A meta-analysis of Mobile Commerce Research in China (2002-2006)

China has the largest number of mobile phone users in the world, a fascinating phenomenon that has in recent years generated an increasing interest in Mobile Commerce Research (MCR) among Chinese scholars, who providentially have a variety of avenues available to them in conducting MCR due to its beginning stage. The present study, which was undertaken in early 2007, by reviewing and analysing a total of 162 MCR papers published in Mainland China during the period of 2002 and 2006, investigated the current status of China's MCR and identified its future directions. By the use of meta-analysis method, we categorised the 162 MCR papers in terms of their research focuses, topics, methods and contributions. Based on our analysis and comparisons of the data with those collected in similar mobile commerce studies carried out in the West, we have formulated our projections and recommendations for future MCR directions in Mainland China.