chapter 7 identifying the dimensions of...
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CHAPTER 7
IDENTIFYING THE DIMENSIONS OF MOBILE PERCEIVED
SERVICE QUALITY
7.1 Introduction:
The objective of this chapter is to identify and assess the dimensions of
mobile perceived service quality achieved by mobile phone users in Thane district.
The percentage, average, correlation and factor analysis is employed to identify and
interpret the dimensions of mobile service quality. Chapter 5 assessed perception of
mobile phone users in respect of call rate, recharge, financial, functional and social
business activity and movement on the other hand chapter 6 assessed perception of
mobile phone users towards mobile banking services and Hence an attempt is made in
chapter 7 to identify dimension to perceived service quality attended or achieved by
mobile phone users in respect of mobile phone use and mobile banking services. 30
attributes/variables or items are considered quality criteria to measure dimensions.
30 attributes divided into 6 dimensions such as reliability, responsiveness, assurance,
empathy, tangibles, convenience and network quality.
7.2. Meaning and definitions of service quality:
Service quality is an abstract and elusive construct because of three features
unique to services: intangibility, heterogeneity, and inseparability of production and
consumption argued by parasuraman, et.al1. Service quality can be divided into
perceived service quality and objective service quality. Perceived quality is the
consumer’s judgment about an entity’s overall excellence or superiority stated by
Zeithamal2. Whereas objective service quality is a form of attitude, related but not
equivalent to satisfaction and results from a comparison of expectations with
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perception of performance, said the Garvin3. Some of the important contemporary
definitions of service quality are presented in chart 7.1.
Chart 7.1
Selected definitions of service quality
Sr.
No
Broad
Category
Author,
Year
Definitions
1 Functional
quality
Parasuraman,
Zeithaml and
Berry, 1988
Global judgment or attitude, relating to the superiority
and Berry, 1988 of the service
2 Bitner,
Booms and
Tetreauly,
1990
The customer’s overall impression of the relative
Tetreauly, 1990 inferiority/superiority of the organization
and its services.
3 Asubonteng
McCleary
and Swan,
1996
The difference between customer’s expectations for servi
ce performance prior to the service encounter and
their perceptions of the service received.
4 Technical
quality
Hannikainen,
et.al., 2002
It is the capability of a network to provide services
and to fulfill user’s expectations.
5 TRAI* 2002 It is an indicator of performance of a network and of the
degree to which the network conforms to the stipulated no
rms.
Source : Seth Anita, et.al, “Managing the customers perceived service quality for cellular mobile
telephony : An empirical investigation”, Vikalpa, Vol. 33, No.1, January – March, 2008, P.20.
7.3 Measurement of service quality:
According to the Nordic model (1984), a Pioneer work in the area of quality
of services, the quality in traditional people – oriented services is estimated from the
comparison between the expected and perceived service quality. The model
conceptualizes perceived service quality by differentiating between the ‘what’ (what
the consumer receives as a result of his interaction with a service provider – technical
quality) and ‘how’ (how they get the outcome resulting from their interactions with
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the seller – functional quality) components of the buyer – seller interaction. This is
expressed in chart 7.2.
Chart 7.2
The Nordic model of service quality
Perceived service quality
Source : Emmaouil, Stiakakis and Christos, K. Georgiadis, “A model to identify the dimensions
of mobile service quality, Tenth International Conference on mobile business, 2011.
Second important model is the SERVQUAL model4 a widely used
measurement scale for service quality and provided by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and
Berry in 1988. They identify 10 dimensions to measure the service quality such as
tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, communication, credibility, security,
competence, courtesy, knowledge of customer, and access. Similar model was used
by Cammans in 1990.
Brady and Cronin6 developed a hierarchicd multidimensional model, adopting
practical and theory together. It is based on interaction quality physical environmental
quality and outcome quality. Stiakakis and Georgiadis suggested following core
dimensions model for mobile service quality 7.
Chart 7.3
Expected Service Perceived Service
Technical quality Functional quality
Image
Mobile service quality model
Interaction quality
Environment quality
Outcome quality
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Lim8 identified 5 dimensions of consumers perceived quality of mobile
services. They are pricing, plans, network quality, data services, billing system and
customer service. Dabholkar et.al9 and wang et.al.10; proposed factors associated with
service quality are tangible, reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and empathy and
have described on antecedents customer’s perceived service quality and validated and
tested these factors ward and mullee11 used reliability, availability, security,
assurance, simplicity and flexibility as criteria of service quality. They argued that,
from customer’s perspective, it is not appropriate to separate network quality from the
other dimensions of quality.
For service quality in telecommunication including fixed line and cellular
mobile services and mobile banking services, researcher has supported both
SERVQUAL as well as SERVPERF tools. Functional and technical service qualityare
two main dimensions that can be used for measuring mobile banking perceived
service quality. Seth et.at. proposed that QOS in cellular mobile communication can
be broadly categorized into technical and managerial parameters, as depicted in chart
7.4.
Chart 7.4 QOS Model of quality service
In all, 7 main dimensions for ensuring service quality in cellular mobile
telephony were identified, which are summarized in chart 7.4.
Seth at.el12 observed key findings in the area of SERVQUAL as well as
SERVPERF applied in telecommunication directly; which is presented in chart 7.5.
QOS Parameters Cellular Mobile Communication
Technical Quality Parameters (Network Performance)
Managerial Parameters
Functional Quality Parameters
Internal quality Parameters
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Chart 7.5
Select work in service quality measurement in telecommunication Sr. No.
Author, Year Field of study
Key Findings
1 Leisen and Vance, 2001
Fixed line telephone services
SERVQUAL instrument seems to be the best fitting model of service quality in the US and Germany. Service quality is important to overall customer satisfaction with telephone services.
2 Johnson and Sirikit, 2002
Both fixed line and Cellular mobile Services
Service quality assessment using SERVQUAL performedreliably in the Thai telecommunication service settings.
3 Van der Wal, Pampallisand Bond, 2002
Cellular mobile Services
Focused on the customer’s perception of service quality. SERVQUAL instrument is reliable for the Measurement of service quality in the telecommunication industry in South Africa.
4 Wang and Lo, 2002
Cellular mobile Services
Used SEVPERF scale for service quality measurement and found that network quality and empathy are the most important drivers of overall service quality in China’s mobile phone market.
5 Ranaweera and Neely, 2003
Fixed line Telephone services
Used SEVPERF with some modifications for service quality measurement Study revealed that price perceptions and indifference moderated the relationship between service quality and customer retention.
Source: Seth el at; “Managing the customer perceived service quality for cellular mobile
telephony : An empirical investigation; Vikalpa, Vol.33, No.1, January – March 2008, P.22.
Thus various study shows different models are employed by different experts
in measuring the service quality for product as well as for mobile service also.
7.4 Employed method for identifying the dimension of mobile service quality:
To identify the mobile service quality dimension, the ‘SERVQUAL’
instrument as means of measuring the service quality perceived by mobile phone
users is selected. This study is limited to mobile phone user respondents belong from
15 talukas of Thane district, collected through questionnaire. Opinions of mobile
phone user respondents on mobile service quality that they perceived are collected
based on ‘yes’ and ‘No’ form and used here for identifying the dimensions of mobile
service quality. Seven dimensions model, introduced by Seth, Momaya and Gupta13 is
selected and employed in this study; with all 30 attributes provided by them for their
study purpose. Selected 7 dimensions are as under:
1. Reliability
2. Responsiveness
3. Assurance
4. Empathy
5. Tangibles
6. Convenience and
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7. Network
Ist 6 dimensions are known as functional qualities whereas 7th one is called
technical quality of mobile telecommunication achieved by mobile phone users
(consumers). The questionnaire covers thirty (30) attributes or items (variable) in
total. These item/variables were coded as shown in Table 7.1 in order to generate
a better understanding for empirical analysis.
Table 7.1 Study variables and code
Code Dimension Variables/Attributes
A1 Reliability Performs the service right the first time A2 Reliability Provides the services at the promised time A3 Reliability Well informed about progress of complaint A4 Reliability Billing system accurate and error free A5 Reliability Timeliness of bills A6 Responsiveness Contact gives you prompt service
A7 Responsiveness Your complaints/queries are taken seriously
A8 Responsiveness Your complaints are resolved quickly
A9 Responsiveness They are always willing to help you
A10 Assurance Contact person are friendly and polite while handling your complaints/quires
A11 Assurance They have the adequate knowledge of tariffs and plans of service providers
A12 Assurance The behavior of contact instills confidence in you
A13 Assurance You feel safe in your transaction with your service provider
A14 Empathy For lodging the complaints, service provider is easily accessible
A15 Empathy They have your best interests at heart
A16 Empathy Gives you individual attention
A17 Empathy Understands your specific needs
A18 Empathy Retailer network of your service provider is easily located
A19 Tangible Service providers physical facilities are visually appealing
A20 Tangible Contact appear neat and clear
A21 Tangible Materials associated with the service (such as pamphlets, spare parts etc ) are visually appearing
A22 Convenience Convenient business hours
A23 Convenience Ease of lodging the complaints/queries
A24 Convenience Your service provider provides flexibility in the payment of bills
A25 Convenience Application formalities are simple
A26 Network Quality Your service provider provides sufficient geographical coverage (on highways, inside the buildings and basement etc)
A27 Network Quality Your experience minimum premature termination of calls during conversation
A28 Network Quality You get cleared undisturbed voice
A29 Network Quality Your call gets connected to the called person during first attempt most of the times
A30 Network Quality You are able to make calls at peak hours
Note : 1 A stands for Attributes/Variables
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To eliminate the problems of confusion and the length of the questions in this
respect, only perceptions data is collected assuming mobile phone users have
achieved ‘high’ service quality from using mobile. The researcher distributed 1050
questionnaires and 792 were collected. After verifying data and checking with
questionnaire were left incomplete, 292 responses were deleted. The analysis was
carried out on 500 responses. Final model for measuring and identifying the
dimensions of mobile service quality is as under chart 7.6.
Chart 7.6
Select model for identifying the dimension
Thus in all, seven dimensions for measuring service quality in mobile plan
communication and mobile banking service communication were selected. Further
thirty items/variables/attributes of SERVQAL instrument is selected for measuring
perceived service quality based mobile phone users perceptions. Each of these items
attributes was evaluated on a ‘yes’ or ‘No’ form.
7 Dimensions
1. Reliability
2. Responsiveness
3. Assurance
4. Empathy
5. Tangibles
6. Convenience
7. Network
Mobile Perceived M
obile Service Quality
5. Attributes/Variables
4. Attributes/Variables
4. Attributes/Variables
5. Attributes/Variables
3. Attributes/Variables
4. Attributes/Variables
5. Attributes/Variables
30. Attributes/Variables
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7.5 Mobile phone users perception on dimensions of mobile quality services:
This section divided into 7 subsections in order to assess and know the
perception of mobile phone users towards dimensions of mobile service quality based
on 30 attributes/variables divided into 7 dimensions namely reliability, responsiveness
, assurance, empathy, tangible, convenience and network ; as under :
7.5.1 Mobile phone users perception on reliability dimension of service quality,
7.5.2 Mobile phone users perception on responsiveness dimension of service
quality,
7.5.3 Mobile phone users perception on assurance dimension service quality,
7.5.4 Mobile phone users perception on empathy dimension service quality,
7.5.5 Mobile phone users perception on tangible dimension service quality,
7.5.6 Mobile phone users perception on convenience dimension service quality and
7.5.7 Mobile phone users perception on network dimension service quality.
To confirm and identify the dimensions of mobile service quality, frequency
distribution, factor analysis and correlation matrix analysis is used. 30
attributes/quality criteria/variables/items are selected and divided into 7 dimensions.
Attributes are coded and referred here as ‘A’ i.e. A1 to A5 is called reliability, A6 –
A9 responsiveness, A10 – A13 assurance, A14 – A 18 empathy, A19 – A21 tangible,
A22 – A 25 convenience and A26 – A30 network respectively.
7.5.1 Mobile phone users perception on reliability dimension of service quality :
Reliability means ability to perform the promised service dependably and
accurately. Out of 30, 5 attributes (A1 – A5) are concerned with reliability dimension.
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Table 7.2 presents perception of mobile phone users in respect of quality service
perceived on reliability dimension.
Table 7.2
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on reliability dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables
Yes responses No. of
Respondents Percentage
A1 Performs the service right the first time 221 44.2
A2 Provides the services at the promised time 229 45.8
A3 Well informed about progress of complaint 197 39.4
A4 Billing system accurate and error free 170 34.0
A5 Timeliness of bills 318 63.6
Reliability dimension (Average) 227 45.4
Table 7.2 shows that 44.2 percent (221), 45.8 percent (229), 39.4 percent (197),
34 percent (170) and 63.6 percent (318) respondents out of 500, agreed that they
achieved perceived service quality in respect of statement A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5
respectively; indicating on an average 45.4 percent (227) respondents achieved
perceived service quality on use of mobile phone. It means 45.4 percent mobile users
of study area achieved perceived service quality on reliability dimension.
7.5.2 Mobile phone users perception on responsiveness dimension of service
quality services:
Responsiveness accounts for a prompt response to the mobile phone users needs. The
frontline organizations are expected to anticipate the needs of the users and
proactively respond to these needs. Mobile phone users are keen to get a prompt
response from the service providers and banking regarding their complaints and
enquiries. In this context 4 items/attributes (A6 – A9) were provided to respondents
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which are representing the responsiveness dimensions. The result is presented in
Table 7.3.
Table 7.3
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on responsiveness dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables
Yes responses No. of
Respondents Percentage
A6 Contact gives you prompt service 298 59.6
A7 Your complaints/queries are taken seriously 201 40.2
A8 Your complaints are resolved quickly 184 36.8
A9 They are always willing to help you 318 63.6
A 6 - 9 Responsiveness dimension (Average) 250 50.00
Table 7.3 shows that out of 500 respondents, 59.6 percent (298), 40.2 percent
(201), 36.8 percent (184) and 63.6 percent (318) agreed that they had achieved
perceived service quality in respect of statement A6, A7, A8 and A9 respectively;
highest and lowest on statement A9 and A8. Overall result shows that 50 percent
respondents achieved perceived service quality on mobile phone use. This means that
50 percent mobile phone user of study area achieved perceived service quality on
responsiveness dimension.
7.5.3 Mobile phone users perception on assurance dimension service quality:
Assurance focuses on the expertise of the employee about the multifunctional
about the service offering, courtesy and their ability to install faith and dependence in
the service provider’s competence. The organization’s staff should have the
competence to inspire trust and confidence among the customer’s about the ability of
cell phone service providers in anticipating and meeting customers needs. In this
context to identify to what extent perceived service quality in a assurance dimension
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is achieved by mobile phone users by way of attributes/variables/statements were
provided to respondents and their opinions were seeked. The survey result is
presented in Table 7.4.
Table 7.4
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on assurance dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables Yes responses
No. of Respondents Percentage
A10 Contact person are friendly and polite while handling your complaints/quires 439 87.8
A11 They have the adequate knowledge of tariffs and plans of service providers 373 74.6
A12 The behavior of contact instills confidence in you 286 57.2
A13 You feel safe in your transaction with your service provider 330 66
A 10 - 13 Average dimension (Average) 357 71.40
It can be seen from Table 7.4 that on an average 71.4 percent (357) respondent
out of 500 state that they had achieved perceived service quality on mobile phone
usage in respect of assurance dimension. On the other hand, 87.8 percent (439), 74.6
percent (373), 57.2 percent (286) and 66 percent (330) respondents agreed that they
had achieved perceived service quality. Thus Table indicate that 71.4 percent mobile
phone users of study area achieved perceived service quality on assurance dimension.
7.5.4 Mobile phone users perception on empathy dimension service quality:
Empathy necessitates placing customers over and above everything else
during the course of staff interaction. Caring and personalized approach in dealing
with customers provide them a pleasant experience and helps builds long term
relationship with cell phone service providers as well as mobile banking service
providers. Five attributes/statements (A14 – A18) are concerned with empathy
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dimension. Higher the score higher the perceived service quality. The perception
expressed by mobile phone users towards perceived service quality on empathy is
presented in Table 7.5.
Table 7.5
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on empathy dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables Yes responses
No. of Respondents
Percentage
A14 For lodging the complaints, service provider is easily accessible 250 50.00
A15 They have your best interests at heart 163 32.60 A16 Gives you individual attention 246 49.20 A17 Understands your specific needs 285 57.00
A18 Retailer network of your service provider is easily located 332 66.40
A 14 - 18 Empathy (Average) 255 51.00
Table 7.5 shows that quality service perceived by mobile phone user
respondents on statements A14, A15, A16, A17 and A 18 are 50 percent, 32.6
percent, 49.2 percent, 57 percent and 66.4 percent respectively. On an average 51
percent respondents agreed that they had achieved perceived service quality from
empathy dimension. Thus result shows that 51 percent perceived service quality
achieved by mobile phone user respondents from empathy dimension.
7.5.5 Mobile phone users perception on tangible dimension service quality :
The tangible dimension refers to the quality of physical in structure, the
equipment available to make the service a delightful experience, the outward show of
people providing the service. Mobile customer expect that the outlet’s interior décor
and delight would be appealing. Mobile phone users want that information material
provided is well composed, and attractive and service provided should be neat, clean
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and well dressed and give pleasing look14. In this context, researcher made 3
attributes/statement/variables (A19 – A21) which are represents tangible dimension.
The responses result is presented in Table 7.6.
Table 7.6
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on tangible dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables Yes responses
No. of Respondents
Percentage
A19 Service providers physical facilities are visually appealing
287 57.4
A20 Contact appear neat and clear 359 71.8
A21 Materials associated with the service (such as pamphlets, spare parts etc) are visually appearing
281 56.2
A19 – 21 Tangible dimension (Average) 309 61.8
It can be seen from Table 7.6 that 61.8 percent (309), respondents agreed that
they had achieved perceived service quality on tangible dimension. Within it, 57.4
percent (287), 71.8 percent (359), 56.2 percent (281) respondents agreed that they had
achieved perceived service quality on statement A19, A20 and A21 respectively.
Overall result shows that 61.8 percent mobile phone users of study area perceived
service quality on tangible dimension.
7.5.6 Mobile phone users perception on convenience dimension service quality :
Convenience involves ease of access to the customers. In today’s busy working
schedule, customers do not want waste unnecessary time in reaching out to the service
provider. Customers decide their priority to convenient hours of operation and
convenient locations of cell phone provider’s outlets. Convenient dimensions
represents by 4 attributes/statements /variables (A22 – A25). Table 7.7 shows
convenient dimension’s perceived service quality.
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Table 7.7
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on convenient dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables Yes responses
No. of Respondents
Percentage
A22 Convenient business hours 258 51.6 A23 Ease of lodging the complaints/queries 226 45.2
A24 Your service provider provides flexibility in the payment of bills 208 41.6
A25 Application formalities are simple 314 62.8 A 22-25 Convenience dimension (Average) 252 50.4
Table 7.7 shows that 51.6 percent (258), 45.2 percent (226), 41.6 percent
(208), 62.8 percent (314), respondents out of 500, agreed that yes they had achieved
perceived service quality in terms of convenience dimension. It means perceived
service quality is achieved by 50.4 percent mobile phone user respondents. It can be
inferred that mobile phone user perceived service quality on convenient dimension is
50.4 percent.
7.5.7 Mobile phone users perception on network dimension service quality:
Network quality dimension has emerged as critical dimension that firms
customer’s perception of service quality of mobile phone service provider. Chi et.al
(2006) identified that is voice quality and least drop calls are critical in evaluation
service quality. Network coverage all – time availability, and no drop calls are
important aspects that affects customer’s perception of mobile phone service quality.
Network service quality is identified/measured on the basis of A26 – 30
attributes/variables. In this regard, result shows that 51.2 percent mobile phone user
achieved perceived service quality on network dimension; maximum and lowest being
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66.8 percent and 41.6 percent from statement A29 and A 26 respectively. This is
given in Table 7.8.
Table 7.8
Mobile phone users perceived service quality on network dimension
Code No. Quality Attributes/variables
Yes responses No. of
Respondents Percentage
A26 Your service provider provides sufficient geographical coverage (on highways, inside the buildings and basement etc)
208 41.6
A27 Your experience minimum premature termination of calls during conversation 250 50.0
A28 You get clear and undisturbed voice 254 50.8
A29 Your call gets connected to the called person during first attempt most of the times 334 66.8
A30 You are able to make calls at peak hours 235 47.0
Network dimension (Average) 256 51.2
Table 7.8 shows that, 41.6 percent (208), 50 percent (250), 50.8 percent (254),
66.8 percent (334) and 47 percent (235) respondents out of 500, agreed that they had
achieved perceived service quality on statements/ attributes A26, A 27, A 28 and A29
and A30 respectively. This indicates that on an average 51.2 percent (256) mobile
phone user respondents achieved perceived service quality on network dimension.
7.6 Identifying the dimensions of mobile perceived service quality:
Section 7.4 shows service quality perception of mobile phone users on 7
dimensions in terms of 30 attributes or variables or items. Now researcher want to
confirm or make sure that these are mobile phone dimensions of perceived service
quality. In other words, the aim of this section is to identify the dimensions of mobile
service quality. This is done with the help of correlation and factor analysis.
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7.6.1 Mean and standard deviation analysis:
The study commuted the results of descriptive statistics based on arithmetic
mean and standard deviation of different dimensions of perceived service quality of
mobile phone users in the instruments or item, which is presented in Table 7.9.
Table 7.9 Mean and standard deviation of seven dimensions
Dimensions No. of attributes/
variables/quality
criteria
Mean Standard
deviation
1. Reliability 5 2.27 1.37
2. Responsiveness 4 2.00 1.34
3. Assurance 4 2.86 1.10
4. Empathy 5 2.55 1.42
5. Tangibles 3 1.85 1.01
6. Convenience 4 2.01 1.22
7. Network 5 2.56 1.39
Extraction method: Principal component analysis.
The Table 7.9 shows that,
1. Total 30 attributes/variables explain perceived service quality obtained or achieved
by mobile phone users on mobile phone use, which is divided into 7 dimensions.
Reliability dimensions consists of 5 attributes, responsiveness dimension included 4
attributes, whereas assurance consists of 4 attributes/variables. Empathy and
Tangibility dimension includes 5 and 3 variables/ attributes as against convenience
and network covers 4 and 5 attributes/variables.
2. The mean of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy dimension is 2.27,
2, 2.86 and 2.55 whereas mean of Tangibility, convenience and network dimensions
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are 1.85, 2.01 and 2.56 respectively. The highest and lowest means is observed
between Assurance (2.86) and Tangibility (1.85) respectively.
3. Standard deviation of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy is 1.37,
1.34, 1.10 and 1.42 as against standard deviation of Tangibility, Convenience and
Network. 1.01, 1.22 and 1.39 respectively. The highest and lowest standard deviation
is seen between Empathy (1.42) and Tangibility (1.01) respectively.
7.6.2 Identifying the dimensions of mobile perceived service quality based on
correlation analysis:
Table 7.10 explains the correlation between dimension to dimension. It is
important to be stressed that the 30 quality criteria were properly grouped into the 7
sub – dimensions.
Table 7.10 Pearson Correlation matrix
Sr. No Dimensions
Reliability
Responsiveness
Assurance
Empathy
Tangibles
Convenience
Network
1 Reliability 1 0.507 0.242** 0.432** 0.183** 0.345** 0.306**
2 Responsiveness 0.507** 1 0.406** 0.406** 0.226** 0.410** 0.294**
3 Assurance 0.242** 0.406** 1 0.258** 0.302** 0.223** 0.213**
4 Empathy 0.432** 0.480** 0.480** 1 0.315** 0.470** 0.343**
5 Tangibles 0.183** 0.226** 0.226** 0.315** 1 0.296** 0.147**
6 Convenience 0.345** 0.410** 0.410** 0.470** 0.296** 1 0.250**
7 Network 0.306** 0.294** 0.294** 0.343** 0.147** 0.250** 1
** correlation is significant of the 0.01 (2tailed) N = 500
All the dimensions are positively and significantly correlated. Here the
relationship among dimensions is significant at 0.01 level (2 tailed).
7.6.3 Identifying dimensions of mobile perceived service quality based on factor
analysis:
First – stage data for the seven – dimension is considered. Factor loading of 30
attributes/variables/items on dimensions is taken into consideration to identify the
dimensions of mobile perceived service quality; loading factor converted into scale.
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This is done by multiplying factor loading by 100. The result of factor loading
converted into scale is presented in Table 7.11; along with component matrix, factor
loading and number of quality criteria.
Table 7.11 Identifying the dimensions of mobile service quality
Sr. No
Dimension Component Matrix
Attributes/ Variables/Items/quality
criteria
Factor loading of items on
dimensions to which they
belong
Scale No. of quality criteria
1 Reliability 0.688 A1 0.767 77
5 A2 0.729 73 A3 0.699 70 A4 0.393 39 A5 0.124 12
2 Responsiveness 0.764 A6 0.495 50
4 A7 0.830 83 A8 0.813 81 A9 0.513 51 3 Assurance 0.560 A10 0.691 70
4 A11 0.657 66 A12 0.543 54 A13 0.649 65 4 Empathy 0.755 A14 0.612 61
5 A15 0.680 68 A16 0.739 74 A17 0.607 61 A18 0.170 17 5 Tangible 0.506 A19 0.723 72
3 A20 0.664 66 A21 0.717 72 6 Convenience 0.676 A22 0.674 68
4 A23 0.705 71 A24 0.635 64 A25 0.453 45
7 Network Quality 0.542 A26 0.679 68
5 A27 0.239 24 A28 0.620 62 A29 0.530 53 A30 0.675 66
Extracted method: Principle component analysis.
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Result in Table 7.11 shows that seven factors with eighteen values between
2.55 maximum and 0.43 minimum is commuted for reliability and network quality
dimension, whereas composite correlation ranges between 0.506 to 0.755 minimum
and maximum for tangibility and empathy dimension. The seven factor model
explained 93 percent of total variance representing a significant value. The result
further indicates that most of the items were properly loaded to their corresponding
dimensions. However five items or quality criteria’s namely A4, A5, A18, A25, A28
out of 30, valued below 50 percent respectively. 25 items valued above 50 percent and
ranges between 50 to 77 percent respectively.
The findings shows that mobile phone user’s mind regarding these 7
dimensions is not same but it is differentiate. While all dimensions are clearly
explained mobile phone users perceived service quality and they have positive impact
on service quality.
The all dimensions are related to mobile service quality and they are directly
and actively participated in achieving perceived service quality. It indicates that all
the 7 dimensions have positive relationship with perceived service quality as these
dimensions accounted for 93 percent of variance with component correlation (matrix)
for reliability 0.688, for responsiveness 0.764, for assurance 0.560, for empathy
0.755, for tangibles 0.506, for convenience 0.676 and for network 0.542 respectively.
Thus it can be inferred from Table 7.10 and Table 7.11 that 7 principal
components (Factors) were extracted by using core dimensions (reliability,
responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibles, convenience and network) and sub –
dimensions (30 attribute/variables/items/quality criteria i.e. A1 – A30) of mobile
phone perceived service quality and confirmatory principal component analysis.
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These components explain 93 percent of the total variance. Hence it is prove that
reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibility, convenience and network
are the dimensions of perceived service quality to use mobile phone and mobile
banking services and all the dimensions have positive relationship with mobile phone
users perceived service quality.
7.7 Testing of hypothesis:
The study assesses (i) business activity and movement of mobile phone users
in Thane district (ii) perception of mobile phone users on mobile banking business
activities and movement in Thane district, and (iii) identify the relationship between
dimensions and mobile perceived service quality. In this context the following
tentative hypotheses are taken up for testing with the help of empirical data collected.
For fixing the level percentage is considered and divided into 5 levels namely low (0
– 20 percent), average (21 – 40 percent), moderate (41 – 60 percent), high (61 – 80
percent) and very high (81 – 100 percent) respectively.
Hypothesis – 1
Financial objective oriented business activity and movement calls are
higher than that of social objective oriented.
Table 5.6 reveals that 68 percent and 24.20 percent calls are financial and
social objective oriented. Financial objective oriented business activity and movement
calls are higher than that of social oriented. Therefore hypothesis stands accepted.
Hypothesis – 2
Functional business activity and movement of mobile phone users in
respect of use of mobile phone are ‘high’.
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From Table 5.16, it is seen that 66 percent mobile phone user respondents on an
average performed/used various mobile functions. This indicates 66 percent
functional business activity and movement are used or performed by mobile phone
users.
Hence it is accepted that functional business activity and movement of mobile
phone users in respect of use of mobile phone are ‘high’. (i.e. 66 percent). It indicates
that the hypothesis is stands accepted.
Hypothesis - 3
Extent of mobile financial activity and movement is ‘lower’ than that of
its awareness. In other words as compared to awareness of mobile phone users
on mobile activity and movement, its use is ‘low’.
Table 5.17 indicates that 53.6 percent mobile phone user respondents on an
average aware mobile business activity and movement, whereas Table 5.18 shows
that only 12.5 percent respondents used or performed mobile activity and movement;
indicating majority respondents (87.50 percent) are not using mobile yet for financial
or commercial transactions that is business activity an extend movement purpose.
Comparing awareness and actual use of mobile business activities and movement, it
can be stated that use of mobile financial activity and movement is ‘lower’ (12.5
percent) than that of its awareness (53.50 percent). In other words as compared to
awareness of mobile phone user respondents on mobile financial activity and
movement, its use is ‘low’, the awareness on mobile financial activity and movement
is ‘moderate’ (53.50 percent) whereas its performance or use in this respect is ‘low’
(12.50 percent). The hypothesis, thus stands accepted.
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Hypothesis - 4
Awareness of mobile phone users on sms business activity and movement
is ‘high’ but use of social business activity and movement (sms) of mobile phone
users is ‘moderate’ (i.e. lower than that of awareness)
Table 5.19 shows that on an average 71.4 percent mobile phone user respondents
aware sms activity and movement, indicates the awareness is ‘high’ (71.4 percent) as
against this Table 5.27 shows that on an average, overall sms business activity and
movement on religion is to the extent of 51.6 percent. It means awareness on sms
activity movement among mobile phone user respondents is high (71.4 percent) as
against this use of sms on religion is ‘moderate’ (51.6 percent). Hence it is stated that
awareness of mobile phone users on sms business activity and movement is ‘high’
(71.4 percent), but use of sms towards social business activity and movement of
mobile phone users is moderate (51.6percent) or lower than that of awareness.
Hypothesis – 5
Awareness as well as use level of mobile banking services is ‘moderate’
among mobile phone users.
Table 6.4 shows that awareness of mobile phone users on mobile banking
services is to the extent of 35 percent. In other words only 35 percent mobile phone
user respondents aware about mobile banking services/business activity and
movement. It means awareness level is ‘average’ and not moderate level. Further
Table shows that, 12.3 percent respondents had used mobile banking services. It
means mobile banking service use level is ‘low’ (between 20 percent) and not
moderate. It means awareness level of mobile phone users on mobile banking
services/activity is ‘average’ (below 20 – 40) and not at moderate level. Secondly use
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of mobile banking services/business activity is only 12.3 percent of awareness. It is
below 20 percent hence it is ‘low’ level and not moderate level. Hence this hypothesis
is rejected.
Hypothesis – 6
Willingness of mobile phone users on mobile banking for selling and
purchasing of financial instrument is ‘moderate’.
Table 6.10 reveals that 24.6 percent respondents are willing to use mobile
banking for selling and purchasing financial instruments and majority (47 percent are
not willing to act on this activity. This indicates that willingness perception of mobile
phone user respondents in study area on mobile banking for selling and purchasing of
financial instruments is ‘average’ as it is between 21 – 40 range. It means it is not
‘moderate’ (between 41 – 60). Hence hypothesis stands rejected.
Hypothesis - 7
Willingness perception of mobile phone users on utility of mobile banking
services is ‘average’ level.
Table 6.16 reveals that willingness expressed by mobile phone user
respondents on utility is to the extent of 26.0 percent, indicates majority respondents
(74 percent) are not willing to use mobile banking services. It means willingness of
mobile phone users on utility perception of mobile banking services is ‘average’, as it
ranges between 20 – 40 percent. This shows that this hypothesis thus stands accepted.
Hypothesis 8 :
Perceived utility or movement of mobile banking services among mobile
phone users is ‘low’.
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Table 6.17 shows that 18 percent respondents agreed on they have received or
used mobile banking services on 10 selected services and majority (72.6 percent) are
not received/used mobile banking services. It means only 18 percent mobile phone
user respondents in the study area perceived utility or movement on mobile banking
services. This indicates that utility movement of mobile phone user respondents is
‘low’ on mobile banking services as it ranges between 0-20 percent level. Hence it is
proved that perceived utility or movement of mobile banking services among mobile
phone user is ‘low’. (below 20 percent). It indicates that this hypothesis is accepted.
Hypothesis 9:
Demographic variables/factors has positive relationship in respect of
using mobile banking services among the mobile phone user i.e demographic
influence on the usage of mobile banking services i.e. demographic influence on
the usage of mobile banking services. In other words gender, age, education,
income, marital status and profession determines usage of mobile banking
services (i.e. adoption or non – adoption behaviour) sub – hypothesis are
formulated as under:
Hypothesis 9 (a): Gender has positive realtionship (association) in respect of mobile
banking services among the mobile phone user i.e. gender influences on the usage of
mobile banking services.
Hypothesis 9 (b) : Age has positive relationship in respect of using mobile banking
services among the mobile phone user i.e. age influences on the usage of mobile
banking services.
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Hypothesis 9 (c) : Education has positive relationship in respect of using mobile
banking services among the mobile phone user i.e. education influences on the usage
of mobile banking services.
Hypothesis 9 (d) : Income has positive relationship in respect of using mobile
banking services among the mobile phone user i.e. income influences on usage of
mobile banking services.
Hypothesis 9 (e) : Marital status has positive relationship in respect of using banking
services among the mobile phone user i.e. marital status influences on usage of
mobile banking services.
Hypothesis 9 (f) : Occupation has positive relationship in respect of using mobile
banking services among the mobile phone user i.e. occupation influences on the usage
of mobile banking services.
Hypothesis 9(a) :
Table 6.19 shows that, 60.4 percent mobile phone user respondents agreed that
gender influences the mobile banking services usage whereas 39.6 percent
respondents do not agreed that the gender influences the use of mobile banking
services. It means 60.4 percent respondents agreed that gender of the mobile phone
user determines usages of mobile banking services. As more than 60 percent
respondents agreed on there is a relationship between usage of mobile banking
services and gender of the mobile phone user, it is stated that there is positive
relationship between use of mobile banking services and gender. Hence it is accepted
that gender influences the usage of mobile banking services. It influences at ‘high’
level.
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Hypothesis 9(b):
Table 6.19 reveals that 74.5 percent respondents and 25.5percent respondents
out of 500 agreed and disagreed that age influences the usage of mobile banking
services. It means that 74.5 percent (majority) mobile phone user respondents in study
area agreed that age of the phone users determine the usage of mobile banking
services. As more than 74 percent (majority respondents) agreed that usage mobile
banking services and age of the mobile phone user has a relationship, the study
accepted that there is a positive relationship or association between age of the mobile
phone user and usage of mobile banking services. In influence at ‘high’ level, that is
why hypothesis stands accepted.
Hypothesis 9(c):
Regarding relationship between education level of the mobile phone users and
usage of mobile banking services, it is seen from Table 6.19 that 75.6 percent
respondents agreed and 24.4 percent disagreed; indicating that majority respondents
agreed that ‘yes’ education determines use of mobile banking services and its
adoption and non – adoption. As more than 75 percent respondents agreed that there
is influence of education on the use of mobile banking services., this study accepted
that education level has positive relationship or association with use of mobile
banking services or education influences the usage of mobile banking services. Hence
this sub – hypothesis also accepted as education influences at ‘high’ level.
Hypothesis 9(d):
Income has been pointed to have significant impact on the adoption or usage
of mobile banking services. A higher level of income could lead to a greater use of
mobile banking services, like education, simultaneously, greater time- saving
motivations to use mobile banking services, as well as upturn opportunities for
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accessing updated devices; In this context it is seen from Table 6.19 that 67.6 percent
agreed and 32.4 percent disagreed that income of the mobile phone users influences
the usage of mobile banking services. It means majority respondents (67.6 percent)
agreed that income determines mobile banking services usage (or adoption and non -
adoption). As majority (67.6 percent) agreed on there is a relationship between usage
of mobile banking services and of the mobile phone use, it is accepted in this study
that usage of mobile banking services and income level has positive relationship or
income of the mobile users influences the usage of mobile banking services. It
influences at ‘high’ level. It shows that this sub – hypothesis thus stands accepted.
Hypothesis 9(e):
It can be seen from Table 6.19 that 37.2 percent agreed and 62.8 percent
disagreed respondents out of 500 that there exist relationship between use of mobile
banking services and marital status of mobile phone users. Majority respondents (62.8
percent) are not agree that marital status determines the usage of mobile banking
services, indicate marital status of mobile phone users influences the usage of mobile
banking services at average level.
Hypothesis 9(f):
Table 6.19 indicates that, 73 percent respondents agreed that occupation has
relationship between usages of mobile banking services. Whereas 27 percent
respondents state that there is no relationship between occupational uses of mobile
banking services. It means majority respondents (73 percent) agreed that occupation
determines the use of mobile banking services and as 73 percent determines
respondents out of 500, agreed that there is relationship between usage of mobile
banking services and occupation of mobile phone users, this study accept that there
exist positive relationship or association between use of mobile banking services and
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occupation of mobile phone users or occupational influence on the usage of mobile
banking services at ‘high’ level.
Hypothesis 9:
Overall result presented in Table 6.19 shows that 64.8 percent respondents out
of 500 agreed that there is a relationship between demographic variables and use of
mobile banking services. This indicates that majority respondents (64.8 percent)
agreed that demographic variables/factors determines the use of mobile banking
services (adoption or non - adoption). As more than 64 percent mobile phone user
respondents state ‘yes’ there is a relationship with use of mobile banking services.
This study accept that there exist positive relationship between demographic
variables/factors and use of mobile banking services in study area and demographic
variables/factors influences the use of mobile banking services at ‘high’ level.
Hypothesis – 10:
Selected dimensions have positive and significant relationship with mobile
perceived service quality or dimensions influence the mobile perceived service
quality.
Table 7.10 reveals that all dimensions are positively and significantly
correlated with mobile perceived service quality at 0.01 significant level (2tailed).
Selected 7 dimensions have positive relationship with perceived service quality as
these dimensions accounted for 93 percent of variance with component correlation for
reliability 0.688, for responsiveness 0.764, for assurance 0.560, for empathy 0.755,
for tangibles 0.506, for convenience 0.676 and for network 0.542 respectively (Table
7.11). Further out of 30 value criteria or attributes only 5 valued below 50 percent as
against 50 items valued above 25 and ranges between 50 – 77 percent. Hence it is
accepted that selected dimensions have positive and significant relationship with
mobile perceived service quality. The hypothesis stands accepted.
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