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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2010

Khalid Mohammed Al-Balushi

In this paper, I argue that English could be of more relevance to the Arabian Gulf if we conceptualized it as an educational forum for familiarizing students with socio-linguistic…

582

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that English could be of more relevance to the Arabian Gulf if we conceptualized it as an educational forum for familiarizing students with socio-linguistic conventions relating to a wide variety of text types and for sharpening their critical awareness of the political implications of the uses of English. I make my case against the backdrop of a particular local context in the Arabian Gulf: the current BA programme in English at the College of Arts and Social Science, Sultan Qaboos University, the Sultanate of Oman. I maintain that the programme is predicated upon conceiving of English as a field (or rather fields) of knowledge, as academic disciplines of English literature, linguistics and translation, each with its own sets of concepts and frames of reference. As such, the programme both falls short of being fully theoretically coherent and fails to take into account the recent educational developments in Oman. Drawing upon the theoretical construct of discourse, I propose an outline of an alternative BA programme in English that revolves around the uses of English and their political implications.

Details

Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2077-5504

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Article
Publication date: 17 December 2024

Ahmed Mohammed, Mohammed Al Balushi and Nasiru Zubairu

This study investigates food waste within the food supply chain (FSC), for the case of fresh and short FSC (FS-FSC), aiming to (1) reveal the major causes of waste across FSC (2…

29

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates food waste within the food supply chain (FSC), for the case of fresh and short FSC (FS-FSC), aiming to (1) reveal the major causes of waste across FSC (2) identify the food waste mitigation strategies, (3) measure food waste impacts at each supply stream, and (4) propose practical initiatives to support decision/policymakers in strategic food waste management, especially in the case country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a mixed-method approach to investigating food waste, examining existing literature using template analysis. The focus is on three key elements: factors enabling food waste, its final destinations, and strategies to reduce it. The study then gathers information from a prominent regional retailer and consumers through interviews and surveys. The empirical data collected is then analysed using template analysis and descriptive statistics.

Findings

This research highlights key waste enablers across the food supply chain networks, including procurement and storage, processing, operation strategy, people, and consumers. The enablers differed in the amount of food waste produced, and the research outcome demonstrates that the end consumers were the largest contributors to the food waste generated. The changes in people's habits and tastes significantly affect the FS-FSC. Interestingly, results demonstrated that 40% of consumers utilise food leftovers as pet food.

Practical implications

The proposed food waste management initiatives can help companies minimise and mitigate food waste at each supply chain stage. Practitioners can use the identified causes and mitigation strategies to implement mitigation efforts and translate them into actionable plans.

Originality/value

The article outlines a practical approach for addressing food waste in an FS-FSC case throughout the entire chain, encompassing supply, distribution, catering, delivery, and consumption. The study not only sheds light on the primary reasons for food wastage but also provides insights into potential solutions that are not only effective but also feasible in real-world scenarios.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 23 December 2024

Mohammed Al Balushi

For decades, quality management systems (QMS) have played an important role in the performance of organizations. Yet, with the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the business…

16

Abstract

Purpose

For decades, quality management systems (QMS) have played an important role in the performance of organizations. Yet, with the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the business environment, organizational resilience has become vital for business continuity. As organizations need to ensure both high performance and resilience, this paper aims at investigating how ISO 9001 implementation impacts organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research deploys a qualitative methodology, with an outsider–insider approach. 32 semi-structured interviews were conducted, plus one final reflective interview. Interview questions dealt with resilience constructs: problem identification and prioritization, resource mobilization, organizational learning, sensemaking, self-organization, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, mindfulness and coupling. The questions also dealt with how ISO 9001 implementation impacted each construct of organizational resilience.

Findings

The results show that ISO 9001 implementation enhanced resilience, mainly by promoting process-orientation and ensuring consistent practice of risk management across the organization. The results also suggest that at a certain point, when units became very highly process-oriented, ISO impact faded or disappeared as units had already been beyond that level before ISO implementation. This indicates a significant role played by the organizational structure when it comes to both ISO 9001 implementation and organizational structure.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it is the first – within the reviewed literature – to examine how a QMS, in particular ISO 9001, impacts firm’s ability to overcome adverse conditions. It also highlights the fundamental role the organizational structure plays to both effectively implement ISO 9001 and enhance organizational resilience.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 22 December 2020

Kambiz Mokhtari, Noorul Shaiful Fitri Abdul Rahman, Hamid Reza Soltani, Salim Ahmed Al Rashdi and Kawkab Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Balushi

At the substantive level, there exists a gap in knowledge about the position of security risk management (i.e. SRM) during the terminals’ operations and management; particularly…

1562

Abstract

Purpose

At the substantive level, there exists a gap in knowledge about the position of security risk management (i.e. SRM) during the terminals’ operations and management; particularly when there is potential for deliberate anti-security acts. Correspondingly, the purpose of this paper is a need for more practical research to find out the justification for the existence of the SRM and different techniques for its appropriate execution on these logistics infrastructures principally with due regard to the potential requirements in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are used in this study incorporating fuzzy set theory and risk assessment matrix to achieve the research objective.

Findings

A designed SRM framework tailored for Qalhat liquefied petroleum gas (LNG) terminal in Sultanate of Oman was established to manage the security threats which can be resulted from any probable terrorist attacks.

Research limitations/implications

The limited numbers of experts for the purpose of the addressed SRM are causing challenges in data collection.

Practical implications

The pressures for enhanced attention to critical infrastructure security have fostered new challenges for petrochemical seaports and terminals (PSTs). These tendencies dictate to maintain comprehensive security regimens that can be integrated with national and international strategies to support the country’s security against terrorism.

Originality/value

The development of the security risk factor table model in the case of Qalhat LNG Terminal.

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Article
Publication date: 5 November 2020

Mohammed Al Balushi

Research on transparency has been concerned mainly with external transparency, leaving internal transparency understudied. In particular, there is a lack of empirical research on…

1212

Abstract

Purpose

Research on transparency has been concerned mainly with external transparency, leaving internal transparency understudied. In particular, there is a lack of empirical research on the relationship between internal transparency and organizational resilience. This paper aims at investigating how internal transparency impacts organizational resilience in a public entity. It also examines how (quality) management systems impact internal transparency, and thus organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on semi-structured interviews covering the relevant topics. A total of 32 interviews were undertaken between January and May 2018.

Findings

The findings indicate that internal transparency contributes to better preparedness to adverse conditions by enhancing the ability to cumulate, locate and share knowledge. Similarly, management systems improve internal transparency through the enhancement of communication flow, use of indicators and accretion of a database.

Originality/value

The paper is the first, as evident from the literature review, to investigate how internal transparency impacts organizational resilience. Hence, it sheds light on a very important aspect of the effective management of quality, risk and reliability. It is also one of the first papers to examine the mediating role of (quality) management systems in organizational resilience.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 March 2023

Mohamed A. Shahat, Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi and Mohammed Al-Amri

The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design…

1394

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design test was used, and demographic variables that are correlated with this performance were identified.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive study employed a cross-sectional design and the collection of quantitative data. A sample of preservice science teachers from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) (n = 70) participated in this study.

Findings

Findings showed low and moderate levels of proficiency related to the stages of engineering design. Differences between males and females in terms of performance on engineering design tasks were found, with females scoring higher overall on the assessment. Biology preservice teachers scored higher than teachers from the other two majors (physics and chemistry) in two subscales. There were also differences between teachers studying in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) program and the teacher qualification diploma (TQD) program.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview, in an Arab setting, of preservice science teachers’ proficiency with engineering design process (EDP) tasks. It is hoped that the results may lead to improved instruction in science teacher training programs in similar contexts. Additionally, this research demonstrates how EDP competency relates to preservice teacher gender, major and preparation program. Findings from this study will contribute to the growing body of research investigating the strengths and shortcomings of teacher education programs in relation to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 3 June 2020

Hassan Mirza, Hamed Al Sinawi, Naser Al-Balushi, Mohammed Al-Alawi and Sathiya Murthi Panchatcharam

University-industry collaboration yields numerous advantages resulting in potential benefits in funding research and innovation. Despite the numerous benefits, there are various…

314

Abstract

Purpose

University-industry collaboration yields numerous advantages resulting in potential benefits in funding research and innovation. Despite the numerous benefits, there are various perceived disadvantages of such collaboration especially in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry in prominent academic institutes in London, UK. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes of the academics and clinicians in an academic university department towards industry collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods were applied, quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative method used an online questionnaire of four-point Likert-Scale, the link of which was emailed to 80 members of the department with a response rate of 32%. The qualitative method included a one-to-one interview with eight researchers from the department to garner in-depth information on the attitude of researchers in child and adolescent psychiatry towards industry collaboration.

Findings

The online questionnaire was completed by 26 researchers, the vast majority perceived industry as biased to favour their product and as having a bad or mixed reputation. One-on-one interviews with eight prominent researchers allowed us to share their perception and attitude towards industry collaboration, although the researchers believe that availability of funding was the major advantage of working in collaboration with industry, many did not know how to access such grants and some raised concerns about industry’s record of presenting partial results.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

This paper will shed light on how prominent researchers perceive collaboration with industry.

Originality/value

Although researchers are very reluctant to collaborate with industry because of its public opinion and sometimes unethical and lack of integrity among the industry, with rigorous ethical guidelines and policies, the pharmaceutical industry can be a potential and significant source of funding of high-quality research and innovation.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Mohamed A. Shahat, Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi, Shubair Abdullah and Mohammed Al-Amri

This study investigates a novel educational strategy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching that integrates the engineering design process (EDP) as a…

610

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates a novel educational strategy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching that integrates the engineering design process (EDP) as a framework. The strategy aims to help teachers explain STEM concepts in a simplified way. We employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to enable a systematic review that evaluated the effectiveness of this approach in improving both teaching and learning in STEM subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to fulfill the objectives of the review, key data were extracted from each of the 400 articles that were reviewed from three databases: Scopus, ProQuest Central and EBSCO. Two types of analysis were conducted, namely descriptive analysis and literature classification.

Findings

This systematic review analyzed 44 articles on the EDP, focusing on 18 detailed studies mainly from ProQuest, SCOPUS and EBSCO. It revealed a limited focus on gender’s impact on EDP and a trend toward interdisciplinary use and integrated research approaches. The study underscores the need for further exploration of demographic influences and preparation programs in EDP across various disciplines, aiming to inform future research and educational policies.

Originality/value

The study’s value lies in its comprehensive assessment of engineering design (ED) research over the past decade, serving as a key reference point. It highlights progress in the field, consolidates findings and provides insights into the field’s evolution, guiding future research directions in ED.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Moon Fai Chan, Salim Al-Huseini, Mohammed Al-Alawi, Hamed Al Sinawi, Naser Al Balushi and Samir Al-Adawi

Emotional intelligence (EI) can improve patient–doctor relationships, foster empathy, develop teamwork in the workplace, and boost communication skills. This study aims to…

65

Abstract

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) can improve patient–doctor relationships, foster empathy, develop teamwork in the workplace, and boost communication skills. This study aims to determine whether a cohort of residents has different profiles to their demographic and EI.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017–2018 (n = 440). The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire was used to measure EI. Cluster analysis was used to identify different profile groups.

Findings

Cluster analysis identified three clusters with different profiles. The residents in cluster A (n = 146, 33.2%) were older, more males, studying in their final year, and perceived lower EI. Cluster B (n = 184, 41.8%) were predominantly young females, more single, studying in year one, and perceived moderate EI. Cluster C (n = 110, 25.0%) were predominantly married females studying their year 1 in surgical and perceived higher EI.

Research limitations/implications

Study limitations include respondent honesty, cross-sectional design, and lack of a comparison site. Including EI education can improve emotional regulation, well-being, and sociability and should be assessed as part of residents' development.

Practical implications

Medical residents differ in emotional profiles, with higher EI improving coping and problem-solving skills. EI training should be integrated into the medical curriculum, particularly given the high-stress levels and unique stressors of hospital practicums.

Originality/value

The study suggested that three groups of residents exist, and they differ in demographic, EI, and subscale levels. This study recommended that residents be taught EI-related concepts to help them develop their EI through training on emotionality, self-control, well-being, and sociability.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 11 August 2021

Amrik Sohal, Tharaka de Vass, Prakash Singh, Shahid Al Balushi, Abdullah Said Al Hajri, Yahya Al Farsi and Rashid Al Arbi

Healthcare provision is costly, and patient expectations are increasing. Lean implemented within healthcare settings is one possible solution for dealing with this issue, with…

605

Abstract

Purpose

Healthcare provision is costly, and patient expectations are increasing. Lean implemented within healthcare settings is one possible solution for dealing with this issue, with much of the current research in this respect mostly focused on developed countries. The research examines the applicability of lean in the healthcare sector of a developing country, specifically Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 32 individuals representing four public sector hospitals, along with two major hospital suppliers and the Ministry of Health. The readiness of lean thinking was assessed against seven criteria. Data were then analyzed thematically.

Findings

The authors found that Oman's healthcare sector is strong on leadership support, understanding value and customer groups, ability to undertake an end-to-end process view and engaging in the required training for lean. Interviewees showed awareness of the challenges, including aligning lean with the strategic agenda of healthcare settings, aligning measurement and reward systems to lean thinking and matching demand and capacity levels. The authors conclude that Oman's healthcare sector is ready for widespread application of lean, and if executed successfully, will generate strong strategic and operational outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence of the applicability of lean in a very different context to the one that has been generally reported in the literature. The authors propose that lean thinking can be applied in countries and regions with similar cultural contexts such as the Middle East.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 121 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

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