw some research perspectives and applications.

Mobile Virtual Communities

2008 ◽  
pp. 1539-1543
Author(s):  
Christo El Morr
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Mobile Phone Applications ◽  
Major Trend

The adoption of mobile phone technology on a large scale in today’s societies turned mobile phones into a universal tool. Phone companies are deploying 3G mobile technology and planning for 4G; nevertheless, the “killer” applications are yet to be developed. Meanwhile, mobile virtual communities (MVCs) are emerging, and their applications are diverse: they range from education, to entertainment and lifestyle. Our vision is that mobile virtual communities will be a major trend and could create a momentum for 3G and 4G mobile phone applications. In this article we analyze the different types of mobile virtual communities, and we draw some research perspectives and applications.

scholarly journals Attitudes of older mobile phone users towards mobile phones

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Vicente ◽  
Inês Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Older People ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Using Data

AbstractResearch on mobile technology adoption has focused predominantly on young adults, and little attention has been paid to older people. But with rapidly aging populations in most developed countries, and evidence from many studies that older adults are as capable of adopting and using mobile technology as everybody else, the academic, business and technology industry worlds are devoting more attention to this group. Research has already demonstrated that older people differ from young people in their perceptions, preferences and usage of mobile technology, but there are also differences within the older adults group regarding mobile technology adoption. Using data from a mobile phone survey, this study identifies segments of mobile phone users among older adults based on their attitudes towards mobile phones, and describes the underlying differences between these segments in terms of key values towards mobile phone communications, mobile phone use, and socio-demographics. The analysis led to the identification of three distinct segments, designated as “Apathetic”, “Social and hedonic” and “Busy and active”.

scholarly journals Supporting Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships: the role of mobile technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Mensah Asiedu ◽  
Susan Shortland ◽  
Yehia Sabri Nawar ◽  
Paul J. Jackson ◽  
Laura Baker
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Ghana ◽  
Business Confidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.FindingsMobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.Practical implicationsGovernment policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.

scholarly journals Mobile Health for All: Public-Private Partnerships Can Create a New Mental Health Landscape

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dror Ben-Zeev
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
The U.S

Research has already demonstrated that different mHealth approaches are feasible, acceptable, and clinically promising for people with mental health problems. With a robust evidence base just over the horizon, now is the time for policy makers, researchers, and the private sector to partner in preparation for the near future. The Lifeline Assistance Program is a useful model to draw from. Created in 1985 by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline is a nationwide program designed to help eligible low-income individuals obtain home phone and landline services so they can pursue employment, reach help in case of emergency, and access social services and healthcare. In 2005, recognizing the broad shift towards mobile technology and mobile-cellular infrastructure, the FCC expanded the program to include mobile phones and data plans. The FCC provides a base level of federal support, but individual states are responsible for regional implementation, including engagement of commercial mobile phone carriers. Given the high rates of disability and poverty among people with severe mental illness, many are eligible to benefit from Lifeline and research has shown that a large proportion does in fact use this program to obtain a mobile phone and data plan. In the singular area of mobile phone use, the gap between people with severe mental illness and the general population in the U.S. is vanishing. Strategic multi-partner programs will be able to grant access to mHealth for mental health programs to those who will not be able to afford them—arguably, the people who need them the most. Mobile technology manufacturing costs are dropping. Soon all mobile phones in the marketplace, including the more inexpensive devices that are made available through subsidy programs, will have “smart” capabilities (ie, internet connectivity and the capacity to host apps). Programs like Lifeline could be expanded to include mHealth resources that capitalize on “smart” functions, such as secure/encrypted clinical texting programs and mental health monitoring and illness-management apps. Mobile phone hardware and software development companies could be engaged to add mHealth programs as a standard component in the suite of tools that come installed on their mobile phones; thus, in addition to navigation apps, media players, and games, the new Android or iPhone could come with guided relaxation videos, medication reminder systems, and evidence-based self-monitoring and self-management tools. Telecommunication companies could be encouraged to offer mHealth options with their data plans. Operating system updates pushed out by the mobile carrier companies could come with optional mHealth applications for those who elect to download them. In the same manner in which the Lifeline Assistance Program has helped increase access to fundamental opportunities to so many low-income individuals, innovative multi-partner programs have the potential to put mHealth for mental health resources in the hands of millions in the years ahead.

Use of Mobile Phones to Help Prevent Child Maltreatment

2015 ◽  
pp. 906-922
Author(s):  
Katelyn M. Guastaferro ◽  
Matthew C. Jackson ◽  
Shannon Self-Brown ◽  
Julie J. Jabaley ◽  
John R. Lutzker
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Child Maltreatment Prevention ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Child maltreatment prevention interventions have been proven to reduce risk and rates of recidivism, although only recently have these interventions incorporated mobile phone technology in implementation. This article first presents the public health problem of child maltreatment and discusses the use of technology in the at-risk population. Prior public health research that has evaluated the effect of mobile phone technology in implementation is reviewed followed by the few child maltreatment prevention research efforts that have incorporated mobile phones. Limitations of mobile phone technology in this field and future directions are suggested.

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