The effect of external factors in use of technology among Ha’il university academic faculty: evidence from Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Khan ◽  
Najmonnisa Khan ◽  
Fawaz Jazim ◽  
Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary ◽  
Mohammed Abdulrab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Technical Support ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support Organization ◽  
Use Of Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore external factors: organization technical support, organization administrative support, organization infrastructure and resources, and organization ICT policy’s effect on the commitment in use of technology among the faculty staff Hail university, Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey approach was used to collect data. A sample of 300 fulltime employees, having administrative and teaching responsibilities participated using a self-completion questionnaire. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation and multiple regressions to determine the impact of external factors on the commitment in use of technology.FindingsOverall, the results provided evidence that organization technical support, organization administrative support, and organization infrastructure and resources have a significant positive impact on the commitment in use of technology. However, organization ICT policy has an insignificant negative impact on the commitment in use of technology. The findings could be generalized on other public sector universities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from one public sector university of Hail province, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Only four external factors were taken into consideration in investigating its influence on the commitment in use of technology. There could be other external/environmental factors which might be useful to underpin the theory and advance literature.Practical implicationsIn-service and trainee faculties should take an advantage of using learning management system. Faculty should create a positive learning environment in their online classes so the learners can take a benefit out of the immense investment on ICT by ministry of higher education. Apart from giving training to teaching staff in use of technology, learners should also be given a platform to increase and improve their digital literacy. Workshops can be conducted frequently for both faculties and learners. Faculty can offer additional and out of the class support to their reluctant and weak students in order to assist them in the use of technology.Originality/valueTechnology integration after COVID-19 outbreak has significantly changed the education sector throughout the world. The use of technology now is unavoidable at primary, secondary and at tertiary level. This study provides an exclusive viewpoint concerning the external/environmental evidence based findings that have not been investigated empirically in the Saudi Arabian context. The current study also provides statistically a theoretical five-component model to understand the phenomena in the field of information communication technology.

scholarly journals Barriers to implementing lean construction practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamil Sarhan ◽  
Bo Xia ◽  
Sabrina Fawzia ◽  
Azharul Karim ◽  
Ayokunle Olanipekun
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Lean Construction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cultural Economic ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Principal Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to implementing lean construction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry and to prioritise the principal factors that constitute these barriers. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was initially used to reveal the global barriers to implementing lean construction. Subsequently, these barriers were incorporated into a structured questionnaire, and a convenience sample of 282 construction professionals in the KSA construction industry was surveyed. The results were analysed using mean item score (MIS), Mann–Whitney U test and principal component analysis (PCA). Findings The findings revealed 22 barriers to lean construction implementation in the KSA construction industry. Principal factors that constitute these barriers were found to be traditional practices, client related, technological, performance and knowledge and cost-related barriers in descending order of pervasiveness. The study also proposes solutions to overcome these principal barriers. Originality/value This study provides a global overview of the barriers to implementing lean construction. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the barriers to implementing lean construction in the KSA construction industry with reference to the socio-cultural, economic and operational context of the KSA. Thus, it is relevant to other countries in the Middle East because of their shared similarities to the KSA. Furthermore, the solutions proposed to overcome these barriers in the KSA construction industry can be applied in other countries where similar barriers are identified.

Determinants of capital structure of banks: evidence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoaib Khan ◽  
Usman Bashir ◽  
Md. Saiful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Capital Structure ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Earnings Volatility ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Capital Structure

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the most important factors that affect the capital structure of commercial banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach This study uses annual data of 11 Saudi commercial, national banks listed on the tadawul Saudi stock exchange for the period 2010–2017. Data was collected from the banks financial statements, tadawul annual publications and Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. By constructing a balanced panel, this study uses pooled ordinary least squares regression along with fixed effects and random effects to examine the relationship between the bank’s book leverage as the dependent variable and bank-specific explanatory variables that include profitability, tangibility, earnings volatility, growth opportunities and bank size, while controlling for macroeconomic conditions. Findings The findings of this study suggest that banks in Saudi Arabia are highly leveraged, endorsing the fact that the nature of banks’ business is different from non-banking firms. Earnings volatility, growth and bank size show positive and significant relations with book leverage. Profitability and tangibility are negatively related to the book leverage. Empirically, the explanatory variables profitability, earnings volatility, tangibility, growth and bank size have material effects on the capital structure decisions of Saudi commercial banks. In summary, the determinants of capital structure for Saudi banks are the same as those of non-financial firms but are distinctive in nature. Research limitations/implications An extensive study on all the banks operating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is suggested. Practical implications The findings have practical implications for bank managers, which will help them to identify the bank-specific factors affecting the capital structure and choose the values enhancing optimal capital structure. The results of this study can assist regulatory agencies to formulate an effective regulatory framework. Moreover, the findings lay a foundation for the development of financial sector under the umbrella of the Vision 2030 program in the Kingdom. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the factors affecting the capital structure choices of commercial banks operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the findings of the study would prove useful in detailed studies of capital structure in the GCC countries as well.

scholarly journals “Stepping out of the ordinary”: exploring cross-cultural challenges of expatriates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Dousin ◽  
Rini Suryati Sulong
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Culture Shock ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cultural Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Cultural Training

Purpose In the study of expatriation and expatriate adaptation, there are limited studies that focus on issues faced by expatriates working in foreign countries with very distinct cultures. This study aims to explore this idea through the experiences of western expatriates working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Two research questions were posed to examine the cross-cultural issues and challenges faced by expatriates in the KSA, as well as the role of cross-cultural training in expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach The study was guided by an interpretivism paradigm through a qualitative method by using a semi-structured in-depth interview approach. Interviews were conducted among 12 expatriates from the USA and UK who are currently working in KSA. Findings A coding technique and theoretical thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results of this study highlighted three key themes that had a considerable influence on expatriates’ adjustment, in particular: culture shock, lack of pre-departure training and the demand for an extensive cross-cultural training. Research limitations/implications It is acknowledged that the existence of sub-cultures within the KSA would expose the respondents to varying cultural values within the community. Thus, future studies within a similar context should consider the influence of intra-cultural variations. Originality/value The findings of the study emphasized on the importance understanding the cultural gap between home and host country and the individual cultural awareness of the expatriate. It calls attention to the need for a tailored and extensive pre-departure, cross-cultural training and a collaborative effort between employees’ and managers to improve expatriates’ motivation and retention.

scholarly journals How to counter organisational inertia to enable knowledge management practices adoption in public sector organisations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Ashok ◽  
Mouza Saeed Mohammed Al Badi Al Dhaheri ◽  
Rohit Madan ◽  
Michael D. Dzandu
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Leadership Traits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Case Comparison

Purpose Knowledge management (KM) is associated with higher performance and innovative culture; KM can help the public sector to be fiscally lean and meet diverse stakeholders’ needs. However, hierarchical structures, bureaucratic culture and rigid processes inhibit KM adoption and generate inertia. This study aims to explore the nature and causes of this inertia within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) public sector. Design/methodology/approach Using an in-depth case study of a UAE public sector organisation, this study explores how organisational inertia can be countered to enable KM adoption. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with 17 top- and middle-level managers from operational, management and strategic levels. Interview data is triangulated with content analysis from multiple sources, including the UAE Government and case organisation documents. Findings The results show transformation leadership, external factors and organisational culture mediate the negative effect of inertia on KM practices adoption. We find that information technology plays a key role in enabling knowledge creation, access, adoption and sharing. Furthermore, we uncover a virtuous cycle between organisational culture and KM practices adoption in the public sector. In addition, we develop a new model (the relationship between KM practices, organisational inertia, organisational culture, transformational leadership traits and external factors) and four propositions for empirical testing by future researchers. We also present a cross-case comparison of our results with six private/quasi-private sector cases who have implemented KM practices. Research limitations/implications Qualitative data is collected from a single case study. Originality/value Inertia in a public section is a result of bureaucracy and authority bounded by the rules and regulations. Adopting a qualitative methodology and case study method, the research explores the phenomena of how inertia impacts KM adoption in public sector environments. Our findings reveal the underlying mechanisms of how internal and external organisational factors impact inertia. Internally, supportive organisational culture and transformational leadership traits positively effect KM adoption, which, in turn, has a positive effect on organisational culture to counter organisational inertia. Externally, a progressive national culture, strategy and policy can support a knowledge-based organisation that embraces change. This study develops a new model (interactions between internal and external factors impacting KM practices in the public sector), four propositions and a new two-stage process model for KM adoption in the public sector. We present a case-comparison of how the constructs interact in a public sector as compared to six private/quasi-private sector cases from the literature.

An empirical examination of Instagram as an s-commerce channel

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Abed
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Behavioral Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Facilitating Conditions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and empirically examine a theory-based model in the context of social commerce (s-commerce). The study examined the popular photo-sharing platform “Instagram” to determine the value of s-commerce and its acceptance by customers. Design/methodology/approach Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical framework, the researcher examined the proposed research model and related hypotheses. A survey questionnaire of 441 Instagram users in Saudi Arabia was collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings The results revealed that social influence and trust are the most significant factors affecting behavioral intention. In contrast, the effect of facilitating conditions on behavioral intention was found to be not significant. Originality/value Very limited empirical research has been conducted in the context of s-commerce in the Arab region generally and in Saudi Arabia specifically. The findings of the present study will provide guidance that could be put into action for marketers and professionals in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Burnout and its associated factors among medical students of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Mohamed Saih Mahfouz ◽  
Suhaila Abdalkarim Ali ◽  
Haya Ahmed Alqahtani ◽  
Amani Ahmad Kubaisi ◽  
Najla Mohammed Ashiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Prevalence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its associated factors among medical students at Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 randomly selected medical students at Jazan University. The questionnaire used for this study was based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Findings The overall prevalence of burnout was estimated at 60.2% (95% CI 55.6–64.8). The prevalence was higher for females (64.1%) than for males (56.2%) but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). On average, the students scored the highest averages in the personal burnout category, followed by the study-related and client-related burnout categories. In the multivariate analysis, a lower age (beta = −3.17, p = 0.026), female (beta = −0.896, p = 0.016), and having better burnout knowledge (beta = 0.710, p = 0.025) predict significantly higher personal burnout. Practical implications It is necessary to implement strategies to reduce the incidence of burnout among medical students for the sake of a better quality of life for future doctors. Originality/value There is a high prevalence of burnout among Jazan’s medical students.

scholarly journals The effect of multiple directorships on real and accrual-based earnings management

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kais Baatour ◽  
Hakim Ben Othman ◽  
Khaled Hussainey
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Real Earnings Management ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Directorships ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The study aims to examine the effect of multiple directorships on accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management. It analyses whether earnings management practices in the Saudi context increase or decrease with the average number of multiple directorships. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the approach by Roychowdhury (2006) to capture the level of real earnings management and uses the cross-sectional model by Jones (1991) to measure accrual-based earnings management. Findings The paper provides partial evidence supporting the “busyness” hypothesis where earnings management practices increase with the number of multiple directorships. The evidence shows that multiple directorships have a positive and significant effect on real earnings management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, we find no significant impact of multiple directorships on accrual-based earnings management. Originality/value This is the first study that empirically investigates the relationship between multiple directorships and earnings management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The paper contributes to the limited literature on multiple directorships in developing countries by examining their impact on opportunistic real earnings management.

Evaluating managerial efficiency of petrochemical firms in Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 244-256
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hanif Akhtar ◽  
Muhammad Asif
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Efficiency ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine managerial efficiency of the whole population of petrochemical firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It also identifies the root causes of inefficiencies and proposes measures to overcome these. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the data envelopment analysis approach to measure the managerial efficiency in context of various returns-to-scales. To glean further insights into the sources of inefficiency, the study investigates the extent of utilization of resources by comparing target inputs vis-à-vis the actual inputs used. This provides the authors information about the degree of underutilization of resources as well as an insight into the sources of inefficiency, e.g., those stemming from the managerial or scale of operations. Findings The findings reveal a great amount of inefficiencies in Saudi petrochemical sector. These inefficiencies arise from both the underutilization of resources as well as the inability of petrochemical firms to run their operations at optimal scales. Practical implications The findings of the study allude toward measures that managers might adopt to overcome the issues of inefficiency. They ought to ensure better utilization of resources by running operations of the firms at optimal scales of production. The firms operating under the sub-optimum scales of operations need to revisit their marketing and production strategies. These might take up the form of boosting marketing efforts to win more orders from customers and increasing production volumes that could allow these firms to take advantage of economies of scale. Originality/value This paper is a first attempt to measure efficiency of petrochemical sector in KSA which stands as the key contributor to the national exchequer. Since the study consists of the whole population of petrochemical firms in KSA, it measures the “true” managerial efficiency of petrochemical firms in the sector. Further, being a pioneer study on managerial efficiency of petrochemical sector, it extends original contribution to the literature on efficiency of firms, combined with rich insights into sources of inefficiencies.

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