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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Michelle Kegler, Sharon Rodine, LaDonna Marshall, Roy Oman and Kenneth McLeroy

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that positive youth development may be an effective approach to preventing teen pregnancy. Studies show that selected protective factors or…

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Abstract

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that positive youth development may be an effective approach to preventing teen pregnancy. Studies show that selected protective factors or “youth assets” are associated with lower levels of adolescent sexual risk behavior. This paper describes the development of “Healthy, empowered and responsible teens of Oklahoma City” (HEART of OKC), one of 13 CDC‐funded demonstration projects designed to mobilize community resources to prevent teen pregnancy. During a two‐year planning phase, HEART of OKC conducted needs and assets assessments in five, very diverse, inner‐city neighborhoods. Data collection methods included geocoding and mapping of teen birth rates and census data, over 100 key informant interviews, and 23 focus groups with 168 teens from the priority neighborhoods. Focus group findings suggested numerous opportunities for asset‐based interventions. Assessment findings were used to develop a conceptual model that served as the foundation of the project. Assessment findings were also helpful in the development of a survey instrument used in a major research project to provide baseline data for HEART of OKC and to examine the relationship between specific “youth assets” and several adolescent risk behaviors, including sexual activity.

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Health Education, vol. 103 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

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Article
Publication date: 23 February 2010

Trisha Mueller, Diana Bensyl, Sara K. Vesely, Roy F. Oman and Cheryl B. Aspy

Previous research has shown that religion plays a role in the lives of many youths. This paper aims to extend previous research and examine attendance at religious services and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous research has shown that religion plays a role in the lives of many youths. This paper aims to extend previous research and examine attendance at religious services and involvement in religious/church activities as separate items to determine if one aspect was more strongly associated with never having had sexual intercourse among youth in the USA. It also aims to consider the effect of other youth assets, and analyze all by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional data were examined to assess youth assets and risk behaviors. Multivariate regression was used to determine whether the assets or religion questions were significant in the presence of the other assets/religion questions. The eight assets examined, in addition to church attendance and involvement in religious groups were adult role models, peer role models, family communication, involvement in sports and groups, community involvement, aspirations for the future, responsible choices, and good health – diet and exercise.

Findings

Involvement in church/religious activities, but not attendance at religious services, was associated with never having had sexual intercourse among males and females. Analysis also determined that several of the other youth assets were protective of sexual intercourse among males and among females.

Research limitations/implications

Findings from this study may be limited by the validity of the self‐reported measures. The data were cross‐sectional, making it impossible to draw inferences about the causal directions of the relationships found in this study. Future research should focus on developing interventions to strengthen youth assets.

Practical implications

Developing gender and culturally specific interventions to promote youth assets may reduce the number of young people engaging in sex.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous research and examines attendance at religious services and involvement in religious/church activities as separate items to determine if one aspect was more strongly associated with never having had sexual intercourse.

Details

Health Education, vol. 110 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Ali Saif Al-Aufi, Ibrahim Al-Harthi, Yousuf AlHinai, Zahran Al-Salti and Ali Al-Badi

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of Omani citizens toward the use of social media by the government for participatory and interactive relationships. More precisely…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of Omani citizens toward the use of social media by the government for participatory and interactive relationships. More precisely, the descriptive nature of the study resides in its ability to explain how social media users regard the current status and levels of presence, transparency, engagement, responsiveness and trust about the current use of social media by the Omani Government.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to collect data. This was done via a self-administered questionnaire from a return sample of 1,769 citizens drawn from different places in Oman. These citizens were considered as well-informed and regular active users of social media. The reviewed literature provided a basis for the construct of the questionnaire.

Findings

The overall results indicated modest levels of agreement in all of the investigated factors. The neutral findings suggest that there is a level of uncertainty among the respondents regarding how the government is determining the potential of social media for participatory and interactive relationships. Findings in this study advocate the outcomes of the recent Arab Social Media Report, plus the few relevant studies included in the literature, which nearly stated that although there is a growing use of social media among citizens, governments are failing to take full advantage of social media. Governments are also failing to engage citizens to design and deliver more efficient and collaborative services, per this study’s findings.

Practical/implications

The findings call for the importance of strategically framing the use of participatory social media by the government. In a broader sense, the findings of this study are beneficial to all contexts that share similar political and socio-economic philosophy, especially the Arab states and most of the developing countries. The findings provide insights for governments in need of developing social media strategies to promote more collaborative and interactive governance.

Originality/value

The study aids in understanding the views of citizens who are the current major players in a highly technology-driven environment. This environment is found to be transforming the relationship between citizens and governments. The study adds knowledge to the currently scarce body of literature dealing with issues pertaining to citizen–government relationships in social media in the Arab states, and similar contexts in developing countries. Its findings may provide valuable insights for policy makers to leverage collaborative relationships between governments and citizens.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

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Article
Publication date: 25 October 2024

Mohammad Soliman, Naayama Al-Ghafri, Alicia Orea-Giner, Hafidh Al Riyami and Musallam S. Hawas Al-Aamri

This study examines how street food affects urban culture, economics and sustainable tourism. It examines how street food stands, as a cultural and economic phenomenon, influence…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how street food affects urban culture, economics and sustainable tourism. It examines how street food stands, as a cultural and economic phenomenon, influence consumer behaviour and local traditions, particularly in Oman’s evolving street food scene.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative research design, this study utilises an integrated model combining the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) and Attitude-Social-Influence-Efficacy (ASE) models. This approach facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing consumer behaviour towards street food consumption. The methodology includes surveys and structured interviews with consumers and vendors to assess perceptions, attitudes and behaviours linked to street food in Oman.

Findings

The research identifies key sociocultural, economic and marketing factors that significantly influence consumer engagement with street food. It highlights how traditional elements, such as local customs and societal norms, interplay with contemporary marketing strategies to shape consumer preferences and experiences. The findings suggest that street food not only enhances the culinary experience for travellers but also plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of local tourism economies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a novel empirical exploration of street food consumption in Oman, a relatively underexplored area within tourism research. It offers valuable insights into how street food can be leveraged to bolster local economies and enrich the tourist experience through sustainable practices. By integrating the S-O-R and ASE models, this research provides a unique framework for understanding the dynamic relationship between street food culture and consumer behaviour in a Middle Eastern context.

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British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Book part
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Taqwa Al Mawaali, Omar Nasser Khamis Al Hashar, Noof Al Alawi, Tamanna Dalwai, Syeeda Shafiya Mohammadi and Maroua Ben Maaouia

This study investigates the impact of business strategy on earnings management practices for financial and non-financial firms in Oman. To assess the research objective, 430…

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of business strategy on earnings management practices for financial and non-financial firms in Oman. To assess the research objective, 430 firm-year observations from 2015 to 2019 were employed in the study. Using regression analysis, the findings suggest that differentiation strategy positively affects earnings management in financial sector firms. In addition, cost leadership strategy positively affects earnings management in non-financial sector firms. This indicates that business strategy is associated with company leaders managing their earnings while they are trying to survive through competition. These findings are useful for regulators, as they can introduce mechanisms to curb earnings management practices and instil more faith in investors.

Details

Digital Technology and Changing Roles in Managerial and Financial Accounting: Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Application
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-973-4

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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Charalampos Alexopoulos, Tariq Ali Said Al-Tamimi and Stuti Saxena

When the repercussions of COVID-19 were being absorbed by the world, the higher educational institutions (HEIs) were conceiving of strategies to run educational institutions on…

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Abstract

Purpose

When the repercussions of COVID-19 were being absorbed by the world, the higher educational institutions (HEIs) were conceiving of strategies to run educational institutions on remote basis too, including the challenges linked with the teaching–learning as well as the management and other departmental needs. Leaning itself on the teaching–learning tectonic shifts amid the COVID-19 climes, the study reviews the status of “readiness” of the HEIs in Oman while bearing this in mind that the usage of information and communications technology (ICT) for distance learning and conventional learning has been considered as one of the parameters to judge the “quality” of the HEIs in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentary analysis alongside an in-depth reading of the quality audit reports sourced from the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority, which are publicly accessible are being referred for driving home the arguments in the study.

Findings

The study concludes that despite the case being in favor of distance learning from early on, the same doesn’t get reflected in the conclusions derived in the research conducted for assessing the teaching–learning mechanisms during the COVID-19 period. Therefore, the HEIs’ “readiness” in terms of ensuring the smooth transitioning to the remote learning pedagogical arrangements for meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 wasn’t efficacious.

Research limitations/implications

The present study may be followed up with an understanding as to how the HEIs of Oman need to incorporate the perspectives of all the concerned stakeholders for the refurbishment of the teaching–learning process, especially in times of contingencies.

Practical implications

Apart from the policy-makers, the management of the HEIs of Oman needs to appreciate the need to be proactive and appreciative of the inclusion of ICT tools and techniques in the mainstream pedagogical settings.

Originality/value

Notwithstanding the emphasis upon the preparedness and readiness for tackling the challenges posed by the COVID-19 for the HEIs in Oman, no study has attempted to delve into the issue succinctly—the present study fills this gap.

Details

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

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Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Waheed Hammad, Yara Yasser Hilal and Mehmet Şükrü Bellibaş

Research has provided powerful evidence that what teachers do in the classroom matters most for the learning of students. Evidence also suggests that school leaders can make a…

316

Abstract

Purpose

Research has provided powerful evidence that what teachers do in the classroom matters most for the learning of students. Evidence also suggests that school leaders can make a significant difference to student learning via their influence on teachers' attitudes, beliefs and classroom practices. The purpose of this study was to examine if/how principal instructional leadership practices affect differentiated instruction in Omani schools, and understand the role that teacher collaboration and self-efficacy play in this dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data collected from a sample of 496 teachers working in public schools in Muscat, Oman.

Findings

The findings revealed no direct association between principal instructional leadership and differentiated instruction. Instead, the effects of principal instructional leadership on differentiated instruction were achieved indirectly through the mediation of teacher collaboration and teacher self-efficacy. Collaboration was also found to have a positive influence on the teachers' self-efficacy beliefs.

Originality/value

The significance of this study stems from its relevance to the educational developments unfolding not only in Oman, but in the Gulf region at large. Recent reviews of educational administration and leadership research in the Gulf states indicate the scarcity of empirical research investigating the relationship between principal leadership and teacher practices. This is problematic as it creates a gap in our knowledge of the factors that can support ongoing school improvement initiatives in the region. More specifically, we expect our findings to guide current educational reforms aimed at raising education quality via promoting effective teaching and learning in Omani schools.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2021

Tamanna Dalwai and Mahdi Salehi

This research examines the influence of business strategy and intellectual capital on firm performance and bankruptcy risk of Oman's non-financial sector companies.

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Abstract

Purpose

This research examines the influence of business strategy and intellectual capital on firm performance and bankruptcy risk of Oman's non-financial sector companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The data comprises 380 firm-year observations collected from 2015 to 2019 for the non-financial sector companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market. This study measures business strategy using the Miles and Snow typologies and Porter's strategies as alternative measures. The study uses the Granger-causality test to measure the bi-directional causality between independent and dependent variables. The authors use alternative measurements of business strategy and 2SLS/IV estimation to validate the OLS results.

Findings

According to the Miles and Snow typologies, most of Oman's non-financial firms were analyzers. The empirical results show a negative relationship between business strategy and return on equity (ROE), suggesting defender-type strategy leads to an increase in firm performance. The OLS results show no influence of A-VAIC on firm performance and Altman-Z score. The structural capital efficiency is positively associated with ROA, and Altman Z score consistent with the hypothesized relationship. The Granger causality test shows no inference of causality between any independent and dependent variables except for Z score and CEE.

Research limitations/implications

The business strategy results from the firm performance and bankruptcy risk models are valuable to the researchers from an emerging market and non-financial companies' perspective. Oman's diversification strategy of its economic activities through non-financial sector companies receives an impetus through the findings of this study. As this study is limited to Oman's non-financial sector companies, future research on business strategy impact can be extended to the financial sector, other GCC, and emerging countries.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the sparse literature on business strategy in an emerging market like Oman. This study enriches the knowledge of business strategy typologies proposed by Miles and Snow, and Porter. It also contributes to the extant literature on firm performance and bankruptcy risk.

Details

Asian Review of Accounting, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1321-7348

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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…

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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: 18 December 2023

Saeed Rabea Baatwah, Mohammed Bajaher and Mohammed Asiri

This study aims to provide archival evidence on the impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) monetary performance and how they interact with the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide archival evidence on the impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) monetary performance and how they interact with the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of CSR monetary performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes listed companies in Oman’s capital market from 2016 to 2021, using pooled ordinary least squares and unique CSR performance measures such as budgeting and spending.

Findings

The study finds that companies with more expertise and frequent meetings are more likely to allocate a larger budget for CSR activities. However, this does not apply to larger boards or to independent directors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of independent directors on CSR budgeting and spending is more pronounced, and boards with more expertise and meetings show a negative interaction with the pandemic. The interaction of board characteristics with COVID-19 in terms of CSR monetary performance varies depending on company size. Board independence and expertise show a significant reaction to COVID-19 infection and death cases when setting CSR budgeting and spending.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are stimulating, but stem from an emerging country with unique cultural and institutional characteristics. Methodological issues were also encountered during the analysis, so readers should exercise caution when applying the results to other settings.

Practical implications

This study highlights board involvement in deciding a company’s CSR investment, as it was believed that chief executive officers are considered responsible for CSR activities. Additionally, this research underscores the significance of incorporating the financial aspects of CSR into reporting.

Originality/value

This study examines the seldom explored relationship between corporate boards and CSR monetary aspects during regular and irregular times, offering theoretical and practical insights that benefit multiple stakeholders.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

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