FACULTY OF COMMERCE AND APPLIED SCIENCES

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ANDROID APPLICATION FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

CASSIM MATOLA
Registration Number: ICBM/ BScICT/M/C1/11/22
AND
SARAH CHIKADZA
Registration Number: ICBM/ BScICT/M/C1/09/22

A project proposal submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

award of the Degree of Bachelors of Information Communication Technology

MAY 2023

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DECLARATION
This is our original work and has not been presented for any study program in any university. I
further declare that all materials cited in this paper which are not our own have been duly
acknowledged.

Signed: ………………………… Date……………………

CASSIM MATOLA

Registration Number: ICBM/ BScICT/M/C1/11/22

Signed: ………………………… Date……………………

SARAH CHIKADZA

Registration Number: ICBM/ BScICT/M/C1/09/22

Declaration by College or University Supervisor

This research proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as college or
university supervisor.

Signed: ………………………… Date……………………

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TABLE OF CONTENT

ANDROID APPLICATION FOR ONLINE SHOPPING.................................. 1

DECLARATION......................................................................................................2

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................6

1.1 Background of study .........................................................................................6

1.2 Statement of the problem ..................................................................................7

1.3 Justification of the project .................................................................................7

1.4 Significance of the project ................................................................................7

1.5 Project objectives ..............................................................................................7

1.5.1 Main objective .............................................................................................7

1.5.2 Specific objectives ......................................................................................8

1.6 Scope of the study .............................................................................................8

CHAPTER TWO .....................................................................................................9

Literature review for online shopping ...................................................................9

CHAPTER THREE ...............................................................................................11

SYSTEM METHODOLOGY ...............................................................................11

3.1 Software development process ....................................................................11

3.2 The design methodologies ...........................................................................11

3.3 Technologies to be used ..............................................................................11

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3.4 Test cases .....................................................................................................11

3.5 Sample size and sampling procedure........................................................ 12

3.6 Data Collection Instruments ........................................................................ 12
3.7 Data analysis............................................................................................. 12
3.7.1 Literature review.................................................................................... 12
3.7.2 Primary Data ..........................................................................................12
3.8 Ethical consideraditions........................................................................... 12

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................13

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ABSTRACT

This paper explores how an android application for online shopping which is a proposed new
system can be used to improve business experience from the perspective of both businesspersons
and potential customers. The study aims at bringing a new platform for conducting business.it is
meant to be a whole new experience to both stakeholders within the business in fact this is a
major takeoff point for most businesses to reduce operational costs and improve their customer
relations ,on the other hand it’s also meant to make potential customers shop at their comfort
here in Malawi. The system is meant to take advantage of the rising accessibility of internet
among the locals and increased computer knowledge among the people.

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CHAPTER ONE

Introduction
The rapid growth of online shopping has been driven by the increasing use of mobile devices, and
mobile applications have become a significant tool for online shopping. Android is one of the most
popular mobile operating systems, and a large number of users use Android smartphones and
tablets. The use of mobile applications for online shopping has revolutionized the way consumers
shop online, providing them with a convenient and user-friendly platform to purchase goods and
services.

1.1 Background of study

Online shopping has become a ubiquitous aspect of our daily lives as well here in Malawi, and
the convenience it offers has contributed to the growth of the e-commerce sector. However,
traditional web-based shopping portals are becoming less popular, as users prefer to shop on
mobile devices. According to a study conducted by Statista in 2022, mobile shopping accounted
for 73% of all e-commerce sales, whereas web-based shopping accounted for only 27%. This
substantial gap highlights the shifting preference towards mobile applications as the preferred
medium for online shopping (Statista, 2022). A mobile application that provides an easy-to-use
interface and user experience is crucial to the success of any online retail business. This research
project aims to develop an Android application for online shopping that will improve the user
experience, enhance user engagement, and boost sales for e-commerce businesses here in
Malawi.
The development of an Android application for online shopping requires a combination of
technical expertise and user-centered design principles. By conducting a research study on this
topic, it is possible to identify the key factors that contribute to the success of such an app, and
provide recommendations for improving the overall user experience.
Mobile apps have become a critical component of online shopping, as they allow retailers to
provide a more personalized and engaging shopping experience for their customers. With an app,
customers can easily browse products, view product details and images, read reviews, and make
purchases directly from their mobile devices. In addition, apps can provide features like push
notifications, loyalty programs, and easy re-ordering, which can help to increase customer
retention and loyalty.

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1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is a common usability and user experience issues with Android applications for online
shopping. For example, research by Kim et al. (2014) found that users often encounter difficulties
with product search, navigation, and checkout processes. Other studies have identified issues
related to app speed, security, and privacy concerns (Zhou et al., 2017).
1.3 Justification of the project
Zhou et al. (2017) have highlighted issues related to app speed, security, and privacy concerns.
Slow-loading applications, inadequate security measures, and privacy vulnerabilities can
undermine user trust and deter them from engaging in online transactions through mobile
platforms.
1.4 Significance of the project
The project will help to identify the most common usability and user experience issues
encountered by users of Android applications for online shopping, and provide recommendations
for addressing these issues. This can improve the overall quality of mobile shopping apps and
increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

1.4 Project objectives

1.4.1 Main objective
The primary objective of this research is to develop an Android application for online shopping
that offers an exceptional user experience. The application should be tailored explicitly to the
user's needs, and allow easy navigation of products, provide a secure payment gateway, and
empower customer engagement.

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1.4.2 Specific objectives
 Define the requirements for an efficient Android application for online shopping.
 Develop an Android application with excellent features and functionality that guarantee
seamless online shopping.
 Test the application to assess its usability and effectiveness in enhancing the user
experience.
 To target the smartphone users between the age of 18-34. According to a report by
eMarketer, smartphone users aged 18-34, also known as millennials and Gen Z, are the
most active mobile shoppers (eMarketer, 2022).

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the most common usability and user experience issues that users encounter when
using Android applications for online shopping?
2. How do users perceive the usability and user experience of Android applications for online
shopping, and how do these perceptions vary by demographic factors such as age and
gender?
3. What are the key design factors that contribute to the success of Android applications for
Online shopping, and how do these factors vary across different types of products and
services?
4. How do the features and functionalities of successful Android applications for online
shopping compare with those of successful web-based e-commerce platform?

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of the project in case of Malawi involves developing an Android application for online
shopping that is customized for the local market. It includes localization, integration with local
payment gateways such as Airtel money and TNM mbamba, relevant product selection,
consideration of delivery logistics, optimization for network limitations, and user education and
support. By addressing these specific factors, the application aims to cater to the needs and
preferences of Malawian consumers, providing them with a seamless and tailored online shopping
experience.

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CHAPTER TWO

Literature reviews for online shopping

McGoldrick(2002) defined 'electronic shopping' as a form of shopping in which some form of
electronic communications technology is used at the offering, ordering and/or payment stage. E-
commerce takes place between companies between companies and their customers, or between
companies and public administrations, (Whiteley, 2000).
While Koty(2006) said that: “E-commerce is the process of managing online financial
transactions by individuals and companies." Usually the key components of e-commerce are
distinguished between electronic commerce between businesses (B2B), between consumers and
businesses (B2C) and that between consumer each other. (McGoldrick, 2002; Timmers, 1999;
Whiteley, 2000; Koty 2006). These definitions makes there are multiple perspectives to e-
commerce and provide a comprehensive characterization of e-commerce (Holsapple and
Sasidnaran, 2009). Holsapple and Singh (2000) provided a five-cluster taxonomy of E-commerce
definitions, The five clusters are: the trading view, the information exchange view, the activity
view, the effects view, and the value-chain view, also they advanced an integrated definition of
E-commerce:(HolsappleandSingh,2000,p164).
"Electronic commerce is an approach to achieving business goals in which technology for information
exchange enables or facilitates execution of activities in and across value chains as well as supporting
decision making that underlies those activities."

These three key models of E-commerce B2B (e.g.: Cisco) is viewed as dealing with
manufacturing and wholesale activity, and B2C (e.g.: Amazon) as dealing with retailing and
service industry by The US Department of Commerce (2006), C2C e-commerce is consist of
online customer auctions, (e.g.: eBay), with providing a platform for buyer and seller to engage
in the selling and purchase of retail goods. Base on the total volume of E-commerce transaction
in 2004 amounted to US$ 1951 billion which the biggest share is B2B segment, amounting to
93% or US$ 1821 billion, however B2C E-commerce remains perhaps the most visible and
easily recognizable face of e-Commerce, ( Holsapple and Sasidnaran, 2009); C2C is still
considered to be a fresher and the size of C2C accounts for only a piece of whole E-commerce
market, according to industry analysts, In the U.S., consumer online auction sales will reach $65
billion by 2010, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all online retail sales (Forrester Research,
2005), the potential of C2C E-commerce should not be overlooked.

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Zhou et al (2017) have identified common usability and user experience issues with Android
applications for online shopping. For example, research by Kim et al. (2014) found that users often
encounter difficulties with product search, navigation, and checkout processes. Other studies have
identified issues related to app speed, security, and privacy concerns (Zhou et al., 2017).
A comparative analysis of successful mobile shopping apps across different industries can provide
valuable insights into effective design strategies. For example, research by Kumar et al. (2018)
identified several design factors that were critical to the success of mobile shopping apps, including
personalized recommendations, user reviews, and easy checkout processes.
Effective strategies for addressing security and privacy concerns in mobile shopping apps. For
example, research by Jansen et al. (2015) found that clear and concise privacy policies could help
increase users' trust and confidence in mobile apps. Other studies have identified the importance
of implementing secure payment options, two-factor authentication, and encryption protocols
(Sathishkumar et al., 2020).
Improving payment systems in mobile shopping apps. For example, research by Li and Li (2019)
found that implementing one-click payments, auto-fill features, and payment reminders can help
improve the user experience and increase conversion rates. Other studies have identified the
importance of integrating with third-party payment platforms, such as PayPal or Alipay, to offer
users additional payment options (Wu and Chen, 2019).
Capability of social commerce in mobile shopping apps. For example, research by Kim and Ko
(2020) found that incorporating social sharing, user-generated content, and social influencers can
help increase user engagement and promote brand loyalty. Other studies have identified the
importance of integrating social login, social reviews, and social recommendations to improve the
user experience and increase sales conversion rates (Zhu and Chen, 2020).
Mobile analytics is a critical tool for retailers and app developers to track and analyze user behavior
and app performance. According to research by Sahoo et al. (2020), mobile analytics can help
retailers understand user preferences, optimize app design and functionality, and improve
marketing strategies.
The use of mobile analytics in mobile shopping apps. For example, research by Alqahtani et al.
(2020) found that implementing analytics tools, such as Google Analytics or Mixpanel, can help
retailers track user engagement, retention, and conversion rates. Other studies have identified the
importance of using data-driven insights to inform app design and marketing strategies, such as
personalized recommendations, push notifications, and targeted promotions (Zhang et al., 2021).

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CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY
This research methodology will be employed in design science approach. It will be developed
using a combination of programming language technologies such as Java programming language,
and Firebase Database. The system will have a user-friendly interface and will be designed to meet
the needs of all stakeholders. The project will also follow software development processes,
ensuring timely delivery of the system.
3.1 Software development process
In this project, we will use incremental approach. This is meant to enable easy accommodation of
changes and improvements as requirements are divided into multiple standalone modules of
software development cycle.
3.2 Research design methodologies
The project will follow the design science approach
UML diagrams which include-use case diagrams, dataflow diagrams, entity relationship diagrams,
interaction diagrams and activity diagrams. All this diagrams will show the system from a different
perspective.

3.3Technologies to be used
It will be developed using a combination of programming language technologies such as Java
Programming language, and Firebase Real-time Database by Google. Firebase Real-time
Database is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database that allows real-time synchronization of data across
multiple clients. It provides an easy-to-use and scalable solution for sharing resources among
users or applications. The system will have a user-friendly interface and
Will be designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders

3.4 Test cases

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After the system is developed, the following test cases would be used to verify and validate the
objectives and requirements of the system. They include unit testing, integration tests, user testing,
black box testing and white box testing.

3.5 Sample size and sampling procedure

A sample size (S) of 15 respondents will be studied from the total population. The study will
employ stratified random sampling in which it will be stratified according to their area of project.
A simple random sampling technique will be used to select sampling units from the population in
each stratum.
3.6 Data Collection Instruments
The study will employ the use of questionnaires and interview schedules that will provide the
primary data while literature review analysis will be used to gather secondary data.
3.7 Data analysis
3.7.1 Literature review
The literature review will be analyzed thematically to identify the latest trends and best practices
In online shopping application development.
3.7.2 Primary Data
The data generated by questionnaires, interview and observation schedules will be checked, edited
organized and computer coded to reduce the mass of data obtained into a form suitable for analysis.

3.8 Ethical consideration

Ensure ethical considerations are taken into account throughout the research process, including
obtaining informed consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality of data, and ensuring no
harm comes to participants during the research process.

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References

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36(3), 443-458.
2. De Silva, V., & Suryadevara, N. (2019). An analysis of usability factors affecting consumer
adoption of mobile shopping apps in Sri Lanka. Journal of Retailing and Consumer
Services, 47, 1-10.
3. Kim, H., & Park, J. (2017). An analysis of user satisfaction and usability of mobile
shopping applications. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 37, 8-22.
4. Lian, J. W., & Yen, D. C. (2014). Online shopping drivers and barriers for older adults:
Age and gender differences. Computers in Human Behavior, 37, 133-143.
5. Meuter, M. L., Ostrom, A. L., Bitner, M. J., & Roundtree, R. (2003). The influence of
technology anxiety on consumer use and experiences with self-service technologies.
Journal of Business Research, 56(11), 899-906.
6. Wang, X., Chen, S., & Liang, X. (2015). Factors influencing Chinese consumers' adoption
of mobile shopping apps. Journal of Business Research, 68(11), 2227-2234. Statista.
(2022). Mobile share of retail e-commerce sales worldwide from 2017 to 2021, with a
forecast until 2025. Retrieved from www.Statista.com
7. eMarketer. (2022). US Smartphone Shoppers by Age, 2019-2025. Retrieved from www.e-
marketer.io
8. Zhang, K. Z., Zhang, Z., & Cheung, C. M. (2018). From e-commerce to social
commerce: A close look at design features. Electronic Commerce Research and
Applications, 27, 139-153.
9. McGoldrick, P. J. (2002). Retail Marketing. new york: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
10. Way, J. T. (2012). The Mayan in the Mall: Globalization, Development, and the Making
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