Khalid Alammari, Robert Newbery, Mohamed Yacine Haddoud and Emily Beaumont
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how cultural values influence the entrepreneurial process. It conceptualises the relationship between post-materialistic values and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how cultural values influence the entrepreneurial process. It conceptualises the relationship between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention to explain low entrepreneurial activity.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with non-entrepreneurs. An online survey returned 405 valid questionnaires, representing a 27 per cent response rate. The data were analysed using partial least structural equation modelling.
Findings
The paper identifies key factors that explain the influence of changing cultural values on entrepreneurial activity. The results show that post-materialistic values influence entrepreneurial intention by decreasing desirability and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
Research limitations/implications
The study conceptualises the interplay between cultural values and entrepreneurial intention in Saudi Arabia. Further insights can be developed by comparing Saudi Arabia with other countries. The study was conducted as a “snapshot” of the current situation of entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia with a cross-sectional survey design.
Practical implications
The paper holds important implications for entrepreneurship educators when addressing unsupportive cultures for entrepreneurial activity. Cultural and motivational approaches are suggested. While the former focuses on aspects that encourage the desire and confidence to start a business, the latter involves encouraging setting venture creation as a goal.
Originality/value
Previous studies indicated that post-materialistic values negatively influence entrepreneurship; this paper contributes further by exploring how this relationship manifests by exploring the intervening factors between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention. It advances entrepreneurship research by investigating deep assumptions underlying the formulation of entrepreneurial intentions. It also responds to the need to understand the difference in the levels of entrepreneurial activity across countries.
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Saudi universities have incorporated capstone projects in the final year of an undergraduate study. Although universities are following recommendations of the National Commission…
Abstract
Purpose
Saudi universities have incorporated capstone projects in the final year of an undergraduate study. Although universities are following recommendations of the National Commission for National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), no detailed guidelines for management and assessment of capstone projects are provided by these accreditation bodies. Variation in the management and assessment practices of capstone project courses and analysis of the students' capabilities to align with industry demands, to realize Vision 2030, is challenging. This study investigates the current practices for structure definition, management and assessment criteria used for capstone project courses at undergraduate level for information technology (IT) programs at Saudi universities.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based questionnaire is administered using a web service commonly used for questionnaires and polls to investigate the structure, management and assessment of capstone projects at the undergraduate level offering software engineering, computer science and information technology (SECSIT) programs. In total, 42 faculty members (with range of experience of managing/advising capstone projects from 1 to more than 10 years) from 22 Saudi universities (out of more than 30 universities offering SECSIT undergraduate programs) participated in the study.
Findings
The authors have identified that Saudi universities are facing challenges in the utilized process model, the distribution of work and marks, the knowledge sharing approach and the assessment scheme. To cope with these challenges, the authors recommend the use of an incremental development process, the utilization of a project-driven approach, the development of a national level digital archive and the implementation of homogeneous assessment scheme.
Social implications
To contribute to the national growth and to fulfill the market demand, universities are recommended to align the capstone project courses with latest technology trends. Universities must collaborate with the industry and update the structure and requirements of capstone project courses accordingly. This will further facilitate to bridge the gap between industry and academia and will develop a win–win scenario for all the stakeholders.
Originality/value
Although universities are committed to increase innovative capacities of their students for enabling them to contribute to economic and social growth, it is still hard to know the knowledge creation and sharing at national level. Variations in the management and assessment practices for capstone projects further intensify this challenge. Hence, there is a need of smart assessment and management of software capstone projects being developed in Saudi universities. Incorporating latest technologies, such unified management can facilitate discovering the trends and patterns related to the domain and complexity.
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Higher education institutions are the contemporary embodiment of knowledge-intensive organizations. The role of knowledge sharing among academics in enhancing teaching, research…
Abstract
Purpose
Higher education institutions are the contemporary embodiment of knowledge-intensive organizations. The role of knowledge sharing among academics in enhancing teaching, research and innovation performance cannot be overlooked. However, a paucity of studies were devoted to uncovering the influencing factors of knowledge sharing among academics in China. This study aims to dig into the factors that influence academics’ knowledge-sharing behaviors in the context of Chinese higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 academics from universities across various regions in China by using a combination of convenience, snowball and purposive sampling methods. Thematic analysis was used where data sets were examined according to the initial categorization of factors based on a review of the literature while new factors were searched based on frequency of re-occurrence.
Findings
Perceived loss of power and time and effort significantly hinder knowledge sharing whereas expected self-development and association are major catalysts of knowledge sharing. The organizational climate in higher education is featured by competition and individualism, which is not conducive to knowledge sharing while affiliation and trust are essential for cultivating a pro-sharing environment. Technological tools are perceived as user-friendly and useful in facilitating knowledge sharing, but doubts were raised about the effectiveness of online knowledge sharing compared to face-to-face communication.
Originality/value
Deviating from the conventional quantitative approach, this study provides novelty insights on this topic by revealing some less-investigated factors of knowledge sharing among Chinese academics by taking the qualitative approach.
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Satvik, B. Koteswararao Naik, Rajeev Dwivedi and Adilson Carlos Yoshikuni
Blockchain is a nascent technology that has the ability to revolutionize the workings of the educational landscape. However, there are several barriers to the adoption of…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain is a nascent technology that has the ability to revolutionize the workings of the educational landscape. However, there are several barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT). So, this paper aims to determine, rank and analyse the interdependent contextual relationship among the BCT adoption barriers within the education management system (EMS) of higher education institutes.
Design/methodology/approach
The present research principally uses the technology-organization-environment model for the classification of BCT adoption barriers in the EMS. An integrated dual phase best-worst method and interpretive structural modelling – cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (BWM-ISM-MICMAC) analysis is used for the identification, prioritization and analysis of the contextual relationships among the BCT barriers.
Findings
The findings of the research show that the environmental barrier among the primary barriers and the lack of government initiatives among the sub-barriers are crucial barriers to BCT adoption in the EMS.
Research limitations/implications
Certain barriers might not be selected during the literature review and expert opinions might be biased. Future studies should use structural equation modelling to validate the relationships between BCT barriers and conduct similar research across other business sectors to provide valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike.
Practical implications
The study facilitates a better perspective of BCT barriers and explores possible solutions more comprehensively for policymakers and field managers. Consequently, it offers viable suggestions for the successful and effective implementation of BCT within the EMS.
Originality/value
The concept of using the blockchain in academics is a novel one. This study establishes a crucial research base for the smooth adoption of BCT in EMS.
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Labaran Isiaku, Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, Hyelda Ibrahim Kefas and Hamza Haruna Isiaku
This study aims to critically analyze existing research on blockchain technology adoption, examining the dominant models and methodologies used, the primary domains where…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to critically analyze existing research on blockchain technology adoption, examining the dominant models and methodologies used, the primary domains where blockchain is applied and the emerging opportunities across various sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a methodical systematic review approach, the authors meticulously examined a pool of 1,322 collected articles, subjecting 38 studies to rigorous assessment. Through this comprehensive analysis, the authors unveiled the key models and influential factors that intricately shape the trajectory of blockchain adoption.
Findings
The primary models identified for investigating blockchain adoption were the technology acceptance model and technology–organization–environment. Apart from the core variables within these models, the pivotal determinants influencing various blockchain applications include perceived trust, perceived cost and social influence. In addition, this study highlights supply chain management as a prominent domain for blockchain application adoption.
Practical implications
Understanding these influential factors and models can guide practical decisions and aid stakeholders in formulating effective strategies for blockchain adoption in diverse sectors.
Originality/value
This study contributes to advancing the understanding of blockchain adoption dynamics by unveiling the prevalent models and determinants shaping adoption. This study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the use and adoption of blockchain technologies across diverse sectors.