Student Dissertation Declaration Form MSC in Business Information Technology

A Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin K1330878
Student Dissertation Declaration Form
MSc in Business Information Technology
Student’s Name: Mokwenye Onochie
Student’s ID Number: K1330878
Name of Supervisor: Dr. Stuart Fitz-Gerald
Title of Dissertation: A Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin
Student’s Declaration:
 I understand why it is necessary to make use of the ideas of others’ in

assessed work and that it involves citing and referencing source materials
using the required referencing conventions.
 I certify that the work presented is all my own and that I have not made use
of the ideas of others’ without using the required referencing conventions.
 I understand that self-plagiarism constitutes the use of all or part of any
assessed work that I have previously received credit for, and certify that I
have adhered to university regulations for this assignment
 I understand that for the purpose of detecting plagiarism my work may be
submitted to a third party for screening
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by the module leader (or nominee) may lead to the mark for this late
submission being capped. I attach a copy of extension confirmation email (if
relevant)
 I understand that if it is a requirement of the module that assessment is
electronically submitted, work submitted in any other format will not be
marked.
 I have kept a copy of this submission
Student’s Signature:
______________________________________________________
Date: September 29th, 2014
Module: BB7023 Research Methods and Dissertation
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FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW
School of Business Information Technology

MSc DEGREE
IN
Business Information Technology
Name: Mokwenye Onochie
ID Number: K1330878
Project Title: A Mobile Computing Framework for University Of

Benin
Date: 29/9/2014
Word Count: 13,583
By requirements of
Supervisor: Fitz-Gerald Stuart
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Abstract
Nowadays the use of mobile computing is almost inevitable in all sectors of the economy
and the educational sector should not be an exception. Universities in Nigeria have a lot
to benefit if they tap into the use of mobile computing resources as they are: cheap,
portable and ubiquitous. However these universities may face problems with time,
budget, quality and technical manpower in using new technologies to solve existing
problems within the university. This dissertation will review how ubiquitous learning and
administrative university functions can be carried out using mobile applications
personalized for mobile devices.
A mobile computing framework would be developed for the University of Benin that
would be based on developing a hybrid or native app with personalized student services
to improve the quality and access to educational services, which would be installed on
mobile devices of students. The mobile computing framework is aimed at bridging the
gap between technologies and universities using the action research methodology. This
research would help universities improve the perceived quality of education.
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Acknowledgements
First I would like to thank God for his wonderful mercies and blessing me with the best
parents who supported me financially and morally throughout my dissertation. Also
special thanks to my brothers for their support and understanding. In addition I would
like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Stuart Fitz-Gerald who has guided me throughout the
dissertation process.
Lastly would like to thank all MBIT students and other group members whom we carried
out projects together you guys are the best, to my course director Barry Avery thank you
for seeing us through the program and to participants who took time out to fill the survey
and allowed me to interview them I deeply appreciate.
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Table of Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. 4
List Of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 7
List Of Tables .............................................................................................................................. 8
Chapter 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.2 Research Relevance ................................................................................................................. 11
1.3 Research Aims and Objectives .............................................................................................. 13
1.4 Research Scope ............................................................................................................................. 14
1.5 Dissertation Structure ................................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 2:Literature Review ................................................................................................ 15
2.1 Chapter Overview .................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 Mobile Computing Explained ................................................................................................... 15
2.2.1 Mobile Computing Devices..................................................................................................... 16
2.2.2 Mobile computing communication medium ....................................................................... 18
2.3 Existing Information Communications Technology in Universities in Nigeria ......... 18
2.4 Making a Case for Mobile Computing in Universities ....................................................... 20
2.5 Limitations/Challenges of Mobile Computing in Nigeria .................................................. 23
2.6 Developing a Mobile Computing Strategy for Universities ............................................... 25
2.7 Methods of Deploying Mobile Computing Strategy ............................................................ 28
2.7.1 Native Application .................................................................................................................... 30
2.7.2 Mobile Web Application ......................................................................................................... 31
2.7.3 Hybrid Application................................................................................................................... 32
2.8 Mobile Application/Mobile Web Security.............................................................................. 33
2.8 Review of Mobile Computing Framework ............................................................................ 35
Chapter 3:Research Methodology ....................................................................................... 42
3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................... 42
3.2 Data Collection ............................................................................................................................. 42
3.3 Action Research............................................................................................................................ 43
3.4 Interview process ......................................................................................................................... 44
3.5 Questionnaire process ................................................................................................................. 45
3.6 Limitations ..................................................................................................................................... 46
Chapter 4: Framework ......................................................................................................... 47
4.1 Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin .................................................... 47
4.1.1 Identifying problems ................................................................................................................ 48
4.1.2 Developing potential solution................................................................................................. 48
4.1.3 Filter solution ............................................................................................................................. 48
4.1.4 Evaluate selected solution ....................................................................................................... 49
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4.1.5 Solution design........................................................................................................................... 49

4.2 Rich Picture ................................................................................................................................... 49
4.3 Proposed Mobile Computing For University of Benin ....................................................... 51
Chapter 5:Data Analysis and Evaluation........................................................................... 52
5.1 Participants ................................................................................................................................. 52
5.2 Survey Design ............................................................................................................................. 52
5.3 Survey Results ............................................................................................................................ 53
5.5 Analysis summary ..................................................................................................................... 58
5.4 Final design for proposed solution ..................................................................................... 60
Chapter 6: Critical Review .................................................................................................. 61
6.1 Methodology Review ................................................................................................................ 61
6.2 Benefits ......................................................................................................................................... 62
Chapter 7: Conclusion and Future work ........................................................................ 64
7.1 Challenges and Limitations.................................................................................................... 64
7.2 Future Works .............................................................................................................................. 65
7.3 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................... 66
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 67
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................ 72
Appendix (A) Questionnaire......................................................................................................... 72
Appendix (B) Communication means............................................................................................ 76
2.2.2.1 Wireless LAN ......................................................................................................................... 76
2.2.2.2 Wireless Internet ................................................................................................................... 77
2.2.2.3 Data Synchronization ........................................................................................................... 78
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List Of Figures
Figure 1: The percentage of cell phone, smart phone and internet access in developing
countries ..................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2: Time and how users connect to the Internet ...................................................... 12
Figure 3: Mobile web usage Vs. Desktop usage ............................................................... 12
Figure 4: PCs shipments worldwide from 2013 - 2014 .................................................... 13
Figure 5: Mobile computing components ......................................................................... 16
Figure 6: Mobile computing devices ................................................................................ 17
Figure 10: Factors to consider before going mobile ......................................................... 25
Figure 11: Mobile Audience Model .................................................................................. 27
Figure 12:Strategy models adoption by various Universities ........................................... 28
Figure 13: Decision tree for mobile deployment strategy ................................................ 29
Figure 14: Various mobile operating systems in the market ............................................ 30
Figure 15: Mobile deployment platform each showing potential vulnerability with mobile
device components ..................................................................................................... 33
Figure 17: Mobile architecture for classroom and Learning Management System .......... 35
Figure 18: Mobile application conceptual framework for universities ............................. 37
Figure 20: Mobile strategy Framework ............................................................................ 40
Figure 21: HCL mobile computing framework ................................................................ 41
Figure 24: Rich picture of adoption of a mobile computing framework in a university .. 50
Figure 25: Proposed Mobile Computing Framework ....................................................... 51
Figure 26: Feedback for survey question 1 ....................................................................... 53
Figure 27: Survey result for question 2............................................................................. 55
Figure 29:Survey result for question 4.............................................................................. 56
Figure 31: Solution design (Mobile computing framework for University of Benin) ...... 60
Figure 29: Mobile computing over wireless WAN........................................................... 76
Figure 30: Mobile device communicating over wireless Internet Network provider ....... 77
Figure 31: Remote data synchronization .......................................................................... 78
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List Of Tables
Table 1: Mobile devices grouped according to product features ...................................... 17
Table 2: Presence of web and ICT backbone Of Nigeria Universities ............................. 20
Table 3: Benefits of a well-implemented mobile strategy for Universities in Nigeria ..... 22
Table 4: General Limiting factors for mobile use ............................................................. 24
Table 5: Distinguishing features of mobile web app and mobile website ........................ 31
Table 6: Survey questions ................................................................................................. 52
Table 7: mean value and standard deviation for question 1.............................................. 54
Table 8: Mean value and standard deviation for survey question 3 ................................. 56
Table 9: Mean value and standard deviation of survey question 5 ................................... 58
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Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction
This dissertation would seek to develop a mobile computing framework and analyze the
need and limitations for tertiary institutions to go mobile. It would focus on six key topic
areas, which would be the main thesis of this dissertation; mobile computing, factors
inhibiting/encouraging adoption of a mobile strategy, developing a mobile strategy, ways
of deploying the mobile strategy (Native app, web and hybrid), mobile computing
frameworks and mobile security.
The ecosystem of tertiary education is currently experiencing massive and rapid

transformation, which has forced changes in the educational systems spontaneously to
ensure maintenance of the quality of life in these institutions (Ben and Robert, 2013).
Mobile technology use in universities is not confined to only learning activities. The
process of education relies a great deal on coordination of resources and learners. Mobile
technologies can help in supporting learning and teaching without directly being involved
in the learning activity (Naismith et al., 2006).
Communication via mobile means has seen tremendous growth over the past twelve years
in developing countries (www.infodev.org, 2013). Over the years the growth and power
of the mobile phones could be seen from simple processes of making calls and receiving
text messages to that of a mini computer, having the same power as the computer in a
miniature form. The two trends to have driven this growth are improvement in services
from; GPRS, Edge, 3G, 4G Wi-Fi etc. and smaller sizes of computing devices (Dell,
2010) see Figure 1. In the period of mobility, the duty of mobile computers is felt across
every sector of the economy and the educational sector being among the majority (Susan,
2012).
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Figure 1: The percentage of cell phone, smart phone and internet access in
developing countries
Source: (www.pewglobal.org, 2013)
The success of adoption of a mobile computing strategy can vividly be seen in the
banking and commercial sector of Nigeria as a result of the cashless policy, which was
implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This success can also be extended to the
educational sector as they would be looking for other ways to deliver educational services
to students, with the use of mobile app and mobile sites, which have changed user
experience when using the Internet for various computing purposes (Agbetuyi and
Oluwatayo, 2012).
The expansion of Information and Communications Technology creates new experiences

for tertiary institutions to adopt. Mobile communications and wireless networks added to
the power of mobile computing devices avail students with a new means of relating and
sharing information with peers and lecturers. However it creates new challenges for the
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IT department, as necessary support would have to be made accordingly (Petra et al.,

2005).
The Nigerian Tertiary education system successfully integrated IT into its operational
policy and this is the building block for all other strategy including the mobile computing
blueprint (Agbetuyi and Oluwatayo, 2012). The Benefits of mobile computing to the
tertiary educational system in Nigeria is immense, which include easily affordable mobile
phones as against laptops and desktops, used to deliver m-learning and also to render
financial services (mCommerce); where students would be able to learn, share materials
and also be able to pay bills such as; accommodation fees, department dues, real time
communication, school fees etc.
1.2 Research Relevance
A lot of ambitious computing technologies and projects have been carried out in the
previous decade, such as the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, which caused a
media hysteria initially. It is an interesting model but has yet to prove itself commercially
successful, as the price is ranged around 100 US dollars. Prices of lower cost computing
devices (LCD) are falling in prices and have variable features that have seen their use in
the educational sector increase. For example in India a low cost tablet which would cost
about 35 USD in order to be able to reach the One Laptop per Child Initiative (Adam et
al., 2011). Mostakhdemin-Hosseini and Mustajärvi (2003) believes that theses mobile
devices are not a replacement for PC but considers them as an additional tool in
educational functionalities that should be utilized with other existing tools.
According to Vanguard (2010) a research carried out by James Fergusson in Nigeria

shows that internet usage is now driven primarily by mobile devices and this has changed
how the Nigerian community reacts to brands across different categories. An infographic
by eConsultancy shows how the device people use at what time and day in other to
complete the circle of staying connected for 24hours see Figure 2 (Janet, 2014).
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Figure 2: Time and how users connect to the Internet

Source: Orm consulting, 2013
It was predicted that in 2013 the most sought after access to the web would no longer be
this desktop as the mobile phone would be the most common web access worldwide
(Mojgan et al., 2013) see Figure 3. A venture that can help take your business to the next
level and also drive client resourcefulness is adopting a “mobile computing strategy”
(Sutor, 2012).
Source:
(Chalie, 2013)
Figure 3:
Mobile web
usage Vs.
Desktop usage
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Global research on the shipment of personal computing have been on the decline,
according to Gartner a research firm; there was a 0.1% increase in shipments of PCs
worldwide after a successive eight quarters of decline in shipments. According to IDC a
research firm this decrease is blamed on a rise in demand for low cost tablets & phones,
weaker economies and political issues in emerging markets see Figure 4 (Janet, 2014)
Figure 4: PCs shipments worldwide from 2013 - 2014

Source: (IDC worldwide PC tracker, 2014)
We are so dependent on smartphone devices and tablets for our major daily needs such as
banking transactions, instant access to the Internet quickly for information,
communication with peers and family via various interfaces etc. and is gradually
becoming an “App world” (Dunford, 2012).
1.3 Research Aims and Objectives
The main aim of this study is to gather sufficient data from lecturers, administrative staff
and students of University of Benin, using “action research” in order to develop a mobile
computing framework tailored for the university selected audience. The research aims to
solve outside the classroom learning and help with university administrative task so as to
improve the quality of education.
 Understand issues currently facing the University of Benin

 Identifying and presenting related works
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 Identifying suitable solution.

 Developing and deploying a mobile computing strategy.
 Defining the objectives of a mobile computing framework
 Evaluate components of the proposed framework in order to fulfill its objective
 Design a suitable solution
1.4 Research Scope
This project would propose a mobile computing framework in order to improve the
education and administrative services available on mobile devices for students. The aim
of the framework is not only to avail students with University administrative functions
and learning, but also to aid mobility in the university. This will be achieved by providing
services that can be accessed on mobile devices both within and outside the campus using
a mobile app.
1.5 Dissertation Structure
This dissertation is divided into seven chapters that began with the introduction of the
research and concludes with the future work and conclusion section.
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Chapter 2:Literature Review

2.1 Chapter Overview
This chapter will seek to review various mobile computing frameworks, discuss and
examine previous and existing research, drawing special attention to the various areas
relevant to developing a mobile computing framework. The scope covered includes: a
brief history of mobile computing, existing technologies in universities, the need for
mobile computing in tertiary institutions, developing a mobile computing strategy,
various ways of deploying a mobile computing strategy, a review of the mobile
computing framework used by different organizations and building a framework from
already reviewed literature.
2.2 Mobile Computing Explained
Zimmerman, (1999) attributes the adoption of mobile computing to the availability of

small and powerful eminent computing devices, tremendous improvement in
telecommunications and specialized software. According to Nosrati et al. (2012) mobile
computing involves being able to use a computing device whilst changing location
property, also referred to as using computing capabilities without a predefined location
while connected to a network for the exchange of data and information, while Goswami
(2013) believes mobile computing is the interaction of computing devices used to access
a central information center while away from a fixed or predefined location.
Both Nosrati et al. (2012) and Goswami (2013) believed that mobile computing was only
possible due to the portability of the computing device, wireless connection, and the
small size and weight of the connection devices. However these can be grouped into three
main classes for mobile computing to be possible: hardware, software and means of
communication. These mediums are necessary for effective mobile computing. The
hardware which includes: tablets, PDAs, smartphones, wearable computers are all
defined primarily by size, weigh and microprocessors (Zimmerman, 1999), data storage,
ability to input data and output information, battery life and communication medium
(Goswami, 2013), the software which is popularly called the operating system which is a
platform where other programs can run on the mobile computing device which includes;
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RIM, IOS, Bada, Android, Windows, Symbian etc. and lastly communication medium
refer to the means with which these devices connect with the central information system
(Marke, 2011).
Figure 5: Mobile computing components

Source: (Goswami, 2013)
The above Figure 5 shows a typical concept of how the mobile computing system works
with the three relevant components, which shows how the user enters data with the
handheld mobile devices. The connecting technology in question, which could either be
wireless LAN or wireless web, when the information has been synchronized the process
starts from the other way back to the handheld device. This process is similar to desktop
computing except for the changing geographic location of the computing device
(Goswami, 2013).
2.2.1 Mobile Computing Devices
Mobile computing devices are devices that are not constrained to a particular location or
data centre. Simply put devices that are ubiquitous in nature can be grouped basically into
five categories and any device being considered can be placed into any of them (Barnatt,
2013). According to Goswami (2013) who believed computing devices could be
classified into six major categories but after the death of the ultra mobile PC, which was
replaced by the Tablet, one can rightly use the five categories using product features.
Table 1 below shows grouping of mobile devices according to their features.
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Table 1: Mobile devices grouped according to product features

Source:(Barnatt, 2013)
Mobile Device Product Features
PDA Appointment, Internet browser, email, calendar, scheduling, audio

capabilities using portable media, touchscreen, intranet and extranet
connectivity, performs some desktop application function.
Smartphone High resolution touchscreen, GPS satellite navigation, email, calendar, Wi-
Fi/GSM/NFC/Bluetooth connectivity, internet browser, mobile operating
system, Cameras, video and audio media, downloadable apps, performs
some desktop application functions e.g. word and excel, expandable
memory.
Tablet Wireless mobile browser function, email, Potential cell phone function,
emails, downloadable apps, video camera, E-book reading, portable media
functions, GPS satellite navigation, use pen or screen touch technologies,
performs some desktop application functions e.g. word and excel,
expandable memory.
Wearable Constant interaction between user and device Sometimes incorporated to act
computer like a prosthetics, extension of the user mind or body, wireless and personal
area network, multitasking ability.
Laptop All desktop functionalities, small and thin, keyboard and mouse pad, Intel
or AMD processor, hard disk drive for storage.
Source:
(www.techjo
urnal.org,
2014)
Figure 6:
Mobile
computing
devices
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2.2.2 Mobile computing communication medium

This refers to the technology, which allows for the free flow of information back and
forth from the centralized information system and the mobile handheld device, this
medium varies from speed, type of connectivity, usability. Some of the ways which
mobile communication can be made possible include: Wireless LAN, wireless web and
data synchronizing. For more on these mobile communication medium see Appendix B
2.3 Existing Information Communications Technology in Universities in

Nigeria
Currently there is little or no mobile strategy being adopted by universities in Nigeria

apart from a responsive webpage able to adapt to mobile devices. According to Agbetuyi
and Oluwatayo (2012) in the Nigerian educational system, computing communication
technologies has helped towards increased access to and raising the awareness and
quality of education hence absorption and acquisition of knowledge was greatly
facilitated, thereby availing developing countries unrivaled opportunities to enhance the
quality of its educational system. Furthermore access to remote learning has been
enhanced, as teachers and students no longer have to be dependent on only media house
libraries for their educational needs.
Ogechukwu and Charles (2012) believe that there are four approaches for tackling ICT in
education; emerging, applying, infusing and transforming, the functional approach which
are the last three stages. However most Nigerian educational institutions are still in the
emerging and applying stage, also few sectors inside the Nigerian economy have passed
that stage. The amount of work needed to be done to take ICT to the next stage is
enormous, though having the manpower advantage of many ICT experts both at home
and in diaspora no concerted effort has been made to harness their potentials.
The University of Benin (Uniben) founded in 1970, first as an institute of technology and
then as a recognized as a university by the National Universities Commission in (NUC)
1971. It has two major campuses in Nigeria, located in the southern part of Nigeria its
dream is to bring quality education to citizens of Federal Republic of Nigeria
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(www.UniversitiesOfNigeria.com, 2011). The NUC, which is the agency responsible for

regulating and recording universities authorized personal computing ownership for
universities as follows: one to two lecturers lower than the grade of lecturer 1, One to
every four students, one to every senior lecturer and professor. Uniben has achieved a
better ratio in terms of PC for their faculty but the same cannot be said about the student
ratio. Even though a lot of headway has been made in campus wide area networking
(Osei, 2007).
Uniben has computers in its campuses, which are connected over a local area network
(LAN) configuration. These various centers are connected over a wide area network
(WAN) to allow the mainstreaming of the following activities; Training and learning,
Interactive session, assessment and testing, communications (emails, chat and forums),
Internet access, access to virtual library and other computing functionalities (Osei, 2007).
The table 2 below shows the web presence and current Information communications
technology mainstay of government owned universities in Nigeria.
ICT backbone → Presence of both or either campus wireless or fiber-optic framework

accessible in all areas of the university not just in an ICT center or library.
Website → University already have a working website.
Email → all staffs should have university email
Staff directory → webpage or directory of both academic and non-academic staff.
News → Updated news on life on campus and events at the university
E-Learning → structured and stable distance or E-Learning curriculum.
Faculties → Information concerning all faculties and departments of the university are
portrayed on the website.
Student affair →information on postgraduate, international and undergraduate events and

information on application for halls of residence on the university website.
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Table 2: Presence of web and ICT backbone Of Nigeria Universities

Source:(Ogechukwu and Charles, 2012)
ICT Backbone
Student affairs
Staff directory
Universities
E-learning
Faculties
Website
Email
News
Federal owned 5 32 32 18 8 11 31 3
State owned 0 31 31 9 1 4 29 0
2.4 Making a Case for Mobile Computing in Universities
A report by horizon (2007) explains how mobiles phones are becoming the doorway to
our digital lives. Furnishing our need for immediate access, mobile phones have become
our constant escort and offer connection to friends, movies, information, music and more.
The capabilities of mobile phone have increased over the years and it is high time when
these little devices would be as much a part of education like a book bag.
Mobile computing benefits are immense as it offers quick and easy ways to increase
profitability, efficiency and productivity while securing more control of our operations.
Low cost mobile computing was made a practical reality by the power and data storage
capacity of today’s handheld PC, smartphone, tablets etc. (Goswami, 2013).
According to Mojgan et al. (2013) industry research findings, focused research on higher
education and personal observations evidently indicates global adoption of mobile
technology and the emerging use of mobile apps. Within higher education 55% of
students surveyed possess a smartphone and 33% reckon smartphones as “immensely
valuable for academic success”.
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Gregory et al (2011) believed that students are bringing the mobile revolution to
education as the habitat for mobility puts students in the forefront. Large and (increasing)
numbers of students own mobile devices and use them for a lot of daily activities both
personal and official. Mobile revolution is been driven by the consumer market, which is
why when student arrive campus they expect institutional services to be on their mobile
as it is available on their laptops. Findings from Dahlstrom et al (2011) ECAR national
study of undergraduate students and information technology highlight’s the role mobile
computing plays for students. “More than half use smartphones to email professors
(66%), check grades (62%), text other students about coursework (61%), find information
on Internet outside class (59%), 45% find information on internet during class and 35%
agree that technology help them stay connected with people and information. Table 3
below shows the various areas in which mobile computing resources are crucially
beneficial to universities in Nigeria and if properly implemented can improve internal
efficiency and ubiquitous learning which would lead to greater quality of education.
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Table 3: Benefits of a well-implemented mobile computing strategy for Universities

Source: (Suzanne, 2014).
Area Sample benefit
Continuous The former model of educational system where education ends once you
learning leave school and start working is broken as learning and knowledge
acquisition has no expiry date.
Educational Distance no longer becomes a barrier to education and those who have
leapfrogging families to support can also learn without affecting their family duties.
Gender In countries where women are denied access to formal education

boundaries and mLearning can offer high quality education without breaking their
Disabilities religious or cultural belief. Also those with disability who can’t
physically get to a classroom can also use mLearning.
Deliver campus Could allow students carry out financial payments for school fees,
based services accommodation, dues, scheduling, emergency information,
transportation, administrative services etc.
Role trade Provides an avenue to capture and share knowledge between peer to peer
between teacher and also peer to lecturer. Also gives students more control over
and student education.
Literacy In developing countries it could encourage the learning of programming

awareness language which could in turn affect other parts of the economy positively
Synergy with Since the aim of including mobile strategy is to offer quality education
mBanking and and which enhances peoples financial status and in turn their health.
mHealth
Customized Tertiary institutions can offer special education to those on a career path
education to build their talents, which would be delivered through mLearning.
Environmental Reduced consumption of university energy as web access is powered via

benefits mobile or tablet, support green initiative as there would be less paper
printing rather soft copy such as videos, PDF and word documents would
be shared electronically.
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2.5 Limitations/Challenges of Mobile Computing in Nigeria

The digital divide between developing and advanced countries, especially in Africa is
very well established and obvious. Nigeria as a nation like most African countries was
late and still slow in the adoption of ICT across most sectors of its economy (Peter,
2007). The most common problems associated with effective implementation of mobile
computing strategy are:
 Resistance to change from didactic methods to more innovative, learning methods

and technological based teaching by both academics and students. The standpoint
of different managements within and outside institutions towards development of
ICT structure and use of Internet and mobile computing is rather slow in some
instances (Idowu and Mary, 2013).
 Inadequate qualified ICT personnel. Most institutions lack ICT experts and
computer literate teachers that would manage and support application of mobile
computing in the teaching-learning process and/or Internet connectivity. Nigeria
with a battered economy and a devalued currency creates a problem of cost and
procurement of technological equipment. However it should be noted that the
problem might not be funding or the technology but the will of the government
and education management boards (Agbetuyi and Oluwatayo, 2012).
 The laudable goal of transforming education with ICT and paradigm shift in
education is all but a dream without constant access to power supply; having
access to educational resources, mLearning on demand anywhere, anytime and
anyhow is not feasible and mLearning would not be sustained either. The erratic
supply of electric power has adversely has hampered the progress of research
done by universities. It is frustrating to embark on an ICT reformation progress in
an institution without first resolving the issue of power. The average power
supply every day in Nigeria is 10 hours, as institutions have to source for alternate
power supply from standby generators, solar panels and batteries which might not
be enough to go round the campus and also increase ICT running cost
(Ogechukwu and Charles, 2012).
 Different mobile operating systems available in developing countries making it
difficult to decide on which device the ICT system should support. (Peter, 2007).
 Expensive cost of mobile Internet subscription (Data bundles). The average cost
of internet for various network providers such as MTN, GLO, Etisalat is #1500
for one Gig of data a month (Olusanyah, 2013) and as cited by Vanguard (2011)
the minimum wage for an average Nigerian was recently increased from #7500 to
#18000 which makes internet a luxury for Nigerians. Exchange rate 1 GBP= #274
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Despite all these challenges facing developing countries, Nigeria in particular there are
however some general limiting factors for mobile computing irrespective of the digital
divide. The general limitations of mobile computing are nominated and described in the
Table 4 below.
Table 4: General Limiting factors for mobile use

Source: (Deepak and Pradeep, 2012).
Limitation Current Issue
Insufficient Mobile internet access is usually slower than direct cable connection.
Bandwidth Technologies such as GPRS, EDGE and more recently 3G, HSDPA and 4G.
Commercial cell phone towers make these networks available within a
geographical range.
Human interface Keyboards and screen tend to be small, making them difficult to use.
with device Alternative input method such as handwriting recognition requires training.
Transmission Topography, weather and distance from the nearest network tower can all
interference interfere with signal. Also tunnels and rural areas usually have poor signal.
Security When using a mobile, we are dependent on public network, requiring careful
standards use of virtual private network. Security is of great concern as the virtual
private network can be attacked through a huge number of networks
interconnected through the line.
Potential heath Questions concerning health and mobile phone radiation have been asked,
hazard using mobile phone while driving could be dangerous and risky to lives and
also mobile devices could interfere with delicate medical devices.
Power Mobile computers rely entirely on battery power, when a power outlet is not
consumption available. Due to the tightly packed nature of many mobile devices
extraordinarily expensive batteries are required to maintain necessary battery
Integration The problem of new applications integrating into already existing system is a
recurring problem, apart from identifying the data formatting, coding, update
capabilities, data ownership and access rights is taken into consideration.
24
2.6 Developing a Mobile Computing Strategy for Universities

A whitepaper by commontime (2012) on acquiring and developing mobility strategy
requires the identification of which business processes, functions and services to be
mobile-enabled as seen in Figure 7. This can be based on ‘like to have’ and ‘must have’
criteria. This could be driven by either future strategic and business goals of the
institution or just to render basic operational and technical services. However any process
that requires some elements of data capture/submission to a data management/back-end
system can easily be mobilized. After choosing what functions to mobilize the best
method for deployment would be the next step as the institution can choose from either
native app, web app or cross platform app.
Figure 7: Factors to consider before going mobile

Source:(commontime, 2012)
Naismith et al. (2006) believes that some protocols have to be observed in creating a
mobile strategy for institutions which include; an investigation of a cost model for
technology, infrastructure and service, study and propose the requirement for all those
involved in the use of this technology i.e. stakeholders to ensure it is acceptable and
useable, before making a decision on which technology to use examine the advantages
and disadvantages, assign necessary roles for use of the mobile product, develop
strategies and procedures of equipment’s acquired by the institution, provide training for
25
staffs and ongoing technical support to enhance easy usage, consider use of mobile
technology for student administrative task and also support collaborative learning and
lastly ensure security and privacy for end users.
According to Gregory et al. (2011) each institution will need to chart its own path
through the mobile computing environment, having to decide from an array of mobility
goals that reflect the capacities and need of the institution in question. In some scenarios
institutions might decide not to mobilize some functions or services due to concerns over
mobile security and privacy. In some cases it can be seen from a strategic point of view
as creating competitive advantage or as utilities to provide basic services for campus
users. However they believe that all mobile initiative should be geared towards producing
an app on integrated student services such as schedule, grades and student account.
Brenna and Andrews (2012) believe in a six-step approach for building a long-term
approach for mobile strategy that involves; defining mobile purpose within the
organization, selecting the right mobile environment to get the best of your audience,
prioritizing which device support would be available after choosing the platform, decide
whether to own or outsource technology as most organization struggle with technology
decision, identify technologies which can be repurposed to leverage on mobile and lastly
align technology with the short and long term goals to maximize budget and keep the
project going.
In developing mobility goals for institutions Mojgan et al. (2013) believes in using the
‘mobile audience model’ as the first step to developing the mobility goals, as higher
education institutions have a difficult communications task because they are serving
many audiences as seen in Figure 8 below which involves the prioritizing of audiences
into internal and external category then you know which audience you want to feed.
26
Figure 8: Mobile Audience Model

Source:(Mojgan et al., 2013)
Furthermore after identifying your audience the model goes on data planning is next in
line, after that involves areas for investment in IT capacity and resources to support the
mobility, potential strategy both long and short term decision to outsource or to own
technology in order to keep the project going and lastly engaging stakeholders to forming
a mobile governance model.
Formulating a mobile computing strategy for universities involves identifying the culture,
needs, and desires of the institution’s population also of critical importance is the
institution’s ability to commit resources to the successful deployment of a durable mobile
environment. Learning from early adopters and benchmarking against peers can further
inform an approach towards development of a mobile computing strategy.
27
2.7 Methods of Deploying Mobile Computing Strategy

BayTechServices (2014) recalls the words of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg publicly
stating that “Facebook’s biggest strategic mistake was adopting HTML5 for building its
mobile app and Facebook has since changed strategy to a written native app for android
and IOS”. Most institutions after developing their mobile strategy and identifying the
mobile needs are faced with implementation decision that will positively or negatively
affect the earlier initiative. There are basically three deployment approaches for mobile
applications namely: native, web or hybrid other literature reviewed used different
names. As discussed in the previous sub chapter many parameters are considered before
choosing any of these deployment methods. Each approach carries essential advantages
and limitations and the challenging task would be finding the best fit for the
organization’s need (IBM, 2012b). “There is probably no single deployment method that
might be right for some organizations, but certain deployment methods might be wrong
for some institutions” (Gregory et al., 2011). A survey carried out by Gregory et al.
(2011) to determine which of the deployment methods is used most by educational
institutions, a large majority of them had a distinguishable mobile strategy, followed by
users of mobile web only, hybrid app and native app in Figure 9 below.
Figure 9:Strategy
models adoption by
various Universities
Source: (Gregory et
al., 2011).
28
According to Neeraj (2014) a hotly debated topic is choosing a mobile client architecture
for deploying a mobile strategy. Having been a part of the debate from development to
implementation believes that some of the perception concerning the debate of which
deployment method to adopt does not conform to reality. In order to help organizations
and institution hence the creation of the “decision framework” seen in Figure 10 below
Figure 10: Decision tree for mobile deployment strategy

Source: (Tata consultancy, 2014)
The decision matrix above helps institutions in choosing which platform should be
adopted based on the services the app would perform. Native and hybrid app is
recommended when targeting few mobile operating systems and web app is
recommended when targeting multiple mobile device operating systems.
29
2.7.1 Native Application

These are add-on software for mobile handheld computing devices such as tablets and
smartphones. Among the most popular are business, games, weather, maps, social
networking these add-on software’s leverage optimally on the technical features of the
handheld device such as Bluetooth, audio, camera, GPS module etc. (Martin, 2009).
Native apps are built specifically for a device and its operating system, usually
downloaded from a web store and resides natively on the mobile device hence the name
“native”, the ability for native app to take advantage of latest technology, rich user
experience, run offline, easily discoverable and integrate with other on board app is what
gives it a cutting edge over any other deployment strategy (LionBridge, 2013).
According to Governmentm (2014) equation research surveyed 3500 mobile computing

users around the World about their mobile experience and found out 85% preferred
native apps because of high quality interface and speed. However due to the fact that
native apps are written in a specific programming language of an operating system
running updates would involve each language for different platforms which the
institution choose to support also budget and cost for developing different operating
systems can be frustrating. Below are the multiple OSs available in the market for
institutions to choose from, which have bulk of their target audience and develop native
apps to support their device.
Figure 11: Various mobile operating systems in the market

Source:(Martin, 2009)
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2.7.2 Mobile Web Application

Mobile web applications runs on all platforms of mobile devices using the browser,
requires an internet connection to work effectively on all device such as android, IOS and
Windows. Usually distributed using a link over the web and does not reside natively on
the device. However there is a basic difference between a mobile web app and a mobile
website, a mobile web app requires underlying business logic and connects to a back-end
database while a mobile website is static and designed using the HTML/JavaScript/CSS
page formatted specifically for mobile device use (mrc, 2014).
According to a white paper by IBM (2012) which believes mobile web app are a
promising new trend as they offer rich user interface as against the mobile website which
offers nothing apart from being optimized for mobile view. Modern mobile devices are
supporting many new HTML 5 capabilities with powerful browsers, due to the transition
from ‘page definition language’ to powerful rich user browser-based application.
Distinguishing between to web based is crucial as everybody is familiar with mobile
browsing and mobile optimized website. However multi platform support and low cost
development are one of the eminent advantages of a web app. Table 5 shows features
differentiating a mobile web app from a pure mobile website.
Table 5: Distinguishing features of mobile web app and mobile website
Source: (Kirill, 2013)

Feature Mobile web app Pure Mobile websites
Tools and knowledge Written entirely in HTML5 Written entirely in HTML

JavaScript and CSS3 JavaScript and CSS
Execution “Installed” shortcut launch Reached using a Uniform

Like native app resource locator (URL)
User experience Interactive user interface, Navigational user interface,

touch friendly displaying static data
Performance Accessible offline, as User Network dependence on

interface logic resides performance as all code are
locally executed from a server
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2.7.3 Hybrid Application

Hybrid apps are a cross between mobile web app and native app usually a mobile web
app wrapped in a platform specific shell. This platform offer full native features to the
web app such as native installation, app store/market distribution (mrc, 2014). According
to IBM (2012) using this approach developers write important portions of their
application in cross-platform technologies while maintaining Application Programming
Interface (API) when necessary. LionBridge (2013) believe that the ability to infuse web
apps with native code can significantly reduce cost, development time and custom coding
work. A properly designed hybrid app is not easily distinguishable from the native app by
users but to the developers it is due to codes written in different languages across
different platforms. Problems with design issues erupt when the web based app and the
native functionalities do not merge seamlessly on demand.
32
2.8 Mobile Application/Mobile Web Security

IBM (2012a) believes that the three types of mobile application web, hybrid and native
only differ in the way they were developed, distributed, and performance. Each
deployment platform has different security vulnerabilities particular to them and some
common across all platforms. However the native and hybrid applications are prone to
more security vulnerability due to the tradeoff between user experiences vs. security
encryption.
Figure 12: Mobile deployment platform each showing potential vulnerability with
mobile device components
Source: (IBM, 2012a).
Mobile computing device applications have different threat models from their web-based
coequal, as organizations push for more functionalities into mobile devices, there would
be a need to move sensitive data onto the said device. Developers need to understand the
power of the chosen deployment platform(s) as well as model and design applications to
securely take advantage of more mobile device capabilities without exposing the user or
the organization to threats (Andrews et al., 2013). As cited by Dwivedi et al. (2011) “In
the era of mobility and instant information new practices of control and security enable
33
organizations to meet challenges of a moving society exposed to continuous data

leakage” and also suggested some security tips in developing mobile applications by
addition of protocols such as the transport layer security/secure sockets layer (TLS/SSL),
validation of input, code signing application, proper storage of sensitive information
configuration of least privilege and access strategy, safe use of URL and knowledge of
advantages and limitations of mobile device browsers. Furthermore states that a review of
the security measures in place for each mobile platform to be deployed and extra services
such as Bluetooth, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and geo-location are extra
features which mobile devices present.
According to Mitchem et al. (2012) developers face a choice to strike a balance between
cryptographic strength and usability, as mobile computing device offer potential for new
means of authentication using touch screen, GPS, swipe patterns, sensors. The vital
question is if these new methods can strike the balance between usability and
cryptographic strength. The typical method of protecting data is by restricting access via
a login for a particular application for IOS based devices the use of custom security codes
for specific apps or the use of a third-party solution which involves jailbreaking the
device. For android devices the API includes java security and javax crypt packages and
since Android is open source an application level security program can be included.
Source:
(Denimgroup, 2011)
Figure 13: Threat model for

Mobile app using mobile devices
34
Understanding the architecture and threat model of the system built by developers is vital
itself as the mobile application is only a part of the system attackers would undermine.
Design principles and secure architecture in predicting possible future concerns when
developing new mobile applications as seen in Figure 13 above. Positive validation of
input that cross trust boundaries and such inputs should not be used in making critical
security decisions. Developers should take into consideration the type of data stored on
devices in the case of theft. Permissions for local files and database as users can
unintentionally install a malicious application on the device and network communications
can be detected and modified along the way so hence the protection of sensitive data to
and from the device via the application or browser (Dan, 2011).
2.8 Review of Mobile Computing Framework
Figure 14: Mobile architecture for classroom and Learning Management System
Source: (Alvarez et al.,2011).
According to Alvarez et al. (2011) a research into developing a pedagogical framework

for classroom supported by mobile computing devices with the aim to support student
35
involvement, collaboration and active learning. This framework is targeted at both

colleges and universities and is bound by the limiting technological and social factors in
the deployed environment. The problem or need should be clearly identified before using
this proposed model. Fig 14 above represents the architecture of the framework, which
comprises of the mobile software that runs in the classroom and a learning management
system (LMS) used by researchers, teachers and other stakeholders outside the classroom
to prepare teaching materials, create student performance report, download educational
software and lesson plans. The mobile software is divided into two parts a mobile client
that runs on the student’s device and a mobile server can either run on a dedicated
hardware device or the teacher’s mobile. The three levels of layers involved in the mobile
client and server architecture are the application layer (top) usually the software
development level, the middleware (middle layer) supports tightly coupled interactions
such as synchronization and the lower layer which addresses irrelevant concerns such as
communications and networking process. The LMS is ideally deployed using a web
application so that it can be accessible to different stakeholders on both mobile and
desktop computing devices who are not available on campus, thus promoting the reuse
and sharing of educational content generated by its practitioners.
However this framework is limited to only classroom use and is suitable for universities
who want to keep track of student performances and also increase active classroom
participation. Also students cannot learn outside the classroom thereby limiting the
ubiquitous nature of mobile device being able to learn anywhere, anyplace and anytime
and also administrative task are not available for students in this model only teachers.
The best method for deployment remains mobile web platform other methods would
undermine the feasibility of this framework thus saving universities time in choosing best
deployment strategy.
Mercado and Agustin (2013) designed a mobile application integration framework for the
higher educational institutions (EI) to act as a tool for assessing existing applications in
EIs that can be mobilized and new applications for mobile development, with the aim of
standardizing the maintenance and development of these applications.
36
The design of the framework Figure 15 involves evaluation, development and

deployment in five key areas; current information profile of the educational institution
next to hardware, security, user needs and software, mobile learning and administrative
tasks, mobile deployment and development alongside the evaluation of the prospective
mobile deployment platform and the choosing of an open source mobile framework, the
current condition of the information systems of the tertiary institution against the chosen
mobile open source platform and lastly the design of a mobile application integration
framework using any of the platforms available.
Figure 15: Mobile application conceptual framework for universities

Source:(Mercado and Agustin, 2013)
This framework developed above covers all aspects from conception to development as
in involves use of decision matrix developed by Intel, Mobile Gov. in order to guide
educational institutions on what strategy to adopt the goals, enabling factors limitations
and also require that a survey be carried out to determine which platform best meets the
audience needs. The current information systems determine which platform would best
37
be supported. This entire framework might require extension and application as it helps
reduce time and resources on decision making of “Educational institutions’ Mobility”.
According to Reddy et al. (2012) all consultants who work for Cognizant an organization
which helps enterprises go mobile, believes that mobility should be tailored according to
the IT systems which different institutions have. In other words IT builds and owns the
mobile framework as cited in Cognizant (2012) “IT departs plays an important role in
marrying business needs with mobile technology requirements while providing the
freedom to extend mobility to business solutions that meet stakeholders needs”.
Figure 16: Framework supporting "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD)
Source: (Cognizant 2012)
Their approach to building a mobile framework as illustrated in figure 16 is freedom of

choice demanded by waves of mobile technology available today, there by developing a
framework which strike a balance between institutions need to maintain appropriate
control and the forces craving independence. The four components that constitute the
framework are technology (software, services and hardware) devices owned by
stakeholders of the institutions, governance (device lifecycle use of network and data),
compliance and security (policies, tools, device strategies, organization goal) and support
38
(skilled personnel to manage mobility). By making use of this framework the institutions
can provide their audience with innovative services using mobile, hybrid and native app
to enhance user experience, utility and productivity. Furthermore adhering to the
guidelines for app design, development, testing, security and usability.
However this framework does not help so much in the decision making of what to
mobilize and hands over decision making to the IT department of an institution which
supports in-house strategy rather than outsourcing, it supports the BYOD making it
possible for institutions to want to support the various mobile computing devices which
their audience use and the framework is open and expected to be custom fitted
specifically to organizational needs.
According to Mojgan et al. (2013) who developed a mobile strategy framework and
template. The template helps universities determine their needs by taking into cognizance
the (1) type of mobile devices which access their homepage (and at what levels) are being
used by the user community, usage and trend patterns over time. (2) Current state of data
availability, which involves critical and crucial data streams necessary to various
stakeholders (3) Mobility governance this involves a right mix of all the key stakeholders
who would control the data made available for mobilization (4) Mobility priorities and
goals involves the governance group steering the project and decision of members
towards achieving the goals of the mobility project. The mobile strategy framework as
illustrated in Figure 17 depicts a mapping of different frameworks and products into the
“internal versus external audience” the resulting trade-off matrix provides a visual
representation and guidance on type of product to focus on based on the positioning in
the matrix. Affecting decisions on whether to outsource and whether to go native, hybrid
or mobile web.
The framework is comprehensive as it helps institutions in decision-making, development

and deploying mobile strategy, choose what to focus on based on available time and
resource while keeping in mind what the users needs are from trend observation.
39
Figure 17: Mobile strategy Framework

Source: (Mojgan et al., 2013)
According to HCL (2011) a leading global technology and IT enterprise, the need for
institutions to be furnished with mobility technology led to the creation of a common
sense approach using different operational models as illustrated in Figure 18. The
business model part of the framework answers questions about the value proposition and
how it fits into the long-term plan of the institution. The process model part answers
questions like what and how the functionalities would be provided to the target audience,
the information model part questions what type of information is needed by the target
audience and how they would be presented and lastly the technology model which
answers the question of what technological considerations are required to build the
chosen mobile application. Each model had covered different views ranging from the
business owners view, designers view and implementers view. HCL believed that this
framework is a matrix which answers the burning question for every organization
thinking of going mobile as what strategy to adopt, what functionalities to, outsource or
insource and deployment platform are all answered using this framework.
40
Figure 18: HCL mobile computing framework

Source:(HCL, 2011)
However this framework is not specifically built for the educational institutions as it can
also be applied in Universities, as institutions faced with problem of what to mobilize and
how to go about adopting a mobile strategy can use this framework in order to meet the
targeted needs of their audience while maximizing resources.
In summary, the literature review has looked at current and past literature on mobile
computing in educational sector. In particular, research found the following: in adopting a
mobile strategy there is no best deployment method as it all depends on the institutional
need and the audience, the ubiquitous nature of mobile computing device can aid distance
learning as well as some university’s administrative functions such as check grades, pay
for fees etc. which would help solve the current problem facing Universities in Nigeria
and mobile security is important to protecting users data from risk exposure as this can
deter adoption of mobility in Universities. A framework would be developed from this
reviewed literature using action research, framework components would be collected
from different frameworks reviewed.
41
Chapter 3:Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction
A qualitative and quantitative research method would be used, in order to support the
main aim of this dissertation, which is to create a mobile computing framework to solve
the issues identified in University of Benin. The qualitative method would be used to
identify the problem of the university using a face-to-face interview with various
stakeholders and a possible solution would be presented, while the quantitative method
would be used to evaluate the chosen technological solution and determine if it is a
suitable solution for the identified problem.
Qualitative method  Identify the issues associated with the university
Action research  Develop and choose suitable solution
Quantitative method  Evaluate the chosen technological solution
As cited by Louis et al., (2000); Aliaga and Brenda (2000) states “Explaining
phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based
methods ”. Quantitative research looks to test the breath of hypothesis as against
qualitative which seeks depth and behavior pattern which are emergent (Sue, 2008).
3.2 Data Collection
There is need for data in this research being carried out. Data can be gathered from
universities or participants. The main aim of data collection is to acquire the research
specification and the accuracy of this data is of utmost importance. This research uses
three distinct approaches to collect data: action research, interviews and questionnaire.
Action research method would be used because it is the bridge between academia and
industry (Mackenzie et al., 2012). An interview involves an inquirer asking a participator
series of question face to face, although sometimes it may not as it can be an online
meeting.
42
The questionnaire which is the third technique, as cited by Parsons and Brown (2002) a
questionnaire is a number of questions replied by a group of people. It can be printed on
paper or delivered online.
According to Bate (2000) there are four phases in data collection: setting goals,
correspondence with the participants, pilot study and triangulation.
 Setting goals: There has to be a main purpose in the collection of data. Therefore
before collecting data, the data must first be identified before a suitable technique
is chosen for the data collection.
 Correspondence with the participants: This refer to the relationship between
the researcher and the researched as those who collect data are obliged to explain
to participants why the data is needed.
 Pilot study: This is an experiment to gather data before gathering the main data
i.e. test the research before the main research. However no pilot study was carried
out in this research.
 Triangulation: Utilizing one or more data collection procedure to achieve a goal.
This research will make use of three techniques to collect data: interview, action
research and questionnaire
3.3 Action Research
Action research is context specific, problem-focused and participative geared towards

change and process improvement (Dickens and Watkins, 1999. As cited by Parsons and
Brown (2002); Miller (2007) “Action research designed for use my teachers in improving
professional practice and solving complex problems in their classrooms. It involves
systematic observation and data collection which can be use by the practitioner to reflect
and improve the whole learning process”. Action research is made up of several stages:
inquiry phase, action planning phase, action taking phase, evaluation phase and reflection
phase through multiple cycles of these stages improvements would be made to the
knowledge and literature reviewed and action research becomes participatory when
participants who have a stake in the outcome of the research take on co researcher’s role
(Mackenzie et al., 2012).
43
Simply put first researchers would have to: identify the problem  search for possible
solution  determine and execute the chosen technology or prototype  Evaluate action,
publish evaluated result and discuss benefits.
This dissertation will administer these phases through the use of action research. The first
stage would be to understand the problem of the university, which would be the
motivation of this research. The action planning stage would be to identify and present
related literature and frameworks in order to determine the objectives of the mobile
computing framework and choose a suitable solution. Designing the proposed framework
would depend on the problem identification stage and action stage. The evaluation stage
would involve analyzing the proposed framework by reviewing answers from
respondents of University of Benin. Finally, the learning phase will review the outcome
of the survey.
This research is comprised of different sources as it began by interviewing some 2

lecturers, 3 admin staff and 6 students and then reviewing related works published in
journals, conference papers, books, articles, magazines and finally the survey results.
3.4 Interview process
According to Steinar (1996) research interview questions are conversations with purpose
and structure that are defined and controlled by the researcher. There are different types
of interviews ‘structured, semi structured, unstructured and group interviews’ (Bate,
2000). What interview type to adopt will depend on the goal of the interview, however a
group interview of 2 lecturers, 4 admin staff and 6 student on their take about how
difficult it is for students to access the internet with a desktop, because the university has
limited desktops and it is expensive for students to own a desktop and most of them resort
to using their mobile devices.
The interview process was aimed at understanding the problem of the university and what
the university needs in order to improve their current system.
44
3.5 Questionnaire process
Owing to the interview conducted, questions such as, what functionalities to include,
which platform to deploy, security and role of the mobile app were derived from the
research and were used to conduct a survey in order to analyze the proposed framework.
An email with links of the Uniform Resource Locator of the survey would be sent out to
students of computer science department of Uniben.
The survey, which would be quantitative, would be developed using survey monkey to
set the questions and sending the questions via email and also posting on University of
Benin group on LinkedIn and Facebook alongside information concerning the survey and
students of computer science went ahead to fill the survey containing six questions,
regardless of their age and sex as this study is not meant to divide users into
demographics but rather gain overall understanding about mobile computing in
universities in University of Benin. The questions of this survey revolve around the
proposed framework components developed from the literature reviewed that include role
of mobile, functionalities to include, platform to adopt and security. The components are
listed below:
1. Mobile computing is not be a replacement of desktop computing in

educational institution but rather an inclusion to aid mobility:
 Role of the app:
Ubiquitous learning (anywhere, anyplace and anytime)
Administrative task such as check grades, curriculum, pay fees etc.
2. There is no one best deployment platform for mobile app development as it is
tailored to fit institutional needs. One needs to weigh the advantage and
limitation of using each deployment method:
 Mobile web
 Native
 Hybrid
45
3. Developers need to ensure that the mobile app developed is adequately

secured from external threat so as not to expose users to risking their
personal information
 Users are unaware of threats they are being exposed to.
 Users would adopt mobile computing in educational institution if they feel
it’s safe.
4. The “killer app” functionalities most desirable by stakeholders include
personalized campus mobile application services which are often not offered
in the main website.
 Map, lecture notes, talk to a mentor, lecture video, grades, announcements,
curriculum, social, timetable, library, bus times etc.
5. Deploying a mobile app depends on the type of mobile devices and operating
system being used by the target audience.
 Different operating system would require web app
 One or three operating system a native app can be deployed
How these components would be evaluated would be looked at extensively in the

framework section chapter 4.
3.6 Limitations
In the survey mobile apps were divided into two (Apps installed natively and those
hosted on the web) as respondents could hardly tell the difference between a native app
and hybrid app, since it is carried out by researchers who have interest in the research
sometimes the validity of the research process is questioned due to biasness in data
gathering and analysis, not all students of the University were surveyed the survey
sampled only students of computer science department, action research results produced
are not generalizable as it was specifically carried out in university of Benin to suit their
needs, representation of action research process might confuse rather than enlighten, lack
of time to keep the action research recurring in order to be able to create the right change
as monitoring the process requires time which this dissertation would not permit.
46
Chapter 4: Framework
4.1 Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin
This chapter would explain the proposed objective of the mobile computing framework
for Uniben. The main objectives of this framework are to improve ubiquitous learning,
collaborative learning and university administrative task. Lecturers and staffs can attain
these objectives by creating personalized mobile content to promote self-learning and
ease administrative process thereby saving time.
The mobile computing framework is made up of a number of stages, with each stage
consisting of different components. These different stages are aimed at achieving the
framework’s objective. The first stage was to identify the universities problem by
interviewing a few admin staff, lecturer and students, second stage is to develop
realizable solutions, third stage is to filter solutions and choose a satisfactory solution.
Figure 19: Steps taken to create the proposed framework
47
Once the solution has been chosen the fourth step would be evaluation of chosen solution
and lastly the design of the chosen solution using the selected technology. However the
implementation stage is not covered in this dissertation and would be put as future work
as illustrated in Figure 19.
4.1.1 Identifying problems
The first stage of the mobile computing framework is identifying the problem
information was collected from stakeholders in the university. In order to gather
information and identify the problem interview technique was used. The interview was
conducted with stakeholders who were familiar with mobile computing, as explained in
the research relevance. The stakeholders interviewed said there is need for mobility in the
university where it would be possible to access information concerning the university
from anywhere, anyplace and anytime. The proposed framework would identify a
solution to the problem.
4.1.2 Developing potential solution

Once the problem has been spotted, possible solutions would be explained. This second
stage seeks to explore possible solution and develop a solution from the reviewed
literature and framework. However as discussed in chapter 2 the solution, which would
be to create a custom mobile app for mobile devices such as, tablets, mobile phones, PCs
was discussed extensively in the literature review and the various ways that the app can
be deployed to achieve it said goal.
4.1.3 Filter solution

In section 2.4, which discussed the benefit of mobile computing in universities tried to
make a case for inclusion into the universities’ strategy. The benefits of mobile
computing, which include mLearning, personalized campus based services, reduce
gender boundary (equality to both male and female access to education, environmental
benefit (encouraging sharing of soft copy of materials). In spite of all these benefit no one
single solution can encapsulate all the benefit, so priority would be given to the main
reason why the mobile computing strategy is needed which is to deliver a mobile campus
service based app using the hybrid platform.
48
4.1.4 Evaluate selected solution

This stage involves assessing the filtered solution to spot its efficacy. The assessment
involved would be action research and questionnaires would be used as discussed in the
methodology chapter. Data was collected from various stakeholders of the university
(using action research) and a questionnaire was used to collect data from students of the
universities who have knowledge about mobile computing. The questionnaire was
targeted at assessing the framework components and chosen technology and identify if it
would be effective in the university. Chapter 5 would seek to analyze the data gotten
from the questionnaire in order to evaluate the framework properly.
4.1.5 Solution design

After the solution has been chosen and assessed, the final solution which makes this
research an action research would be to input the analysis from chapter 5 and component
from chapter 4. Main aim of this stage is to make clear how mobile computing
technology can be utilized in solving the problem. The final design involves five major
components: role of mobile, deployment platform, computing functionalities, security
and mobile device OS and how these component properly deployed would create a good
strategy for the targeted audience.
4.2 Rich Picture

A rich picture is an effective tool for expressing ideas and analyzing problems,
understanding the vital components is key in developing a business solution (Horan,
2000). The rich picture represented in Figure 20 below shows an identification of the
problem in this context and developing a disorganized description of the present
situation. Drawing a rich picture require that the analyst work closely with the
participants or stakeholders so there is a clear pictorial representation of stakeholder’s
views.
49
Figure 20: Rich picture of adoption of a mobile computing framework in a university
50
4.3 Proposed Mobile Computing For University of Benin

This proposed mobile computing framework has been developed using the laid out
process for developing a framework. However the evaluation stage has not been carried
out so the questionnaire would be based around this proposed framework before he
analyzed data is inputted to finalize the solution design stage
Figure 21: Proposed Mobile Computing Framework

Taking different components from the frameworks reviewed and developed the proposed
framework above and these components of the framework would be tested if it were a
suitable solution to the problem identified in the university.
51
Chapter 5:Data Analysis and Evaluation

In order to evaluate the proposed mobile computing framework in this dissertation, the
key components of the framework was explained into a survey as follows:
5.1 Participants
The survey was anonymous and we received 80 responses, it was web based and sent
electronically to students of computer science department of University of Benin as the
survey was sent using a uniform resource locator.
5.2 Survey Design
The group of survey questions was designed to answer the different components of the
proposed framework, with closed questions followed by an open question to obtain
further information. The proposed mobile computing framework for university
components was divided into five groups in order to justify the components on the
framework as seen in Table 6 (also see appendix A).
Table 6: Survey questions
1. If we decided to adopt use of mobile phones for learning and administrative task in the university
a I am familiar with this technology
b i would find it an effective solution
c I think it promotes self learning
d I think it is an innovative solution
e It would improve collaborative learning
f Will it encourage you to bring your own computing device
2 Based on your answer in 1f

What operating system does your mobile device use?
3 what If we implemented the mobile computing app using hybrid or web platform which allows installation on mobile device
a I would like the mobile app installed on my device
b I would find it effective to use
c I would find it insecure and unsafe
d I would find it easy really easy to use
e I would find it the perfect solution
f I think it would be compatible with my device.
4 If we implemented this solution

a Will it improve the quality of education
b Will training be required before it can be used
c will it replace the use of desktop computing
d I think the university is willing to apply this solution
e I think students would benefit more from the app than lecturers or admin staff
5 which functionalities would you like to see mobilized?

Fees payment, mobile learning, map, timetable, email, Search directory
Talk to a mentor, lecture notes, check grades, library
52
Students of computer science department ranging from fresher’s to final year answered
these survey questions in order to help evaluate the framework with students whom we
perceive to have prior experience about mobile computing. The students had five choices
of answer: Very dissatisfied, not satisfied, neutral, satisfied and very satisfied. The
“Neutral” option ensures the accuracy of the other four options chosen. However the
open-ended question help collect student’s opinion about the proposed framework.
5.3 Survey Results

In order to identify the most appropriate solution for the proposed framework the
feedback from the survey carried out in the university would be evaluated through the
framework. The mean value which is the average of all the respondents feedback would
be calculated using the values assigned to respondents answers: strongly agree = 1,
disagree = 2, neutral = 3, agree=4 and strongly agree =5 and also the standard deviation
which shows the disparity or variance from the mean value as a low standard deviation
indicates that the data points are closely packed and a high standard deviation shows a
large spread of data points over a large range of values
Figure 22: Feedback for survey question 1
53
The suitability of using mobile app for administrative task and learning is shown in
Figure 22 above justifying the proposed technology in this framework. It shows student
opinion about the effectiveness, familiarity, benefits and how the proposed technology
would encourage students bringing their mobile devices to the university (BYOD).
Eighty-two percent of students agree that it would encourage them to bring and use their
mobile devices in the university for learning and administrative task purposes. However
only thirteen percent of students surveyed were not familiar with this technology and
eighty-three percent believes it is an innovative solution. To facilitate analysis of the
results and portray them vividly the mean value and standard deviation were calculated as
seen in the Table 7 below.
Table 7: mean value and standard deviation for question 1
Question Mean value Standard

(Average) deviation from
average
a. I am familiar with this technology 3.93 0.93
b. I would find it an effective solution 4.07 1.01
c. I think it will promote self learning 4.07 1.03
d. I think it’s an innovative solution 4.11 1.43
e. It would improve collaborative learning 3.94 0.97
f. It will encourage bringing mobile 4.25 1.55
computing device to the university
The second part of this survey is aimed at understanding the number of operating
systems the proposed technology would support by understanding the mobile OS used by
the students in the university as seen in Figure 27.
54
Figure 23: Survey result for question 2

As shown in the figure above, there are 80 students using so many mobile devices with
different operating systems in the university. Moreover thirty-five percent of students use
BlackBerry (RIM) and thirty percent use android devices these are the major devices
used by students however there are still other students who use other devices and the
proposed technological platform would have to support all these mobile devices.
The third part of the survey was how effective, secure and compatible it would be to
deploy the mobile app using a hybrid platform.
55
As the figure above 79% of respondents wanted the mobile app installed natively on their
mobile device, 45% of the respondents also found the app insecure and unsafe to use and
63 of respondents believed the mobile app would be compatible with their device. The
result for the mean value and standard deviation is shown in the Table 8 below.
Table 8: Mean value and standard deviation for survey question 3

(average) deviation
a. I would like the app installed on my 3.89 1.18
mobile device
b. I would find it effective to use 3.80 1.08
c. I would find it insecure and unsafe 2.68 0.88
d. I would find it really easy to use 3.58 1.02
e. I would find it the perfect solution 3.38 1.00
f. I think it would be compatible with my 3.63 1.09
device
The fourth part of this survey focuses on which mobile functionalities respondents are
willing to have on the mobile app and also respondents were allowed to suggest
functionalities they would also love to have mobilized.
Figure 25:Survey result for question 4
56
The figure above shows that 82% of respondents want to be able to check grades, 76%
want to have a classroom learning functionality, 68% want to be able to check their
timetable and have lecture notes on the app and a little below 41% of respondents wanted
“map” and “talk to a mentor” on the mobile app. However some respondents wanted the
app to have a chat forum and a booking facility for the sports center in the university.
The final survey question focuses on the implementation of this technology: will the app
improve the quality of education, will training be required before the app can be used,
will the proposed technology replace desktop computing and if respondents think the
university would be willing to adopt this technology.

As shown above 78% of respondent believed the proposed technology would improve the
quality of education, 28% of respondents believe training would be required for the app
to be used, 44% of respondents think it will replace their use of desktop computing, 30%
of respondents are neutral about which audience tends to gain more from the deployment
57
of this mobile app and 48% are neutral about if the university is willing to adopt this
technology. The mean value and deviation is shown in the Table 9 below.
Table 9: Mean value and standard deviation of survey question 5

(average) deviation
(variance from
average)
a. Will it improve the quality of education 3.96 1.30
b. Will training be required before it can be 3.55 1.08
used
c. Will it replace the use desktop computing 3.04 0.97
d. I think the university is willing to apply 3.31 1.04
this solution
e. I think students would benefit more than 3.60 1.18
lecturers or admin staff
5.5 Analysis summary
The overall results obtained from this survey give both negative and positive feedbacks
as interview with admin staff, lecturers and student show that the university would be
willing to adopt this solution but from the survey conducted close to 50% of respondents
are unsure if the university would be willing to adopt this solution. Additionally 78% of
respondents believe this solution would improve the quality of education on the other
hand people interviewed could not relate how this solution would impact on the
perceived quality of education. Moreover the respondents interviewed believed that this
solution would help reduce work for lecturers and admin staff and aid student-lecturer
relationship, meanwhile 56% of respondents believe that this solution would benefit
student more than any other audience. Even though some scope of the survey results has
negative direction, because the survey is considered as student’s opinion, this opinion
could either be true or false.
This dissertation used a survey to successfully evaluate the mobile computing framework
for Uniben. Five groups of questions were used to evaluate the four major components
with each questions having five possible answers which were “very dissatisfied, not
58
satisfied, neutral, satisfied and very satisfied”. The participants of the survey were from
computer science department of Uniben.
The usefulness of mobile computing was evaluated using the survey results, thirteen
percent of respondents were not familiar with mobile computing, and as they have no
prior experience of using mobile devices for computing needs. 28% percent of
respondent feel training might be required before the mobile app can be used effectively.
In as much as 78% of respondents believe that the proposed solution would improve the
quality of education however 50% believe that the university would not be willing to
apply this technology. Even if the proposed technology has solved the problem only 38%
are of the opinion the university would be willing to adopt this technology.
However the proposed technology using the hybrid platform raised concern for security
due to reasons that the mobile app would be installed on their mobile device and fear loss
of personal details, 45% of respondent found the proposed solution unsafe and insecure
yet 75% of respondents found it effective to use. This result indicates concerns over
security issues which same respondent complain about using the desktop computing. The
survey results show students opinions, which might not be right but creates a great
understanding of what students think.
Moreover some findings gave less satisfactory results, as 13% of respondents however
said they were not familiar with this technology, 44% feel this solution will replace
desktop computing and with the open questions collected some respondents complained
about data storage the app would consume on their mobile device. The data survey shows
students responses that might not necessarily be right but the results are critical in
understanding student’s opinion. The ideas to improve the functionalities of the
framework can be used as for future works.
59
5.4 Final design for proposed solution
The last stage of the mobile computing framework is the solution design stage as
mentioned in section 5.1.4. After evaluation of the framework has been done through the
survey questions answered by respondents, results from evaluation were used to design
the proposed mobile computing framework. This design would show how students would
use the mobile app, each student would download the mobile app on their mobile device
and would be able to access some personalized mobile functions to help with both
learning, administrative and campus tasks. The IT department would however connect
the mobile device to their already existing database and provide support for the various
mobile devices used by students and also relate with the lecturers and admin staff to
upload content relevant to making the app fully functional such as lecture notes, news etc.
as this would be the job of the content up loader. The final design solution can be seen in
Figure 27 below
Figure 27: Solution design (Mobile computing framework for University of Benin)
The benefits of this framework would be discussed in the critical review section.
60
Chapter 6: Critical Review

6.1 Methodology Review
The methodological approach used in this research aimed at getting the best result for the
mobile computing framework. The pair, interview and questionnaires were used to design
and evaluate the framework. The methodology used different sources during the
interview stage and used once source in the questionnaire stage. Although gathering
participants from different sources can produce better results.
The research began by interviewing lecturers, admin staff and some students in a group
interview who explained what was needed in order for the university to improve the
quality of education. The group agreed that they needed to improve the quality of
education using an acceptable technology. This research therefore designed a framework
to improve the quality of education and identify a suitable technology to deliver it to their
audience.
The mobile computing framework design was attained by developing the background to
the framework and then designing the framework. The steps used in developing and
designing the mobile computing framework are listed below:
A. Developing the background for the mobile computing framework:

 Spotting Universities needs
 Plotting and choosing the problem to be solved
 Identifying the mobile computing framework phases that answers the
needs and issues of the university
B. Designing the framework
 Taking technologies from reviewed literature
 Defining and selecting the main aim of mobile computing framework
The methodology used acts as a bridge between technologies used in other mobile
computing areas and also help to spot and choose suitable solutions to satisfy the needs of
universities.
61
6.2 Benefits
This research aims to offer numerous benefits to universities in Nigeria. Moreover it tries
to distinct itself from other research carried out as it specifically meant for universities
and seek to see how the area of ubiquitous learning can be improved and how
administrative function of the universities can be carried out efficiently whilst improving
the quality of education. The benefits of the proposed framework is listed below:
 The mobile computing framework can build a bridge between suitable

technologies and Universities.
 Mobile computing framework is a university specific framework.
 It is founded upon university needs, specification and requirements.
 Mobile computing framework encompasses the ability to sieve solutions to
ascertain suitable solution.
 The Mobile computing framework can be an overall structure in improving the
quality of education in Universities.
The mobile computing framework can build a bridge between suitable technologies
and Universities
This research offers a technological solution to the problem of a university. This can be
attained by using a mobile app technology installed on mobile devices to provide
administrative functions of the university and ubiquitous learning for students while
ensuring security on the mobile devices.
The inclusion of technology into the mobile computing framework will improve the
quality of education and also contribute to the development of these Universities. It
would not be good if the framework does not use technology as mentioned in the section
2.4 it can be beneficial in so many areas and all these were covered in the framework.
The mobile computing framework can build a bridge between technology and university
as balance can be attained in using technology to achieve educational goals.
62
Mobile computing framework is a university specific framework
The mobile computing framework was applied to only University of Benin and can be
used by other Universities and Polytechnics who hope to improve the quality of their
education, aid ubiquitous learning and improve the efficiency of the administrative
department of the institution. The stages of the mobile computing framework were
inclined to the needs of University of Benin to spot a suitable solution to the problem of
the university.
Founded upon university needs and specification and requirements
After interviewing lecturers and admin staff as mentioned earlier in the interview section,
the mobile computing framework was based upon the specification and requirement of
the university. The proposed solution, spotted in this framework is according to the
specification of the company. Several phases of the framework ensured the chosen
solution was the appropriate solution, which proceeded to the design stage where the
chosen solution is evaluated before design and implantation
Mobile computing framework encompass the ability to sieve solutions to ascertain

suitable solution
The major benefit of the framework is the ability to sieve results, which means higher
accuracy of chosen solution. As seen in Chapter 4 there is an opposite arrow, which allow
for solution to go back and forth until the appropriate one is chosen to solve the problem
identified. During the evaluation stage the framework still allows for you to return to the
filtering stage if the evaluated solution does not meet the requirement of the University.
The Mobile computing framework can be an overall structure in improving the

quality of education in Universities.
The mobile computing framework provides a more cohesive view for providing students
with quality education using their mobile devices. This project takes into cognizance all
phases from development to planning and implementation, which will be for future work.
The mobile computing framework can act as a template for university to analyze, develop
and implement solutions to solve other problems of the university.
63
Chapter 7: Conclusion and Future work

7.1 Challenges and Limitations
Notwithstanding the fact that the mobile computing framework was assessed positively in
Chapter 5 some challenges exist particularly in its implementation.
The need for strategy change would require training from staffs, lecturers, IT department
and a whole lot of restructuring because the mobile computing framework is a new
technology, which is being proposed to solve the problem.
Moreover this research provides universities with developing a mobile strategy and then
actually developing a framework with the implementation of the framework as a purview
for future work, concrete implementation details were not mentioned neither was the cost
of developing a mobile app for a university included.
Furthermore, this framework was built specifically for University of Benin in order for
other universities to adopt this framework some specific adjustments would have to be
made to the technological components. For example the university might decide that they
do not want the app to reside natively on the selected audience mobile devices and want a
URL that the web app would be accessed. Therefore hybrid component in the proposed
mobile framework would have to be change to web app platform component.
Even though the framework can be used by different universities, its has limited use
outside the educational sector as its focus is purely on providing personalized mobile
services to aid learning and administrative task in universities. But it covers an
institutional scope, which can allow for extension of the framework in other sector
however doing this would reduce the accuracy of the framework. Therefore, this
framework center’s on Mobile computing in Universities.
64
7.2 Future Works
Mobile computing framework, its ideas as well as fundamental definitions associated

with it, offers ubiquitous learning, improves quality of education and provides
personalized administrative task to be carried out using mobile devices has been assessed
for use in business environment and has received positive reviews. In order to reduce
challenges of implementation and increase performance, the stages relevant to the
implementation stage should be developed and improved. As explained in Chapter 4 the
scope for the implementation phase is for future work.
The major phases in need of improvements can be outlined as follows: firstly the
university would need to change strategy and adopt a mobile strategy in order to support
personalized services for mobile devices, and training might be required for admin staff
and lecturers in order to effectively use the implemented plan.
Developing an implementation plan is the second on the to-do-list in order to improve the
practical part of the mobile computing framework. Factors to be considered when
creating the implementation plan is listed below:
 Project timeline
 Budget (Overall cost of implementing the mobile computing framework)
 Resources (Outsource or Insource)
 Short and long term strategy
And finally, ongoing operational support for the various stakeholders who need to
collaborate to make the implemented plan effective
65
7.3 Conclusion
This research introduced mobile computing strategy use in universities enlightening

universities on steps to take before going mobile and later proposed a mobile computing
framework to help with ubiquitous learning and administrative task to be carried out on
mobile device using mobile apps.
The mobile computing framework focused on spotting a suitable solution for ubiquitous
learning and administrative task to be done using mobile devices, it aims to improve
teacher student relationship, provide campus based services and improve quality of
education, increase administrative efficiency and ubiquitous learning. At this juncture,
the researcher reviewed a lot of related works, which would help in the design of the
framework after understanding mobile computing issues.
This project began by recognizing the problems of mobile computing in universities in

Nigeria and using the different phases to achieve its objective of developing a mobile
computing framework. These phases which involves spotting the problem, proposing a
suitable solution, and lastly using a chosen technology to develop a suitable solution
within the framework’s objectives.
The design stage of the mobile computing framework is to describe and evaluate previous
work and spot the components needed to achieve the set objectives. Having the objectives
in mind an appropriate solution was chosen to deploy the mobile app using the hybrid
platform as described in chapter 4. The components of the framework were evaluated
using a survey of students within the university. The preceding result obtained from the
survey was used to evaluate the proposed technological solution and its recommendation
was to help develop and improve the design and implementation stage which included
adding the various functionalities respondent felt they wanted mobilized, streamlining the
support for the mobile OS available in the university to four types of mobile devices and
lastly there would be a roll out training plan to enlighten and teach those not familiar with
this technology making it easier for consultants (outsourced) or IT department (insource)
to improve the non theoretical part of the mobile computing framework.
66
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APPENDICES
Appendix (A) Questionnaire
The survey questions were developed using survey monkey and below is a link to the
survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mobile_computing_framework_Uniben
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Appendix (B) Communication means
2.2.2.1 Wireless LAN
According to Bradley (2014) wireless LAN provides wireless network communications

over minuscule distances using either infrared or radio signals instead of the regular
cabled network. Goswami (2013) view wireless LAN as data communication system that
is flexible and used with or without a wired LAN. A regular WLAN is usually an
extension of a wired local area network, built by attaching access point terminal device to
the edge of a wired network. The access point (AP) functions like the traditional Ethernet
adapter but instead allow clients to communicate over a wireless network adapter.
The wireless LAN is not a “line in sight” technology just like the infrared, this means that
mobile computing devices can operate within the coverage area. These mobile devices
such as PDA, Tablet, smartphone etc. all have a wireless LAN card, this card uses an
antenna to transmit data in real time to the access point terminal using radio frequency as
shown in Figure 28 below.
Figure 28: Mobile computing over wireless WAN

Source:(Goswami, 2013)
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2.2.2.2 Wireless Internet

Plugging in LAN cables just is not happening as much, the de facto means of mobile
computing devices connecting to the internet is Wireless Internet using services such as
3G, 4G, EV-DO and WiMAX offered by network providers (www.wirelessinternet.org,
2014). According to www.webopedia.com (2014). Wireless Internet allows mobile
devices such as the smartphone to connect to the Internet via radios waves rather than
wires on an individual’s home computer. This wireless can be accessed directly from
providers such as MTN, GLO, EE even though this wireless Internet lack the speed of
wired landline broadband newer technologies such as 4G wireless are tapering the gap.
Users can access data from the Internet using a web phone with a browser or an app
installed on the mobile handheld device which when connected to the cellular system the
mobile device sends a request to the computer link server, the server acts as a gateway
that translates signals using protocols like wireless access protocol (WAP) to what is
understandable by the web. A Request is sent from the server via Internet to a website or
mobile app or the company’s information system. (Goswami, 2013).
Figure 29: Mobile device communicating over wireless Internet Network provider
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2.2.2.3 Data Synchronization

Data synchronization conserves uniformity of a data specimen over all storing devices
and consuming applications, it ensures from source to destination exactly the same copy
of data is used on all devices (Cory, 2013). According to www.nokia.com (2013)
synchronization of data technologies are designed to unify a single set of data across two
or more computing devices and effecting changes automatically back and forth each
device. Data synchronization could be done locally where the devices are placed side by
side as seen in Figure 30 or remotely where data synchronized over a mobile network.
Synchronization of data provides mobile computing benefits, as there is no need for the
installation of equipment for wireless LAN or needing access to the Internet except in the
case of remote synchronization over a mobile network. Information is downloaded on a
periodic basis from the organization’s information server to the mobile handheld device
and uploads back to the information server. However the major drawback of this method
is lack of real time update and it is not usually done over a wireless network but rather
through USB ports or docking ports. But data synchronization is basically adopted
because of the low cost of implementation (Goswami, 2013).
Figure 30: Remote data synchronization

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A Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin K1330878

Student Dissertation Declaration Form

MSc in Business Information Technology

Student’s Name: Mokwenye Onochie

Student’s ID Number: K1330878

Name of Supervisor: Dr. Stuart Fitz-Gerald

Title of Dissertation: A Mobile Computing Framework for University of Benin

 I understand why it is necessary to make use of the ideas of others’ in

Date: September 29th, 2014

Module: BB7023 Research Methods and Dissertation

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW

School of Business Information Technology

Name: Mokwenye Onochie

Project Title: A Mobile Computing Framework for University Of

Word Count: 13,583

Supervisor: Fitz-Gerald Stuart

4.1.5 Solution design........................................................................................................................... 49

The ecosystem of tertiary education is currently experiencing massive and rapid

The expansion of Information and Communications Technology creates new experiences

IT department, as necessary support would have to be made accordingly (Petra et al.,

1.2 Research Relevance

According to Vanguard (2010) a research carried out by James Fergusson in Nigeria

Figure 2: Time and how users connect to the Internet

Figure 4: PCs shipments worldwide from 2013 - 2014

1.3 Research Aims and Objectives

 Understand issues currently facing the University of Benin

 Identifying suitable solution.

1.4 Research Scope

1.5 Dissertation Structure

Chapter 2:Literature Review

2.2 Mobile Computing Explained

Zimmerman, (1999) attributes the adoption of mobile computing to the availability of

Figure 5: Mobile computing components

2.2.1 Mobile Computing Devices

Table 1: Mobile devices grouped according to product features

Mobile Device Product Features

PDA Appointment, Internet browser, email, calendar, scheduling, audio

2.2.2 Mobile computing communication medium

2.3 Existing Information Communications Technology in Universities in

Currently there is little or no mobile strategy being adopted by universities in Nigeria

(www.UniversitiesOfNigeria.com, 2011). The NUC, which is the agency responsible for

ICT backbone → Presence of both or either campus wireless or fiber-optic framework

Website → University already have a working website.

Email → all staffs should have university email

Staff directory → webpage or directory of both academic and non-academic staff.

News → Updated news on life on campus and events at the university

E-Learning → structured and stable distance or E-Learning curriculum.

Student affair →information on postgraduate, international and undergraduate events and

Table 2: Presence of web and ICT backbone Of Nigeria Universities

2.4 Making a Case for Mobile Computing in Universities

Table 3: Benefits of a well-implemented mobile computing strategy for Universities

Area Sample benefit

Gender In countries where women are denied access to formal education

Literacy In developing countries it could encourage the learning of programming

Environmental Reduced consumption of university energy as web access is powered via

2.5 Limitations/Challenges of Mobile Computing in Nigeria

 Resistance to change from didactic methods to more innovative, learning methods

Table 4: General Limiting factors for mobile use

Limitation Current Issue

2.6 Developing a Mobile Computing Strategy for Universities

Figure 7: Factors to consider before going mobile

Figure 8: Mobile Audience Model