Abstract
Studies on the use of mobile payment (m-payment) method for buying electronic book (e-book) are very scarce, possibly not yet available. Consequently, a study was undertaken to accomplish the main aim of proposing an m-payment model for marketing and purchasing e-books. A number of process flow models are proposed to serve as diagrammatic representations of the process models that are of concerned. The models clearly specify all the entities involved, such as Telco, merchants, buyers, and e-book providers, and how the data and transactions, are flowing from one entity to another. The processes of browsing, buying, and downloading e-books are also documented. In validating the process flow models, two prototypes, a WAP and Web environments, were developed and tested to assess the model and system acceptance rating. Key findings indicate that m-payment is the most preferred payment method for buying e-book in higher learning institutions and the acceptance factors of such technology were found to be on the high and positive side.
TopMpayment Concept
The emergence of mobile commerce (mCommerce) services and demand for these services is affected by the current mobile networks such as 2.5G, 3G and 4G. This provides an ideal environment for payment of content (digital and physical goods) and services. An interesting aspect about mPayment is that the mobile devices can be used as payment device for all types of payment situations, either electronic commerce (eCommerce) or standard commerce (Malte, 2001; Dahlstrom, 2001). McKitterick and Dowling (2003) stress that mPayment is nowadays gaining significant attraction and many users are already using mobile devices for mobile purchase (Adrian, 2002).
mPayment can be defined as any payment transactions involving the purchase of goods or services completed with wireless device such as a mobile phone, personal computer (wireless), or personal digital assistant (PDA). It is also defined as payments transactions carried out wirelessly via a mobile device; the process of two parties exchanging financial value using a mobile device in return for goods or services; and payment method, which is based on the mobile phone (Ondrus, 2003; Malte, 2001; Rabussier, 2001; Lussanet, 2001; Mobile Payment Forum, 2002; Gross, et al., 2004).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Electronic Content: Content or services in electronic forms.
Mobile commerce: The extension of eCommerce from wired to wireless computers and telecommunications, and from fixed locations to anytime, anywhere, and anyone.
WAP: A technology which provides a mechanism for displaying internet information on a mobile phone or any wireless device.
Mobile Payment: Any payment transactions involving the purchase of goods or services completed with wireless device such as a mobile phone, personal computer (wireless), or personal digital assistant (PDA).
User Acceptance: A measure of technology acceptance.
Mobile Banking: Wireless banking services.
Prototype: A working example of a concept.