Skip to main content
Log in

Mobile Performance Support Systems: Characteristics, Benefits, and Conditions

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
TechTrends Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mobile performance support systems (MPSS) involve the use of handheld and wearable devices to assist workers to complete job tasks that are not tied to a fixed location. This paper acknowledges MPSS as an emerging human performance technology (HPT) intervention and distinguishes the differences between mobile learning and MPSS. MPSS focuses on performance outcomes, whereas mobile learning focuses on learning outcomes. The paper presents a review of the foundations for MPSS while focusing on its delivery methods, characteristics, benefits, and use conditions in the workplace. Implications for HPT practitioners to make informed decisions when considering adopting MPSS in their organizations are provided.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
€32.70 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Finland)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Abate, A. F., Nappi, M., Narducci, F., & Ricciardi, S. (2017). Mixed reality system for industrial environment: An evaluation study. CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology, 2(4), 182–193. https://doi.org/10.1049/trit.2017.0017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abowd, G. D., Dey, A. K., Brown, P. J., Davies, N., Smith, M., & Steggles, P. (1999). Towards a Better Understanding of Context and Context-Awareness. Handheld and Ubiquitous Computing, 1707, 304–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-48157-5_29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad, N. (2009). Examining the effectiveness of a mobile electronic performance support system in a workplace environment [Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University]. In ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (304866867). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

  • Ahmad, N., & Orton, P. (2010). Smartphones Make IBM Smarter. But Not As Expected T + D, 64(1), 46. MasterFILE Premier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Askar, A. (2018). Mobile Electronic Performance Support System as a Learning and Performance Solution: A Qualitative Study Examining Usage, Performance, and Attitudes. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology - TOJET, 17(2), 76–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berking, P., & Haag, J. (2015). A reference model for designing mobile learning and performance support. 12. https://adlnet.gov/assets/uploads/A_Reference_Model_for_Designing_Mobile_Learning_and_Performance_Support_Haag_Berking.pdf

  • Campbell, C. P. (1996). Job performance aids. Journal of European Industrial Training, 20(6), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090599610119269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carl, D. R. (2016). Forget EPSSs: how you can marshal mobile Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and spatial awareness for performance improvement. Performance Improvement, 55(10), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.21622

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carl, D. R. (2019). An Examination of Context in the Age of Ubiquitous Mobile Computing. Performance Improvement, 58(2), 13–43. E-Journals.

  • Carr, C. (1992). PSS! Help When You Need It. Training & Development, 46(6), 30. MasterFILE Premier.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Crescenzio, F., Fantini, M., Persiani, F., Di Stefano, L., Azzari, P., & Salti, S. (2011). Augmented Reality for Aircraft Maintenance Training and Operations Support. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 31(1), 96–101. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCG.2011.4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Definition of CONTEXT. (n.d.). Retrieved August 9, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/context

  • Definition of DIALOGUE. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialogue

  • Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J. O. (2006). The systematic design of instruction (6, 6th ed.). Pearson. [Nachdr].

  • Dick, W. D. (2016). A qualitative cross-case analysis of three real-world mobile performance support design models. The Florida State University.

  • Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (Strozier Library LB1060.D75, 3rd ed.). Pearson Allyn and Bacon.

  • Egger, J., & Masood, T. (2020). Augmented reality in support of intelligent manufacturing – A systematic literature review. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 140. ScienceDirect.

  • Erkoyuncu, J., & Khan, S. (2020). Olfactory-Based Augmented Reality Support for Industrial Maintenance. IEEE Access Access IEEE, 8, 30306–30321. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2970220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gal, E., Meishar-tal, H., Non, R. B., Ben‐Basat, A., & Paikin, L. (2017). Applying Tablet‐Based Performance Support Application for Technicians’ Training at the Israeli Air Force: A Case Study. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 30(2), 121–136. https://doi.org/10.1002/piq.21243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gayeski, D. (2002). Learning unplugged using mobile technologies for organizational training and performance improvement. AMACOM.

  • Gayeski, D., & Petrillose, M. J. (2005). No strings attached how the gaming and hospitality industry uses mobile devices to engineer performance. Performance Improvement, 44(2), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4140440208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, T. F. (1978). Human competence: Engineering worthy performance (LB1062.6.G54 (FSU STROZIER LIBRARY General Collection)). McGraw-Hill.

  • Gobert, D. (2002). Designing Wearable Performance Support: Insights from the Early Literature. Technical Communication, 49(4), 444. JSTOR Journals.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, C., & Mosher, B. (2011). Innovative performance support: Strategies and practices for learning in the workflow. McGraw-Hill.

  • Gottfredson, C., Stead, G., Mosher, B., Good, M., & Bhamidi, V. (2016). Harnessing the mobile storm: The power and potential of mobile learning: Sponsored library | The learning guild. https://www.learningguild.com/sponsored/68/harnessing-the-mobile-storm-the-power-and-potential-of-mobile-learning/. Accessed  2020.

  • GPS.gov: GPS Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, from https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/

  • Guranick, D. (2017, June 20). Mobile performance support for just-in-time problem solving. https://www.learningguild.com/focuson/sessions/session-details.cfm?session=8397. Accessed 2020.

  • Hans, W., Albrecht, G., & Michael, B. (2002). Multi-sensor context-awareness in mobile devices and smart artifacts. Mobile Networks & Applications, 7(5), 341–351. Journals@OVID.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harless, J. (1986). Guiding performance with job aids. In National Society for Performance and Instruction (Ed.), Introduction to performance technology. (pp. 106–124). National Society for Performance and Instruction.

  • Hedayati, H., Walker, M., & Szafir, D. (2018). Improving Collocated Robot Teleoperation with Augmented Reality. ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction, 78–86. Applied Science & Technology Source.

  • Hou, L., & Wang, X. (2013). A study on the benefits of augmented reality in retaining working memory in assembly tasks: A focus on differences in gender. Automation in Construction, 32, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.12.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hueftle, T. A. (2005). Developing a mobile electronic performance support system for a major top 20 newspaper: An action research study in advertising sales (305366427) [Ph.D., Capella University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

  • Jetter, J., Eimecke, J., & Rese, A. (2018). Augmented reality tools for industrial applications: What are potential key performance indicators and who benefits? Computers in Human Behavior, 87, 18–33. ScienceDirect.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang, S. “Pil,” & Molenda, M. H. (2018). How Shall We Define Human Performance Technology? Performance Improvement Quarterly, 31(2), 189–212. eue.

  • Kipper, G., & Rampolla, J. (2012). Augmented reality: An emerging technologies guide to AR. Syngress. eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost).

  • Layton, C. F., Christodoulou, M. J., Jackson, J. T., & Turner, J. L. (1995). Lessons learned in the development of mobile electronic performance support systems. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 39(4), 268–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/154193129503900410

  • Liu, C., Huot, S., Diehl, J., Mackay, W., & Beaudouin-Lafon, M. (2012). Evaluating the benefits of real-time feedback in mobile augmented reality with hand-held devices. Proceedings of the 2012 ACM Annual Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - CHI ’12, 2973. https://doi.org/10.1145/2207676.2208706

  • ManpowerGroup. (n.d.). What workers want 2019 talent shortage study. Retrieved August 27 (2020). from https://go.manpowergroup.com/talent-shortage

  • Masood, T., & Egger, J. (2019). Augmented reality in support of Industry 4.0—Implementation challenges and success factors. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 58, 181–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcim.2019.02.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCormick, S. (2017, March 22). Building effective mobile performance support. https://www.learningguild.com/conference-archive/8257/building-effective-mobile-performance-support/. Accessed 2020.

  • McKee, M. R., Allen, J. M., & Tamez, R. (2014). The effect of mobile support devices on the anxiety and self-efficacy of hospital float staff. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(2), 59–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/piq.21171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McManus, P., & Rossett, A. (2006). Performance support tools: Delivering value when and where it is needed. Performance Improvement, 45(2), 8–16. bth,

  • Milgram, P., Takemura, H., Utsumi, A., & Kishino, F. (1995). Augmented reality: A class of displays on the reality-virtuality continuum. Proceedings of SPIE, 1, 282. Complementary Index.

  • Neumann, U., & Majoros, A. (1998). Cognitive, performance, and systems issues for augmented reality applications in manufacturing and maintenance. Proceedings. IEEE 1998 Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium (Cat. No.98CB36180), Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium, 1998. Proceedings., IEEE 1998, 4–11. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/VRAIS.1998.658416

  • Nguyen, F., & Woll, C. A. (2006). A practitioner’s guide for designing performance support systems. Performance Improvement, 45(9), 37–45. bth.

  • Nobrega, R., Jacob, J., Coelho, A., Weber, J., Ribeiro, J., & Ferreira, S. (2017). Mobile location-based augmented reality applications for urban tourism storytelling. 2017 24o Encontro Português de Computação Gráfica e Interação (EPCGI), Computação Gráfica e Interação (EPCGI), 2017 24o Encontro Português De, 1–8. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/EPCGI.2017.8124314

  • Noghabaei, M., Heydarian, A., Balali, V., & Han, K. (2020). A survey study to understand industry vision for virtual and augmented reality applications in design and construction. arXiv.

  • Pascalau, E., Nalepa, G. J., & Kluza, K. (2013). Towards a better understanding of context-aware applications. 2013 Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems, Computer Science and Information Systems (FedCSIS), 2013 Federated Conference On, 959–962. IEEE Xplore Digital Library.

  • Pascoe, J. (1998). Adding generic contextual capabilities to wearable computers. Digest of Papers. Second International Symposium on Wearable Computers (Cat. No.98EX215), Wearable Computers, 1998. Digest of Papers. Second International Symposium On, 92–99. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISWC.1998.729534

  • Pastore, R. S. (2013). Designing and developing mobile based instruction: a designer’s perspective. Journal of Design and Technology Education, 3, 60. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings.

  • Pentenrieder, K., Bade, C., Doil, F., & Meier, P. (2007). Augmented Reality-based factory planning—An application tailored to industrial needs. 2007 6th IEEE and ACM International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality, Mixed and Augmented Reality, 2007. ISMAR 2007. 6th IEEE and ACM International Symposium On, 31–42. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR.2007.4538822

  • Porcelli, I., Rapaccini, M., Espíndola, D. B., & Pereira, C. E. (2013). Technical and Organizational Issues about the Introduction of Augmented Reality in Maintenance and Technical Assistance Services. IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 46(7), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.3182/20130522-3-BR-4036.00024

  • Pryor, M., Ebert, D., Byrne, V., Richardson, K., Jones, Q., Cole, R., & Collins McLaughlin, A. (2019). Diagnosis behaviors of physicians and non-physicians when supported by an electronic differential diagnosis aid. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 63(1), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071181319631420

  • Quinn, C. N. (2011). Designing mLearning: Tapping into the mobile revolution for organizational performance (Strozier Library HD30.335.Q56 2011). Pfeiffer.

  • Rasmussen, J. (1986). Information processing and human-machine interaction: An approach to cognitive engineering. North-Holland.

  • Richardson, T., Gilber, S. B., Holub, J., Thompson, F., MacAllister, A., Radkowski, R., Winer, E., Davies, P., & Terry, S. (2014). Fusing Self-Reported and Sensor Data from Mixed- Reality Training. Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Conference Proceedings and Posters. 92. Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2014, Orlando, FL. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/imse_conf/92. Accessed 2021.

  • Rios, H., González, E., Rodriguez, C., Siller, H. R., & Contero, M. (2013). A Mobile Solution to Enhance Training and Execution of Troubleshooting Techniques of the Engine Air Bleed System on Boeing 737. Procedia Computer Science, 25, 161–170. ScienceDirect.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rossett, A., & Schafer, L. (2007). Job aids and performance support: Moving from knowledge in the classroom to knowledge everywhere. Pfeiffer.

  • Rossett, A. (2010). Ode to Mobile Performance Support. Learning Solutions Magazine. https://learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/500/ode-tomobile-performance-support. Accessed 2020.

  • Rossett, A. (2011). If Mobile Learning and Support are Wonderful, Why aren’t They Everywhere? ELearn, 2011(11), 2. https://doi.org/10.1145/2060096.2065056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rossett, A., & Gautier-Downes, J. (1991). A handbook of job aids. Pfeiffer; State University Libraries UBorrow Catalog.

  • Rubio, S., Díaz, E., Martín, J., & Puente, J. M. (2004). Evaluation of subjective mental workload: a comparison of SWAT, NASA-TLX, and workload profile methods. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 53(1), 61–86. Business Source Complete.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruffner, J. W., & Deibler, N. P. (2010). Ensuring mobile devices deliver mobile support: are we there yet? ELearning & Software for Education, Journal Article, 1–13.

  • Rummler, G. A., & Brache, A. P. (1995). Improving performance: How to manage the white space on the organization chart (Strozier Library HD56.R86 1995; 2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass; cat05720a.

  • Schilit, B., Adams, N., & Want, R. (1994). Context-aware computing applications. 1994 First Workshop on Mobile Computing Systems and Applications, Mobile Computing Systems and Applications, 1994. WMCSA 1994. First Workshop On, 85–90. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/WMCSA.1994.16

  • Sclafani, J., Tirrell, T. F., & Franko, O. I. (2013). Mobile tablet use among academic physicians and trainees. Journal of Medical Systems, 1, 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Segovia, D., Mendoza, M., Mendoza, E., & González, E. (2015). Augmented reality as a tool for production and quality monitoring. 2015 International Conference Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education, 75, 291–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.12.250

  • Servan, J., Mas, F., Menendez, J. L., & Rios, J. (2012). Using augmented reality in AIRBUS A400M shop floor assembly work instructions. 633. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings.

  • Sharit, J. (2012). Human error and human reliability analysis. In G. Salvendy (Ed.), Handbook of human factors and ergonomics (4th ed., pp. 734–800). Electronic Resources.

  • Singh, M. (2017). Mobile technologies for police tasks: An Australian study. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 27(1), 66–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/10919392.2016.1263114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoltz, M. H., Giannikas, V., McFarlane, D., Strachan, J., Um, J., & Srinivasan, R. (2017). Augmented reality in warehouse operations: opportunities and barriers. IFAC PapersOnLine, 50(1), 12979–12984. ScienceDirect.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stolovitch, H. D., & Keeps, E. J. (1999). Handbook of human performance technology: Improving individual and organizational performance worldwide (Strozier Library HF5549.5.P37 H36 1999; 2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

  • Sweller, J. (1994). Learning and instruction: cognitive load theory, learning difficulty, and instructional design. Learning & Instruction, 4(4), 295–312. Education Source.

  • Tosti, D., & Jackson, S. F. (1999). Feedback. In H. D. Stolovitch & E. J. Keeps (Eds.), Handbook of human performance technology: Improving individual and organizational performance worldwide (Strozier Library HF5549.5.P37 H36 1999; 2nd ed., pp. 395–410). Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

  • Unal, F. C., & Demir, Y. (2018). Location based data representation through augmented reality in architectural design. Archnet-Ijar International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(3), 228–245. https://doi.org/10.26687/archnet-ijar.v12i3.1675

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Krevelen, D., & Poelman, R. (2010). A survey of augmented reality technologies, applications and limitations. International Journal of Virtual Reality, 9(2), 1. Supplemental Index.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Tiem, D., Moseley, J. L., & Dessinger, J. C. (2012). Fundamentals of performance improvement: optimizing results through people, process, and organizations. Center for Creative Leadership.

  • Villachica, S. W., & Stone, D. L. (1999). Performance support systems. In H. D. Stolovitch & E. J. Keeps (Eds.), Handbook of human performance technology: Improving individual and organizational performance worldwide (Strozier Library HF5549.5.P37 H36 1999; 2nd ed., pp. 442–463). Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

  • Vorraber, W., Gasser, J., Webb, H., Neubacher, D., & Url, P. (2020). Assessing augmented reality in production: remote-assisted maintenance with HoloLens. Procedia CIRP, 88, 139–144. ScienceDirect.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, W., & Reani, M. (2017). The rise of mobile computing for Group Decision Support Systems: A comparative evaluation of mobile and desktop. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 104(Generic), 16–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2017.02.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinstein, M. (2007). Mobility Movement. Training -New York then Minneapolis then New York-, 8, 14. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings

  • Wickens, C. D. (1992). Engineering psychology and human performance. HarperCollins Publishers. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/002602282. Accessed 2021.

  • Woodill, G. (2011). The mobile learning edge: Tools and technologies for developing your teams. McGraw-Hill Professional.

  • Yuan, Y., & Zheng, W. (2006). The fit between mobile task and mobile work support: a theoretical framework. 2006 International Conference on Mobile Business, Mobile Business, 2006. ICMB ’06. International Conference On, 11–11. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMB.2006.44

  • Yueh, H. P., Lu, M. H., & Lin, W. (2016). Employees’ acceptance of mobile technology in a workplace: An empirical study using SEM and fsQCA. Journal of Business Research, 69(6), 2318–2324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.12.048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaher, M., Greenwood, D., Mohamed Marzouk. (2018). Mobile augmented reality applications for construction projects. Construction Innovation, 18(2), 152–166. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2017-0013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, M., & Campbell, A. G. (2019). Location-based augmented reality in-situ visualization applied for agricultural fieldwork navigation. 2019 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), 2019 IEEE International Symposium on, ISMAR-ADJUNCT, 93–97. IEEE Xplore Digital Library. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct.2019.00039

  • Zheng, W. (2007). The nature of mobile work and the needs for mobile work technology support: A task -technology fit perspective [Ph.D., McMaster University (Canada)]. In ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (304807441). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yao Huang.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of Interests/Competing Interests

The authors declare that we have no conflict or competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Huang, Y., Klein, J.D. Mobile Performance Support Systems: Characteristics, Benefits, and Conditions. TechTrends 67, 150–159 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00804-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00804-y

Keywords

Navigation