An Exploratory Study of "Killer Applications" and Critical Success Factors in M-Commerce

Abstract

This research deals with two aspects of mobile commerce (m-commerce), namely “killer applications” and critical success factors. After compiling significant information from the related literature, a Delphi panel was assembled by selecting a group of experts who have significant knowledge about m-commerce and wireless communications. The panel was requested to comment on a number of m-commerce issues and scenarios gleaned from the literature review and members of the panel were also asked to indicate which issues were more important and which of the presented scenarios were more likely. Three separate rounds of the Delphi survey were carried out and the final results indicated that the short message service (SMS) and a “killer” portfolio were the two most likely “killer applications” of m-commerce. Additionally, four factors: convenience, ease of use, trust, and ubiquity were identified as the most important to m-commerce success. According to the Delphi results and the experts’ comments, the highlighted features of the “killer applications” were found to match the most significant critical success factors as voted by the panel.