The nature of parental involvement in the city of Abu Dhabi in a context of change

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study is to explore parent and school administrator perspectives on the value and nature of parent involvement in the city of Abu Dhabi through their perceptions of roles and responsibilities. Design/methodology/approach – The study is conducted in a random purposive sample of Public–Private Partnership schools during Abu Dhabi Education Council’s school reform. Findings – Findings show that while both administrators and parents agree on the value of parental involvement, the perceptions of their own and each others’ roles and responsibilities means that parent involvement is characterized by unfulfilled expectations. Practical implications – Recommendations are made to arrive at realistic roles and responsibilities for parent involvement and recommendations for a model of mutually responsive practice to evolve within a policy framework, with the support of ADEC, and informed by international and locally based research. Originality/value – The paper sheds light on a new educational dimension beyond curricula and instruction.

A cross-cultural study of students’ perceptions of assessment practices in higher education

Purpose – This study aims to utilized the item response theory (IRT) rating scale model to analyze students’ perceptions of assessment practices in two universities: one in Jordan and the other in the USA. The sample of the study consisted of 506 university students selected from both universities. Results show that the two universities still focus on paper-pencil testing to assess students’ learning outcomes. The study recommends that higher education institutes should encourage their teachers to use different assessment methods to assess students’ learning outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – The convenience sample consisted of 506 selected university students from the USA and Jordan, and participants were distributed according to their educational levels, thus: 83 freshmen, 139 sophomores, 157 juniors and 59 seniors. (Note: some students from both universities did not report their gender and/or their educational level). The USA university sample consisted of 219 students from three colleges at a major university in the southeast of the USA studying for arts and sciences, education and commerce and business qualifications, of whom 43 were males and 173 were females. The study used the Students Perception of Assessment Practices Inventory developed by Alquraan (2007), and for the purpose of this study, the RUMM2020 program was used for its rating scale model. Findings – Both universities, in Jordan and the USA, still focus more on the developmental (construction of assessment tasks), organizational and planning aspects of assessment processes than they do on assessments of learning and assessment methods (traditional and new assessment methods). The assessment practices that are used frequently in both universities based on the teachers sampled are: “(I27) I know what to study for the test in this class”, “(I6) Teacher provides a good environment during test administration” and “(I21) My teacher avoids interrupting students as they are taking tests”. This indicates that teachers in the selected universities have a tendency to focus on the administrative and communicative aspects of assessment (e.g. providing a good environment during test administration) more than on using different assessment methods (e.g. portfolios, new technology, computers, peer and self-assessment) or even using assessment practices that help students learn in different ways (e.g. assessing students’ prior knowledge and providing written feedback on the graded tests). Originality/value – This is a cross-cultural study focus assessment of students learning in higher education.

A new integrated knowledge model in supplier selection

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically explore the effects of intellectual capital (IC) on supplier selection (SS) and, consequently, investigates the consecutive impacts on an Asian automotive supply chain performance (SCP). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-oriented survey obtained from top managers and expert employees from three different Asian automotive industries, all of which exist in the same supply chain, was utilized for factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings – The findings indicate that some dimensions of IC containing human capital, relational capital and structural capital sufficiently influence evaluation and selection of optimal suppliers which lead to more efficient performance of the supply chain. Research limitations/implications – First, as the research analyzes the findings extracted from three important Asian automotive companies which exist in the same supply chain, the results may not be applicable to other industries in different countries. Second, gathering data from other elements of the supply chain like wholesalers and retailers could enrich the research conducted. Besides, more advanced statistical methods could be utilized to evaluate the regression equations and SEM. Practical implications – With a comprehensive view on IC that takes into account its creation, protection and utilization, IC plays an essential role in selecting and assessing optimal suppliers which enhance competitive advantage, especially in knowledge-based organizations. IC will also increase the SCP efficiently and effectively. Originality/value – This study develops an integrated knowledge model for a SS issue based on IC, and focuses on the effects of its various elements. It offers assistance to managers who tend to select optimal suppliers effectively.

The effect of marketing constructs and tourists’ satisfaction on loyalty to a sport destination

Purpose – The purpose of the current study is to explore complicated structural relationships among the variables of tourists’ perceptions of quality and the value of a sport tourist destination and their satisfaction level and loyalty that are vital for successful destination marketing and management. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was used to collect data from a sample of 570 sport tourists who traveled to Nowshahr and Chalous cities in Iran during September 2012. These data were gathered by convenience sampling method and analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM). Findings – The results of the SEM revealed that tourists’ perceived quality and perceived value have a significant impact on their satisfaction. Further, tourists’ satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on the level of their loyalty. Practical implications – Findings of the current study contribute to a better perception of behavioral mechanisms and incentives and provide an acceptable basis to improve tourism industry in both regional and national levels. Originality/value – This is the first such study of the Iranian sports sector.

Learning outcomes’ role in higher education teaching

Purpose – The purpose of this multiple-case study was to examine the ambiguity surrounding course learning outcomes and how they are perceived by faculty members in four private universities, while simultaneously investigating the dominant teaching perspectives, practices and assessment techniques. In parallel, theory of constructive alignment was shared with faculty members and students as a possible teaching-learning model. Design/methodology/approach – This study is a qualitative multiple-case study designed based on Yin’s (2009) case study protocol and Stake’s (2006) cross-case analysis report. In the process, 52 faculty members were interviewed, and 38 of the 52 were observed teaching, plus 15 of 52, faculty members participated in separate focus groups about constructive alignment. Further, 18 students were interviewed in separate focus groups to find out how they perceive effective teaching and constructive alignment. Findings – The findings showed why faculty members misunderstood the course learning outcomes. Both faculty members and students withheld similar perceptions when it came to efficient teaching; however, they disagreed regarding the utility of constructive alignment as a proposed teaching-learning model. The 52 faculty members were mainly knowledge transmitters and this contradicts with the notion of the learning outcomes, which is student-centered. In addition, they are not familiar with the teaching-learning theories or with the various pedagogical tools that may render learning constructive. Research limitations/implications – The fact that this study is a multiple-case study automatically implies that the results cannot be generalized within the larger higher education context. Nevertheless, the research findings can help to clarify the reasons hindering the proper implementation of the learning outcomes in other institutions, as it can serve as a guide to improve all the detected weaknesses, which may be applicable in other contexts. It can also aid administrative bodies at the different institutions in dealing with the obstacles that restrict the workability of the learning outcomes. Practical implications – Teaching in higher education must be nurtured through continuously investing time and effort in supporting faculty members to develop their teaching-learning skills to suit the changing profiles of students to render learning a durable experience. Originality/value – The study is unique in how it combined Yin’s protocol with Stake’s cross-case analysis report. Additionally, the classroom observation instrument was, to an extent, a precedent in terms of higher education research in the Lebanese context. Further, the results obtained added to the results of previous research, i.e. the reasons why the learning outcomes were not functional. Plus, a cyclical/retrograding motion learning model emerged in the process, and the practicality of the theory of constructive alignment in the Lebanese context was questioned.

Strategic plan compilation using system dynamics modeling: case study of a university

Purpose – This paper aims to measure the demand for bachelors, masters and PhD degree students at an Iranian university. Design/methodology/approach – System dynamics (SD) modeling is used for the strategic plan compilation. Findings – After successful examination of the model, a simulation was carried out for the coming 18 years. The results show that in the future, the university will face reductions in the numbers of BA, MA and PhD students. Therefore, university leaders need to develop appropriate strategies to deal with this challenge. Originality/value – SD modeling for strategic plan compilation has been used for the first time in an examination of higher education in Iran.

Emirati pre-service teachers’ experiences of teaching science during college internships

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to explore the effect of internship experience on final-year pre-service teachers (PSTs) studying for a Bachelor of Education in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is undergoing a period of rapid education reform with a strong emphasis on use of student-centered learning strategies in the classroom. Teacher-training colleges, such as the one in which this research took place, have had to customize their programs to prepare and train teachers who can effectively implement this new approach. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten PSTs to explore the usefulness of the college science courses during their internship experience, and the challenges they faced during their internship. We also looked at how these experiences have influenced their confidence levels and the type of science teachers they want to be in the future. Findings – Results have shown that PSTs have variable opinions on the usefulness of the college courses. A perceived lack of emphasis placed by mentor teachers upon science may have long-term effects on the PSTs’ eventual use of teaching strategies. It was also shown that some of the PSTs still lacked confidence in science teaching. Practical implications – This research may provide national guidelines for teacher-training colleges in the UAE or in countries undergoing educational reform and moving towards student-centered approaches to learning. Originality/value – Research studies on the effect of internship on PSTs have been conducted in different countries but such studies have great novelty in the UAE.

The effect of perceived price fairness through satisfaction and loyalty on international tourists’ price acceptance of Islamic-Iranian art products

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of perceived price fairness through satisfaction and loyalty on price acceptance. The antecedents of price fairness, including price perception and tourist vulnerability, will also be examined. Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected 674 questionnaires from international tourists who purchased Islamic-Iranian art products and analyzed simultaneous relations with a structural equation modeling. Findings – The results indicate that perceived price awareness and perceived vulnerability positively and significantly affect perceived price fairness. Additionally, perceived price fairness has a significant influence on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, customer satisfaction and loyalty were found to have a positive impact on price acceptance. Practical implications – Based on the findings, the results are expected to create a useful perspective for the researchers so they can present a broader model in future studies. The results of this research can help managers develop better pricing strategies and effective pricing mechanism design and, through recognition of factors influencing customer perception of the price, instigate better pricing. Originality/value – Although prior research focused on the relationships among the variables of perception of price, perceived vulnerability, perceived price fairness, satisfaction and loyalty and price acceptance, the current study considers the effect of these variables as a general compound model and in the context of Islamic-Iranian art tourism products.

The effects of ERP systems implementation on management accounting in Iranian organizations

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the effects of enterprise resource planning (ERP) on management accounting in Iranian organizations. Preparing and offering different reports and budgets remain important activities for accountants, and directly implementing ERP systems improves the quality of these reports through real-time data transfer. Design/methodology/approach – The research methods used in this paper are descriptive surveys with questionnaires and interviews as the main data collection tools. Statistical population comprises every organization which has implemented an ERP system with financial/accounting modules. The participating 12 organizations were selected based on consultation with experts, and a seven-item Likert questionnaire was prepared and its validity approved and used to collect data. The t-test and Friedman test were applied to assess the hypotheses and rank parameters. Findings – Results revealed that the highest effects of implementing an ERP in surveyed Iranian organizations are improving standard levels and the quality of reports, creating more organizational integration and empowering personnel. Research limitations/implications – As the implementation of ERP in Iran is still in its initial phases and the sample is restricted to only four organizations, when considering the generalizability of the obtained results, caution should be taken. Originality/value – This research is among the few studies on the effects of ERP implementation on accounting management departments, particularly in the context of Iran.

Towards more employable Egyptian HE graduates – a case study

Purpose – The unemployment rate in Egypt has reached 24.8 per cent of the labor force and is significantly higher among university graduates. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Higher Education (HE) and employability in Egypt and to ask these pressing questions: How do students perceive the relationship? What are its main problems? What are the changes required to help improve the relationship from their own perspective? Design/methodology/approach – Offering an in-depth analysis of a case study of an Egyptian public university by interviewing four Egyptian HE students either in their final or their second-to-last year of study, this paper attempts to decipher the Egyptian HE students’ attitudes towards quality education and employability as an ultimate purpose. It also offers a macroscopic view of the necessary changes to make HE graduates more employable. Findings – The paper argues that, for effective HE reform to take place in Egypt, radical, comprehensive changes pertaining to programme design, curricula, assessment, pedagogy and admissions are called for, taking into account the contextual political, economic and cultural conditions. Originality/value – Although there is a considerable amount of research literature examining the significant discrepancy between university graduates’ educational gains and the functional requirements of the job market (Allen and De Weert 2007), not much of that research has examined the way graduates understand and manage their employability in light of the recent changes in both HE and the job market and the few studies focusing on this were mainly conducted in the Western world (Al-Harthi 2011).