Mobile Applications for Knowledge Workers and Field Workers

Abstract

In recent years, the diffusion of mobile applications (mobile apps) has risen significantly. Nowadays, mobile business apps are strongly emerging in business, enhancing productivity and employees’ satisfaction, whilst the usage of customized individual enterprise apps is still an exception. Standardized business apps enable basic functionalities, for example, mobile data storage and exchange (e.g., Dropbox), communication (e.g., Skype), and other routine processes, which support mobile workers. In addition, mobile apps can, for example, increase the flexibility of mobile workers by easing the access to firm’s information from outside the enterprise and by enabling ubiquitous collaboration. Hence, mobile apps can generate competitive advantages and can increase work efficiency on a broad scale. But mobile workers form no coherent group. Our research reveals, based on two case studies, that they can be clustered into two groups: knowledge workers and field workers. Knowledge workers and field workers fulfill different tasks and work in different environments. Hence, they have different requirements for mobile support. In this paper we conclude that standardized mobile business apps cannot meet the different requirements of various groups of mobile workers. Task- and firm-specific (individualized) requirements determine the specification, implementation, and application of mobile apps.

Potential Fit between Geotechnical Tasks and Mobile Computing Technologies

“…Because of the fact that geotechnical processes involve great amount of field work ranging from sample collection to interaction between stakeholders so this makes MCT a potential enabler for its business process improvement. Due to varying requirements and existence of non-coherent groups of end users, contemporary research stresses on the customization of mobile information system for increase in productivity and performance of the organization as well as individuals [9]. This necessitates examining the determinants and relationships of a customized mobile information system and its impact on individual"s performance and productivity in the domain of geotechnical industry.…”

Understanding Collaborative Problem-Solving on the Move: A Design Science Research Journey

“…Geographical proximity facilitates knowledge sharing because it enables colleagues to create social relationships, increasing trust and reducing the social costs of knowledge sharing (i.e., being negatively evaluated by colleagues or losing power) (Christensen & Pedersen, 2018). Furthermore, the constantly evolving mobile technologies and emerging standards generate additional challenges, uncertain situations, and constant changes in mobile work practices (Stieglitz, Lattemann, & Brockmann, 2015).…”

A User-Centered Mobile Cloud Computing Platform for Improving Knowledge Management in Small-to-Medium Enterprises in the Chilean Construction Industry

“…Platforms based on Cloud Computing (CC) and/or Mobile Computing (MC) emerge as a possible solution to knowledge management in construction companies. The usage of these technologies offers several advantages to the working environment of SMEs construction companies [20,21]. These technologies can also be integrated in what is known as Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC).…”