There have been a number of studies concerning the access and usage patterns of mobile phones since the first cellular phone appeared in 1979. With the appearance of the smart phone a recent field of research emerges within media and communication. This study focuses on what role a particular smart phone plays within the users’ communication practices. Combining individuality and mobility with communication, the iPhone changes the users’ way of communication completely. In addition to that, the use of the iPhone comprises self-representational characteristics. The study aims to research what role the user ascribes to the iPhone. A field observation of iPhone users combined with qualitative focus group interviews will present more insight in how the iPhone maintains the users’ interpersonal relationships and fulfils their communication motives. The field observation might bear some general aspects about usage patterns of the iPhone, especially in public spaces. Supplementing the field observation, the focus group interviews will give some information about personal usage patterns and about the iPhone’s status within individual perceptions. The use of smart phones like the iPhone influences the user’s ways of communication in positive as well as in negative ways. A constant access to various networks establishes a permanent availability, which entails major changes in the users’ way of communication and the users’ perception of time and space. In addition to that, the design and look of the gadget is a main appeal for iPhone users. Here the smart phone turns out to be an accessory with which people make statements to their surrounding. These statements can be of different nature. They can be based on image, fashion or design conscious in the user’s perception. This study intends to bring up new topics about the relationship between a technical device and its user

Widespread adoption of mobile payments has not taken place despite a decade of trials in various countries based upon a mobile phone handset that does not have the technology capabilities of today’s smart phones. However, significant technology developments have led to widespread consumer adoption of smart phones and other devices that may now provide the foundation for wider consumer adoption of mobile payments. Understanding UK consumer cultural perceptions on the new phenomenon is one of the first steps to influencing purchase behaviour. This thesis is based upon a post-positivist philosophy and a social constructionist ontology that explores UK consumer perceptions of mobile payments through human cognitive and affective responses of consumer payment behaviour as these influence attitude that leads to adoption. However, UK consumer interest in mobile payments on its own is unlikely to be enough to change payment behaviour, although meeting specific payment needs can motivate consumers to amend their payment behaviour that can lead to widespread adoption. Inductive empirical research is used to explore UK consumer perceptions of mobile payments through sequential mixed methods. A questionnaire is used as the 1st research instrument with closed questions that explore various aspects of consumer interest in the mobile payments phenomenon. The key themes identified from the numerical analysis of the questionnaire data are used to guide the semi-structured interviews. Content analysis is then undertaken on the qualitative interview data from which new knowledge on consumer perceptions of mobile payments is identified. Analysis of the empirical data suggests that UK consumers have significant technology and security concerns which negatively affect consumer interest. Despite these concerns, UK consumers demonstrate interest in the mobile payments phenomenon when perceived usefulness benefits are identified. The perceived usefulness positively influences attitude that overcomes perceived risks which can lead to amended consumer payment behaviour and widespread adoption. In addition, UK consumers have a significant lack of trust towards unknown organisations as well as new market entrants although there is an increased level of trust in mobile payments provided by UK banks as well as other established organisations. This research fills an important gap in existing literature on consumer payment behaviour as it explores UK consumer cultural perceptions of the mobile payments phenomenon using smart phones and contactless consumer devices; whereas earlier consumer payment research is based upon a mobile phone handset that does not have the technology capabilities of today’s smart phones and has an Asian and Nordic cultural focus. Furthermore, this research provides UK empirical evidence that refines and extends existing research through the use of sequential mixed methods whilst adding to the understanding of UK consumer attitudes related to UK payment instruments.

Competition in the smart phone market is fierce and despite the high market growth, smart phone manufacturers find it difficult to maintain their market share. Generation Y consumers generally have a good command of technology and engage in technology-related behaviour such as texting, tweeting and web-surfing. Therefore, when it comes to the adoption of smart phones applications, Generation Y is leading the way. For this reason, it is important to consider Generation Y consumers‟ attitudes and perceptions towards smart phone manufacturers and their brands. It has thus become critical for smart phone manufacturers to achieve customer satisfaction, generate loyalty, and build meaningful long-term relationships with Generation Y consumers. The primary objective of this study was to investigate customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention amongst Generation Y consumers towards smart phone brands. The questionnaire was distributed by means of non-probability, convenience and quota sampling among 18 and 26 year old respondents living in Gauteng who owned or used a smart phone. In total, 395 respondents participated in the study. Based upon the literature review, a theoretical model was proposed that hypothesised the relationship between customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention amongst Generation Y consumers with respect to their current smart phones. From the data analysis, it was evident that respondents exhibit a strong level of customer satisfaction, a mediocre level of brand loyalty, and a strong relationship intention towards their current smart phone brand. The results confirm that the measurement scales used to measure customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and the five dimensions of relationship intention all exhibit construct validity and internal consistency reliability. The study also uncovered significant differences between groups of Generation Y consumers in terms of gender, home language, education, employment status and time period of smart phone brand usage. The results of the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique used to test the theoretical model found that customer satisfaction exhibits a significant and large positive influence on brand loyalty, and a significant and medium positive influence on relationship intention. Furthermore, brand loyalty exhibits a significant medium positive influence on relationship intention. Finally, the dimensions of relationship intention exhibit significant medium to large effects on relationship intention. It is recommended that smart phone manufacturers should provide customers with a customer service application to measure customers‟ satisfaction in terms of their needs met. Smart phone manufacturers should also introduce new ways to communicate with Generation Y consumers to generate brand loyalty. Innovating ideas should be considered for smart phone manufacturers to retain Generation Y consumers. Brand loyalty can be improved by adding more applications according to Generation Y consumers‟ needs. The more a smart phone manufacturer focuses on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, the more consumers will want to build long-term relationships with their smart phone brands. Recommendations for future research include the possibility to investigate each construct separately to ensure a more detailed investigation. Different cultures and age groups, as well as geographical areas can be studied to broaden results on how different consumers of different generations exhibit customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention towards their smart phones. Specific smart phone manufacturers could be investigated to obtain specific information on customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention so as to formulate appropriate strategies on improving the constructs measured. / MCom (Marketing Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Competition in the smart phone market is fierce and despite the high market growth, smart phone manufacturers find it difficult to maintain their market share. Generation Y consumers generally have a good command of technology and engage in technology-related behaviour such as texting, tweeting and web-surfing. Therefore, when it comes to the adoption of smart phones applications, Generation Y is leading the way. For this reason, it is important to consider Generation Y consumers‟ attitudes and perceptions towards smart phone manufacturers and their brands. It has thus become critical for smart phone manufacturers to achieve customer satisfaction, generate loyalty, and build meaningful long-term relationships with Generation Y consumers. The primary objective of this study was to investigate customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention amongst Generation Y consumers towards smart phone brands. The questionnaire was distributed by means of non-probability, convenience and quota sampling among 18 and 26 year old respondents living in Gauteng who owned or used a smart phone. In total, 395 respondents participated in the study. Based upon the literature review, a theoretical model was proposed that hypothesised the relationship between customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention amongst Generation Y consumers with respect to their current smart phones. From the data analysis, it was evident that respondents exhibit a strong level of customer satisfaction, a mediocre level of brand loyalty, and a strong relationship intention towards their current smart phone brand. The results confirm that the measurement scales used to measure customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and the five dimensions of relationship intention all exhibit construct validity and internal consistency reliability. The study also uncovered significant differences between groups of Generation Y consumers in terms of gender, home language, education, employment status and time period of smart phone brand usage. The results of the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique used to test the theoretical model found that customer satisfaction exhibits a significant and large positive influence on brand loyalty, and a significant and medium positive influence on relationship intention. Furthermore, brand loyalty exhibits a significant medium positive influence on relationship intention. Finally, the dimensions of relationship intention exhibit significant medium to large effects on relationship intention. It is recommended that smart phone manufacturers should provide customers with a customer service application to measure customers‟ satisfaction in terms of their needs met. Smart phone manufacturers should also introduce new ways to communicate with Generation Y consumers to generate brand loyalty. Innovating ideas should be considered for smart phone manufacturers to retain Generation Y consumers. Brand loyalty can be improved by adding more applications according to Generation Y consumers‟ needs. The more a smart phone manufacturer focuses on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, the more consumers will want to build long-term relationships with their smart phone brands. Recommendations for future research include the possibility to investigate each construct separately to ensure a more detailed investigation. Different cultures and age groups, as well as geographical areas can be studied to broaden results on how different consumers of different generations exhibit customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention towards their smart phones. Specific smart phone manufacturers could be investigated to obtain specific information on customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and relationship intention so as to formulate appropriate strategies on improving the constructs measured. / MCom (Marketing Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

In the rapid development of mobile communication industry, mobile phone converted from general voice-guided to smart phones, tablet PC and other handheld, which through multi-functional integration of operating system and value-added services, is changing the whole market demand. The main purpose of this thesis is to provide the competitive strategies for the mobile communication industry, mainly from system operators, channel and mobile equipment manufacturer, analyzed by SWOT, industry profiles and trends to evaluate mutual relations of valued chain and digital convergence. With the literature review and the investigations of the mobile communication industry, practitioners and experts in Taiwan, we establish the following strategies: 1.Smart phones and tablet PC in the future development of the market with high growth opportunities, integration between system platform and hardware/software, and the user interface and application services will enable higher value added in the industry. 2.Mobile equipment manufacturer develops enhanced features to networking function peripheral products, coupled with the popularity of mobile networks, to make mobile devices more functionality expanded. 3.The role of channel needs to create differentiated service, integrated telecommunications services and market information, as well as professional and dedicated service to the channel to exert influence on the market. 4.The system operator, channel and mobile equipment manufacturer in close cooperation between the three is bound to become the mainstream business model. Integrated strategy of digital convergence and application service is mainly required to long-term growth and development.

With the advancements in technology and computing environment capabilities, the number of devices that people carry has increased exponentially. This increase initially occurred as a result of necessity to monitor the human body condition due to chronic diseases, heart problems etc. Later, individuals’ interest was drawn towards self-monitoring their physiology and health care. This is achieved by implanting various sensors that can proactively monitor the human body based on medical necessity and the health condition of the user. Sensors connected on a human body perceive phenomena such as locomotion or heartbeat, and act accordingly to form a Body Area Network. The primary concern of these sensors is to ensure a secure way of communication and coordination among the devices to form a flawless system. A secondary concern is wireless sensor authentication, which ensures trustworthiness and reliable gathering of a user’s data. To address this concern, we designed a secure approach using low cost accelerometers to authenticate sensors in Body Area Networks. To ensure authentication in on-body sensor networks, we need a mechanism which intuitively proves all the communicating nodes are trusted ones. In order to achieve sensor authentication, we used accelerometer data gathered from sensors to distinguish whether or not the devices are carried on waist of same individual’s body. Our approach is focused at analyzing walking patterns recorded from smartphone accelerometers placed in the same location of the user’s body, and we present results showing these sensors record similar pattern.

長久以來，學者專家為進行各種與人們行為有關的實驗，使用了多種方法進行數據的收集，卻存在著一些缺點或是成本過高，不易大規模推行。近年來，隨著行動科技的高速發展，智慧型手機已經相當普及。由於智慧型手機內建眾多的感測器(Sensors)及裝置(Devices)，透過撰寫及執行特定的手機應用程式（APP），即可蒐集手機所偵測到的使用者行為相關之資訊，並加以分析處理。行動感測(Mobile Sensing)遂成為新型態的數據收集方式。但是，僅就特定之感測實驗所需數據項目，開發數據蒐集的行動應用程式，亦或是不管實驗需求，讓程式蒐集全部項目的感測數據，都不是理想的作法：不是欠缺彈性考量就是未能考慮手機使用者的隱私關切。 本研究實作一個通用於所有行動作業系統上之可設定式之行動感測服務平台，它可以協助研究者根據其需求自行設定感測實驗項目及其條件規範。之後，透過建立於伺服器端與客戶端之間特定的資料交換機制，進行實驗的發布及兩端的互動溝通。整體運作過程中，客戶端的參與者只需簡易地安裝一套行動應用程式，便能夠輕鬆參與進行各種感測實驗、貢獻實驗數據。最後，我們模擬幾項實驗，用以驗證平台之實際運作效能。 / Experimental data obtained in scientific research is extremely important. For a long time, people use a variety of methods for data collection, but most of them are either restricted or expensive. In recent years, with the rapid development of mobile technology, smart phones are becoming very popular. With many built-in sensors and devices, smart phones can be used as a new tool of data collection, hence the emergence of mobile sensing. By installing a mobile application (APP) on a user’s smart phone, researchers can collect those required sensor data from the user and analyze it for their study. This research presents a configurable service platform for mobile sensing which aims to reconcile the flexibility needed by researchers and privacy concerns of smart phone users. In particular, our platform allows researchers to use our GUI tool to easily set up an experiment by composing an experiment configuration file (ECF) which specifies the sensor types to collect and the filtering rules for data selection. Users of smart phones can join any experiments by installing a single piece of logger APP developed according to our ECF specification. Besides, users will be fully informed of the data to collect before agreeing to participate a specific experiment. In such a manner, we achieve a proper balance between flexibility and privacy. Finally, we conducted several experiments to validate the feasibility of our service platform with users of Android smart phones.

The aim for this project was to develop an application that would be compatible with set-top boxes, or other browser based applications, and re-search what interaction techniques that could be considered a viable substitute for a the traditional remote controller without requiring the visual attention of the viewer User test was also performed in the interest of broadly evaluating the different interaction techniques used in the application, and how the UI itself, including non visual feedback from both the sender and receiver side is perceived.

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Over 90% of faculty members in higher education have access to smart mobile devices. However, data are lacking about community college faculty members’ use of smart mobile devices and applications for instruction and content delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine Tennessee community college full-time faculty’s use of smart mobile devices, to determine if there were any significant differences in the mean scores measuring attitudes and use of smart mobile devices by generational age grouping, teaching discipline, rank, years of teaching and to determine if Tennessee community college faculty members who under-utilize mobile technologies for teaching also hold negative opinions about them. This study measured Tennessee Community College faculty use of smart mobile devices and their attitudes and use of smart mobile devices by generational age groups, teaching discipline, rank, and years of teaching. This study used quantitative, nonexperimental survey design. The survey instrument was an electronic questionnaire, consisting of 15 items that were divided into 7 dimensions. The dimensions were: Learning Preference, Institutional Training, Frequency, Attitude, Willingness to Attend PD Training, Willingness to Use, and Competence. Of the 267 possible participants, 93 (35%) responded to the survey. Data from the survey were used to analyze 5 research questions and 35 null hypotheses. Two research questions were analyzed using independent-samples t test 2 and 3 analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Testing the null hypotheses associated with the 5 research questions resulted in 7 significant findings and 28 findings that were not significant. The findings indicated that there were significant differences in professional development training scores by generational age, and by academic rank. There were significant findings in learning preference by teaching discipline and training by teaching disciplines. Last, there were significant differences in some of the dimensions by years of experience. The results of this study may benefit administrators and educators in knowing what groups are open to professional development training for using smart mobile devices for instruction and in what areas to provide training.