A scalable mobile platform for accessing services of experts in local and global markets

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The rapid development of mobile devices has changed the way how we communicate, learn and work. It has made it possible for us to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever they might be. However, it is less easy to conduct business through the use of mobile devices, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) due to limited access to advanced technologies. Hence, it presents a challenge, as well as an opportunity, for the SMBs to expand their businesses through efficient and advanced mobile applications. The industrial partner, Alpha Global Experts Inc. (AGE), is faced with such a challenge. AGE aims to provide end-to-end consulting services to companies to enable strategic expansion and sustainable operations in international markets. AGE achieves this by providing customized local expertise, cultural insights and global strategic support in the areas of cultural adaptation, business customs, training, business negotiation and language services. The goal of Alpha Global Experts Inc. is to become a market leader for providing in-country support for companies in international markets. To expand its services, AGE intends to build a mobile app, which provides a central platform/portal connecting clients to in-country local experts to help navigate foreign markets. The objective of this project is to create a mutually beneficial collaboration between the University of Alberta researchers and AGE to develop a mobile application platform for potential customers to access the services of experts provided by AGE in various countries. This project also provides a unique training environment for highly qualified personnel (HQP). The training will equip the HQP necessary skills in software development within an industrial and commercial context. Hence, the project will benefit the Canadian economy in the long term.