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Mobile Commerce (MC) can be defined as any transaction carried out over a wireless network, using a wireless device, such as a mobile phone, and that has monetary value (Wang and Liao, 2007). MC is a rapidly developing industry in tenns of its technological capabilities. With these increasing developments, come greater forecasts of potential benefits to societies, economies, industries and individuals. However, the growth and development ofthe underlying MC technology, has not been met by the creation and adoption of the services meant to accompany MC. It is said that the success of MC will ultimately lie in its services. As MC Service Providers (MCSP) are responsible for delivering these MC Services (MCS), the success ofMC can be said to rest on them. In order for MCSs to be successfully adopted, both the initial use and continuous use thereof should be targeted. In other words those that have used MCSs (users) and those that have yet to use MCSs (non-users) should be targeted. It is thus pivotal that an understanding of the factors that generate MCS adoption be sought. This research purposed to uncover the factors that generate MCS adoption within the user and nonuser group. In defining successful adoption ofMCS's, two separate measures were used for each group. User satisfaction is a well accepted construct among researchers for measuring system success among users. User satisfaction is also accepted to be a detenninant of service re-use and loyalty. Intention to use is a measure used for MC success among non-users and is accepted to be a detenninant of actual use. Factors affecting both detenninants, user satisfaction and intention to use, were investigated. After a review ofliterature and current models, ten (10) factors were hypothesised to be significant factors in determining user satisfaction and intention to use namely: ease of use, cost, speed, personalisation, pennission, privacy, security, convenience, relationship (with MCSP) and awareness. A questionnaire was developed to test the hypothesised factors. Not all factors were proven to have a significant impact on both user satisfactions and intention to use. One main recommendation is that both initial and continuous adoption should be the focus ofMC strategy. Services that cater to specific user needs and offer convenience at a low cost should be offered. MCSPs can use the factors proved to be significant to generate and evaluate their service offering, to users and non users, to increase the probability of successful adoption from initial to continuous use. The research concludes that MCSPs need to begin to offer MCSs that meet user needs and add value to their lives in order to realise the professed potential ofMC.

The aim of this dissertation was the design, implementation and performance evaluation of a Recursive Least Squares (RLS), lattice based, adaptive, multidimensional, decision feedback equaliser (DFE) for the spectrally efficient four-dimensional digital modulation technique, re¬ferred to as Quadrature-Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying, Q2pSK. Q2PSK constitutes a relatively new modulation technique, and the application of adaptive equalisation to this technique has not yet been considered in the open literature. This dissertation represents an in depth study into the Q2PSK modulation technique, as well as the optimal implementation, in simulation, of such a modem to aid the inclusion of the adap¬tive lattice DFE, for application to high speed mobile digital communication over the V /UHF channel in the presence of multi path propagation. Specific aspects of synchronization applicable to this modem platform are also addressed. An in depth study was also conducted into the realisation of a V /UHF channel simulation, capable of producing a Ricean and/or Rayleigh fad¬ing multipath propagation environment for the evaluation of the modem platform and adaptive equaliser structure. The theoretical analysis of the effect of multi path on a Q2PSK signal led to the correct design of the adaptive lattice structure, as well as the correct interfacing of the equaliser to the receiver platform. The performance of the proposed synchronisation strategies, in tandem with the equalisation technique were evaluated for several static, as well as fading multipath channels. The simulation results obtained show the equaliser operates correctly, and can give large performance gains over the static matched filter (matched to the transmitted waveform) implementation of the modem platform. Several simulations were specifically designed to highlight the performance limitations of the adaptive equalisation technique. / Dissertation (MEng (Digital Communication))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

This treatise investigates how information technology (I.T.) enables growth in a family business (the firm) in Port Elizabeth. The firm operates in the mobile telecommunications sector. The objective of the study is to gain a deeper understanding on why family businesses adopt information technology in their firm by means of a case study. The firm found its technology (or lack thereof) completely out-dated compared to the competition and customer demands. The future of the firm was in jeopardy. The study starts with a literature review of the following three topics which form part of the scope of the research: 1. Family businesses; 2. Influence of I.T. as a driver of growth in business; and 3. An introduction into the mobile telecommunications industry. Data are collected through structured interviews with family members involved in the business. The data are consequently linked to the theory and provides insight as to what the drivers are for I.T. adoption and the required core competencies or critical success factors of the firm. Although it might seem trivial for a small family business to adopt information technology, the research concludes that I.T. is critical for continuous growth and survival of this family business. Conversely due to a lack of internal skills the firm is heavily reliant upon outside consultants for advice, implementation and support. Recommendations which are of particular interest to family businesses in a similar environment are: • Embrace technology early, utilise I.T. solutions to grow and enhance current competitive advantage, do not see I.T. as a competitive advantage alone (Pavlou & Sawy, 2006); • If information expertise is not present within the company it is advisable to invest in that expertise through recruitment, training, partnership, or outsourcing; • Ensure software meets specification / is effective enough – this can be achieved by frequent releases cycles with small changes instead of infrequent release cycles with many big changes; • Engage the consultants in a partnership by i.e. providing a profit share – this will ensure that the consultants are committed to the cause and will also ensure that their involvement is also in their own best interest; • Choose local consultants who are easily accessible – build relationships and focus on trust; • Create lock-in (Amit & Zott, 2001), provide tools free-ofcharge for customers, this will make switching to competitor more difficult; • Automate as much as possible, enable standard work practices, routinize; • Be ready to adjust the organisational structure or relinquish control (Bruquea & Moyanob, 2007)

Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.

The main objective of this study was to critically investigate the mediating role that the use of mobile technology plays in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a semi-urban environment. The research problem focused on the application of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the clothing industry in King Williams Town. In accomplishing this objective, this research study hypothesised that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of customers of clothing retailers in South Africa. Multiple regression was conducted to test for the first hypothesis. The first secondary objective aimed at establishing if there is disconfirmation between customer expectations and the performance of clothing retail outlets in King Williams Town. In exploring this objective, it was hypothesised that there is negative disconfirmation between customer expectations and performance. A paired sample test was conducted to test for this hypothesis. In addition, the influence of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty was explored. To accomplish these, it was hypothesised that both service quality and customer satisfaction have an influence on customer loyalty. Pearson’s Correlation and the Chi-Square Test were applied to test the influence of service quality and Customer satisfaction on Customer loyalty. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software. Regression analysis, chi-square tests, Paired sample tests and correlation reports were used to analyse data inferentially. Reliability and validity of the research was also tested using Cronchbach’s alpha test. The results show that mobile phones have become a basic necessity for customers and that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty; however, the mediation is partial. The results also show that there is positive disconfirmation between customer expectations and retailer performance; that both service quality and customer satisfaction have a positive correlation with customer loyalty and that mobile technology enhances customer loyalty. Finally, the results show that the total service experience of customers is favourable vii because the five components of service quality were rendered at a high level of service quality. The study offers several managerial recommendations. Firstly, retail managers should make strategic investments in mobile technology and use this technology to the full to reap the benefits of technologically advanced mobile communication. Secondly, managers should be creative in their use of this mobile technology to enhance customer satisfaction and, hence, customer loyalty. Thirdly, managers should prioritise the improvement of all five components of service quality in order to enhance customer loyalty. Finally, managers should provide a customer-centred service experience that exceeds customer expectations for service quality and mobile communication, one that maximises customer satisfaction and loyalty. The implementation of these recommendations could result in clothing retailers providing a customer-focused service experience in all five aspects of service quality. To successfully implement these recommendations, clothing retailers should: ensure that expectations created, could be accomplished or exceeded to build and enhance customer satisfaction; create expectations that are realistic to avoid negative disconfirmation and hence customer dissatisfaction; implement innovative and creative mobile communication strategies to build and enhance customer loyalty; and finally, improve loyalty programmes to enlarge the customer base.

Ces dernières années, la popularité croissante de terminaux mobiles de plus en plus intelligents a provoqué une hausse considérable du trafic supporté par les réseaux de télécommunications cellulaires. Dans ce contexte, le déploiement de réseaux dits de quatrième génération basés sur le standard LTE (Long Term Evolution) et offrant des capacités significativement plus élevées que les réseaux de générations précédentes peut sembler être une solution idéale. Cependant, dans le cas d’un service à délivrer à un très grand nombre d’utilisateurs, ce standard, malgré la disponibilité de la technologie eMBMS (Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services), n’est pas forcément le plus adapté. Dans le même temps, la télévision a achevé dans de nombreux pays sa transition vers le numérique. L’abandon de la transmission analogique a permis non seulement d’améliorer la qualité du service mais aussi d’occuper moins de spectre. En France, une partie du spectre libéré a déjà été attribué au déploiement de réseaux LTE. Une autre méthode permettant d’exploiter ce spectre au profit des réseaux de communications mobiles est proposée dans cette thèse : le réseau hybride. Le réseau hybride est constitué d’un réseau cellulaire au standard LTE accompagné d’un émetteur DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial). Les aires de couverture de ces deux composantes se superposent et un service peut être transmis aux utilisateurs présents dans ces aires indifféremment par l’une ou l’autre des composantes. Ce concept permet de pallier un point faible du standard LTE, c’està- dire la capacité à délivrer efficacement un même service à un grand nombre d’utilisateurs simultanément. Après une étude approfondie des deux standards utilisés, un modèle mathématique du réseau hybride est proposé. Ce modèle se base sur les propriétés géométriques du réseau hybride, les performances des deux types de signaux utilisés, et sur plusieurs types de répartition des utilisateurs pour évaluer les performances du réseau hybride selon différents critères. Le premier critère étudié est un critère énergétique. Le modèle proposé permet de comparer les efficacités énergétiques des deux composantes pour transmettre un service en fonction de son nombre d’utilisateurs. L’efficacité de la composante DVBT2 dépasse celle de la composante LTE à partir d’un seuil dont la valeur varie avec les propriétés géométriques du réseau et le type d’affaiblissement de propagation auquel sont soumis les signaux. Il est de plus possible, dans certaines circonstances, d’améliorer encore l’efficacité énergétique du système en utilisant conjointement les deux composantes. Le second critère étudié est celui de l’encombrement du réseau cellulaire. En effet, un service consommé par un grand nombre d’utilisateurs peut avoir un impact conséquent sur le trafic à transmettre par un réseau LTE. Utiliser la composante DVB-T2 pour distribuer un tel service permet de réduire la charge du réseau cellulaire, et ceci même dans le cas où la composante DVB-T2 ne couvre pas l’ensemble de la zone à desservir globalement. Ces différentes études ont permis de bien mettre en évidence les avantages et inconvénients des deux types de réseaux broadcast et unicast. En particulier, l’intérêt d’une approche reposant sur l’utilisation d’un réseau hybride exploitant la complémentarité des deux composantes broadcast et unicast a été démontré. / During the last few years, the growing popularity of smarter and smarter mobile devices has led to a tremendous growth of cellular data traffic. In such a context, the deployment of fourth generation networks based on the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard and with capacities significantly higher than previous generations networks can be seen as an ideal solution. However, when the number of users requiring a given service is large, this standard, despite the availability of the eMBMS (Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services) technology, is not necessarily the most suitable. Meanwhile, television has completed its transition to the digital transmission in many countries. The analog switch-off has not only allowed a better quality of service but has also freed some spectrum. In France, some of this spectrum has already been used for the deployment of LTE networks. This thesis introduces another way to use this spectrum to the benefit of mobile data networks: the hybrid network. The hybrid network consists of a LTE cellular network and a DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial) transmitter. The coverage areas of the two components are overlapping and a service can be delivered to the users located in these areas by either one or the other of the components. This concept can compensate one weakness of the LTE standard, which is the ability to deliver efficiently the same service to a large number of users simultaneously. After a thorough study of the two standards in use, a mathematical model of the hybrid network is proposed. This model is based on the geometrical properties of the network, the performances of the two types of signal, and different types of users distribution to measure the performances of the hybrid network using different criteria. The first criterion is the energy efficiency. The proposed model allows the comparison of the two components in terms of energy efficiency for one service depending of the number of its users. The DVB-T2 component outperforms the LTE component when the number of users exceeds a given threshold whose value depends on the geometric properties of the network and the type of path loss attenuating the signals. It is possible, in some cases, to further improve the energy efficiency of the system by using both components together. The second criterion is the network congestion. Indeed, a service with a great number of users can induce significant data traffic for the LTE network. Transmitting such a service through the DVB-T2 component can decrease the cellular data traffic even if the DVB-T2 component does not cover the whole area of interest. These studies have brought out the benefits and drawbacks of both broadcast and unicast networks. Especially, the interest of the hybrid network based on the complementarities between the two components has been demonstrated.

En el presente trabajo se analizará la relación entre las estrategias de precios y la imagen de merca en el rubro de las operadoras móviles, en jóvenes de 18 a 30 años en los distritos de Jesús María, Pueblo Libre, San Miguel, Cercado de Lima y Rímac Para el desarrollo de esta investigación, se tomó en cuenta las estrategias de precios realizadas por las principales operadoras móviles que funcionan en el Perú: Movistar, Claro, Entel y Bitel. Lo que se busca, es conocer la relevancia que tiene las diferentes estrategias de precios, que las operadoras están realizando para mantenerse competitivos, en la generación de imagen de marca de los usuarios. Para ello, se han utilizado herramientas cualitativas, con entrevistas a expertos y usuarios del público objetivo para conocer de una manera óptima sus pensamientos y creencias. / In this paper, we will analyze the relationship between pricing strategies and the image of the market in the mobile operators, in young people aged 18 to 30 in the districts of Jesús María, Pueblo Libre, San Miguel, Cercado de Lima and Rimac. For the development of this research, the pricing strategies carried out by the main mobile operators operating in Peru were taken into account: Movistar, Claro, Entel and Bitel. What is sought is to know the relevance of the different pricing strategies that operators are carrying out to remain competitive, in the generation of users' brand image. To do this, qualitative tools have been used, with interviews with experts and users of the target audience to know their thoughts and beliefs in an optimal way. / Trabajo de investigación