International Journal of Electronic Business (23 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The impact of emerging profit pools on the mobility sector: a system dynamics approach  
  by Steffen Kurpiela, Frank Teuteberg 
  Abstract: The current developments in the mobility sector have far-reaching impacts on the entire ecosystem and require new approaches also for strategic planning. Hence, it is important to understand the causes and effects of the ecosystem in order to support decision making processes or the simulation of scenarios. However, previous research has only developed models that consider single dimensions or profit pools of the mobility sector. Against this background, this study applies the system dynamics approach and provides a comprehensive causal loop diagram supported by the PESTEL-framework in order to present the central dynamic behaviours of the mobility sector under influence of the emerging profit pools based on the existing literature. In summary, 15 central loops were identified which describe main impacts of the emerging profit pools on the mobility ecosystem. Along with implications for research and practice, this paper provides a deeper understanding of the ecosystem of the mobility sector.
  Keywords: causal loop diagram; CLD; mobility ecosystem; emerging profit pools; strategic planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10062877
   
  
• The effect of reward type on consumer recommendation intention in the C2C car-sharing context in China: the moderating role of scarcity cues  
  by Jiang Jiang, Yi Ding 
  Abstract: With the vigorous development of car-sharing practices and the rise of various platforms, competition among different car-sharing platforms is becoming increasingly fierce. Many platforms are using referral reward plans to leverage customer power to expand their consumer base. However, little knowledge exists about the effectiveness of different types of referral reward strategies commonly implemented by car-sharing platforms. Through two formal experiments with 652 accessed consumers who are experienced in C2C car-sharing services in China, we find that compared to indirect monetary reward (e.g., coupon), direct monetary reward (e.g., cash) is more effective in enhancing consumers’ recommendation intention. Adding scarcity cues of rewards helps promote recommendation intention and has a significantly stronger power in strengthening the positive effect of direct monetary reward on recommendation intention than that of indirect monetary reward. Our findings theoretically contribute to the research on sharing platform incentivised WOM, scarcity effect, and referral reward plans. We also bring insights for car-sharing platform operators to select effective referral reward plans.
  Keywords: sharing economy; recommendation intention; reward type; scarcity cues; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10064101
   
  
• Learning approach of customer journey analysis on digital start-up business performance through social practice theory  
  by Nia Kurniati Bachtiar, Arpasri Sothonvit, Nguyen Thanh Vu, Teara Noviyani Sekar Melati 
  Abstract: The digital industry is currently undergoing robust growth and promises significant future potential. However, launching a commercial venture in this sphere comes with a plethora of challenges, as evidenced by the lacklustre success rate of digital start-ups. Beyond the expected technical and technological hurdles, many start-ups falter in their early stages due to ineffective consumer engagement. This often stems from an oversight in crafting a meticulous Customer Journey Analysis (CJA), which can be pivotal for businesses aiming to accurately target their customer base. To delve deeper into this issue, this study employs the Social Penetration Theory (SPT) to probe the impact of CJA on the performance of digital start-ups. Data was collated from 101 start-up respondents for this research. The findings suggest that the influence of the pre-purchasing and post-purchasing stages on the Customer Journey was somewhat muted, likely due to the constrained application of SPT in these phases.
  Keywords: customer journey analysis; CJA; business performance; digital start-up business; social practice theory; SPT; pre-purchase stage; purchase stage; post-purchase stage.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10064882
   
  
• Predicting the intention to adopt mobile banking in Palestine: an extension of TAM with gamification, perceived mobility, and perceived enjoyment  
  by Rania Ahmad Mustafa Abdalla, Mohannad Moufeed Ayyash, Maan Ali Ahmad Alkhateeb 
  Abstract: Due to the proliferation of smartphones and the growth of the Internet, financial institutions now need to provide mobile banking (m-banking). The Bank of Palestine and the Arab Bank in Palestine have implemented these technologies. However, challenges such as institutional and regulatory restrictions, infrastructure issues, and public awareness hinder the development of m-banking. A study involving 172 customers analysed data using IBM SPSS 28.0 and Smart PLS 4. Gamification was found to significantly improve clients’ intents, demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting m-banking usage. However, perceived usefulness and ease of use had little impact on users’ intentions to use m-banking. Perceived enjoyment did not reach statistical significance, suggesting it may not be a key determinant of the desire to use m-banking. Perceived mobility had no real-world repercussions. The study offers recommendations for m-banking service providers and legislators to encourage user adoption and further research in the field.
  Keywords: mobile banking; m-banking; TAM; gamification; perceived mobility; perceived enjoyment; perceived ease of use; perceived usefulness; intention to use; Palestine.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10064989
   
  
• Webrooming and showrooming shopping behaviour: a bibliometric analysis  
  by Neha Rani, Harbhajan Bansal 
  Abstract: This article aims to use bibliometric analysis to create a framework for the body of literature and pinpoint research gapes in the field webrooming and showrooming. We retrieved 126 research papers from Scopus, published between 2012-2022. The R-based Biblioshiny package and VOSviewer are used to analyze and visualize bibliometric networks, respectively. The earliest article was published in 2012 and increased between 2017 to 2022. Findings revealed the most productive authors, countries, institutions, dominant keywords and core sources. The major limitation is the reliance on single database, namely Scopus, and the relevant studies that are not published in Scopus may remain eliminated. This is the first bibliometric analysis on the theme of webrooming and showrooming shopping behaviour that enables researchers to gather quantitative data related to authors, sources, keywords, citation counts, etc. This data, when linked together and properly analysed, can aid in charting the evolution of the topic.
  Keywords: multi-channel shopping; webrooming; showrooming; bibliometric analysis.
  
  
• Understanding peer-to-peer mobile payment continuance intention: a privacy calculus perspective  
  by Duc Chinh Pham, Trang Nguyen 
  Abstract: Along with the growing trend for social media-enabled applications, an increasing number of mobile payment providers have incorporated functions of social media into their mobile payment applications, also known as peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment. By integrating the privacy calculus model and perceived value perspectives, this study aims to examine factors influencing users’ continuance usage intention of P2P mobile payment. An online survey was performed to obtain data. The findings reveal that perceived convenience, perceived enjoyment, and social image strongly influence users’ continuance intention. In contrast, deal proneness and privacy concerns exert no effect on consumers’ intention to continue using the service. Our research is the first attempt to cast light on the determinants of retaining users on P2P mobile payment. The research enriches the literature on information systems (IS) mobile payment by highlighting how the balance between perceived value and privacy concerns influences users’ intentions to continue using P2P mobile payment services. This study extends the privacy calculus model and perceived value by investigating a new context of P2P mobile payment. The findings also offer mobile payment providers insightful implications on creating strategies to effectively sustain and nurture customer relationships.
  Keywords: P2P; mobile payment; privacy calculus model; perceived value; continuance; intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10065696
   
  
• The effect of social network users’ relationship quality on social commerce continuance: social support as a mediator  
  by Mayada M. Aref 
  Abstract: Apprehending online consumer behaviours is essential for social commerce development; this research empirically examined the antecedents of social commerce continuance based on social support and relationship quality theories. The data was gathered from 306 Egyptian social media users using a structured online questionnaire. The research hypotheses and the mediating analysis were conducted using structural equation modelling. The findings affirmed the positive association between intention, satisfaction, and social commerce continuance usage. Similarly, the positive effect of commitment and social support on trust was supported. As well as between trust and satisfaction, implying that building trustworthy relationships via social networks increases customer satisfaction. Social support and satisfaction are considered essential in promoting social commerce, as their significant role as mediators was proven.
  Keywords: social commerce continuance; social support; relationship quality; structural equation modelling; SEM; mediating effect; Egypt.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10065970
   
  
• From farm to table: unveiling the power of e-grocery apps in facilitating fresh agricultural produce to reach consumers  
  by Dienni Ruhjatini Sholihah, Ajeng Septiana Wulansari 
  Abstract: This research study seeks to gain insights into the attitudes and behaviours of Indonesian consumers regarding online grocery shopping. The study examines the influence of factors derived from the technology acceptance model (TAM) on consumers’ intentions to purchase groceries through mobile commerce. It also considers perceived trust as an additional factor. Additionally, the study incorporates the concept of price value as a moderating variable. The findings highlight the significant impact of two key factors: perceived usefulness and perceived trust, on consumers’ intentions to use e-grocery applications. When consumers perceive e-grocery applications as useful, they are more inclined to consider them for their grocery shopping needs. Perceived trust also plays a vital role in shaping consumers’ intentions to purchase through e-grocery applications. By recognising the importance of perceived usefulness and trust, e-grocery providers can improve the user experience and build consumer trust.
  Keywords: online grocery shopping; consumer behaviour; perceived usefulness; perceived trust; e-grocery applications; agricultural e-commerce; technology acceptance model; TAM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10066047
   
  
• (Techno)stress and subsequent burnout: how job autonomy enables working professionals to regulate demands with control  
  by Matej Černe, Aldijana Bunjak, Sut-I Wong, Darija Aleksić, Katerina Božič 
  Abstract: This paper focuses on how technostress relates to job stress, and subsequently results in burnout in digitised workplaces. We also propose that job autonomy can buffer the negative effect of technostress. We test our model in a four-wave longitudinal study of working professionals from a nationally representative quota sample (n = 198 employees contributing 792 observations). The results of the study supported our hypothesised model, highlighting that autonomy represents a crucial job design element that mitigates the effects of technostress on burnout over time. Our contributions complement existing research on technostress, specifically narrowing in on short- versus long-term negative outcomes of this phenomenon, and advancing research on stress and burnout in traditional work settings that adopted the high technology use. From a practical perspective, we provide guidelines for organisations on how to maintain the most appropriate ways of designing contemporary jobs that are inherently embedded in technology.
  Keywords: technostress; information communication technology; ICT; job stress; burnout; job autonomy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10066123
   
  
• Analysing the critical success factors that lead virtual human resource management in an organisation: interpretative structural modelling  
  by Ajith Kumar Shah, Arjun Yadav, Akanksha Shukla 
  Abstract: In the COVID and post-COVID era, virtual HRM, also known as electronic HRM, plays a crucial role in helping businesses to manage their workforces regardless of their physical location. Remote workers, international teams, and businesses with a scattered workforce may find virtual HRM to be very helpful. It has been noted that organisations are having difficulty integrating virtual HRM; therefore, this research work uses interpretative structural modelling (ISM) to analyse the variables that lead to the implementation of virtual HRM in organisations. The variables that contribute to virtual HRM have been identified and the ISM and MICMAC have been used to develop relationships and group variables as dependent and independent. Nine variables are identified in this study. For the adoption of virtual HRM in organisations, the virtual team is discovered to be the most significant aspect, while e-job design and job analysis are determined to be the least important factors.
  Keywords: virtual HRM; virtual teams; e-job design; e-human resource planning; interpretative structural modelling; ISM; MICMAC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10066825
   
  
• Enabling customer engagement through perceived social influence and self-enhancement and assessing its impact on brand love: a study of online buying of electronic wearables  
  by Mukesh Ranakoti, Pradeep Joshi 
  Abstract: India ranks as one of the quickest-growing global internet marketplaces for consumers, and therefore, the development of customer engagement is essential to strengthen the customer-brand relationship. This research intends to study the perceived social influence (PSI) and self-enhancement (SE) as two influencers of customer engagement (CE). It also ascertains brand love as an outcome of customer engagement (CE) concerning the online buying of electronic wearable products. Statistically, it investigates the mediating role of self-enhancement between PSI and CE. We tested our hypotheses using online survey data from 286 respondents. The results of this investigation confirm the significance of PSI and SE as two precursors for CE and the contribution of CE to the development of brand love. Moreover, the results provide significant positive mediation effects of self-enhancement between perceived social influence and customer engagement. It is suggested that online marketers should ensure that customers feel sufficient self-enhancement and social influence to enhance customer engagement while doing online buying.
  Keywords: customer engagement; CE; online buying; electronic wearable products; self-enhancement; SE; perceived social influence; PSI; brand love; BL.
  
  
• The role of mobile web atmospherics in online apparel purchase: the mediating roles of consumer emotions and attitude  
  by Kamalpreet Kaur, Lalit Mohan Kathuria 
  Abstract: This paper aims to analyse the role of mobile web atmospherics in online purchase of apparel. Based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework, this study also aims to examine the mediating influence of emotions and attitude towards mobile websites on purchase intentions and to assess the effect of purchase intention on consumer satisfaction. A total of 600 respondents were surveyed by using systematic random sampling and then the responses were tested against a conceptual framework using structural equation modelling. Findings revealed that informativeness, navigational cues, effectiveness of information content, and e-service quality significantly influenced attitude towards mobile website, whereas informativeness, navigational cues, enjoyment, response time, and trust significantly influenced consumers’ emotions (pleasure, arousal, and dominance, i.e., PAD). Further, consumer emotions (PAD) positively related to purchase intention; and attitude towards website was positively related to both purchase intention and satisfaction.
  Keywords: web atmospherics; consumers; emotions; attitude; pleasure; arousal and dominance; PAD; stimulus-organism-response; SOR; purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10067002
   
  
• Navigating stock market performance through financial reporting quality with moderation of blockchain technology  
  by Ying Deng 
  Abstract: The study attempts to explore the connection between financial reporting (FR) quality and stock market performance (SMP) from the perspective of China drawing on signalling theory. This study also tried to understand the moderating impact of blockchain technology (BCT) between the relationship of FP and SMP. After applying structural approach using SmartPls on a collected dataset based on 521 sample size, the study found a positive link between FP and SMP. This study additionally confirmed a moderating force of BCT, which influences the relational strength of FR and SMP. This study endows with multiple insights into FP and BCT and how both can productively improve SMP. Besides, this study enlists several implications for management and future directions for researchers.
  Keywords: financial reporting; stock market performance; SMP; blockchain technology; BCT; signalling theory; structure equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10067003
   
  
• Emerging managerial issues in adoption of quick commerce among youngsters in India using extended UTAUT2 framework: transformative trends in retail  
  by Ravishankar Krishnan, Logasakthi Kandasamy, P. Elantheraiyan Perumal 
  Abstract: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable upsurge in e-commerce within India, accompanied by the emergence of quick commerce (Q-commerce). To enhance Q-commerce usage, organisations and supply chain managers must understand the key factors driving customer adoption and the influences shaping their intention to use it. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the level of hedonic motivation (HMT) and behaviour intention (BRI) using the extended UTAUT2 in the context of Q-commerce. Data was collected through online and field surveys, with a total of 343 participants completing a questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was employed to test two developed models. The findings from model 1 demonstrate that hedonic motivation is positively and significantly affected by facilitating conditions, price value, and habit. Similarly, for model 2, the results indicate that behaviour intention is positively and significantly influenced by age, facilitating conditions, price value, and habit.
  Keywords: Q-commerce; UTAUT2; customers; hedonic motivation; behaviour intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10067182
   
  
• Positive externalities of COVID-19 for online businesses: a case of Bangladesh  
  by Md. Khaled Saifullah, Nabila Maruf, Maisha Basharat Chowdury 
  Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic not only created a global health crisis but also inflicted a major shock on the global economy. During the pandemic, government restrictions and changing consumer behaviours have forced businesses to go online. As for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the COVID-19 pandemic has provided opportunities to develop online businesses which provide them with greater scope to increase their consumer and revenue. Therefore, the study analyses the opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic for online businesses in Bangladesh which helped online businesses to continue growing in the post-COVID-19 era. This study adopted a quantitative approach based on survey data obtained from 233 businesses in Bangladesh. To analyse the obtained data, the partial least squares (PLS) method was used. The study found that COVID-19 positively influenced businesses to focus more on online platforms and expand their business online. Moreover, COVID-19 also helped online businesses to focus on the challenges businesses have faced. The study suggests that the authorities should ensure cybersecurity for online businesses which will help the businesses gain consumer satisfaction and service quality.
  Keywords: e-commerce; electronic commerce; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; cybersecurity; COVID-19; Bangladesh.
  
  
• A bibliometric retrospection of talent development from the lens of metaverse  
  by Parikshit Joshi, Anshu Singh, Priyanka Rastogi, Pooja Joshi 
  Abstract: This study explores the application of the metaverse in talent development using a bibliometric analysis (BA) methodology. The primary objectives are to evaluate the current state of literature, identify key thematic clusters, and highlight emerging trends in the field. Data for this analysis were sourced exclusively from the Scopus database, resulting in 851 relevant studies. The analysis was conducted in two phases: generating a pool of usable studies through the PRISMA protocol and analysing the data to uncover intellectual, conceptual, and social structures. Key findings include the identification of prominent authors, articles, and journals shaping the field. Rehabilitation, simulation-based training, and virtual reality training emerged as the most prominent themes under the intellectual and conceptual structure. Limitations of the study include the reliance on a single database and the use of only BA methodology, suggesting future research could benefit from a mixed-method approach incorporating systematic literature review (SLR). This study contributes to the human resource development (HRD) literature by providing a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape and identifying promising areas for future exploration.
  Keywords: metaverse; talent development; rehabilitation; simulation-based training; bibliometric analysis; virtual reality training.
  
  
• Resistance towards mobile payment: an examination of symbolic adopters  
  by Ling Long Tsai 
  Abstract: The study combines dual factor theory, the technology acceptance model, and user resistance to investigate the influence of technology anxiety and perceived innovativeness on attitude to use and intention to adopt mobile payment. A specific type of non-adopter, known as symbolic adopter, was investigated in the context of mobile payment (MP) adoption in the restaurant industry. Results show that technology anxiety negatively affected symbolic adopters attitude to use MP, whereas perceived innovativeness positively affected attitude to use MP. Attitude to use MP was also found to positively affect intention to use MP. In addition, resistance to change was found to have a moderating effect between perceived innovativeness and attitude to use MP as well as between attitude to use MP and intention to use MP. Findings of this study are beneficial for MP operators and restaurant managers to better target their promotion strategies to appeal to symbolic adopters.
  Keywords: perceived innovativeness; technology anxiety; resistance to change; intention to use; dual factor theory.
  
  
• Exploring the impact of electronic marketing on firm e-sales performance: empirical evidence from B2C vs. B2B perspectives and future challenges  
  by Jie Chen 
  Abstract: Electronic marketing (eM) is a vital component of a successful sales strategy having the ability to reach a global audience, offer targeted marketing, provide data-driven insights, and foster customer engagement makes it a more powerful tool for driving sales performance and achieving business growth. This study attempts to examine the nexus among electronic marketing tools, i.e., mobile marketing, search engine optimisation, chatbot, email marketing, and social media marketing on organisational e-sales performance (ESP) from the perspectives business to consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B). A total of 648 questionnaires for B2C and a total of 625 for B2B perspective were eventually considered for data analysis using SEM and SmartPLS. First, the study affirmed a positive connection between eM on e-sales performance from a B2C perspective. Second, the study confirmed a positive connection between eM on e-sales performance from the B2B domain. This study endows with insights into electronic marketing on how they may optimise the e-sales performance of the companies by utilising various technologies both B2C and B2B.
  Keywords: electronic marketing; e-sales performance; business-to-consumer perspective; business-to-business perspective; empirical analysis; innovation diffusion theory.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2025.10067653
   
  
• Internet of things vs. factory of things: an evaluation of evolving technologies for corporate sustainable development  
  by Lingya Zhang 
  Abstract: Internet of things (IoT) and factory of things (FoT) both are evolving AI-based models that revolutionise efficiency, productivity, and decision making in various industrial sectors, worldwide. It is claimed that research on IoTs and FoTs is crucial to unlock the full potential across nations, especially in developing economies. This study aims to explore the nexus of both models in terms of the sustainable development of corporates. The first objective is to explore the connections between IoT and sustainable development (SD) from the perspective of the Chinese industrial sector. Second, the key aim is to investigate the relationship between FoT and sustainable development. In addition, the aim is to examine the directions of both models (i.e., IoT and FoT) toward subdimensions of SD such as economic, social, and environmental development. Using a structural approach with the support of SmartPLS, this research carried out the analysis to explore the outcomes as follows. The results confirmed a positive connection between IoTs and SD. Likewise, the outcomes assured a significant connection between FoT and SD. Multidimensional testing confirmed the positive relationships of IoTs and FoTs toward each dimension of SD such as economic, social, and environmental development.
  Keywords: internet of things; IoT; factory of things; FoT; artificial intelligence; sustainable development; structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2025.10067683
   
  
• Entrepreneurship vs. e-entrepreneurship: an evaluation of entrepreneurial orientations for social and economic development  
  by Liping Wang 
  Abstract: Entrepreneurship and e-entrepreneurship both are vital for fostering dynamism, adaptability, and prosperity in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Entrepreneurship fuels innovation, job creation, and economic growth that support driving progress in various industries. However, e-entrepreneurship leverages digital platforms to reach global markets, fostering scalability, accessibility, and efficiency. This study specifically explores the nexus of both orientation modes toward corporate social and economic development in China, a developing nation. First, this study examines the correlation between entrepreneurship and social development (SoD). Second, the study explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development (EcD). Third, the study uncovers the relationship between e-entrepreneurship and SoD. Finally, the objective is to examine the relationship between e-entrepreneurship and EcD, respectively. The outcomes were obtained using a sample of 553 (N = 553) and utilising SEM method through SmartPLS. The study affirmed the positive relationships of entrepreneurship toward SoD and EcD. Likewise, this study assured the positive correlation of e-entrepreneurship toward SoD and EcD.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship; e-entrepreneurship; social development; economic development; structure equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10063200
   
  
• Effect of YouTube unboxing videos on viewers' perceptions and subsequent behaviours  
  by Li-Chen Yu, Chia-Lin Hsu, Ya-An Tsui 
  Abstract: Because videos play a key role in online marketing today, this study explored the effect of online social media marketing, (i.e., entertainment, interactivity, trendiness, customisation, and word-of-mouth) on the perceived trust, perceived value, and sharing and purchase intentions of YouTube viewers. Data were collected through an online survey conducted through social media. The sample comprised 437 viewers who had watched unboxing videos on YouTube within the previous month. Structural equation modelling revealed that among the various effects of social media marketing on perceived trust, word-of-mouth had the strongest effect, followed by entertainment and trendiness. However, interactivity and customisation did not significantly influence perceived trust. When the perceived trust of viewers was higher, their perceived value increased, and they reported a greater willingness to share information and purchase the product. These findings have several implications for YouTubers and marketers that can inform their development of videos and product promotion strategies.
  Keywords: social media marketing; perceived trust; perceived value; sharing intention; purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2025.10067682
   
  
• Exploring the influence path of brand relationship quality of agricultural products' regional public brand with a dual-attention perspective  
  by Yang Zhao, Yufang Wang, Jiangli Zhang, Jiawen Ren, Lin Wang 
  Abstract: The regional public brand of agricultural products is an important style of characteristic agricultural product brands. How to build the regional public brand of agricultural products has always been the focus of attention, and it is of great practical significance to explore the brand relationship quality improvement path of the regional public brand of agricultural products. This study adopts the fsQCA method based on the perspective of causal complexity configuration to construct the conditional configuration model of brand relationship quality for agricultural product regional public brands, using 30 agricultural product brand cases in the China Agricultural Brand Catalog 2019 Regional Public Brands of Agricultural Products as the research objects. The results show that there are five paths driving high brand relationship quality and six paths driving non-high brand relationship quality with causal asymmetry with the path of high brand relationship quality.
  Keywords: fsQCA; brand relationship quality; brand reputation; media attention; user attention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10064001
   
  
• Determinants of health apps' demand: a study on Google Play Store  
  by Cândida Sofia Machado, Cláudia Cardoso, Natália Lemos 
  Abstract: Markets for health apps are complex, with multiple actors and interactions between them. Therefore, a successful business model must guarantee adequate revenues for app developers, and simultaneously value for users to guarantee demand. To a sample of 200 health apps in the Portuguese Google Play Store, we applied ordinal regression models to understand what characteristics of health apps influence their demand, measured in terms of downloads. We find that monetisation strategies are crucial to explain health apps' demand. Free to download, in-app purchases and in-app ads increase downloads. Additionally, the quality of the app is of significant importance to ensure users' satisfaction and to enhance the visibility and demand of the app. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of the factors that impact the success of a mobile app, these findings should be of interest to researchers and app developers.
  Keywords: mobile apps; e-Health; demand for health apps; app characteristics; monetisation mechanisms; Google Play Store.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2024.10063008