Rasha Ismail, Fadi Safieddine and Ashraf Jaradat
The setting up of e-university has been slow-going. Much of e-university slow progress has been attributed to poor business models, branding, disruptive technologies, lack of…
Abstract
Purpose
The setting up of e-university has been slow-going. Much of e-university slow progress has been attributed to poor business models, branding, disruptive technologies, lack of organisational structure that accommodates such challenges, and failure to integrate a blended approach. One of the stumbling blocks, among many, is the handling of evaluation process. E-university models do not provide much automation compared to the original brick-and-mortar classroom model of delivery. The underlining technologies may not have been supportive; however, the conditions are changing, and more evaluation tools are becoming available for academics. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper identifies the extent of current online evaluation processes. In this process, the team reviews the case study of a UK E-University using Adobe Connect learning model that mirrors much of the physical processes as well as online exams and evaluation tools. Using the Riva model, the paper compares the physical with the online evaluation processes for e-universities to identify differences in these processes to evaluate the benefits of e-learning. As a result, the models can help us to identify the processes where improvements can take place for automating the process and evaluate the impact of this change.
Findings
The paper concludes that this process can be significantly shortened and provide a fairer outcome but there remain some challenges for e-university processes to overcome.
Originality/value
This paper examines the vital quality assurance processes in academia as more universities move towards process automation, blended or e-university business models. Using the case study of Arden University online distance learning, the paper demonstrates, through modelling and analysis that the process of online automation of the evaluation process is achieved with significant efficiency.
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Rasha Adel, Naglaa Megahed, Asmaa M. Hassan and Merhan Shahda
Passive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention…
Abstract
Purpose
Passive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.
Design/methodology/approach
This research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.
Findings
The research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.
Practical implications
The findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.
Social implications
Researchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.
Originality/value
The research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.
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Engy ElHawary and Rasha Elbolok
This examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on financial reporting quality (FRQ) before and during COVID-19 in the Egyptian market.
Abstract
Purpose
This examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on financial reporting quality (FRQ) before and during COVID-19 in the Egyptian market.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses quarterly data from 2017 to 2021 to draw conclusions, with a sample consisting of 486 firm-year observations for 27 Egyptian companies listed on the Standard and Poor’s/Egyptian Stock Exchange ESG index. This study uses both firms’ ESG scores and the Beneish Model, an earnings detection model, as proxies for FRQ. COVID-19 effects on ESG performance and FRQ were examined by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and two-stage least squares.
Findings
COVID-19 has a significant impact on the link between ESG and FRQ. This implies that corporations with high ESG performance are less likely to manipulate earnings (having a low M-score) and thus provide high FRQ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there is a significant positive relationship between firm size, leverage and M-Score, indicating that large firms typically present a high FRQ.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size and data availability are the main research limitations. Additionally, this study only considers the effects of firms’ ESG performance on FRQ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, future research should consider other factors associated with investors’ corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Practical implications
This research has practical implications for market regulators seeking to establish a legislative framework and enhance guidance to mandate managers to provide ESG data and CSR reports appropriate for Egypt and other developing economies in times of crisis.
Social implications
Promoting the adoption of ESG practices in business, particularly during crises, has the potential to effectively provide high-quality and reliable financial reporting required for investment.
Originality/value
This study aspires to address notable deficiencies in the pertinent literature concerning the relationship between ESG performance and FRQ during COVID-19. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, little is known about how ESG performance changes in response to pandemics in emerging markets. To address this gap, this study examines the effects of COVID-19 on the relationship between ESG performance and FRQ in Egyptian-listed firms from 2017 to 2021.
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Miran Ismail Hussien and Rasha Abd El Aziz
The main subject of the research is to study the internet banking quality dimensions that affect customer satisfaction from the consumer and provider perspectives. This bridges…
Abstract
Purpose
The main subject of the research is to study the internet banking quality dimensions that affect customer satisfaction from the consumer and provider perspectives. This bridges the gap between theory and practice which is part from contributing to the body of knowledge, thus improve the service quality dimensions to attain better quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate how do users perceive e-banking quality dimensions in terms of their importance; how do decision makers in banks perceive and provide e-banking quality dimensions; whether each quality dimension directly affect users satisfaction of the service.
Design/methodology/approach
Structured questionnaires were randomly distributed over 300 bank clients, 133 valid questionnaires were returned. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Two key decision makers at the were interviewed to get the broader picture, where data were interpretively analyzed.
Findings
Results were integrated allowing authors to show that service quality has significant effect on customer satisfaction. bank could be considered a success story that provides a guide line for decision makers in banks that are less fortunate in providing high service quality, thus help them better address their customers’ needs.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this paper is that the research was conducted at one bank and thus a more comprehensive study, involving other banks in the industry could enable research generalize results.
Originality/value
This paper provides a valuable stakeholder analysis regarding e-banking service quality dimensions as viewed and ranked by service providers and users.
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Yasser M. Ibrahim and Rasha Hassan
Blockchain (BC) has recently gained attention from educational organizations as a reliable and trustworthy technology for storing crucial data. This study aims to explore the…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain (BC) has recently gained attention from educational organizations as a reliable and trustworthy technology for storing crucial data. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the students’ intention to use BC to host an automated reward system that is based on objective criteria of students’ performance and activities. Predefined smart contracts would guarantee unbiased judgements and fair rewards.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method approach is used. Based on an iterative rounds of Delphi approach along with a comprehensive literature review, this research proposed an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model. The model hypotheses relate performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), perceived innovativeness (PI), trust (TR), perceived security and privacy (S&P), complexity (CX) and enjoyment (EN) to students behavioural intention to use the reward system. The study tests the hypotheses using survey data from 138 students who are familiar with BC technology and its applications. The data analysis is performed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling method.
Findings
The analysis revealed that PE, EE, PI, TR and EN positively affect students’ intention to use the BC rewarding system, while CX negatively impacts it. Conversely, FC and, interestingly, S&P, which showed a significant influence on trust, were found to be insignificant in influencing students’ intention to use the system.
Originality/value
This study significantly contributes to the educational technology field by addressing research gaps regarding the adoption and acceptance of BC technology in academia. Firstly, it proposes a basic form of a student reward system. Secondly, it introduces an empirically validated model of students’ adoption, pinpointing factors influencing their readiness to embrace a BC reward system and providing practical implementation insights.
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This chapter explores how state–business relations (SBR) in the Arab world influence public policy on industrial clusters and the resulting economic benefits from these clusters…
Abstract
This chapter explores how state–business relations (SBR) in the Arab world influence public policy on industrial clusters and the resulting economic benefits from these clusters on innovation and productivity. The main SBR actors are identified as the state, big capitalists (or tycoons), and small and medium business managers and owners (entrepreneurs). The framework used here focuses on interactors' power relations. Such power relations are reflected in the ability/inability of the state to enforce its will with less consultation with and/or favorite treatment to nonstate actors. It is also reflected in the ability/inability of nonstate actors to act individually or organize in order to defend their interests and influence government policy formulation and implementation. Such power relations are reflected in the ability of nonstate actors to organize – especially entrepreneurs – and the level of favoritism provided by state officials to tycoons. The power dynamics in SBR lead to different SBR modes and different economic outcomes, one of which is the development of industrial clusters and how efficient they are in fostering innovation and productivity in Arab countries. This chapter suggests that the development of industrial clusters in the Arab world necessitates institutional reform, addressing the power relations governing SBR in the region. A more open political system allowing the independence and growth of broad-based business associations and curbing favoritism is necessary for realizing the benefits from implementing recommended policies, leading to cluster development and reaping the economic benefits from such development. Using statistical and regression analysis, empirical evidence supporting these arguments is provided.
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Rasha Aziz Attia Salama, Saima Javaid Iqbal, Mariam Mehwish Mohsin, Aisha Iram Mohsin and Nihal Amir Wadid
This study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among undergraduate medical and health science students and to identify the factors associated with its development.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among undergraduate medical and health science students and to identify the factors associated with its development.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving students from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey was used to evaluate three subscales of burnout. Ethical considerations were met, and informed written consent was obtained from participants. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between demographic, personal and school environment factors and burnout.
Findings
Out of 453 students surveyed, the majority were females (74.8%) aged 18–20 years (60%). Significant levels of burnout were reported, with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment affecting over half of the participants (69%). Factors such as being in the clinical years, long-distance commuting challenges and involuntary college selection were identified as predictors of burnout.
Research limitations/implications
While the study provides valuable insights, limitations may include the specific context of the university and potential biases in self-reported data.
Practical implications
The findings underscore the importance of raising awareness, maintaining work-life balance and implementing coping strategies to support student well-being and foster a positive learning environment. Suggestions include time management and seeking guidance from mentors or mental health professionals.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of burnout among medical and health science students, especially within the unique context of the United Arab Emirates, given the convergence of students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
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Enas Moustafa Mohamed Abousafi, Mohamed Abouelhassan Ali and Jose Louis Iparraguirre
This chapter applies the five drivers of productivity framework to regional microdata for Egypt and extends it by introducing an index of industrial clusters as an explanatory…
Abstract
This chapter applies the five drivers of productivity framework to regional microdata for Egypt and extends it by introducing an index of industrial clusters as an explanatory factor of the productivity performance of local private sector firms. Applying structural equation models, the geographic concentration of sectoral economic activity is found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on labor productivity. The transmission mechanism is conjectured to be the positive spillovers that are created, which local firms can tap into. In contrast, a higher concentration of skilled workers in an industrial sector in a region is associated with lower levels of labor productivity – a finding that suggests there may be structural deficiencies in the allocation of skilled workers. Regional policy should focus on net investments in gross capital formation throughout the country, for which the national and regional governments should improve how public investments are managed and the institutional framework – including the rule of law, bureaucracy and red tape, conflict of interest, transparency, and governance – so that private investment (both local and foreign) may substantially increase.