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on Payment Systems and Financial Technology |
| By: | Karapantelakis, Athanasios; Markendahl, Jan |
| Abstract: | Internet of Things (IoT) is generally understood to be a realisation of the vision of ubiquitous computing, wherein any type of device will be connected to the Internet and will be controlled by remote software. The transition of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem towards IoT is set to happen gradually over the next decade, with multiple independent sources predicting at least an order of magnitude increase in data traffic to and from connected devices. In particular, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are set to play an instrumental role in the IoT economy of the future, with the emergence of fifth generation mobile networks (5G). The transition to IoT, however, poses multiple challenges for MNOs who have to serve a large market of many industry segments (e.g. utilities, transport, agriculture), while simultaneously face commoditisation of their core services (i.e. voice, messaging and mobile broadband). In order to survive and thrive in the IoT economy, MNOs need to reconsider their role by repositioning themselves in the value chain. This paper, inspired from platform economics and successful examples of multi-sided platforms in the Information Technology (IT) industry, suggests a role of MNOs as mediators in a multi-sided market, connecting billions of devices on one end of the market with software providers on another end. The value of this idea is discussed by presentation of several prototypes that utilise MNO as a service provider |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146332&r=pay |
| By: | Chou, Yuntsai; Hu, Weimin; Lien, Hsienming |
| Abstract: | Because fourth-generation (4G) mobile communications services are provided over refarmed and heterogeneous bands for the first time, a unified spectrum management regime fails to accommodate the spectral heterogeneity. In Taiwan, we still extend the 2G incumbents' usage right on the 900MHz and the 1800 MHz frequencies until 2015; meanwhile they have been refarmed for 4G uses since the late 2013. Likewise, the 2600 MHz frequencies are now considered for 4G auction in late this year (2015); nonetheless, they are currently assigned for wireless broadband access (WBA) services until 2020. This marks the telecommunications service providers' usage rights on the certain bandwidths are overlapping with each other, causing the unintended consequences of interference, hoarding, delayed deployment, and consequentially lack of spectrum usage efficiency.This paper is written to design an institution that mitigates the problem of unintended hoarding by the incumbents so that the spectrum can be swiftly switched to the supposedly more efficient uses. Facing the similar hoarding problem in the bandwidths of digital dividend, the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) proposed incentive auction in hopes of compensating media broadcasters for their relinquishing the usage rights with the amount of bids paid by the winner. Even though the US Congress authorized the FCC to conduct incentive auctions in February, 2012, the FCC so far has not yet initiated once. This delay implies that incentive auction seems theoretically plausible but may not realistically feasible. Therefore, this study provides alternatives for efficient handover of spectrum usage rights.We hypothesized 4 scenarios for the WBA operators in hoarding the 2600 MHz frequencies. One is neither upgrade to 4G technologies and nor license renewal; the second is the upgrade allowed but no license renewal; the third is no upgrade but the license renewed; and fourth is both upgrade and renewal are allowed. We then employed econometric analysis to estimate the value of 2600 MHz frequencies under different usage restrictions. The value indicates the incumbent's willingness to forgo its usage right once compensated. Nevertheless, we observed that, even if with highest amount of compensation, the WBA incumbent may still opt to hoarding because it expects beyond-normal payoffs. Without the enforced mechanism rooted in incentive auction, the incumbent demonstrates opportunistic behavior to raise the payoffs in exchange its forgone usage of the bandwidths. We then devised an institution of the ad hoc clearing house guaranteed by the national regulatory authority (NRA). The NRA facilitates the transaction between the new owner and incumbent by acting as the third-party warrantee. Doing so could swiftly clear the used bandwidths and increase the efficiency of spectrum usage. |
| Keywords: | spectrum usage rights,refarming,incentive auction,spectrum value,evaluation methods |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146334&r=pay |
| By: | Sarkar, Avijit; Pick, James B.; Johnson, Jeremy |
| Abstract: | This exploratory empirical study examines the extent of differences in information and communication technology (ICT) utilization among the various countries of Africa. This paper also enhances understanding of factors that impact ICT utilization and the digital divide in African countries. In contrast to previous empirical studies, we include more advanced forms of ICT such as broadband and social media technologies. In our conceptual model of ICT utilization, known as Spatially Aware Technology Utilization Model (SATUM), five dependent variables are posited to be associated with eighteen demographic, socio-economic, education, technology tariff, societal openness, infrastructure, and ICT services competitiveness variables. ICT utilization dependent variables are spatially analyzed to determine patterns of agglomeration or randomness, and regression residuals are tested for the presence of spatial bias. We determine that laws that relate to the use of ICTs is a dominant predictor of all forms of ICT utilization, a novel finding. The effectiveness of a national parliament/congress as a lawmaking institution is significantly associated with modern (broadband) as well as legacy forms (fixed telephones) of ICT. This is consistent with prior literature which emphasizes the role of national governments in Africa in framing ICT sector policies for investment, privatization, deregulation, and providing access in underserved areas. For a smaller sample of nations that excludes high utilization ICT nations of Africa, ICT laws have a somewhat reduced effect for two forms of ICT. However gross national income per capita is determined to a dominant predictor for three ICTs and mobile tariffs is negatively associated with mobile cellular subscribers. The findings are intuitive and mostly well supported by previous literature. Policy implications for African nations are provided. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146339&r=pay |
| By: | Ghanbari, Amirhossein; Álvarez San-Jaime, Oscar; Casey, Thomas; Markendahl, Jan |
| Abstract: | In a historical business model, Mobile Network operators (MNO) design their own network, own their infrastructure, operate the network and offer services on top of it; a voice-revenue dependent business. Now with the data provisioning, since the revenues associated with data do not comply with the pattern of increasing data usage in mobile networks, MNOs need new revenue streams. As a result, MNOs have started changing their business models by offering services besides their usual competences. This complicated approach has then forced them to think of possible cooperation patterns in order to benefit from horizontal collaboration with others, instead of being vertically integrated. On the Other hand, Telecom Equipment Vendors (TEV) used to design their business models in a vertical manner as well. TEVs would build and manufacture equipment and sell them to their customers in a Business-to-Business (B2B) fashion while in some cases operate the networks on behalf of their customers. Looking for new markets and revenue streams, the future Smart Cities comprise a good opportunity for MNOs and TEVs. This opportunity then requires a new mindset among these actors. In the new mindset, these actors should accept to reposition themselves in the new value chain. This means that, in order to play a role that can not be overlooked, MNOs and TEVs should perform rather different blocks of the Smart City value chain. This paper intends to provide an analysis of how the traditional telecom actors (MNOs and TEVs) have changed their business strategy and repositioned in the context of the Smart City service provision. In order to do that, we will introduce the traditional telecom actors and the existing value chain, later on, smart city concept and use cases will be introduced, finalizing with an analysis of how the future smart city value chain and the repositioning of these actors. |
| Keywords: | Business Model,Horizontalization,Repositioning,Value Chain,Smart City,Telecom Actor |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146344&r=pay |
| By: | Shinohara, Sobee; Morikawa, Hiroyuki; Tsuji, Masatsugu |
| Abstract: | The adoption of broadband technology is a major policy issue for all countries. The objective of this paper is to identify factors contributing to mobile broadband (3G+4G mobile phones) adoption by focusing on smartphones. Broadband can broadly be divided into fixed (DSL, cable modem, FTTH) and mobile systems. This paper focuses on mobile broadband in six of the 34 OECD member countries-the US, the UK, France, Germany, Korea, and Japan-which represent more than 50% of the total population and mobile devices in use of OECD countries. Panel data analysis using data from 2000 to 2012 identified the introduction of smartphones, market competitiveness in terms of HHI, and FTTH adoption as factors contributing to mobile broadband adoption. The findings regarding HHI are particularly relevant to the much-contested issue of "carrier consolidation" and indicate that consolidation may have a detrimental effect on mobile broadband adoption, and, therefore should not be approved by regulators. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146349&r=pay |
| By: | Robert Morello and Benjamin Leo |
| Abstract: | As mobile phone surveys are gaining popularity among researchers and practitioners in international development, one primary challenge is improving survey response and completion rates. A common solution is to provide monetary compensation to respondents. This paper reports on our experience with using incentives with a mobile phone survey conducted in Ghana and Tanzania in June 2015. We find that extrinsic incentives – transfers of airtime – improve survey completion rates by roughly 6 to 8 percentage points. We also find that an SMS notification, aimed at increasing intrinsic motivation to complete the survey, has a comparable positive effect. Considering three levels of compensation (airtime transfers), we find that the supply curve of completed surveys appears to be fairly inelastic. In other words, small amounts of incentives have a similar effect as larger incentives. We also find little evidence of the extrinsic incentives skewing the demographics of the completed samples. However, we do find some evidence that the SMS treatment may have skewed the sample toward wealthier and more educated respondents. Finally, we found that the cost per completed response is not substantially less for every incentive or combination of incentives, compared to the group that did not receive any incentives. Considering these results, we would recommend the consideration of modest monetary compensation as a way of increasing response and completion rates. Nonetheless, a complete lack of extrinsic incentives may remain the most cost effective way to gather completed responses without any associated risk of skewing the survey sample. However, if higher completion rates are desired, a small monetary compensation would be most cost effective with lower risks of biasing the completed sample |
| Keywords: | mobile phones, Ghana, Tanzania, survey design |
| Date: | 2016–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:431&r=pay |
| By: | Katz, Raul Luciano; Beltrán, Fernando |
| Abstract: | The essential input to the exploitation of mobile broadband known as radio spectrum is a scarce resource, whose allocation and eventual assignment by telecommunications regulator and spectrum authorities across the world is of outmost importance. The most popular approach to spectrum assignment is to run an auction where frequency bands get assigned over a fairly large time horizon; this feature of spectrum assignment plays a role in shaping the mobile telecommunications markets and may foreclose the emergence of alternative, plausibly more efficient, new modes of spectrum utilization. This paper's objective is to demonstrate that conventional spectrum assignment processes (based on auctioning of single use licenses) can be enriched with other approaches, such as reserving portion of spectrum to unlicensed use. The methodology explores alternative spectrum assignment scenarios (fully based on licenses and mixed) for a Latin American country, and quantifying their impact in terms of achieving coverage in rural and isolated areas, as well as promoting technological innovation. |
| Keywords: | Mobile broadband,Spectrum,Latin America,Rural coverage |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146321&r=pay |
| By: | Kuroda, Toshifumi; Ida, Takanori; Koguchi, Teppei |
| Abstract: | Product bundling may benefit or harm consumers dependingon the correlation betweenconsumer willingness to pay for the bundledgoods and the levels of market dominance of firms. We develop astructural demand model that allows for correlatedconsumer's willingness to pay and flexible complementarities/substitutabilities. We estimate thismodel using data fromthree surveys conducted bythe JapanMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The estimation results show that fixed broadband and mobile communications are complements for theJapanese telecommunication incumbentbut ambiguousfor competitors. To assess the effect of asymmetric regulation on product bundling by the incumbent, we conduct a counterfactual analysis of a two-stage game where firms choose whether to set bundle discount or not to set for fixed-broadband and mobile communications at stage one and set prices at stage two. The subgame perfect Nash equilibrium ofthetwo-stage game with/without asymmetric regulation shows that mixed-bundling is the dominant strategy for the incumbent. To avoid cannibalization, the incumbent set large discounts for bundle and set high prices for separate goods. Along with high market dominance of the incumbent, this strategy decreases the consumer surplus by 18.8%. Under subgame perfect Nash equilibrium, thediffusion ratesof fixed broadband decreases from 88.9% to 88.0% andthe diffusion rates of mobile communications increases from 95.25 to 95.71%.We also find that pure bundling,asa toolfor leverage,is not a subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. |
| Keywords: | Fixed-to-mobile substitution,Bundles,Leverage,Discrete-Choice Model |
| JEL: | L96 D43 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146318&r=pay |
| By: | Hilbert, Martin |
| Abstract: | Any assessment of ubiquitous, intelligent and mobile communication networks has to start with an adequate assessment of the underlying infrastructure. As the digital age continues its evolution into the new paradigms of big data and smart things, the digital divide evolves with it. While the analysis of digital deprivation traditionally has focused on the number of telecommunication subscriptions, the current evolution is adding new dimensions to the challenge of digital equality. While end-user subscriptions like phones and internet connections are reaching a certain level of saturation, the divide in terms of bandwidth continues to unfold its surprising dynamics. In order to obtain a better understanding of this dynamic, this study quantifies global digital development for 172 countries from 1986 to 2013 in terms of three indicators: the number of telecom subscriptions (phones, internet, tablets and wearables); the corresponding bandwidth (in kbps, fixed and mobile, upload and download); and the equality of the arising distribution among and within countries. It shows that the divide in terms of end-user subscriptions is rapidly closing, while the divide in terms of bandwidth is far from being closed and is instead being converted into a permanent structural characteristic of modern societies. The reason is that installed bandwidth potential in terms of kbps per capita is closely linked to income per capita, which is characterized by a notoriously persistent inequality. Novel findings reveal that only 3 countries host 50 % of the globally installed bandwidth potential (10 countries 75 %) and that the contribution of mobile access solutions to global bandwidth is continuously fluctuating with incessant technological innovation, reaching almost 40 % in both 2001 and 2013, while falling to 16 % in 2007. In terms of inequality, we show that the digital divide between high- and low income countries in terms of kbps per capita has increased between 2001 and 2008, only decreasing below historic levels very recently during 2012-2013. Nevertheless, it is constantly increasing in absolute terms. In 2003, the average inhabitant of high income countries had access to 90 kbps more than the average inhabitant of the rest of the world (100 vs. 10 kbps). This divide increased with an order of magnitude every 5 years, reaching almost 900 kbps in 2007, and over 10,000 kbps by 2013. This increasing divide in absolute terms is important to notice in the context of a big data world, in which the amount of data is becoming a crucial ingredient for growth and development. We also estimate the distribution of digital equality within countries by using a worst-case approximation method. It shows that national inequality has increased between 1995 and 2009, which is surprising, considering the habitual talk about ubiquitous communication networks in the digital age. Our Gini coefficient within countries decreases only very recently, during the past three years. This shows that the adjective 'ubiquitous' is finally starting to convert from a mere promise into a tangible and quantifiable opportunity. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146310&r=pay |
| By: | van den Dam, Rob |
| Abstract: | IBM Internet of Things (IoT) research focuses on three components to address the multiple challenges of a scalable, secure and efficient IoT: Technology strategy, business and economic insights, and product and user experience design. By merging these three streams of research, IBM developed a tangible vision of the connected future and findings that can guide executives in making strategic IoT decisions and investments. As the IoT scales exponentially, decentralized networks have the potential to reduce infrastructure and maintenance costs to manufacturers. Decentralization also promise increased robustness by removing single points of failure that could exists in traditional centralized networks. By shifting the power in the network from the center to the edges, devices gain greater autonomy and can become points of transactions and economic value creation for owners and users. |
| Keywords: | Internet of Things,ecosystems,Economy of Thing,big data,security |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146311&r=pay |
| By: | Mariscal Avilés, Judith; Benítez Larghi, Sebastián; Martínez Aguayo, María Angélica |
| Abstract: | This paper seeks to contribute to the debate on the impact of the adoption of information technologies (ICT) in poverty reduction by understanding how the poor obtain, share and use ICT on their everyday life - what we call the informational lives of the poor. It identifies the opportunities and challenges regarding ICT adoption in three rural communities with different levels of marginalization and connectivity in Mexico. Using "before and after" studies we attempt to identify and understand mechanisms through which ICT (and broadband, in particular), may have an impact on poverty alleviation. Using a combination of the Capabilities Approach and Livelihoods Perspective, this research shows that mobile broadband access (as opposed to fixed shared access) and effective training through the role of infomediaries enables low-income communities to develop new skills, to engage in new practices and to find useful applications for old and new abilities, needs and interests. A specific finding that has not received attention in the literature is the productive role of immediate family members as infomediaries; the weight of family networks plays a crucial role in learning about ICTs. These networks fuel a sense of confidence required to handle knowledge and practices that are initially alien in this sector. We found that ICT adoption changes the pattern of information seeking and enhances informational capabilities and existing assets of low-income communities. Through our control case, that did not have any connectivity, we identified the high transaction cost people face as well as the business opportunities the digitally excluded forego. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146351&r=pay |
| By: | Watanabe, Tomoaki |
| Abstract: | This paper has two major parts. First, it reviews U.S. and Japanese broadband universal service policies, with special attention to the process of and discussions on (re)defining scope of the network services to be dealt with in the policy. Second, it explores the shape of universal service policy for Internet of Things. IoT is still in its formative years, but there is a potential for IoT-based devices and services to be popular and important for the social life in the near future. This paper takes an approach to first review how the universal service policies determine target service for the policy. More specifically, recent policy discussions and formal processes in the U.S. and Japan regarding inclusion of broadband network for universal service are reviewed. In the U.S. formal inclusion process of broadband network for universal service has happened in the early 2010's. In Japan, there is an ongoing policy discussion, which may or may not lead to inclusion of broadband in the near future. U.S. values advanced services more in the context of universal service, while Japan has a more welfare-oriented approach, the kind which emphasize guarantee of essential services for individuals. Broadband, when compared to traditional telephone network, supports a widerrange of uses. This is the case almost by definition - telephone is primarily a simultaneous, two-way, two-person, voice communication, whereas broadband simply means a large amount of bandwidth, without specifying the type of communication or services such network supports. Similarly, IoT may be greater in scope of uses it supports. This is again a consequence of the meaning of the term: greater scope of physical objects are (going to be) connected to the Internet. It is not difficult to imagine such services as health and safety monitoring services for the elderly and in the near future to be considered essential for the society. In case of IoT, however, there is still a degree of uncertainty regarding the diversity of network infrastructure. That is, it seems that there is a fair amount of chance that specific network is tied (such as by technological standard and contract terms) to specific set of devices and services. Home monitoring service, e-reader, and other devices and services may have different sets of network requirements to provide optimal services. In this sense, IoT may present a set of relatively new challenges to universal service policy. As we see in some existing products, network cost may be internally subsidized in case of bundled offers, and difficult to single out. We may face such questions as how meaningful is it to subsidize only network-related cost, ignoring service and device charges; how we can define supported services when speed may or may not be all that matters. Helpful lessons could be drawn from handling of difference of mobile and fixed broadband. The two are rather different from fixed broadband in terms of connectable devices and services offered. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146335&r=pay |
| By: | Tsai, Hsin-yi Sandy; Bauer, Johannes M. |
| Abstract: | The importance of accessing the Internet anywhere anytime has been high on the agenda of policy makers and businesses. Despite this awareness of the importance of mobile broadband access, there continue to be significant differences in mobile broadband adoption and uses among countries. Although many studies have examined the factors affecting broadband penetration rates, few studies thus far have focused on mobile broadband. Consequently, reasons for the gap on mobile broadband penetration rates among countries and potential remedies to address them remain muddy. This paper uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to systematically examine factors related to mobile broadband penetration. Policies and other economic and social factors usually interact with each other. OCA allows a systematic examination of the complexity of various combinations of policy and economic factors. This allows a deeper understanding of necessary and/or sufficient conditions for higher mobile broadband (high speed mobile Internet) penetration rates. The results reveal the complexity of the interaction of various conditions for mobile broadband penetration. The findings suggest that there are multiple paths toward high mobile broadband penetration, each depending on the context of institutional and non-institutional factors. An appropriate combination of spectrum policy, market access conditions, and supplementary policies to support access to disadvantaged regions and groups remains critical and has noticeable effects on sector outcomes. |
| Keywords: | QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis),broadband penetration,adoption |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146336&r=pay |
| By: | Martínez, Luis; Álvarez San-Jaime, Oscar; Markendahl, Jan |
| Abstract: | The overall goal of the incorporation of QoE in the mobile networks deployment is related to optimizing end-user QoE, while making efficient use of network resources and maintaining a satisfied customer base that guarantees the commercial success of the provider's business model. However, the implementation of a QoE-based approach at the service provision, with the potential deployment of fast lanes for premium users, the prioritization of traffic, or the creation of user's categories, may affect the Net Neutrality principles. This paper presents an analysis of how the net neutrality principles will impact the implementation of QoE-based differentiation in the service provision at technical, business and market levels. We introduce a business model framed in the QoE-based differentiation approach analysing the implications of Net Neutrality in the proposed models. |
| Keywords: | Quality of Experience,Net Neutrality,Mobile Networks |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146319&r=pay |
| By: | Gideon, Carolyn; Hogendorn, Christiaan |
| Abstract: | Prior studies have shown that while ISPs are well positioned to provide residential and SME users critical protection from cybercrime, their incentives to do so are often insufficient. The presence of competition in providing broadband service is a factor we might expect to impact such incentives as shown in prior theoretical work. We test this finding using data consisting of intrusion attempts on residential networks obtained using honeypot sensors. We compare the frequency and nature of attack attempts found on networks served by ISPs that are monopolists with those that face competition. We also place sensors on servers to identify the IP addresses of the infected machines that conduct these attacks in order to analyze the infection rates of residential ISP networks. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146345&r=pay |
| By: | Srinuan, Chalita |
| Abstract: | The great promise of cloud computing is the immediate access to enterprise grade software and next generation Information Technology solutions. Cloud service enables SMEs anywhere to expand their market reach, delivery and service, and customer interaction. Some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are yet to fully realize the advantages of cloud solutions. In the meantime, hundreds of cloud vendors are preparing for the expected major upswing in popularity among cloud services for SMEs and for private consumers. This study examines the factor affecting a decision to use cloud computing service for Thai SMEs. A questionnaire was employed for data collection from a sample of SMEs that use cloud computing technology in the Bangkok area during January 2015- June 2015. A statistic model was utilized in order to analyses the determined factor on using cloud computing service of Thai SMEs. Moreover, the willingness-to-pay (WTP) to additional cloud computing service was calculated. The findings can be used to gauge SMEs demand for improved cloud computing services. |
| Keywords: | Willingness to pay,cloud service,SMEs |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146326&r=pay |
| By: | Hellmann, Daniel; Chan, Jennifer; Tapia, Andrea; Maitland, Carleen F. |
| Abstract: | Telecommunications infrastructure plays a critical role in crisis response, whether in natural disasters or health crises such as the West African Ebola response. For these latter cases, where infrastructure damage is not a problem, the crisis generates increased demands on systems already plagued by sparse coverage and limited bandwidth. Recently, the potential benefits of big data analytics has increased the demands on these networks. In turn, this generates pressure on the network operators to upgrade facilities and may present opportunities for third party support. If designed properly, these improvements may create network improvements that persist beyond the crisis. This article examines the dampening effect of network infrastructure on data sharing and its effects for the promise of 'Big Data' as well as the role of third party organizations, namely humanitarian organizations and their private sector and donor partners, in enhancing network capacity. Through a case study of the West African Ebola response, we specify the network infrastructure limitations as well as collaborative efforts at improving infrastructure for the response and the long term. The research sheds light on the role crisis telecommunications can play in enhancing infrastructure, building a bridge between disaster and development efforts and associated scholarship [1]-[4]. The research also provides recommendations as to mechanisms regulators might use to foster collaboration and ease the path for humanitarian organizations seeking to solve long standing network problems, even if only to meet short term needs. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146338&r=pay |
| By: | Srinuan, Chalita; Srinuan, Pratompong |
| Abstract: | This study aims to investigate the customer loyalty on Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in Thailand. Data were collected from the accidental sampling which consists of 400 IPTV customers in Bangkok through the self-administered questionnaire in 2014. Descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean and standard deviation, path analysis were employed for hypothesis testing. The results showed that majority of respondent are female, age between 18-25 years old, work at private company and have average income 10,000-20,000 THB. Customer expectation and customer loyalty have a highest impact to customer loyalty if compared to others variables. Service providers should attempt to enhance the content, improve the user interface, system reliability and connectivity as customer will regard the service as valuable service. This could help service providers maintain and gain their market share, increasing their profitability and performance. |
| Keywords: | IPTV,Customer loyalty,Thailand |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146327&r=pay |
| By: | Han, So Yeon; Chang, Younghoon; Siew Fan Wong Chang, Younghoon; Hon Qui Chong Siew Fan Wong Chang, Younghoon; Lee, Sangman |
| Abstract: | The process of purchasing air tickets is often hovered with much uncertainties. Such uncertainties are introduced by complex pricing strategies and algorithms used by airline companies which vary ticket price based on dates, time of purchase and different routes selected. In order to reduce perceived uncertainties among consumers, agents such as Kayak.com try to present analytics information to assist consumer decision-making. This study seeks to understand the effect of analytics information on consumers' perceived uncertainty and decision to purchase airline tickets. Survey data will be collected from online air ticket buyers. Structural equation modeling technique will be used to analyze the data. Based on the results, we will suggest academic and practical implications. |
| Keywords: | Business Analytics,Uncertainty Mitigation,Online ticket purchase,Trust,Perceived Behavioral Control,Information Quality |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146315&r=pay |
| By: | Dean Karlan; Jake Kendall; Rebecca Mann; Rohini Pande; Tavneet Suri; Jonathan Zinman |
| Abstract: | A growing body of rigorous research shows that financial services innovations can have important positive impacts on wellbeing, but also that many do not. We first describe the latest evidence on what works in financial inclusion. Second, we summarize research on key financial market failures and on products and innovations that address specific mechanisms underlying them. We conclude by highlighting open areas for future work. |
| JEL: | G21 O12 |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22633&r=pay |
| By: | Watanabe, Tomoaki; Tokushima, Yutaka |
| Abstract: | This paper reports a participatory case study of a locally based digital technology center, a FabLab in Bohol, Philippines. A FabLab offers a range of digital fabrication technologies to the local public, which potentially can be used for creating tools for work, prototyping and manufacturing products for sale, and a wide range of other purposes. The technologies typically include 3D printer, laser cutter, CNC milling machine, and others. A FabLab abide by its Charter, including the principle of openness to the public at least some of its operating hours. One of the authors were involved in the launch of the place, and the process of help locals to take advantage of the technological capacities for improving their living conditions. The paper argues that keys to the success are not simply technological capabilities. The facility needs active users who are willing to connect technological capabilities, locally available skills and resources, and market opportunities or local problems causing less-than desirable living conditions. The chance of such matching to occur is not necessarily high for localities in general. In Bohol, it was not a process that happens easily. There were a group of people interested in improving quality of local life and local economy who actively explored matching possibilities to arrive at some working combinations. In addition, it is pointed out that the existence of inter-local connections, specifically the organizational proximity with another FabLab located in Indonesia served as a crucial catalyst for bringing about the development of local craft product. In a more abstract terms, the case in authors' view points to the possibility that successful ICT-enabled development occur not just because of technological capabilities, but because of active body taking charge of matching process and inter-local network serving to complement otherwise scarce human resources and skills and ideas embedded in them. In order to connect this case more with existing body of scholarship on ICTs for development, this paper compares the nature of FabLab with telecenters, more prevalent form of locally based community technology centers. Limitations of telecenters in terms of contributing to development seem to exist with two types of passivity. First, the users may remain passive users of information services provided online. Second, the facility may be a passive provider of capabilities waiting for users. This is close to a local library open to the general public, although telecenters are not bound to be a passive institution. FabLab Bohol seems to be active in the sense that users are not just consumers of service, but creators of things that they use or sell. It is also active in that the core members running the Lab are active match-makers. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146331&r=pay |
| By: | Liberali, G.; Urban, G.L.; Dellaert, B.G.C.; Tucker, C.; Bart, Y.; Stremersch, S. |
| Abstract: | The authors introduce a new method, prospective meta-analysis in marketing (PMM), to estimate consumer response to online advertising on a large and adaptive scale. They illustrate their approach in a field study in the U.S., China and the Netherlands, covering equivalent ad content on social media, online video, display banner, and search engines. The authors tested a conceptual framework based on attention and engagement using a technological solution that allow them to observe participants browsing and clicking activity in depth from their own residences, offices, or places of choice to use the tested media platforms, e.g., Facebook, Weibo, Google, Baidu and others. The authors show how consumers respond differently to the same ad depending on how distant they are from purchase, and uncover which channels are most appropriate to which user at different stages of the funnel. They also show how engagement and attention strengthen consumer response to advertising. The authors show how PMM produces exploratory findings, confirmatory findings, and replications by systematically organizing the incremental exploration of complex phenomena with cycles of discovery and validation. |
| Keywords: | online advertising, field experiments, multichannel marketing, purchase funnel, meta- analysis |
| Date: | 2016–08–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ems:eureri:93279&r=pay |
| By: | Miyazaki, Kumiko; Nishida, Kentarou |
| Abstract: | Various definitions of smart houses may exist but they have a common characteristic; through linking various modules components, electric appliances, technologies and sensors, smart houses aim to offer an innovative integrated solution to provide a level of smartness that has not existed in traditional houses. In smart houses, since various components, technologies and products have to be linked, standards become a critically important issue. At present, in Japan, Europe and the USA, 3 de jure standards related to smart houses exist, ECHONET-Lite, KNX and SEP. In this paper, an analysis is made of the technology and standardization strategies regarding ECHONETin Japan and a comparison is made with KNX. Eleven interviews with the main actors related to the ECHONET-Lite consortium and KNX were conducted. Three research questions were set; What are the technology strategy related concerns of the main actors related to ECHONET? What are the issues related to the diffusion of smart houses? What are the underlying strengths, weaknesses of ECHONET compared with KNX? The analyses showed that the strategies of the various actors towards the diffusion of smart houses were different, based on their different perspectives, visions and competences. A comparison between Japan with the European case highlighted the different standardization strategies and areas of focus. The main bottlenecks towards the diffusion of smart houses were identified. One of the major challenges to be overcome for the diffusion of smart houses is that a clear demand for smart houses has not been identified. |
| Keywords: | Smart house,Technology strategy,Standards,ECHONET,KNX |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsr15:146333&r=pay |