The document discusses mobile information systems, including their definition, evolution using mobile banking as an example, and advantages and disadvantages. It then presents a practical study conducted with a Chinese sports goods company that implemented mobile systems. Questionnaires with employees found the systems increased efficiency by providing real-time access to sales and inventory data from any location. While some employees initially resisted change, training helped adoption and now the systems are relied upon. In conclusion, mobile systems are challenging to implement but provide indispensable benefits by streamlining organization and interpretation of data.

1. NOVA University Lisbon
Faculty of Social and Human Sciences
Information Management School
Implementation of Mobile Information Systems
in Organizations: Practical Study
Fang Yihan
João Araújo
Maria Alexandra Coelho
Vinícius Caixeta
Information Systems Management
Master’s degree in Information Management and Curation
6 December 2020

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 1
2. Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Mobile Information Systems................................................................................... 1
2.2 Evolution of Mobile Information Systems - Mobile banking................................. 2
2.3 Advantages of Mobile Information Systems .......................................................... 3
2.4 Disadvantages of Mobile Information Systems...................................................... 4
3. Practical study ................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Research and questionnaire .................................................................................... 5
3.2 Conclusions from the questionnaire........................................................................ 7
4. Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 8
5. References.................................................................................................................... 10
6. Appendix...................................................................................................................... 11
i

3. 1
1. INTRODUCTION
The present project aims to investigate on mobile information systems, looking for
related literature based on this theme and managing to describe its definition, analyze its
evolution using mobile banking apps as an example and finally the advantages and
disadvantages inherent to these systems.
Built on these goals, the project has the following objectives:
a) Present the mobile information systems
b) Understand its appearance and purposes
c) Investigate and present a practical study to base our research
The following approach is proposed to conduct this project: first, we will make an
introduction to the theme, presenting its meaning, then its evolution will be exposed, followed
by the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of information system, and finally, a
practical study carried out in a Chinese company will be presented, which we conducted
individual surveys with different employees to understand the use of the mobile information
system within this company.
2. DISCUSSION
2.1 Mobile Information Systems
In recent years, with the evolution of technology, we started to see a big growth in
mobile technology like smartphones and the wireless access of the internet, transforming the
present and making the mobile devices become one of the most popular and ubiquitous
technological devices around the world. (Shiau, Yan e Lin, 2019 apud Shiau, Dwivedi, &
Yang, 2017 p. 241). The mobile devices evolved from the simple capacity of voice call and
text message to a big number of functionalities, and from that the human lifestyle has been
completed transformed, emerging new necessities and applications, like the need to conduct a
business process from anywhere at any time, making it possible by using mobile information
systems (IS).
To understand mobile information systems, we first need to define an information
system. We can explain the information system being a set of linked units that save, retrieve,
process, store, and distribute information to assist in decision making and management inside
an organization or institution (Boell e Cecez-Kecmanovic, 2015). Also, the information
systems help in many aspects of an organization, they work for processing information but

4. 2
can be used as well to analyze problems, visualize data, and support in designing different
products.
Based on this definition, we understand a mobile information system as being an
information system that the user can access with powerful and multifunctional computing
capacity from a mobile device wherever and whenever he wants, presenting different
information and interfaces varying according to the needs and endings of the user (Shiau, Yan
e Lin, 2019). The users can access a large number of functionalities along diverse mobile
devices to deal with different contexts and interactions in different places (Shiau, Yan e Lin,
2019 apud Pernici & Krogstie, 2006 p. 242). With this capacity and universal mobile
coverage, companies and governments now have a new essential platform to provide their
services and maintain engagement and interactions with customers and people (Middleton,
Scheepers e Tuunainen, 2014).
As the mobile devices represent today one of the preferred platforms for people to do
their daily tasks, like - interacting with friends, contacting family and colleagues, carrying out
transactions and doing business, accessing the internet, social media, news, and other things -
this opened up a variety of new opportunities and markets, offering new services and
responses to consumers direct from the cellphone (Middleton, Scheepers e Tuunainen, 2014).
Here, mobile information systems have been gaining a large acting space, even more
with the applications (apps) that you can easily download on your mobile phone, which some
define as being complex micro information systems that integrate computational features with
content (Middleton, Scheepers e Tuunainen, 2014 apud Sullivan, 2012 p. 506).
2.2 Evolution of Mobile Information Systems - Mobile banking
Considering that “mobile information systems” is an incredibly vast and broad subject
and documenting its evolution would require a paper of its own, we’ve decided to briefly
focus on the evolution of one facet of mobile information systems, namely mobile banking.
We can trace the origin of m-banking to 1999 where an individual would interact with
his or her bank through SMS messaging in order to perform very simple and limited tasks like
requesting one’s bank account balance through texting the bank or the bank texting the
individual to warn them of any noteworthy occurrence on their account, such as a substantial
transfer of money. (Rotimi, Awodele, Bamidele, 2007 p. 1)
The smartphone and its introduction to the mainstream market and mass adoption by
the general public in 2007 provided the necessary tools and conditions for the inevitable and

5. 3
logical evolution of mobile banking as a viable concept and option for everyday life (Shaikh
Karjaluoto, 2015 p. 4). During this time period, we saw the growth of banking apps that
provided the consumer with the services provided by “SMS banking” and various other
features.
With the groundwork laid out and the customers most basic and crucial needs being
met, the future of m-banking is perhaps more challenging than ever before in terms of
innovation, as now banks and app developers must think outside the box regarding what type
of services and options they intend to make available to the mobile banking customer base.
Nevertheless, the emergence of virtual money such as bitcoin, banks that operate
independently and provide lower to zero commissions and interest rates, cardless transactions,
and constant reinforcement of security measurements demonstrates that there is always
something new around the corner with the ability to change how we, as consumers, conduct
our everyday business and view banking as a concept.
2.3 Advantages of Mobile Information Systems
The introduction of mobile information systems in society and businesses represented
a huge accomplishment and development. The use of devices that allow mobility, such as
smartphones and tablets, makes a place for immediate access and management of data from
anywhere, at any time.
These systems provide a wide range of innovative ways for businesses to
communicate with their clients. The users are now able to check their information easily and
effortlessly, as well as more intuitively and comfortably communicating their doubts and
issues with employees who can answer their questions. “Real-time access to up-to-date
customer and utility service information helps improve the quality of services and customer
communication” (Nah, Siau e Sheng, 2005), therefore increasing customer satisfaction.
The same happens in the communication between colleagues and employers and employees,
increasing efficiency in a lot of situations. The update, retrieval, and communication of
information in companies can be extremely time and resource-consuming, but time can be
saved in these tasks, which will improve the velocity of communication, as well as the quality
of the information, and the overall efficiency of the company (Nah, Siau e Sheng, 2005).
According to Middleton, Scheepers and Tuunainen (2014), “mobile devices enable
multiple contexts of usage, and change the way that Information Systems are experienced by
their users”. The same authors explain the importance of mobile given the fact that they are

6. 4
some of the most used devices in the world. These are devices that most people use and that
they don’t have to purchase for only one purpose, using it daily for other activities, allowing
mobile information systems to be accessible and usable for most people.
The question of costs in mobile information systems can be seen as an advantage as
well as a disadvantage. The implementation of such systems involves a big amount of costs to
start in equipment, training, setting up, software, to name a few. However, these are costs that,
in the long run, will save the company money. Therefore, even though the cost of
implementation may raise doubts it might be justified.
2.4 Disadvantages of Mobile Information Systems
As much as mobile information systems bring a lot of advantages to them, they also
pose a cause of concern in some topics. One of the biggest disadvantages of these systems is
the potential lack of security, the possibility of being infiltrated, data collected, or even that
the theft of a mobile phone could put an institution in jeopardy. To protect these mobile
applications, it becomes necessary to invest in security measures such as password protection
and user identification mechanisms, among others. (Nah, Siau and Sheng, 2005)
And like in any innovative project, one of the biggest blocks is usually related to
people’s acceptance of change and reluctance to implement something new. In this case,
employees that have to start using mobile information systems may feel like mobile devices
and the systems themselves prove to be hard to use, and go a lot beyond the standard
procedures, giving them a sense of unfamiliarity and unease (Nah, Siau e Sheng, 2005).
Another concern Nah, Siau and Sheng (2005) present, that could be related to the willingness
of employees to adopt the systems is the quality of the mobile devices, which can make it
harder for people to learn and adapt.
One the adaptation period is over, and customers and employees feel comfortable with
these systems, the mobility and chance to use it anywhere at any given time can prove to be a
downside, in some cases eliminating the possibility for a clear division of work and home,
making individuals stay connected, even when they are out of the office. The contrary proves
to be true as well, with employees bringing their own devices into the office, and having to
use personal devices for this purpose, which can prove to be inefficient (Middleton, Scheepers
e Tuunainen, 2014).

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These are all limitations and disadvantages that can be corrected with investment,
time, and training; however, they are challenges that institutions need to face when trying to
implement a new mobile information system.
3. PRACTICAL STUDY
3.1 Research and questionnaire
When completing this study, not only did we read and analyze related articles in the
mobile information system field, we also found a company that implemented mobile
information systems in one of their branch’s shopping centers in recent years. We studied in
detail the functionality of the systems used by the company and conducted some questions to
employees of this company with the method of filling out questionnaires by sending out
documents with questions using WeChat, the questions were answered in Chinese and we
translated to English for better understanding. In this part of the article, we will take the
mobile information systems used by this company as an example, combine with the
employees’ answers to our questions, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the
implementation of the mobile information system for the organization and people’ views
about the implementation.
Our research is on a corporation named High Wave Sports, which specializes in
sporting goods retailers and we are targeting its branch in the city of Yibin, where it has 3
shopping centers. We have carefully studied and analyzed the mobile information system they
use and conducted questionnaires to employees (appendix) in different positions of the
company. However, due to time constraints, we only questioned three subjects, the Deputy
Manager of Branch, the Manager of a shopping center, and a Store manager.
The mobile information system used by this company mainly consists of three
systems, an OA system1
that is available on mobile devices, an EPOS system2
that records
and manages all sales and inventory, and a visual management system (monitoring system
with intelligent identification function, etc.)
The EPOS system uploads data to the company's server in real-time, and the mobile
OA system makes connections with the server. Therefore, mobile OA system users can access
sales and inventory data through mobile devices. Similarly, the visual management system
1
Office Automation System
2
Electronic Point of Sale System

8. 6
synchronizes real-time stores’ traffic statistics information to the mobile OA system for
display, and users with high authority can also access all the cameras in the monitoring
systems through the mobile devices. The mobile OA system itself also has the function of
submitting and approving various applications online.
About the questionnaire, we didn't consider every question conducted, and the
following ones were divided and used for its pertinence:
1. How do you access the data before the implementation of the mobile IS? What were the
limitations?
2. What are the advantages of mobile IS in your opinion, can it help you better manage
sales? How?
3. How well did the people first adopt the system? What was your reaction to the Implement
(positive/negative)? Were there people who have anything against it?
Answers person 1 (Deputy Manager of Branch)
1. Access from PC, you can't carry a computer everywhere with you, which will cause work
lag and delay in handling problems.
2. Efficient collaboration, shorten work time, improve work efficiency. Through the data
analysis problem in time, it is more convenient and quicker to make relevant adjustments.
3. At the beginning, there were unaccustomed, but no negative attitudes nor dissatisfaction.
Figure 1: The mobile information system inside the company

9. 7
Answers person 2 (Manager of the shopping center)
1. Regularly report by employees; Limitations include data is not timely, not comprehensive
enough, and time limits for handling affairs, etc.
2. Efficient collaboration, multi-dimensional and Omni-directional data presentation, no
geographical or time limit restrictions, etc. It can present the data as a whole, analyze key
points in time, and control various indicators to optimize sales capacity, make better use
of resources, and control costs.
3. People adopted well; nobody would be dissatisfied.
Answers person 3 (Store manager)
1. Without a data system, it is necessary to manually register product information, employee
sales data, and store inventory. It wastes more time and less data accuracy, and if there is
an error, we'll have to repeat the work.
2. Fast and accurate processing of shop work, reducing workload, high accuracy, and all
kinds of data can be queried in the system. For stores, the data system has brought great
help. All the selling data are saved, and accessible, it's easy to analyze and evaluate
employees. In terms of product management, I can see which of my inventory is the best-
selling and sub-sales. The system can also automatically generate daily, weekly, and
monthly sales reports accurately.
3. When the system was first implemented, some employees were resistant to the system and
found it very troublesome and don't know how to operate, fearing that they will make
mistakes and that there were too many complicated things in the system that were not
practical. After the professional training on the system, employees began to think that the
system brought many benefits and quickly accepted it. Now the employees even
developed a dependency on the system and feel that they cannot work without it.
3.2 Conclusions from the questionnaire
The information gathered from these interviews aligns itself with many of the points
already referenced in this paper.

10. 8
We can conclude through the answers presented by members of the organization
“High Wave Sports” that there is a general consensus: The advantages far outweigh the
disadvantages.
The introduction of these systems in the workplace reflected a clear optimization of
everyday processes and promoted an increase in efficiency through automatization that
resulted in an improvement not only from a workload standpoint but also in terms of data
accuracy and fidelity.
The only aspect that could be construed as a “disadvantage”, and what is usually one
of the biggest challenges when it comes to adoption of new technology in the workplace, was
the psychological aspect, i.e., employee resistance and/or skepticism towards integrating the
information system into their everyday work.
However, we can observe through the answers provided that, whatever doubts there
were, they were quickly put to rest through in-house employee training and that now the
employees not only welcomed those changes but are relying on them increasingly in order to
perform their duties in the most effective and efficient way possible.
4. CONCLUSION
The creation and implementation of technology is always a challenge. When
considering all the different facets necessary to introduce something like mobile information
systems into an organization composed of several individuals with different levels of
technological literacy and openness to new ideas, opposition and conflict is always a human
factor that must be considered.
Nevertheless, historically the implementation of automated systems that enable a
swift organization, acquisition and interpretation of data and information have proven to be an
indispensable asset to any organization that intends to survive in the modern business
landscape.
Like any drastic change, mobile information systems present pros and cons to any
company, regardless of its size or industry. It is by no means a cheap endeavor, as
organizations must be ready to invest a considerable amount of capital if they wish to remain
competitive and although this type of investment does not translate into an immediate profit
return, the impact of adopting or, on the other hand, disregarding said technologies has been
well documented.

11. 9
While many of the challenges involved with mobile information systems in the
workplace can be measured by the concrete factors such as cost and technological limitations,
one conflict isolates itself due to its inherent nature: Human resistance. Human behavior and
its evolution cannot be as faithfully predicted as the technical/technology side of mobile
information systems and must be therefore explored and tackled.
An impeccable mobile information system loses much, if not all, of its usefulness if
not properly utilized to the most of its ability, which can happen if employees either oppose or
simply don't understand or struggle with how to operate the systems in question.
Just as investment in the information systems themselves is crucial to any business, so
is the technological education and training of the people that constitute the business itself.

12. 10
5. REFERENCES
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MIDDLETON, Catherine; SCHEEPERS, Rens; TUUNAINEN, Virpi Kristiina - When
mobile is the norm: Researching mobile information systems and mobility as post-adoption
phenomena. European Journal of Information Systems. . ISSN 14769344. 23:5 (2014)
503–512. doi: 10.1057/ejis.2014.21.
NAH, Fiona Fui-Hoon; SIAU, Keng; SHENG, Hong - The value of mobile applications: a
utility company study. Communications of the ACM. . ISSN 0001-0782, 1557-7317. 48:2
(2005) 85–90. doi: 10.1145/1042091.1042095.
SHIAU, Wen Lung; YAN, Chang Ming; LIN, Bang Wen - Exploration into the intellectual
structure of mobile information systems. International Journal of Information
Management. . ISSN 02684012. 47:October 2018 (2019) 241–251. doi:
10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2018.10.025.
ROTIMI, Emmanuel; AWODELE, Oludele; BAMIDELE, Olutayo. SMS Banking Services:
A 21st Century Innovation in Banking Technology. Issues in Informing Science &
Information Technology, 2007, 4. DOI: 10.28945/3085.
SHAIKH, Aijaz A.; KARJALUOTO, Heikki. Mobile banking adoption: A literature review.
Telematics and informatics, 2015, 32.1: 129-14

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6. APPENDIX
Questionnaire:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QVMyoeEptfg8WTg6Fi8EAu9Mt6MEYXQE/view?usp=sha
ring