M.Sc. (Information Technology) / Making changes to a complex system, such as a cellular network, without being well informed about the potential effects of the change could prove to have negative and costly outcomes. In order to diminish the risk of making changes to a real system, a simulation of the real system is a viable and valuable alternative. By creating a simulation of the real system, the effects of changes made can be tested in the simulation instead of the real system. The dissertation presents a model by which subscriber behaviour within a cellular network can be simulated. The model that is introduced to this end is called the Mobile Network Subscriber-Behaviour Simulation (MNSS). Subscriber behaviour is important as it is largely responsible for the variation in traffic within the cellular network. Thus, the research presented in the dissertation seeks to provide a means by which the planning and operation of cellular networks can be enhanced through a better comprehension of network traffic, which is influenced by subscriber behaviour. In the dissertation, specific focus is given to voice traffic, and, as such, the cellular network architecture that was chosen for the model is the GSM mobile network architecture due to its ubiquitous use in carrying voice traffic. The research presented in the dissertation begins with a discussion on the GSM architecture. Subscriber behaviour is simulated through the use of intelligent agents that are configured to interact with one another to form a Multi-agent System. In addition, the subscriber agents interact with, and adapt to, the mobile network component of the MNSS model, which constitutes the formation of a Complex Adaptive System. Therefore, the discussion is subsequently directed towards Artificial Intelligence, intelligent agents, Multi-agent Systems and Complex Adaptive Systems. Using these aforementioned concepts, the dissertation presents the MNSS model and a prototype implementation, as well as a discussion on the results obtained from this. The main purpose of the dissertation is to examine a means by which subscriber behaviour can be simulated in a cellular network, through the use of multiple intelligent agents that interact in a complex system. This is conducted for the express purpose of analysing the change in behaviour of the subscriber agents in relation to changes made to external conditions, such as the underlying cellular network or the behaviour of other subscriber agents.

by Cheng Wai Ming, Ivy, Ma Lok Man, Frandy. / Includes questionaire in Chinese. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leave 67). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.viii / CHAPTER / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Purpose of Study --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Market Overview --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Market Growth --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Social Environment --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Economic Environment --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Regulatory Environment --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Technological Environment --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- Market Share --- p.4 / Chapter 1.5 --- Marketing Strategies of Mobile Service Providers --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Product Strategies --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5.1.1 --- Service Features --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5.1.2 --- Mobile Phone Brands Used --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5.1.3 --- Number of Cell Sites --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5.1.4 --- Network Coverage --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5.1.5 --- Roaming Locations --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5.1.6 --- Customer Service --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Pricing Strategies --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Distribution Strategies --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Promotion Strategies --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5.4.1 --- Advertising --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5.4.2 --- Sales Teams --- p.9 / Chapter 2. --- DECISION PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH OBJECTIVES --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1 --- Decision Problems --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2 --- Research Objectives --- p.14 / Chapter 3. --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- Attitudes and Attitude Components --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- Multiattribute Attitude Models --- p.17 / Chapter 4. --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1 --- Exploratory Study --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Literature Search --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Interviews with Executives --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Interviews with Potential Customers --- p.22 / Chapter 4.2 --- Descriptive Study --- p.22 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Survey Population and Sample Size --- p.23 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Sampling and Data Collection Procedure --- p.24 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Questionnaire --- p.25 / Chapter 5. --- LIMITATIONS --- p.27 / Chapter 6. --- FINDINGS --- p.29 / Chapter 6.1 --- Exploratory Study --- p.29 / Chapter 6.1.1 --- Benefits of Using Mobile Telephone --- p.29 / Chapter 6.1.2 --- Evaluative Criteria Used in Selecting Mobile Telephone Service Provider --- p.30 / Chapter 6.1.3 --- Types of Information Sought and Sources of Information Used --- p.31 / Chapter 6.2 --- Descriptive Study --- p.32 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents --- p.32 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Benefits of Using Mobile Telephone --- p.35 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Decision Making Process of Selecting a Mobile Service Provider --- p.36 / Chapter 6.2.3.1 --- Types of Information Sought by Respondents --- p.36 / Chapter 6.2.3.2 --- Sources of Information --- p.37 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- The Evaluative Criteria Used by Respondents and Their Relative Importance --- p.38 / Chapter 6.2.5 --- Awareness of Mobile Service Providers --- p.39 / Chapter 6.2.6 --- Belief Ratings on the Evaluative Criteria --- p.40 / Chapter 6.2.7 --- Respondents' Attitudes Towards the Mobile Service Providers --- p.41 / Chapter 6.2.8 --- Relationship Between Consumer Attitudes and Brand Preferences --- p.43 / Chapter 6.2.9 --- Market Segmentation --- p.46 / Chapter 6.2.9.1 --- Segmentation by Demographics --- p.46 / Chapter 6.2.9.2 --- Segmentation by Benefits --- p.49 / Chapter 6.2.9.3 --- Segmentation by Attitudes --- p.54 / Chapter 7. --- IMPLICATIONS FOR MARKETING STRATEGIES --- p.59 / Chapter 7.1 --- Competitive Analysis of CSL Against the Other Three Mobile Service Providers in Hong Kong --- p.59 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications for Marketing Strategies of CSL --- p.60 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- Target Market --- p.60 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Product Strategies --- p.61 / Chapter 7.2.3 --- Pricing Strategies --- p.63 / Chapter 7.2.4 --- Distribution Strategies --- p.64 / Chapter 7.2.5 --- Promotion Strategies --- p.64 / Chapter 8. --- CONCLUSION --- p.66 / REFERENCES --- p.67 / APPENDICES --- p.68 / Appendix A Exploratory Study: Executive Interview Guide --- p.68 / Appendix B Exploratory Study: Potential Customers Interview Guide --- p.69 / Appendix C English Version of the Questionnaire --- p.70 / Appendix D Chinese Version of the Questionnaire --- p.77 / Appendix E Findings of the Exploratory Study --- p.87 / Appendix F Agglomeration Coefficients of the Cluster Procedure on Respondents' Ratings on the Benefit Statements --- p.91 / Appendix G Agglomeration Coefficients of the Cluster Procedure on Respondents' Ratings on the Evaluative Criteria --- p.92

by Hui Ching-Han, Kuok Li-Wen. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-114). / Questionnaire also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES --- p.viii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.ix / Chapter CHAPTER I --- PROJECT INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Objective --- p.3 / Scope of Study --- p.3 / Methodology --- p.4 / Primary Data Gathering --- p.4 / Secondary Data Gathering --- p.5 / Data Presentation and Analysis --- p.5 / Limitations --- p.6 / Chapter CHAPTER II --- COMPANY BACKGROUND --- p.8 / Mother Company - HK-listed TCL International Holdings Ltd --- p.8 / Maker and Designer of Consumer Electronic Products --- p.8 / Foreign Ownership --- p.8 / China State-Owned Background --- p.9 / Brand Value --- p.10 / Expanding its Overseas Footprint --- p.10 / Source of Income by Market and Product --- p.11 / Performance --- p.11 / Corporate Strategies --- p.13 / Corporate Goal --- p.13 / Business Portfolio --- p.14 / Strategic Partnerships --- p.14 / Nam Tai Electronics --- p.14 / Ericsson --- p.15 / TTPCom --- p.15 / TCL Mobile Communication Co. Ltd --- p.16 / History and Background --- p.16 / Ownership --- p.16 / Sales Performance --- p.17 / Strong Management Team --- p.18 / Scale --- p.19 / Mission --- p.19 / Corporate Culture --- p.19 / Strategy --- p.20 / Mobile Communication Business Plans --- p.22 / Overseas Market Development - HK Market the First Testing Ground --- p.22 / TCL Mobile Information International Company Limited - HK office --- p.23 / Chapter CHAPTER III --- CHINA MOBILE PHONE MARKET --- p.24 / General Market Situation - Supply Side --- p.24 / Number One World Manufacturing Base --- p.24 / Dominant Standard --- p.24 / Revenue and Future Size --- p.25 / General Market Situation - Demand Side --- p.25 / China Consumer Characteristics --- p.26 / Five Faces - Market Segmentation --- p.26 / Location Difference --- p.27 / Most Preferred Brands --- p.27 / Myth of Advertisement --- p.27 / TCL Mobile Phone in China --- p.28 / Largest Mobile Phone Marker in China --- p.28 / Top Five Brands in China --- p.28 / Lucrative Mobile Phone Market - Earnings Driver --- p.29 / Major Foreign Competitors --- p.29 / Major China Competitors --- p.30 / Price War With Profit Margin Unaffected --- p.30 / 4Ps of TCL Mobile Phones --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER IV --- HONG KONG MOBILE PHONE MARKET --- p.33 / HK Telecommunication Market - Highlighting Mobile Phone Sub-Sector --- p.33 / Potential Regional Mobile Hub --- p.33 / Highest Telephone Density and Penetration Rate in Asia --- p.34 / Pioneer in Adopting New Technologies and Services --- p.36 / Replacement Mobile Phone Market --- p.37 / Large Business Receipts from Mobile Phone Telecommunication Sub-sector --- p.37 / Network Services Providers --- p.37 / Famous Mobile Phone Brands Dominate Market --- p.38 / Mobile Phone Business Receipts --- p.38 / Characteristics of Hong Kong Consumers --- p.39 / 4Ps of generic brands in Hong Kong market --- p.39 / Recent Developments --- p.41 / Current TCL 4Ps in HK --- p.42 / Price - Medium Pricing --- p.42 / Product - Limited Product Mix with Generic Features --- p.42 / Place - Weak distribution in network service providers --- p.45 / Promotion - No sustainable advertisement after launch --- p.46 / Differences between Hong Kong and the China Market --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER V --- SURVEY --- p.49 / Timeline of Survey --- p.49 / Target Market --- p.49 / Methodology --- p.50 / Focus Group --- p.50 / Pilot Test --- p.50 / Quota Sampling --- p.50 / Structure of Questionnaire --- p.51 / Showing Dummy Product --- p.52 / Survey Results Compatible --- p.52 / Highlights and Implications of Survey Results --- p.53 / Part I: HK Mobile Phone Market ´ؤ Usage and Preference --- p.53 / Suggestions in Cracking HK Market by 4Ps Analysis --- p.56 / Part II: Highlights and Implications of the TCL Related Data (4Ps) --- p.57 / Chapter CHAPTER VI --- DATA ANALYSIS --- p.60 / Sample Size --- p.60 / Analysis of the Results of Survey --- p.60 / Demographics --- p.60 / Part I: Mobile Phone Usage and Preference --- p.61 / Current Brand --- p.61 / Frequency of Changing Mobile Phones --- p.62 / Reasons for Replacing Mobile Phone --- p.66 / Mobile Phone Selection Criteria --- p.66 / Preferred Place to Purchase Mobile Phone --- p.72 / Part II: TCL Mobile Phone --- p.75 / General Idea of TCL --- p.75 / Product --- p.75 / Price --- p.81 / Place --- p.82 / Promotion --- p.83 / Confidence in TCL Mobile Phone --- p.85 / Chapter CHAPTER VII --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.88 / The Fate of TCL in the Hong Kong Market --- p.88 / Chapter CHAPTER VIII --- RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.90 / Target Market --- p.90 / Need Market Research --- p.90 / Broaden Target Market --- p.90 / Brand Image --- p.91 / Price --- p.92 / Product --- p.92 / Place --- p.94 / Promotion --- p.94 / APPENDIX 1 Terms (in alphabetical order) --- p.96 / APPENDIX 2 Development Milestones of TCL Mobile Communication --- p.100 / APPENDIX 3 Milestones of Telecommunications (Mobile Phone sub-sector) in Hong Kong..… --- p.102 / APPENDIX 4 (SURVEY: ENGLISH VERSION) --- p.106 / APPENDIX 5 (SURVEY: CHINESE VERSION) --- p.109 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.112 / Periodicals --- p.112 / Interview --- p.114

by Tsoi Wing, Yeung Yin Ping. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 78). / Questionnaire also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.vi / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vii / Chapter CHAPTER I. --- BACKGROUND --- p.1 / Growing Maturity of the Mobile Telecommunications Industry --- p.1 / Intense Competitions in the Industry --- p.3 / Company Overview: Hutchison Telecom --- p.9 / Significance of Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty --- p.12 / Objectives of this study --- p.13 / Chapter CHAPTER II. --- MACRO-ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS --- p.14 / Political /Legal Impact --- p.14 / Economic Impact --- p.16 / Socio-cultural Impact --- p.17 / Technology Impact --- p.18 / Chapter CHAPTER III. --- INDUSTRY ANALYSIS --- p.20 / Internal Rivalry --- p.20 / Market Entry --- p.31 / Substitutes --- p.31 / Buyer Power --- p.32 / Supplier Power --- p.33 / Overall Implications --- p.33 / Chapter CHAPTER IV. --- COMPANY ANALYSIS --- p.34 / Strengths --- p.34 / Weaknesses --- p.37 / Opportunities --- p.39 / Threats --- p.40 / Chapter CHAPTER V. --- MARKET SURVEY --- p.42 / Survey Objective --- p.42 / Research Methodology --- p.42 / Limitations --- p.43 / Results and Findings --- p.44 / Chapter CHAPTER VI. --- RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.59 / Product Strategy --- p.59 / Pricing Strategy --- p.62 / Place Strategy --- p.63 / Promotion Strategy --- p.63 / Chapter CHAPTER VII. --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.64 / Chapter CHAPTER VIII. --- APPENDICES --- p.66 / Appendix 1 - Recent Major Events of Hutchison --- p.66 / Appendix 2 - Organization Structure and Objectives of OFTA --- p.67 / Appendix 3 - Customer Survey Questionnaire --- p.68 / Appendix 4 - Customer Survey Results --- p.71 / Chapter CHAPTER IX. --- BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.78

by Ho Kwok Ching, Lui Chun Wah. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-119). / ABSTRACT --- p.iii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.viii / Chapter / Chapter I --- INTRODUCTION --- p.10 / Chapter II --- MARKET PROFILE REPORT --- p.14 / Background and History --- p.14 / Market Growth --- p.15 / Spending of Mobile Phone Users --- p.18 / Market Share --- p.19 / The Evolution of Consumer Culture in Hong Kong --- p.19 / Quantitative (Before 1970) --- p.19 / Qualitative (1970 - 1985) --- p.20 / Emotional (1986 - 1994) --- p.20 / Multi-segment (1995 to now) --- p.20 / The Emerging Markets --- p.21 / The Elderly Market --- p.21 / The New Generation Market --- p.21 / The Female Market --- p.22 / Conclusion --- p.22 / Chapter III --- COMPETITIVE PROFILE REPORT --- p.24 / Existing Mobile Network Operators --- p.24 / Brand Perception --- p.24 / Promotion Strategies --- p.26 / Technology --- p.27 / Market Share --- p.29 / Activities Summary --- p.30 / CSL --- p.30 / SmarTone --- p.31 / Hutchison --- p.32 / Pacific Link --- p.33 / Service Commitment and background of the 6 PCS operators --- p.33 / Conclusion --- p.35 / Chapter IV --- CUSTOMER PROFILE REPORT --- p.37 / Mobile Communications Needs --- p.37 / Prompt Factors for Purchase --- p.38 / Basic Attitudes of Pricing --- p.39 / Price Sensitivity --- p.40 / Buying Cycle --- p.41 / Mobile Haters --- p.42 / Customer Survey --- p.42 / Chapter V --- PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PROFILE REPORT --- p.44 / Roaming Countries Comparison --- p.45 / Coverage Comparison --- p.45 / Service Binding/Prepayment Comparison --- p.45 / Conclusion --- p.46 / Chapter VI --- COMPANY PROFILE REPORT --- p.49 / Network Infrastructure --- p.50 / Scope of Services --- p.51 / Subsidiaries --- p.52 / Hongkong Telecom CSL --- p.52 / Hongkong Telecom IMS --- p.53 / Regional Activities --- p.53 / Quality Service Commitment --- p.54 / Strength and Weakness --- p.56 / Strength --- p.56 / Weakness --- p.56 / Brand Perception --- p.58 / Activities Summary --- p.59 / Conclusion --- p.60 / Chapter VII --- ANALYSIS --- p.62 / Chapter VIII --- MARKETING SUB-PROGRAMME 1: CUSTOMER RETENTION --- p.67 / Dealing with the Churn --- p.67 / Churning Reasons --- p.70 / Safety use customer --- p.70 / Service Objectives and Strategies --- p.71 / Tactical Action Plan --- p.74 / Monitoring --- p.74 / Progress Meeting --- p.75 / Weekly 'Customer-At-Risk' Report --- p.75 / Budget --- p.76 / Chapter IX --- MARKETING SUB-PROGRAMME 2: TERTIARY STUDENTS SEGMENT --- p.77 / Introduction --- p.77 / Market Profile Report --- p.77 / Customer Profile Report --- p.79 / Competitive Profile Report --- p.82 / Promotion and Communication --- p.82 / Price --- p.83 / Product Profile Report --- p.85 / Marketing Objectives and Sales Forecast --- p.86 / Marketing Weapons --- p.87 / Pricing Objectives and Strategies --- p.87 / Detail Tactical Plan - Pricing --- p.88 / Promotion Objectives and Strategies --- p.89 / Tactical Action Plan - Promotion --- p.90 / Product Objectives and Strategies --- p.91 / Tactical Action Plan - Product --- p.91 / Overall Tactical Action --- p.91 / Budget --- p.92 / Chapter X --- CONCLUSION --- p.93 / Chapter APPENDIX I - --- CUSTOMER SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE --- p.95 / Chapter APPENDIX II - --- CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS --- p.100 / Chapter APPENDIX III - --- CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS (TERTIARY STUDENTS) --- p.110 / Chapter APPENDIX IV - --- TACTICAL ACTION PLAN (TERTIARY STUDENTS) --- p.115 / Chapter APPENDIX V - --- FINANCIAL ANALYSIS (TERTIARY STUDENTS) --- p.115 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.116

by Lee Chi Leung, Edmund, Liu Lei. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-78). / Questionnaire also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.viii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER I --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Branding in China --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Branding in Telecommunication Industry in China --- p.4 / Chapter CHAPTER II --- BRANDING OF CHINA UNICOM'S CDMA SERVICE --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1 --- China Unicom --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2 --- Definition of Key Constructs --- p.9 / Chapter 2.4 --- Branding of China Unicom´ةs CDMA Service --- p.19 / Chapter CHAPTER III --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY --- p.26 / Chapter 3.1 --- Research Objectives --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2 --- Research Design --- p.26 / Chapter 3.3 --- Research Instrument Design --- p.27 / Chapter 3.4 --- Sampling Procedures --- p.29 / Chapter CHAPTER IV --- ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1 --- Focus Group Discussions --- p.30 / Chapter 4.2 --- Survey Findings --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Questions on China Unicom --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Questions on China Unicom's CDMA Service --- p.36 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Questions on Consumer Behavior and Respondents' Profile --- p.45 / Chapter 4.3 --- Research Limitations --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Scale Ratings --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Frame of Reference - Product Brand Names --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Sampling Procedure --- p.53 / Chapter CHAPTER V --- RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.54 / Chapter 5.2 --- Focus on Customers --- p.54 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Target Premium Customers --- p.54 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Create Real Value-for-Money --- p.55 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Establish Trust in a Long-term Relationship --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2 --- Build a Strong Service Brand --- p.57 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Enhance Brand Recall --- p.57 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Build a Strong Corporate Brand --- p.58 / Chapter CHAPTER VI --- CONCLUSION --- p.60 / APPENDIX 1 QUESTIONNAIRE IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE --- p.62 / APPENDIX 2 QUESTIONNAIRE IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION --- p.65 / APPENDIX 3 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS --- p.68 / APPENDIX 4 BACKGROUND OF CHINA UNICOM'S CDMA SERVICE --- p.74 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.77 / BOOKS --- p.77 / JOURNAL PAPERS --- p.78 / WEBSITES --- p.79

To date, hundreds of millions of mini-QWERTY keyboard equipped devices (miniaturized versions of a full desktop keyboard) have been sold. Accordingly, a large percentage of text messages originate from fixed-key, mini-QWERTY keyboard enabled mobile phones. Over a series of three longitudinal studies I quantify how quickly and accurately individuals can input text on mini-QWERTY keyboards. I evaluate performance in ideal laboratory conditions as well as in a variety of mobile contexts. My first study establishes baseline performance measures; my second study investigates the impact of limited visibility on text input performance; and my third study investigates the impact of mobility (sitting, standing, and walking) on text input performance. After approximately five hours of practice, participants achieved expertise typing almost 60 words per minute at almost 95% accuracy. Upon completion of these studies, I examine the types of errors that people make when typing on mini-QWERTY keyboards. Having discovered a common pattern in errors, I develop and refine an algorithm to automatically detect and correct errors in mini-QWERTY keyboard enabled text input. I both validate the algorithm through the analysis of pre-recorded typing data and then empirically evaluate the impacts of automatic error correction on live mini-QWERTY keyboard text input. Validating the algorithm over various datasets, I demonstrate the potential to correct approximately 25% of the total errors and correct up to 3% of the total keystrokes. Evaluating automatic error detection and correction on live typing results in successfully correcting 61% of the targeted errors committed by participants while increasing typing rates by almost two words per minute without introducing noticeable distraction.

This research aims at a music piece for audience participation using mobile phones as musical instruments in a music concert setting. Inspired by the ubiquity of smart phones, I attempted to accomplish audience engagement in a music performance by crafting an accessible musical instrument with which audience can be a part of the performance. The research begins by reviewing the related works in two areas, mobile music and audience participation at music performances, builds a charted map of the areas and its intersection to seek an innovation, and defines requisites for a successful audience participation where audience can participate in music making as musicians with their mobile phones. To make accessible audience participation, the concept of a networked multi-user instrument is applied for the system. With the lessons learnt, I developed echobo, a mobile musical instrument application for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch). With this system, audience can download the app at the concert, play the instrument instantly, interact with other audience members, and contribute to the music by sound generated from their mobile phones. A music piece for echobo and a clarinet was presented in a series of performances and the application was found to work reliably and accomplish audience engagement. The post-survey results indicate that the system was accessible, and helped the audience to connect to the music and other musicians.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Technology: Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / The term “wireless network” pertains to a very comprehensive field and at different points in history, meant different things. For example, in 1901 it would have meant Marconi’s first transatlantic communication and later, to the walkie-talkie in the Second World War. Since the late 1940’s, large companies and emergency services have used wide area private networks which could also be catergorised as wireless networks. However, public consciousness of wireless networks only arose in the 1980’s through the commercial distribution of cellular mobile radio. The telecommunications industry is experiencing a phenomenal revolution in which; the driving factors are innovative technologies, deregulation and globalization. Innovative technologies introduce dynamic changes in the way that telecommunication business is conducted. Deregulation is the liberalization of telecommunications which significantly increases the telecommunications market, while also allowing for strong competition amongst mobile service providers. Globalisation is the breakdown of legacy barriers which forces monopolistic service providers to compete in the international arena. With service delivery being identified as one of the key components for a successful telecommunications service provider, along with the Quality of Service of their network, both components are evaluated to determine how efficient the organisation is within the mobile telecommunications industry. Telecommunications service delivery is a way of ensuring the Quality of Service delivered for outsourced and retained services. The responsibilities of the mobile operator include monitoring, analyzing and reporting on service delivery performance in order, to ensure that customer satisfaction is met or even exceeded by the mobile operator. The South African mobile telecommunication industry is experiencing phenomenal growth, just like the rest of the world. Over the last two decades, the South African mobile telecommunications industry has experienced dramatic changes. Fixed line service providers have expanded into the mobile arena. Mobile operators are trying to form mergers and purchase fixed line companies. This study investigates the challenges faced by a mobile service provider in meeting internal customer needs. The Quality of Service (QoS) of the mobile network was evaluated and the various elements which contribute to challenges experienced by the service provider were identified. A mixed methods data collection method was employed for this study. To obtain the qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with management staff. Quantitative data was obtained through the use of questionnaires and an existing discourse analysis was conducted to identify characteristics on existing reports which were generated from within the organisation, for data collection. The results showed that the mobile operators had to be innovative and competitive simultaneously. Mobile operators face various challenges. The increased level of competition amongst service providers ensured improved QoS and service delivery to consumers. The mobile operator’s network foot print has to increase to provide its own network availability to clients. In order to avoid or reduce network sharing or roaming of network services as this comprises the client network coverage on the network. The mobile service provider should actively analyse network traffic to avoid potential disruptions and, to ensure that customers have a seamless connection. This study concludes that the changing environment of communications forces organizations to consistently re-evaluate their strategies and necessary re-align their strategies to the business needs of the organisation. The initial planning entails making technology choices to meet the overall business goals. However, technology is changing at an exponential rapid rate; therefore the organization should reach the completion of the product life cycle to ensure that this product is still required in the market. The main finding of this study reinforced the contention that planning is the most critical part of mobile network strategy. The organisation’s strategy may change to accommodate environmental changes. However, these changes should not affect the life cycle of the blueprint design. / M

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mobile penetration in Ghana and the rest of Western Africa is reaching maturity. Mobile operators are looking for ways to complement their traditional revenue streams, as they cannot merely rely on voice and short message service (SMS) income anymore. Mobile value-added services are a good addition to the portfolio, bringing much needed services like transactional banking, commerce, information and entertainment, insurance, and health information services to mobile users that had difficult to no access to the above services until recently. South African mobile value-added services (VAS) companies that have a good relationship with market leading mobile providers, like MTN, have the opportunity to tap into the Ghanaian market as these services predominantly consist of mobile financial services products with limited functionality. Other specific services like agriculture, health, entertainment and insurance have been identified as mobile subscriber needs in the Ghanaian market. The benefit that South African mobile value-added companies have is that they already have developed similar well-functioning value-added services for the local market where comparisons with the Ghanaian market dynamics can be found. These companies can tailor them to the specific needs and requirements of the market in Ghana, saving them time and having the much-needed first mover advantage with regards to new or better mobile VAS in this market. Ghana is seen as the most stable country in the West African region and ease of doing business is good in comparison with neighbouring countries like Nigeria. Ghana is therefore a good entry point for South African mobile VAS companies in the West African market to truly scale their business model. The researcher chose to investigate the opportunities and best ways to enter this market by interviewing a project manager and managing director of a leading mobile value-added services company doing business in emerging economies, including Ghana. Questionnaires were also sent to employees working for various mobile VAS employers with extensive experience in the research and development of mobile VAS in these markets. The researcher derived information on the difficulty of doing business in Ghana; the current available VAS in the Ghanaian market; factors that hinder business growth in this market specifically; drivers of success; the importance of partnering with leading mobile operators like MTN to be successful; how the South African business model can be compatible; South African and other African trends that will most likely overflow to Ghana; together with the size data-enabled VAS which will form part of the portfolio of products that mobile VAS companies can offer and be market ready for in the near future. The findings of the researcher can be used as a starting framework to further investigate and determine specific market size and to conduct in-depth market analysis of the needs and requirements of mobile subscribers with regards to mobile VAS in Ghana with the vision of moving into the rest of Western Africa.