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1 – 10 of 34
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2020

Laila Al-Omairi, Hosam Al-Samarraie, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani and Nasser Alalwan

In any developing country, the critical benefits for ensuring proper utilization of e-government learning services have basically emerged from the integration of underlying…

Abstract

Purpose

In any developing country, the critical benefits for ensuring proper utilization of e-government learning services have basically emerged from the integration of underlying processes – not only across different levels of government but also across different functions and agencies. The literature showed a notable lack of research to underline the limited use of e-government learning services in a university setting. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine students' intention to adopt e-government learning services in a developing country. Precisely, the existent to which reputation, social influence, information quality and system quality of e-government learning services would influence students' trust, perceived usefulness and perceived learning values was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect from these variables on students' intention to use e-government learning services was also investigated. A total of 406 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) modeling.

Findings

The results showed varying relationships between the study's variables. It is anticipated that understanding these relationships can predict future learning trends of e-government learning services use among university students, thus helping decision makers plan ahead, prioritize tasks and make better decisions.

Originality/value

Knowledge about students' intention to use e-government learning services is even useful for the implementation of other services by higher education institutions. This study also offers some implications for practitioners and researchers concerned about the application of e-government in students' learning development.

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Bahiyah Omar, Hosam Al-Samarraie, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani and Ng See Kee

Most new media research focuses on behavior as a measure of engagement, while the psychological state of being occupied with its content has received little attention. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Most new media research focuses on behavior as a measure of engagement, while the psychological state of being occupied with its content has received little attention. This study examined news engagement beyond pure action observation by exploring young people’s psychological experiences with the news.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carried out a digital native’s survey on 212 people (18–28 years). The focus of the survey was on understanding individuals’ engagement with online news using affective and cognitive components. The authors compared the influence of each type of engagement on youth consumption of and attitudes toward online news.

Findings

The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that affective engagement can be a stronger predictor of online news consumption than cognitive engagement. While affective engagement significantly predicts positive attitudes toward online news, cognitive engagement had no significant effect.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that “engaging the heart” is more influential than “engaging the mind” in drawing young people to the news in today’s information environment. The study thus contributes to the understanding of the cognitive and emotional focus on news content and their importance in shaping young people’s expectations of online news. The findings from this study could have broader implications for future trends in online news consumption.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2020

Ahmed Housni Alsswey, Hosam Al-Samarraie, Fuad Ali El-Qirem, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani and Osama Alfarraj

Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural…

1192

Abstract

Purpose

Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural aspects of groups of users are among the key features of users’ design preferences, because each group’s preferences depend on various features that are culturally compatible. The process of integrating culture into the design of a system has always been an important ingredient for effective and interactive human computer interface. This study aims to investigate the design of a mobile health (mHealth) application user interface (UI) based on Arabic culture. It was argued that integrating certain cultural values of specific groups of users into the design of UI would increase their acceptance of the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 135 users responded to an online survey about their acceptance of a culturally designed mHealth.

Findings

The findings showed that culturally based language, colours, layout and images had a significant relationship with users’ behavioural intention to use the culturally based mHealth UI.

Research limitations/implications

First, the sample and the data collected of this study were restricted to Arab users and Arab culture; therefore, the results cannot be generalized to other cultures and users. Second, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model was used in this study instead of the new version, which may expose new perceptions. Third, the cultural aspects of UI design in this study were limited to the images, colours, language and layout.

Practical implications

It encourages UI designers to implement the relevant cultural aspects while developing mobile applications.

Originality/value

Embedding Arab cultural aspects in designing UI for mobile applications to satisfy Arab users and enhance their acceptance toward using mobile applications, which will reflect positively on their lives.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 January 2022

Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani

Governments of the developing countries must be ready to embrace the evolution of information technology. However, the growth in demand for online services and expectations for…

Abstract

Purpose

Governments of the developing countries must be ready to embrace the evolution of information technology. However, the growth in demand for online services and expectations for convenient access to government resources are placing governments under pressure to deliver outstanding e-services. Despite the successful attempts of the Saudi Government to deliver e-government services, the literature still needs to be advanced with evidence to demonstrate the current status of government websites. Additionally, the growth of e-government services should be periodically monitored and evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to revisit e-government websites previously surveyed (2006-2012) in Saudi Arabia and examine growth based on the five-stage maturity model. This study supports the approach with a review of the United Nations data and links this assessment with the five-stage maturity model.

Findings

The results revealed remarkable improvements in the maturity level of online services provided by the government websites of Saudi Arabia.

Practical implications

The relationship between e-government use and investment decisions appears to be bidirectional, as greater levels of investment seem to offer more opportunities for service improvement.

Originality/value

The outcomes are expected to assist executive authorities in understanding the current situation of e-government and plan appropriate strategic suggestions and development.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Hosam Al-Samarraie, Kirfi-Aliyu Bello, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani, Andrew Paul Smith and Chikezie Emele

Social media addiction has been an ongoing topic of debate for platform developers, well-being and mental health experts. There is a limited understanding of the factors leading…

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Abstract

Purpose

Social media addiction has been an ongoing topic of debate for platform developers, well-being and mental health experts. There is a limited understanding of the factors leading to the addiction of young social media users, the consequences of experiencing addiction, and the measures/mechanisms used by parents and platform providers to limit/prevent problematic social media use amongst young users. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) protocol was used to evaluate and present the results. A total of 45 studies were screened and independently reviewed against predetermined criteria for eligibility.

Findings

The results revealed four categories of young users' addiction to social media networks (social, technological, behavioural and mental). Several prevention approaches directed at parents and platform providers were discussed.

Originality/value

This study offers important insights for health policy makers, platform providers, parents and researchers on designing interventions addressing social media addiction amongst young users. It also provides an in-depth understanding of the conceptualization of social media addiction and suggestions on possible actions to prevent it.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2023

Ali A. Ali, H. Abd El-Wahab, Moustafa S. Abusaif, Ahmed Ragab, Omar A. Abdel-Jaid, E.A. Eldeeb and Yousry A. Ammar

The paper aims to the preparation of novel disperse dye based on azo salicylaldehyde derivatives TF-A [2-hydroxy-5-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde] and full…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to the preparation of novel disperse dye based on azo salicylaldehyde derivatives TF-A [2-hydroxy-5-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde] and full evaluation of their use as disperse dye TF-ASC [bis 2-hydroxy-5-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde Schiff base with 4,4'-methylenedianiline] for dyeing polyester fabric at various conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The dispersed dye was synthesized via Schiff base condensation in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate cerium ammonium nitrate 10 mmole% as an eco-friendly catalyst at room temperature. The chemical structure of the prepared dye was characterized via elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H- and 13 C-NMR spectroscopic analysis tools. This study thoroughly examined the dyeing of disperse dye TF-ASC on polyester at various conditions. The characteristics of dyed polyester fabric were measured by colour measurements, as well as light, washing, crock fastness and finally, colour strength. The discrete fourier transform (DFT) theoretical studies, including EHOMO, ELUMO and optimized geometrical structure, were assumed and discussed in detail.

Findings

The results showed that the synthesized organic dye TF-ASC was highly functional and appropriate for this kind of dyeing method. The dyeing fabrics obtained from disperse dye TF-ASC, properties possess high colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties. These dyes had a high affinity for polyester fabric, with just a tiny change in dye affinity when the pH was changed, even under alkaline circumstances. The dye levelness and shade depth of the colour results were good, and there were a variety of hues from light brownish yellow to deep brownish yellow. The results obtained from DFT computational studies such as EHOMO, ELUMO, optimized structure, diploe moment µ and electrophilicity index deduced that prepared organic dye TF-ASC is more applicable as a dispersed dye.

Originality/value

This research is significant because it provides a new dye for dyeing polyethylene terephthalate fibres with exceptional brightness and levelness; the method of preparation is a useful pathway due to its being known as a green chemistry method.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2023

Waleed S. Alruwaili, Abdullahi D. Ahmed and Mahesh Joshi

Under a gradual long-term plan of the Saudi Stock Market (TADWUAL) from 2016, Saudi Arabia decided to work with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) board to fully…

Abstract

Purpose

Under a gradual long-term plan of the Saudi Stock Market (TADWUAL) from 2016, Saudi Arabia decided to work with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) board to fully adopt its accounting standards. Saudi Arabia has undergone several reforms in governance and standards of internal controls are changing rapidly. This study aims to assess whether IFRS adoption has any moderator role in the relationship between disclosure quality and firm-specific characteristics in the Saudi Stock Market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assesses whether IFRS adoption has any moderator role in the relationship between disclosure quality and firm-specific characteristics in the Saudi Stock Market. The key research hypotheses postulate that compared to IFRS status, after adoption, several independent variables influence the disclosure level. The analysis covers a local sample of 184 Saudi listed firms over the period 2016 to 2020. Using an in-depth content analysis technique, the voluntary disclosure and number of annual report pages are measured manually and year by year to capture levels and unique characteristics. The authors apply cross-sectional regression, first difference method, Pooled OLS and feasible general least square estimations. The mean of disclosure level increases from 33.03% in 2016 to 56.14% in 2020.

Findings

The results reveal that the vast majority of firm-specific characteristics were significant in pre-IFRS adoption period. First difference analysis shows a significant impact of firm size and non-executive composition on the disclosure level. The authors confirm that IFRS adoption plays a critical role in the quality of firms’ financial reports and supports to create a conducive economic environment in Saudi Arabia.

Practical implications

First, the implementation of IFRS adoption should impact the Saudi accounting information and disclosure quality in Saudi context markedly. Second, firm-specific characteristics align with corporate governance are the main determinants of accounting information and transparency; therefore, focusing on this angle enables regulators and policymakers to mitigate uncertainty and asymmetric information. Third, the findings of this research state that there is a negative relationship between disclosure quality and board meetings. This encourages policymakers to reconsider the number of board meetings in firms that was not as high as in the developed markets. Notwithstanding all previous implications, it is recommended that future research undertake a various quasi-experimental design such as a difference-in-difference approach to estimate the causal effect of corporate governance mechanisms on IFRS 7 mandatory disclosure requirements on in Saudi Arabia context.

Social implications

There is a lack of studies on this realm and such as these studies will enrich the understanding of aspects of IFRS adoption and contribute to the prior empirical literature. Importantly, the extend of this sample into other Gulf Cooperation Council countries and exhibition the difference effect can be very useful to enrich the knowledge of IFRS adoption aspects in corporate disclosure and accounting information quality.

Originality/value

Saudi Arabia has undergone several reforms in governance, and their standards of internal controls are changing rapidly. This has been attributed to the importance of providing guidelines, practices and regulations for listed companies. One of the major turning points of financial reporting quality in Saudi listed firms was adoption of IFRSs. This adoption deems to be necessity in ensuring the highest level of transparency and information reliability. Based on the findings of this research, the present investigations set up a platform and furnish many implications for policymakers, companies’ board of directors, financial analysts and other related authorities. The results should provide policymakers with greater insight of the relationship between disclosure quality and corporate-specific characteristics throughout the IFRS adoption periods. Thus, the results derived from this study can be effective and useful for the IFRS adoption committee in the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). According to the best of the authors’ knowledge and based on official secondary information sourced from the SOCPA website, there are several standards that are subject to difficulties in measurement and are modified from time to time, such as: IFRS1, IFRS8, IFRS12, IFRS16 and IFRS18.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Abdurahman Ahmed Endris and Yohannes Sisay Molla

Most educational institutions worldwide have suddenly switched to online instruction due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and English language teaching took its part in…

Abstract

Purpose

Most educational institutions worldwide have suddenly switched to online instruction due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and English language teaching took its part in this transition. The immediate transition from face-to-face to fully online instruction affects its effective implementation, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia where online learning is in its early stage. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate postgraduate EFL students’ perceptions and practices of online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a descriptive survey design. Using simple random sampling, 91 postgraduate EFL students were selected from four universities. Online questionnaires were employed to collect data. To analyze the data, both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (one sample t-test) statistics were used.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that the students had favorable perceptions of online learning. Despite the students' positive perceptions, the results of the study showed that the practice of online learning in the universities was limited; especially the practice of synchronous online learning was low.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that the concerned bodies at the universities should consider implementing a blended (both synchronous and asynchronous) learning system to deliver an online learning approach.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies in a higher education context in Ethiopia, which tries to investigate the postgraduate EFL students' perceptions and practices of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper is original because it investigated the status of online learning during the pandemic in a developing country like Ethiopia; it provides a real and convincing idea of a new way of learning in the post-COVID-19 context. The study can also be useful for related future research in the context of a pandemic-like COVID-19.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Mohammed Jawad Abed and Anis Mhalla

The paper aims to present a grid-connected multi-inverter for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance reliability indices after selected the placement and level of PV solar.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present a grid-connected multi-inverter for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance reliability indices after selected the placement and level of PV solar.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the associated probability is calculated based on the solar power generation capacity levels and outages conditions. Then, based on this probability, dependability indices like average energy not supplied (AENS), expected energy not supplied and loss of load expectations (LOLE) are computed, also, another indices have been computed such as (customer average interruption duration index (CAIDI), system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) and system average interruption duration index (SAIDI)) addressing by affected customers with distribution networks reliability assessment, including PV. On the basis of their dependability indices and active power flow, several PV solar modules installed in several places are analyzed. A mechanism for assessing the performance of the grid's integration of renewable energy sources is also under investigation.

Findings

The findings of this study based on data extracted form a PV power plant connected to the power network system in Diyala, Iraq 132 kV, attempts to identify the system's weakest points in order to improve the system's overall dependability. In addition, enhanced reliability indices are given for measuring solar PV systems performance connected to the grid and reviewed for the benefit of the customers.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study are two methods for determining the reliability of PV generators taking into consideration the system component failure rates and the power electronic component defect rates in a PV system which depend on the power input and the power loss using electrical transient analysis program (ETAP) program.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2023

Hasan Kazak

The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative information about the development of Islamic financial management literature. For this purpose, it is aimed to draw attention…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative information about the development of Islamic financial management literature. For this purpose, it is aimed to draw attention to the development of this field by revealing the literature gap in the field of Islamic financial management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the document analysis method is used and the Web of Science (WOS) site is used to obtain the desired data. The time range of the study covers the years 1980–2023/January. The results obtained from the scans were analyzed by the bibliometric analysis method. The data obtained within the scope of the study are classified and analyzed using the VOSviewer program, which is one of the many software developed for scientific mapping analysis. The obtained data are presented in a certain order with the visual mapping method.

Findings

In the analyses made, bibliometric analysis based on document review and including the subject of “Islamic financial management” in the WOS database between the relevant years has not been used in any study, which points to an important gap in the literature. However, 3,022 studies on “Financial management” and 1,830 studies on “Islamic finance” have been identified. Although there is no data on “Financial Management”, the subjects of “Islamic finance” and “Financial management” related to the subject have been evaluated in terms of countries, the most publishing organizations, authors, publications and word–word groups, using the bibliometric analysis method, as well as making numerical and visual evaluations. These studies show that an infrastructure to include the subject of “Islamic financial management” has not been formed in the literature.

Practical implications

This study points to an important gap in the literature. The subjects of “Islamic finance” and “Financial management” have been sufficiently covered in the literature separately. By combining this knowledge with new studies there appears an environment where original studies on the subject of “Islamic financial management” can be made and this study is aimed to shed light on this virgin area.

Originality/value

In the literature bibliometric analysis based on document review including the subject of “Islamic financial management” has not been used in any study. To the best of the author’s knowledge this study is the first in the literature to address the related issue and with it an important gap in the literature has been identified and an important case that will be a source for future studies has been revealed.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

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