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Article
Publication date: 20 February 2025

Iman Ibrahim, Ahmad W. Sukkar, Moohammed Wasim Yahia and Menatallah Aly

This paper aims to explore the role of social and cultural sustainability in shaping smart urban development in the Arab Region, focusing on three cities, i.e. Sharjah Sustainable…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of social and cultural sustainability in shaping smart urban development in the Arab Region, focusing on three cities, i.e. Sharjah Sustainable City (UAE), Lusail Smart City (Qatar) and SEKEM (Egypt). The research looks into how cultural aspects are integrated into the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their relationship in the achievement of SDGs and sustainable city pillars.

Design/methodology/approach

By following a mainly qualitative research approach and methodology of interviewing experts about the cities and carrying out an intensive literature review and case studies, this research analyzes the key cultural elements essential for the evolution of smart and/or sustainable cities. It highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage, enhancing social cohesion and promoting inclusivity, all within the framework of the established sustainability standards.

Findings

By following a detailed approach to case studies and rigorous research methods, this study provides valuable insights for architects, urban planners, policymakers and researchers. The research highlighted the importance of engaging the communities and local population in the urban planning processes to ensure that the voices of potential residents are heard and that development projects meet the needs of the local population. The research also concluded that the formation of a social and sustainability index is crucial in the Arab Region.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s utilization of secondary data and expert interviews may introduce biases, hence constraining the extent of analysis. Moreover, the concentration on a restricted set of towns may not adequately depict the variety of urban growth throughout the Arab region. Future studies would be enhanced by expanding their scope to include a wider range of case studies and utilizing mixed approaches to gain a more nuanced comprehension of sustainable strategies.

Practical implications

The findings offer a foundation for thoughtful and sustainable urban planning in Arab cities. The research emphasizes the vital connection between cultural preservation and sustainability goals and the importance of the inclusion of cultural dimensions in sustainability frameworks to create more inclusive and resilient smart cities.

Social implications

The study illustrates that incorporating cultural values into urban planning promotes social cohesiveness and inclusivity, hence enhancing the sustainability and resilience of communities. This method guarantees that urban development is both ecologically sustainable and culturally considerate, promoting the conservation of local identities and customs.

Originality/value

This study deepens the understanding of how cultural preservation and sustainability intersect in urban development. It provides important insights that can guide the development of smart cities, particularly in the Arab region, by ensuring that cultural values are integral to sustainable urban growth.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2023

Ahmad Sukkar, Moohammed Wasim Yahia, Emad Mushtaha, Aref Maksoud, Salem Buhashima Abdalla, Omar Nasif and Omer Melahifci

This study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural science taught in a nontraditional method using various active learning strategies, the study takes the case study of the course Building Illumination and Acoustics (BIA) delivered in the academic year 2019–2020 at the University of Sharjah (UoS)'s Architectural Engineering Department (AED).

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, the study applied a case study and survey as methods. A questionnaire was designed and performed to assess the level of students' satisfaction with the implemented active teaching method.

Findings

The vibrant learning setting made the students actively engaged and more motivated and enthusiastic. The active learning practices used, including employing senses as in sight and hearing, reasoning rationally and intuitively, reflecting and acting, working steadily and in fits and starts, creating mathematical models, visualizing and memorizing and drawing analogies, were efficient in boosting their ability to comprehend theoretical concepts more effectively. The delivery style effectively enhances quality learning when various active techniques are used pedagogically beyond being merely a utilitarian instrument to prepare novice students of architectural engineering to fulfill practical challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This article focuses specifically on a theoretical, scientific non-studio course in a particular program of architectural engineering in a particular semester before the dramatic changes in styles of teaching delivery that happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research could further highlight its results by comparing them to statistical evidence of the development of the course, especially for the duration of online teaching during the pandemic and the hybrid teaching period after it.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the development of teaching and learning of architectural engineering in the local Emirati context by putting original theories of teaching into practice. This paper further contributes to the field of architectural pedagogy in terms of the effect of active learning in the architecture field in the non-studio courses in higher education in the United Arab Emirates.

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Publication date: 25 September 2020

Deborah Tamakloe

In this chapter, my aim is to describe and analyse conceptually and provide direction for the identification, selection and use of assistive technologies (ATs) to support the…

Abstract

In this chapter, my aim is to describe and analyse conceptually and provide direction for the identification, selection and use of assistive technologies (ATs) to support the education and development of young children with disabilities. The chapter discusses the quality of early intervention practices and the pragmatic role of ATs in delivering effective early intervention impacts. In making this case, the chapter draws upon Vygotsky's cultural-historical theory to illuminate how ATs can be selected and used effectively in schools to enable all young children to thrive in their learning and development in inclusive classrooms.

Details

Assistive Technology to Support Inclusive Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-520-7

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Article
Publication date: 14 August 2018

Abdel-Aziz Ahmad Sharabati

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives (social responsibility, economic responsibility and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives (social responsibility, economic responsibility and environmental responsibility) on Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (JPM) industry’s business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative descriptive design. The data were collected from 116 managers working at seven JPM organizations by questionnaire. After confirming validity and reliability of the tool, the statistical analysis means, standard deviations and t-values were used to test implementation and finally multiple regressions were used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

Results show that there are relationships between CSR variables, and all the three variables are strongly related to business performance. The results also indicate that the three sub-variables together affect JPM industry’s business performance. The environmental responsibility has the highest effect on JPM industry’s business performance, followed by the economic responsibility, and then the social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

This study was directed toward pharmaceutical industry in Jordan. Generalizing the results to other industries and countries is questionable. Therefore, further research on other industries and countries will help mitigate the issue of generalizing conclusions.

Practical implications

CSR should be formulated clearly within JPM corporate strategy. The elements of CSR need to be integrated with the present performance management criteria, leadership development programs and organizational development programs, and a champion for CSR needs to be assigned.

Social implications

The CSR initiatives should be derived from local culture and match with international initiatives because CSR is the responsibility of every person.

Originality/value

Still the topic of CSR is not well implemented and does not have priority by Jordanian companies; therefore, this study may be considered as one of the few studies dedicated to study this topic and create awareness about it in Jordan.

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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2024

Ayisha Zulfiqar and Ayesha Khalid

This study aims to evaluate students' satisfaction with university library services in southern Punjab, Pakistan, emphasizing their perspective on service quality (SQ).

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate students' satisfaction with university library services in southern Punjab, Pakistan, emphasizing their perspective on service quality (SQ).

Design/methodology/approach

A LibQUAL+® survey with 22 core items was conducted within university settings using convenience sampling. In total, 345 usable responses were returned through Google Forms. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression test, Pearson and Deviance statistics and chi-square test to assess the satisfaction status of library users.

Findings

The study found that libraries generally meet SQ standards. However, there were minor gaps in information control (IC) and library as place (LP).

Practical implications

The study provides library administrators with actionable insights to enhance services, encouraging stakeholders to adopt optimal library practices for heightened efficiency and user satisfaction.

Social implications

It highlights the crucial role of libraries in shaping future societal progress by emphasizing the need for elevated user services. Librarians can use this knowledge to modify their planning and take impactful initiatives that align with the evolving needs of their users.

Originality/value

While many studies have utilized LibQUAL, this research is unique for its focus on addressing university library services in underdeveloped regions facing economic challenges. It attempts to fill the information gap by offering a transferable approach for strategic priorities in similar settings.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2019

Shahab Aziz, Maizaitulaidawati Md Husin, Nazimah Hussin and Zahra Afaq

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect one’s attitude and intentions towards family takaful schemes, apart from evaluating the mediating role of…

3713

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect one’s attitude and intentions towards family takaful schemes, apart from evaluating the mediating role of perceived trust in the relationship between perceived religiosity and attitude towards family takaful. Most prior studies have considered religiosity as an individual’s tendency to be religious. However, the present study employed perceived religiosity as one’s perception regarding shariah compliance practices of family takaful schemes. Moreover, this study examines the direct relationship between perceived religiosity and attitude and the indirect relationship between perceived religiosity and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 224 salaried individuals was selected with an age range of 24–50. Variance-based partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results showed that knowledge and perceived usefulness (PU) had significantly positive relationships with attitude towards family takaful schemes. Perceived trust completely mediated the relationship between perceived religiosity and attitude towards family takaful. Attitude was positively related to purchase intention regarding family takaful.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are important for Islamic financial institutions, especially for takaful companies to revamp their marketing strategies. With enhanced understanding regarding consumer behaviour, takaful companies can sell their products in a more effective manner to increase their market share.

Originality/value

Behavioural aspects regarding the purchase of Islamic insurance products have yet to be profoundly explored in the literature. The indirect relationship between perceived religiosity and trust is established in this study. The study contributes to the field of consumer behaviour and marketing of Islamic financial products.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Dariyoush Jamshidi and Nazimah Hussin

Understanding the important patronage factors of Islamic credit card as a new e-commerce banking service is essential for bankers and users. Although some previous studies have…

1772

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding the important patronage factors of Islamic credit card as a new e-commerce banking service is essential for bankers and users. Although some previous studies have focused on the factors that influence adoption of Islamic credit card, there are few empirical research studies that use a well-established adoption model that helps bankers and consumers to accept and use the Islamic credit card. This study aims to provide such a model to facilitate the adoption of Islamic credit card.

Design/methodology/approach

In response, a conceptual model was developed that combines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with perceived religiosity (a new developed construct in this study) and trust to explain usage intention of this new banking product. Accordingly, the data were collected from 327 bank customers, and the results supported the applicability of TAM to describe usage behavior of Islamic credit card. Besides, the newly developed construct (perceived religiosity) increased the TAM power regarding explaining adoption of a new e-commerce banking service.

Findings

Theoretically, the results of this study advocate that perceived religiosity increase the TAM predictive power to clarify intention to use. While, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude explained low level of the variance regarding intention to use, by adding perceived religiosity to TAM, these constructs contributed to an increase in the described variance, therefore offering a better explanatory power. In addition, the proposed joint TAM, perceived religiosity and trust explained 57.1 per cent of usage behavior variance. These results are of prime importance, as, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that proves the applicability of TAM for explaining adoption and usage of the Islamic credit card.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study showed that perceived usefulness is an important factor effecting people’s intention to use the Islamic credit card. Consequently, managers need to first ensure that the Islamic credit card and its services are technically sound and work in an appropriate manner. The focus should be on promoting speed, efficiency and effectiveness of this new product. In financial part, there is a need to reduce the interest rate in the long run to encourage potential users to consider the usage of the Islamic credit card and its offered services.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Bijith Marakarkandy, Nilay Yajnik and Chandan Dasgupta

The integration of relevant antecedents into TAM would lead to better understanding of the decision factors which act as enablers for the adoption of internet banking. The purpose…

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Abstract

Purpose

The integration of relevant antecedents into TAM would lead to better understanding of the decision factors which act as enablers for the adoption of internet banking. The purpose of the paper is to determine the influence of the antecedents subjective norm, image, banks initiative, internet banking self-efficacy, internet usage efficacy, trust, perceived risk, trialability and government support on the existing constructs of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and to test measurement invariance and the moderating effect of the demographic variables on the relationship between the latent constructs used in this augmented TAM.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered on internet banking users and a total of 300 responses were collected. A two-step approach suggested by Hair et al. (2006) and Schumacker and Lomax (2004) was used in this study. The proposed model was assessed using the confirmatory factor analysis approach. The structural model was then tested in order to establish nomological validity. The data based on four demographic dimensions gender, age, income, education were divided into two groups for each of these demographic dimensions. The invariance test was first performed on the measurement model and then on the structural model. The measurement model and structural model were subjected to tests of equivalence of parameters across groups.

Findings

To a large extent the results of the study supports the proposed model and thereby contributes to understand the influence of subjective norm, image, banks initiative, internet banking self-efficacy, internet usage efficacy, trust, perceived risk and government support on internet banking adoption. The predictor variables in the augmented TAM were able to explain 29.9 per cent of the variance in the actual usage of internet banking as compared to the TAM which was able to explain only 26.5 per cent variance in the actual usage of internet banking. A significant difference in the relationship between the different constructs of the model was observed when the model was subjected to multi-group invariance testing.

Research limitations/implications

The study suffers from the same limitations as most other studies involving TAM. In this study self-reported measures about the usage were taken as the actual usage. The findings of the study can be of use to marketers for target-specific marketing by customizing the marketing campaign focussing on the factors that were found to be strong influencers leading to the usage of internet banking for each target audience.

Originality/value

The main challenge in this study was to develop the conceptual model for the internet banking adoption by extending the TAM and to get a robust theoretical support from the extant literature for the relevant factors along with their relationship to uncover new insights about factors responsible for the internet banking adoption. The augmented model had an improved predictive capability and explanatory utility.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2019

Dariyoush Jamshidi and Fazlollah Kazemi

One of the main challenge when launching new banking services is to overcome resistance to change so as to accelerate market acceptance. This is the case of an Islamic credit card…

1477

Abstract

Purpose

One of the main challenge when launching new banking services is to overcome resistance to change so as to accelerate market acceptance. This is the case of an Islamic credit card (ICC). Grounded in innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and theory of reasoned action (TRA), this paper aims to study the purposes and empirically tests an integrated model to explore, which factors influence of ICC.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares and structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypotheses. Accordingly, the empirical results, obtained in a sample of 762 bank customers.

Findings

Intentions to use of ICC are mostly determined by relative advantage, compatibility, customer awareness, satisfaction and attitude. The combination of IDT and TRA significantly explain the ICC adoption.

Originality/value

This research has provided a theoretical understanding of the ICC adoption determinants with the intent of promoting a more in-depth understanding of various elements influencing acceptance and usage of this Islamic banking service.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Saad Ghaleb Yaseen and Ihab Ali El Qirem

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the essential factors influencing the adoption and use of e-banking services as perceived by customers of the Jordanian commercial…

2411

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the essential factors influencing the adoption and use of e-banking services as perceived by customers of the Jordanian commercial banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adapts and modifies the unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model. Modifications were made to explain intention to use e-banking services.

Findings

The modified model explained 0.887 of behavior intention variance and 0.516 percent of the intended degree of e-banking services use variance. Three constructs are found to be good predictors: effort expectancy (EE), social influence, and perceived e-banking services quality. Performance expectancy and hedonic motivation are not significant predictors. However, all three predictors were significantly moderated by age only.

Research limitations/implications

As with any research in the field of IT adoption and consumer behavior, researchers should take into consideration the generalization of their empirical findings. The generalization could be enhanced if future research uses the Jordanian baking sector which includes Jordanian and non-Jordanian banks. Finally, the current research findings are based on the cross-sectional research method. Taking this fact into consideration, the relation between intention and actual use may raise questions. One solution is to study intention and actual use at different points in time by conducting longitudinal research to access and test the research hypotheses.

Practical implications

Managers need to focus on promoting e-banking services in terms of consumer’s EE, social influence, and e-banking service quality. Since young consumers are early adopters, Jordanian banks need to introduce added entertainment values for youth and extra convenience for older consumers.

Originality/value

The main contributions revolve around developing a better understanding of the essential factors influencing the adoption and use of e-banking services. This research incorporates a new variable: perceived e-banking quality. Thus, the proposed model provides better explanatory power than previous research.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

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