Mobile phones have transformed our lives. By allowing instant access to
information, online purchases, a camera, and social media, our smartphones have
become a part of our daily routines. It is imperative that businesses make online
services easily accessible on mobile platforms.
Read the case study,”Has Facebook Solved the Mobile Ad Problem?”. After
reading the case study and completing additional independent research using the
textbook and online resources, address the following:
Research one of the following companies discussed in your textbook:
Snapchat, Taco Bell, Karmaloop, 16 Handles, WeChat, Mxit, Saya, and iCow.
Alternatively, feel free to research other companies.
Why is mobile computing critical to the success of an organization
now?
Provide specific examples to support your answer.
Respond to two of your peers’ initial posts and consider the following:
Are there any additional advantages to integrating mobile computing for a
business?
What are possible disadvantages of mobile computing in your peers’ initial
posts?
To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document.
Discussion Rubric: Undergraduate
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Mobile computing
Yolanda LeTang posted Jan 25, 2021 3:20 PM Subscribe
Mobile computing is an important part of a business’s success because so many people rely on their
mobile devices. It is an important part of advertising for companies and allows consumers to access
information at any time of day. The importance goes beyond advertising and sales. Icow is a mobile app
invented by an organic farmer outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Eighty percent of Kenyans make their living
through agriculture. “This mobile app allows herders to register each individual cow, and to receive
individualized text messages on their mobile phones, including advice for veterinary care and feeding
schedules, a database of experts, and updated market rates on cattle prices.” (Baldauf 2011). This has
allowed for herders to increase productivity and increase their savings!
Baldauf, Scott. (2011). iCow: Kenyans now manage their herds via mobile phone. Retrieved from iCow:
Kenyans now manage their herds via mobile phone – CSMonitor.com
Salinas – Mobile and Social Computing
Julian Salinas posted Jan 26, 2021 11:52 PM Subscribe
The ability to have instant gratification has drastically changed over the years. In the United States
alone, we went from 20.2% in 2010 to a projected 72.7% in 2021 of the population having a smartphone
(Statista, 2018). Mobile users have increased to 3+ Billion users around the globe and projection of
several hundred million users in the coming years (Statista, 2019). From this, I can definitely see the
trends are pointing to a mobile consumer base. As a direct result, it is absolutely critical for an
organization to make note of these statistics.
For example, I had to do a quick Facebook search for Taco Bell’s social media page. After reviewing the
page, I see they have 10+ Million Likes and 9.7 Million Followers. Taco Bell is very active on their
Facebook page and utilizes the platform to post new items, specials, and marketing for existing
products. In addition, they answer very quickly on posts and make funny comments to their consumers,
including celebrities. They definitely have fun and interact with their consumers(Taco Bell Facebook,
2021).
References
Statista (2019). Number of smartphone users worldwide from 2016 to 2021. Retrieved from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/ on January
23, 2021.
Statista (2018). Smartphone penetration rate as a share of the population in the United States from 2010
to 2021. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-usersworldwide/ on January 23, 2021.
Taco Bell Facebook (2021). Social Media Page Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/tacobell on
January 23, 2021.
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Mobile and Social Computing
Jennifer Holloway posted Jan 27, 2021 12:30 PM Subscribe
Mobile and Social computing is a major tech necessity for businesses. I personally am not sure how many
people realize they are influenced by social media profiles and ads. I decided to do some research on
Taco Bell because they are a big brand. Just off hand, I know utilize social media outlets and they have
their own app.
I think mobile computing is critical, because people mindlessly stare at their phones, and when a certain
ad pops up, they come across a social media profile, or get an app notification, a thought they didn’t even
have enters their mind and influences their decisions. With Taco Bell, utilizing social media outlets has
allowed them to be seen on mobile devices. Even on Facebook, they have their own page, as well as a
Taco Bell Careers page. According to Tulman (2017) “The company understands that to create a
relationship with their audience, they have to channel more human-centered marketing approaches.” They
have a clear understanding of who they are targeting, and how they will do this. With a quick glance at
their Instagram, it’s clear that they are focusing on diversity, including all genders, races, and abilities on
their ads. Inclusion is a big factor for a lot of people. Understanding that and implementing that on their
social media makes followers appreciate their company values. On their careers Facebook page, HR can
advertise open positions, and respond to general questions about the posting. On other social media
platforms, they can interact with customers, and customers can share the ads with their friends. For
example, on January 14
th, the company announced they are bringing back potatoes. A small menu item.
Just on the Facebook ad alone, it gained 7.7 k “likes” 8k “comments” and 7.5k “shares” This is far more
attraction than they would have with just a banner in the window of their locations.
Aside from social marketing, the company also has their own ap. I downloaded the ap to see how it
works. There is an option to allow the ap to use your location to find the nearest restaurant. You can view
the whole menu, customize your order, pay online, and pickup at the restaurant. They also have a rewards
program to earn free items. Especially right now, in the middle of a pandemic, this is a great way to entice
customers. Completely contactless ordering, mobile pay options, and the ability to get free stuff.
Overall, I think the company is using mobile and social computing to its fullest extent. They have really
figured out who their target market is, and they have a strong system on how to appeal to them.
Reference
Tulman, S. (2017, July 25). How Taco Bell is Winning at Social Media Marketing. Retrieved from
https://www.business2community.com/social-media/taco-bell-winning-social-media-marketing01887555
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4-1 Discussion
Gregory Cunningham posted Jan 27, 2021 3:09 PM Subscribe
As technology continues to advance, the use of mobile computing will continue to
be used at a more frequent rate. Businesses that implement mobile computing
today are given a competitive advantage on their market by enhancing
productivity, easing research pertaining to the businesses products and services,
having the ability for consumers to save time, and streamlining of business
operations. These uses of mobile computing and the implementation of them are
essential, in this technological day and age, for businesses to generate profits and
continue to grow outside of their usual profit generating actions.
Taco bell has been using mobile computing for the past five years consistently
with a major overhaul just a year into implementation, allowing for 30% growth
year over year. The company understood the need to adapt and within the first
three years 80% of their web-based traffic came from their mobile applications.
With the mobile order and payment app generated with millennials in mind, the
ease of access and use of Taco Bell’s vast menu enables consumers to have an
easier way to enjoy their favorite foods. Within the first three years, over 3.7
million people downloaded their app and as of 2020, they have implemented in
app games and various forms of advertisement that not only generates marketing
but also vast amounts of profitable growth. Taco Bell’s willingness to adapt to
changing Information Technology, specifically mobile computing, has allowed for
them to keep pace with their competitors, like Chik-fil-a and Wendy’s, and
continue to grow profitably. Without mobile computing, they may have missed
out on certain profitable outlets that their competitors are enjoying the benefits
of.
Tode, C. (2018). Taco Bell extends successful mobile-ordering push to the Web.
Retrieved January 27, 2021, from
https://www.retaildive.com/ex/mobilecommercedaily/taco-bell-extendssuccessful-mobile-ordering-push-to-the-web
Spadaccini, C. (2019, January 15). Let’s Taco Bout It: Lessons Learned from Taco
Bell’s Social Success: Social Media Agency: Streambank Media. Retrieved January
27, 2021, from https://streambankmedia.com/lessons-taco-bell-social-success/
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Module 4
Subrena Simpson posted Jan 27, 2021 10:55 PM Subscribe
Hello Everyone
Module Four Discussion
Social Computing has evolved since it was first developed in the 1950s. Its “services
allow people to communicate, share media, and form groups online by using digital
devices such as computers, tablets, and smart phones.” (Biscontini 2019) However, I chose
research Taco Bell and reason why mobile computing is critical to its success in this
period. With the constant growth of technology innovations mobile computing has
emerged as a popular alternative to traditional computing. Taco Bell is an American-chain
restaurant that is Mexican-inspired which is know for its quick serve tacos, quesadilla, and
bowls.
In the past companies rely on running commercial ads on television, paper, flyers,
and radio to get customer attention. Although these sources of advertisement are still
effective, social, and mobile computing has dominated in the marketing field. In day in age
its vital that Taco bell offer services such as online orders where customers can order
ahead for curbside pickup. The ability to customize order to likeness not only make easier
for the customers but for who is preparing the order. This also increase sales for the
business and reduces the customer wait time in line. Taco bell also have an app where their
customers are able access easily on their mobile device. The app offers exclusive deals to
their regular customers and a reward program which encourages their customers lose out
on any offers. It is said the people eat with their eyes and photo say a thousand words
mobile computing has help Taco bell customers chose by the pictures of their delicious
taco, quesadillas, and bowls.
Taco Bell utilize conversational marketing to retrieve customer feedback, this allows
customers to give their opinions on new products, customer service, and suggestions.
Although negative feedback from customers may occur reduction in sales. This gives the
company the opportunity to correct the issue and figuring out away to please their
customers. Taco Bell incorporate the use of social media sites to market their products and
influencers. Their “content strategy influencer marketing where they connect with
influencers or other brands that aren’t necessarily associated with the brand but have
amassed sizable fan bases on their own merit.” (Tulman 2017) According to Tulman, Taco
Bell fast-food company found a way to benefit fans of their brand while promoting their
products. Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and snapchat where use a tool to
captivate their audience by sending influencers their products prior to the official release.
References
Biscontini, T. (2019). Social computing. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science
Tulman, S. (2017). How Taco Bell Wining Social Media Marketing. Business 2
Community.
https://www.business2community.com/social-media/taco-bell-winning-social-mediamarketing
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4-1 Discussion: Jennifer Friedrich
Jennifer Friedrich posted Jan 27, 2021 11:07 PM Subscribe
Mobile computing is the number one way to access data these days. Most people
have their phones within arms reach at all times. It has become very easy to get
information instantly. If you want the answer to a question, just “Google” it. If you
see a blouse that you want, take a picture, upload it to a retail site, and find that
blouse while comparing prices. Organizations take advantage of this immediate
gratification by including their own advertisements around the most popular sites,
including social media.
Snapchat is a top social media platform that was created in 2011 (Huffpost).
Snapchat offers social media by way of pictures and filters that go away after 24
hours. Snapchat was so popular that it had companies like Facebook offer to buy
them out. These can be made for little to no money and be seen by millions of
followers. This keeps costs low.
References
Huffpost. (2017, December 6). The Snap Generation: A Guide to Snapchat’s
History. Retrieved from Huffpost: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-snapgeneration-a-gui_b_9103216
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4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Marram Elhallak posted Jan 28, 2021 1:02 AM Subscribe
Mobile Computing is very critical to the success of an organization now a days.
People rely on mobile computing more than before. Some things people look at is
how much time is saved by having a mobile app.
Uber is one company that has gained success in their business due to mobile
computing. A business like Uber, mobile computing is what they use for their
company to have success. People use Uber for transportation, it gives you time
and price on the ride. Uber also has Uber eats. Mobile computing in that business
allows others to order food that usually does not have delivery and deliver the
food needed. Mobile App for Uber and Uber eats has been successful in being
able to full fill the needs of the customers.
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4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Latoya Williams posted Jan 28, 2021 8:49 AM Subscribe
Why is mobile computing critical to the success of an organization now?
Mobile computing is critical to success of a company now, because this is the era of social media and
technology is constantly changing. In order to continue the success a company must keep up with
change.
And now more than ever people are doing more online shopping then in stores due to the global
pandemic that happen since March 2020. Stores closed and only left online shopping open.
Take Apple Inc. this a billion dollar tech company where you needed appointments just to get in the
stores now since March the stores have not been open fully. But there online sales continue to increase,
they just launch a new cell phone and mac computers. Regardless of the pandemic they still continue to
operate successfully to make their customers happy. Apple is one that dominates in mobile computing
due to its uses of mobile application. “Apple makes money on each app sold through its App store. This
is worth billions of dollars to the company. Even if the app is free, Apple still has an advantage because
users must visit Apple’s App store. “
(Koch, 2016 & Amire,2019)
R.K. (2016). The Strategy That Made Apple Computers a Leader in Mobile Computing. Entrepreneur, 1–8.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/283528
A. (2019). Case Study 10: Apple, Google, and Microsoft Battle for your Internet Experience. Bibo.
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RE: 4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Chenynne De Guzman posted Jan 28, 2021 3:14 PM Subscribe
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Mobile computing is crucial in an organization because it gives their consumers a
secure way to purchase their merchandise or services that they offer and gives
them the freedom to choose whenever and wherever. It also gives the
organization an efficient way to advertise their merchandise or services and reach
a wider audience. Mobile computing eliminates paper trail since all transactions
are done online to make employees jobs more organized and productive. With the
advancement of mobile computing, employees can improve customer relations
which cut down the time spent with consumers and cut down cost reduction.
One example of a company that uses mobile computing is Instagram. Instagram is
a hugely popular photo and video-sharing social media platform that is owned by
its parent company Facebook that has over 1 billion users. Users can share photo
or video posts; temporary stories that live on the user’s profile for 24 hours; Reels,
which are 15-second-max short-form videos; IGTV videos, and can even shop
directly from e-commerce brands through the app. Businesses that creates their
own profile in Instagram can make money directly. Instagram has evolved over the
years to enable on-platform e-commerce sales. Today, there is a greater emphasis
on making money through product placement. When it comes to social media,
there are users called, Influencers who are celebrities that often promote a brand
or product and take it mainstream, in this case, regular users are highly influence
to buy these products or brand. Instagram has proven to be a powerful marketing
tool for businesses looking to expand their presence and the visibility of their
products. (Kuligowski, K.; Dec. 30, 2020)
Let me know what you think.
Best,
Chenynne De Guzman
References:
Kuligowski, Kiely, Dec. 30, 2020. 12 Reasons to use Instagram for your Business.
Retrieved from https://www.business.com/articles/10-reasons-to-use-instagramfor-business/
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4-1 Discussion
Thomas Dyreng posted Jan 28, 2021 3:33 PM Subscribe
Hello Everyone,
Technology has become apart of our everyday life and as technology becomes
even more advanced it will become an even bigger part. Mobile computing has
become a critical part of running a successful business because of how convenient
it is. When a consumer can order a product from your business online without
having to leave the comfort of their own home people will tend to order more.
Going to a store especially during the pandemic is something everyone has been
trying to avoid. Take amazon for example, there whole business is basically mobile
computing. I literally go on amazon everyday to order items that are essential to
everyday use. It is so nice for me to just have it delivered right to my doorstep.
SnapChat is another company that is a social media app and they have become
very popular. I think almost everyone I know has had or used snapchat at some
point. Snapchat can now charge companies money to advertise on their app. I
think snapchat came into the world at a very good time for their product and that
is the main reason that I feel why they have had a lot of success.
Thank you,
Thomas
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4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Gerald Lenderman posted Jan 28, 2021 5:51 PM Subscribe
Hello class,
The company I decided to research for this discussion post is Snapchat. Most
people now days have a mobile device that is connected to some form of social
media and snapchat is one of those giants in terms of social media. With their app
being strictly mobile everything is literally in the palm of your hand. I think in this
day and age where technology is all around us constantly improving its vital for a
company to have some form of mobile computing. Everything is moving at such a
fast pace the biggest advantage of having mobile computing for a company is the
ease of accessibility. With snapchat once logged, all you have to do if you want to
get back into the app and see entertainment is just tapping the app and
entertainment is right there. When it comes to mobile computing for businesses it
allows customers the ease of accessibility to their products or services right there
on the spot. Also with mobile and social computing it allows a business to reach
customers from a wider range area.
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4-1 Discussion
Alexis Garside posted Jan 28, 2021 7:07 PM Subscribe
Hi everyone,
Mobile computing is critical to the success of organizations because almost every
single person in the entire world has direct access to some type of mobile device.
Individuals rely on their devices for everything these days. With mobile
computing, you can stay connected at all times and customize your device to have
whatever you want or need on it. This can allow businesses to track the data of
users in real time and send them targeted ads based on their needs or interests.
Taco Bell is a company that uses mobile computing; they advertise across all major
platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.). Taco Bell also uses data
and information they receive from mobile computing to tailor their advertisements
to their audience. They can see how their customers interact online and use that
to their advantage by mirroring the personalities of those customers, thus making
the company “relatable.” People really respond to companies that interact with the
same humor and personality as the customers.
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by Edmond Lleshi
Module Four Discussion
Richard Wiktor posted Jan 28, 2021 7:25 PM Subscribe
Hello Class,
Mobile computing is critical to the success of an organization now for multiple reasons. It creates efficiency by
eliminating paperwork, faster access to information which can boost productivity, helps to reduce cost by
reducing intermediate staff and retrieval of data by using a mobile computing device. (Dschlaegel & Dschlaegel,
Key Benefits of Mobile Computing Technology 2017) Access to this immediate information on the go will assist in
decision making and improve customer relations through the speed and accuracy of data transfer.
Other benefits to success include for organizations in the current remote work environment is communication
between field workers and transfer of real-time information securely.
Reference
Dschlaegel, & Dschlaegel. (2017, January 02). Key Benefits of Mobile Computing Technology. Retrieved
January 29, 2021, from https://marketinghog.com/key-benefits-of-mobile-computingtechnology/#:~:text=Using%20the%20latest%20mobile%20computing%20technologies%2C%20or
ganizations%20can,business%20transactions%20and%20ultimately%20enables%20better%20custo
mer%20service.
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4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Crystal Barancik posted Jan 28, 2021 8:22 PM Subscribe
Hello fellow students, week 4 already? That is hard to believe, time is just flying
by.
Mobile computing is important for a business because it allows them to engage
and advertise directly with their customers to improve efficiencies and revenue.
This will optimize logistics and optimize processes, enabling a company to engage
with customers through ad space in real-time. Mobile and Social computing is
relevant and offers many positive factors when marketed right.
Snapchat is a prime example of mobile and social computing, an app on your
mobile phone that you can take pictures and send messages to friends and family.
It is pioneering a model of social networking that feels more intimate and
authentic than the Facebook driven ideas that have dominated the online world.
They are taking risks and doing what others haven’t tried from hilarious filters to
messages that delete after you’ve watched/read them. Features like these is what
is bringing users to use it, along with stars as well. Most of their revenue comes in
from advertising, about 98% in fact, (Johnston, 2020). They use what is called
snap ads to tell stories, similar to the way snap users do. They also use filters to
create interactive ads to advertise businesses. There are many users utilizing
Snapchat, and that number is just growing, so advertising here would absolutely
benefit you.
Crystal B.
Johnston, Matthew. (October 29, 2020). How Snapchat Makes Money.
Investopedia. Retrieved from
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/061915/how-snapchat-makesmoney.asp
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4-1 Discussion Mobile and Social Computing
Danielle Lawyer posted Jan 28, 2021 9:39 PM Subscribe
Hello Everyone!
Mobile computing helps companies to reach more people and give them the
ability to access information no matter where they are. Businesses use mobile
computing for marketing, analysis, and retaining customers. The businesses have
figured out that by being mobile they can offer more to their perspective and
current customers.
Mobile computing is critical to the success of icow because it helps farmers in
Africa. It sends text messages to farmers to keep them informed about what is
happening to other farms. It provides a blog section so that the farmers can post
information on sicknesses or drought that they may be experiencing on their
farms. icow has created a database of information for farmers to teach them the
right and wrong way to farm in the African climate and soils.
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4-1 Discussion: Mobile and Social Computing
Quyen Le posted Jan 29, 2021 12:01 AM Subscribe
The use of mobile technology is critical to the success of an organization because
many people depend on their mobile devices for most things throughout their day.
Companies can use the latest mobile computing technologies to provide secure
and real-time information and application to their workers, making them more
efficient. It also improves operational efficiency, speeds up business transactions,
and improves customer service. It is also a way for companies to connect with
their customers and advertise their company. An example, Facebook allows
companies to advertise their product or services.
Snapchat is a great example of mobile and social computing. With Snapchat, you
can take pictures or videos and send them to other people or post on your story
for everyone to see. On top of that, Snapchat also has cool filters you can take
pictures with, memories you can save your pictures to, live stories, make your own
bitmoji, etc. All of these features appeal to the younger generations.
Dschlaegel, D. (2017, January 2). why is mobile computing critical to the success
of an organization now – Google zoeken. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?
q=why+is+mobile+computing+critical+to+the+success+of+an+organization+now
&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS779US779&oq=Why+is+mobile+computing+critical+to+the
+success+of+an+organization+now&aqs=chrome.0.0.262j0j9&sourceid=chrome&i
e=UTF-8
F. (2020, November 15). Mobile App Success Story: How Snapchat Did It.
Retrieved from https://appsamurai.com/mobile-app-success-story-how-snapchatdid-it/
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Mobile and Social Computing
Bolivar Flores posted Jan 29, 2021 12:02 PM
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Last post 8 hours ago by
Chenynne De Guzman
Subscribed
Snapchat gets construed as an instant messaging social media app where the sender makes an
image or video message by choosing its duration. In turn, the sender gets a notification of the activity
more