Abstracts
Mobile Technology for Improved Productivity: Analysis of a Preliminary Study at an Australian University.
Monday 4 May 2009, 1300 – 1330
Presenter: Neville Meyers
Queensland University of Technology, QLD
Presenter Biography
Dr. Neville Meyers is Senior Lecturer in Information Systems in the Faculty of Information technology at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. His research focus/publications are the personal and environmental factors that make telework sustainable and contribute to employee job satisfaction- productivity-lifestyle satisfaction as well as to overall organisational effectiveness.
Abstract
This project is part of research into mobile staff productivity in Australian universities, a $1.36m Research Grant funded by the Australian Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). To achieve productivity gains for maintenance workers, a preliminary study of a wireless technical solution for managing maintenance work-orders was tested. A second exploratory study considered the implementation of a mobile (roaming) solution to support job completion and resolution, as well as reduce time and travel costs. This paper offers a background into the requirement for the study, supported by literature in the area of mobility and productivity. It also surmises the results of the preliminary investigation – actually, an exploratory analysis - including discussion about limitations of the technology, reported user skill levels, and obstacles to use. Juxtaposed, we investigate the user’s self-efficacy using the chosen technology and the impact this has on their work related activities. Finally, these self efficacy results within the context of the preliminary study are reported and discussed. The results indicated an increase in productivity for the period of time of the study.
