Alia Al-Harrasi and Ahmed Taha
The study aims to discuss the special needs-centric information delivery as a new genre of the academic library services. It also sheds light on the assistive technology used to…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to discuss the special needs-centric information delivery as a new genre of the academic library services. It also sheds light on the assistive technology used to help blind or visually impaired (BVI) students to access the available digital contents and use online services conveniently. A particular emphasis placed on gaining some insights into BVIs’ perceptions towards the orientation and assistance offered by the access service librarians, as well as any experience in using assistive educational technology for reading and information access.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used semi-structured interview survey to gather the necessary data from 35 BVI university students drawn from the Special Needs Services (SNS) Unit at the UAE University. The interview was concerned with use of library e-resources and online services for doing their assignments, easy-to-use facilities to access the e-resources and main challenges facing them in communicating with the librarians.
Findings
The findings revealed that the BVI students considered that the university library does not answer their needs for getting access to digital content and using online services adequately.
Practical implications
The Main Library should cooperate closely with the SNS Unit to get the most benefits from their experience in the BVI-devoted services to develop an efficient library information discovery and delivery to this student group.
Originality/value
There is scarcity of scholarly studies on the pedagogical and information acquisition challenges facing the BVI university students in the UAE higher education. This is the first research study that tackles the experience of the BVI students in using the academic library.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the attempts to describe the features and characteristics of business associations in Tanzania which are aiming to influence public policy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the attempts to describe the features and characteristics of business associations in Tanzania which are aiming to influence public policy. It concludes that those attempts, whilst thought provoking, do not go far enough to be of real use to practitioners and offers an improved model.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses empirical evidence, gathered from interviews with business associations, supplemented by reviewing their research reports and policy position papers and cross referenced through interviews with public officials.
Findings
Activities and approaches of successful business associations are described and used to draw out characteristics which might enable associations to be categorised in one of four development stages based on their approach to influencing public policy.
Research limitations/implications
The new model is conceptual and work is now required to assess its validity.
Practical implications
Donors, in their design of advocacy support programmes, already focus support on associations in one or two stages of development. An improved model will make it easier for them, and practitioners, to categorise business associations. Importantly, it will provide indicators for how business associations are expected to improve as a result of the support that they are offered and thus to assess the success of the support programme.
Originality/value
There has been little research and little discussion about the features and characteristics of business associations that might lead to success in influencing public policy and thus in improving the enabling environment. This paper contributes to filling that gap.
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Simona Azzali, André Siew Yeong Yew, Caroline Wong and Taha Chaiechi
This paper explores ways in which Singapore adapts its planning policy and practices to meet the needs of its growing silver population, particularly the relationship between…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores ways in which Singapore adapts its planning policy and practices to meet the needs of its growing silver population, particularly the relationship between ageing related policies and its urban development strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The research assesses Singapore's urban planning policies for the ageing population against the WHO framework for age-friendly cities using Kampung Admiralty (KA) (a pioneering project of integrated housing cum community for the ageing population) as a case study for the analysis. The methodology adopted includes a post-occupancy evaluation and a walking tour of the selected case study (Kampung Admiralty), and an analysis of Singapore's ageing policies in relation to urban planning governance.
Findings
The study examines the role and significance of a multi-agency collaborative governance structure in ageing planning policies with diverse stakeholders in the project. The evaluation carried out on KA reveals the challenges and opportunities in urbanisation planning for the ageing population. This paper concludes by emphasising the potential of multi-collaborative governance and policymaking in creating an inclusive, liveable built environment for the ageing population in Singapore, particularly but also potential implications for other ASEAN tropical cities.
Practical implications
The case study identified key issues in Singapore's urban planning for betterment in ageing and highlighted the requirement for enhancing urban planning strategies.
Originality/value
This article fulfils an identified need for the Singapore government to address the issue of ageing by providing affordable and silver-friendly housing to its ageing population.
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José Jaime Taha-Tijerina, GerardoTadeo Garza and Demófilo Maldonado-Cortés
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of microcavities, diameter and depth, in tribological performance, of the application of laser surface texturing (LST) and LST…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of microcavities, diameter and depth, in tribological performance, of the application of laser surface texturing (LST) and LST gradient (LSTG) techniques, to understand and define the critical parameters of these techniques in sheet-metal forming tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper studies the effect of studied critical parameters of LST and LSTG techniques, on block-on-ring configuration for tribology evaluation. Experimental design parameters for LST and LSTG are proposed and evaluated for the best tribology performance (COF and wear).
Findings
The results show that the application of optimized LST process could represent a 42 per cent improvement on the COF and up to 86 per cent enhancement in the COF results for the LSTG application.
Practical implications
The results show that LST and LSTG techniques present significant positive effects on the tribological properties of sheet-metal forming materials.
Originality/value
This demonstrates the potential of LST technique applied to industrial tooling, and the LSTG pattern which further increases the benefits obtained with the LST technique, particularly in which friction and wear areas are critical. A response surface map is developed to determine the control parameters which are useful for the tooling design. These techniques could be used for metal-forming applications like deep-drawing, achieving an increased tool life.
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Dung Thi My Tran, Vinh Van Thai, Truong Ton Hien Duc and Thanh-Thuy Nguyen
This research aims to examine the effect of organisational culture on supply chain collaboration and firms’ competitive advantage in the garment industry in Vietnam.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine the effect of organisational culture on supply chain collaboration and firms’ competitive advantage in the garment industry in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
Underpinned by the relational view and the organisational culture theories, the conceptual framework was proposed. This study obtained data from a survey of 192 managers in garment firms in Vietnam. A structural equation modelling was employed to examine the relationship between organisational culture, supply chain collaboration and competitive advantage.
Findings
There was a significant positive relationship between organisational culture in terms of group and development types and supply chain collaboration. Besides, the results revealed a significant positive relationship between supply chain collaboration and competitive advantage in terms of cost and differentiation. Furthermore, the cost competitive advantage was also found to have a significant positive effect on differentiation competitive advantage.
Originality/value
This study is perhaps one of the first empirical attempts to examine the relationship between organisational culture, supply chain collaboration and competitive advantage in the garment industry in Vietnam. Moreover, this study extends the application of the relational view and organisational culture theories in explaining these relationships in a new research context.
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Zainab Taha, Farid El Ktaibi, Dimitrios Papandreou, Aysha Ibrahim Al Dhaheri and Ahmed Ali Hassan
This study aims to better understand advanced maternal age (AMA) and its impact on maternal and perinatal health by investigating the prevalence, sociodemographic profiles and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to better understand advanced maternal age (AMA) and its impact on maternal and perinatal health by investigating the prevalence, sociodemographic profiles and adverse pregnancy outcomes of AMA in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a part of a large multicenter cross-sectional study. The project aimed to improve maternal and early child health in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It was conducted at seven healthcare centers located in the urban, suburban and rural areas of Abu Dhabi. The project’s data included all mothers (i.e. Emirati and non-Emirati mothers) who came to the centers looking for healthcare follow-up.
Findings
From the total of 1,710 enrolled mothers with complete data, 379 were with AMA, having a prevalence of 22.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.2, 24.2). Among 379 advanced maternal age (AMA) mothers, 328(84.5%), and 51(15.5) mothers were between 35 and 39 years, and =40 years, respectively. The mean (SD) of maternal age was 30.0(5.2) years. No significant association was found between AMA, and parent’s education, family income, child gender, preterm birth and low birth weight. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with AMA were higher parity (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 2.24, 95%CI = 2.00, 2.50), p-value < 0.001, non-Arab mothers (AOR = 2.44, 95%CI = 1.83, 3.24), p-value < 0.001, maternal employment (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.77), p-value = 0.019, and cesarean delivery (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.83, 3.24), p-value = 0.011, pre-pregnancy maternal overweight (AOR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.12, 1.98), p-value = 0,006, and pre-pregnancy maternal obesity (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.35, 3.44), p-value = 0.001.
Research limitations/implications
First, unlike other studies, not all obstetrical outcomes (e.g. maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity) were included as the current study data were part of a large project, and such limitations are expected; second, only quantitative method was used in the present study, it is clear from the literature AMA is a dilemma. Therefore, a qualitative study and mixed methods (both quantitative and qualitative) will provide a better explanation for such an understudied topic. Therefore, further research is recommended to overcome the abovementioned limitations aiming to explore the complexity of AMA, including studying its social determinants. Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that future research involves more concerned parties, including health, culture and planning authorities, to better understand AMA issues.
Originality/value
The study provided valuable information regarding AMA issues in the UAE. Such information is of paramount importance to all involved parties, including policymakers, to take action regarding improving the health of mothers with advanced ages. Specific actions can be taken through thorough counseling of all expectant mothers with advanced ages before pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and delivery and beyond, by dealing with existing medical conditions and highlighting possible risks of AMA on pregnancy outcomes and how to overcome them in advance. In addition, further research is recommended to explore the social determinants of AMA.
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Rana Taha, Noor Taha and Husam Ananzeh
This study aims to examine the impact of firm indicators on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021, where the relationship between firm indicators and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of firm indicators on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021, where the relationship between firm indicators and litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector is a crucial area of research that can help financial institutions understand the factors that increase their probability of litigation risk.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample for this study comprised 92 publicly traded financial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The study used a quantitative research approach to analyse the relationship between four firm indicators (profitability, firm size, leverage and age) and their impact on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021.
Findings
Our findings reveal that firm size has a significant positive impact on litigation risk, whereas profitability was found to have no significant impact on litigation risk. Moreover, the authors found that financial leverage substantially positively impacts litigation risk levels. However, the firm age was found to have no significant impact on litigation risk.
Originality/value
The results provide valuable insights into factors contributing to litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector and the findings can inform strategic decisions for financial firms as they seek to manage litigation risk and improve financial performance. The study contributes to the existing literature on litigation risk by examining the impact of multiple firm indicators on litigation risk in the context of the Jordanian financial sector.
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Taha Almarayeh, Beatriz Aibar-Guzman and Óscar Suárez-Fernández
In light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board…
Abstract
Purpose
In light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board attributes on accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) context, whose institutional, economic and legal environment is markedly different from that of most organization for economic cooperation and development countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors selected a sample of 161 nonfinancial companies from nine MENA countries between 2014 and 2021 (corresponding to an unbalanced data panel of 486 observations). The authors used the generalized least squares regression test to examine the relationship between board attributes and earnings management.
Findings
The authors found that three board attributes (size, independence and gender diversity) have no effect on both types of earnings management practices, while CEO duality has no effect on accrual-based earnings management but has a significant and negative effect on real earnings management. Overall, the results suggest that most board attributes do not play a crucial role in reducing earnings management.
Research limitations/implications
The results provide valuable insights into the universal role of corporate governance mechanisms and raise questions about the role of the board of directors in improving reporting quality in the MENA context.
Practical implications
Regulators should adapt corporate governance mechanisms to the characteristics of the institutional context in which they are inserted.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of various board characteristics on both types of earnings management practices in the MENA context. It also provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between board gender diversity and earnings management in the MENA region.
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Rasha H. Majeed and Alaa A.D. Taha
This paper seeks to investigate the factors influencing auditors' behavioural intentions towards blockchain technology (BT) adoption in Iraqi government banks. It also highlights…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to investigate the factors influencing auditors' behavioural intentions towards blockchain technology (BT) adoption in Iraqi government banks. It also highlights the relationships between these factors to determine if the proposed model can provide a more comprehensive means of comprehending how auditors in government banks have adopted BT.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and expands it by incorporating five external constructs: “system trust”, “cost”, “transparency”, “security” and “auditor's skill.” This study employed a quantitative and exploratory methodology through the gathering and examination of data from 300 auditors. For the evaluation of the measurement and structural models, the authors adopted the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach with SmartPLS v4.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that “auditor's skill and four government features of BT adoption” are major factors in government bank auditors' adoption of BT. Additionally, the findings indicate that social influence is a potent indicator of one's intention to adopt BT in the banking industry.
Research limitations/implications
One limit of this study is the selection of governmental perspective. This study is limited to auditors' opinions, who work at the government banks. Further studies may consider other perspectives in order to provide an in-depth analysis of blockchain.
Practical implications
This paper offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the adoption of blockchain technology in Iraqi governmental banks. It provides empirical evidence supporting auditing units and internal auditors in enhancing their job performance through the adoption of such technology.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature on technology adoption within the audit profession, specifically examining the use of blockchain technology. By exploring the features of technology adoption within government institutions in the auditing field, it introduces a new perspective, emphasizing the importance of auditor skills.
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This study aims to examine the direct influence of workplace bullying (WB) on internal auditors’ independence using the nexus between the agency theory and social exchange theory…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the direct influence of workplace bullying (WB) on internal auditors’ independence using the nexus between the agency theory and social exchange theory. From the internal auditors’ perspective, the investigation covered both government and private colleges and universities in one of the Middle East countries.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was administered and delivered to internal auditors at each of the 85 educational institutions. A total of 267 valid questionnaires were analysed. The study’s measurement and structural models were tested and evaluated by using SmartPLS v.4 and partial least squares-structural equation modelling.
Findings
The study results indicated that bullying is common among senior managers, and that it has a significant, negative, high-level and direct effect on the independence of internal auditors in the higher education sector.
Practical implications
Regulators and other stakeholders should make a deliberate effort to promote positive behaviours and abandon negative ones regarding the independence of internal auditors and the performance of audit teams, which play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of audit units. For example, enhancing coordination and communication internally and externally. In addition to providing the internal auditors with equitable advancement and learning opportunities, senior management should also support their professional development.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between WB and the internal auditor’s independence in the context of government and private organisations in Southwest Asian countries.