Salem Al-Harthi, Alexandre Anatolievich Bachkirov, Said Al-Riyami and Misida Al-Jahwari
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relevant literature to gain deeper insights into understanding what directions of research are needed with reference to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relevant literature to gain deeper insights into understanding what directions of research are needed with reference to entrepreneurial orientation and competitive aggressiveness in the oil and gas sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a conceptual evaluation of literature.
Findings
The extant body of research on both entrepreneurial orientation and competitive aggressiveness is based on quantitative studies without previous systematic, exhaustive and comprehensive grounded theory-based theorizing processes rooted in qualitative approaches. This accounts for inconsistencies and controversies of findings reported in the field.
Practical implications
The grounded theory-based approach advocated by this paper is likely to generate a more precise estimation of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, competitive aggressiveness and firm performance. Consequently, an accurate understanding of the interplay between these factors can empower managers to make finely-tuned strategic decisions, achieve sustainable competitive advantage and optimally adapt to dynamic and unforeseen environments.
Originality/value
The paper reports on important limitations of the existing literature indicating that current findings may be an artifact of studying a small number of industries.
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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…
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.
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This study aims to present the experimental results for neural network (NN) based harmonic elimination technique for single-phase inverters.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present the experimental results for neural network (NN) based harmonic elimination technique for single-phase inverters.
Design/methodology/approach
Switching angles applied to power switches are determined using the NN technique based on the harmonics to be suppressed. Thus, besides controlling the output voltage, NN controller provides elimination of predetermined harmonics from output signal of single-phase inverter. Simulation and experimental results for the elimination of 15 and 20 low-order harmonics are presented. The switching angle values calculated by a NN , fuzzy logic and Newton–Raphson are compared for elimination of first 10 harmonics.
Findings
This paper provides the harmonic spectra showing that first 15 and 20 harmonics are suppressed from output signal. The NN is proved to give closest results to angle values calculated by Newton–Raphson’s numerical solution method.
Originality/value
The value of this paper is to verify the simulation results with the experimental result for the elimination of 15 and 20 low-order harmonics. Both the simulation and the experimental results demonstrate the success of the NN based selected harmonic elimination.
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This paper aims to offer a wider examination of the research concerning entrepreneurship characteristics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region via a review of recent…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer a wider examination of the research concerning entrepreneurship characteristics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region via a review of recent studies relevant to this topic. Research publications concerning entrepreneurship within the MENA region evidence growing interest in this field of study, with the potential to boost and drive future economic development and growth. This focus within entrepreneurship research is because of the economic development in the region, which is becoming increasingly important for policymakers and businesses.
Design/methodology/approach
The author performed a systematic literature review to produce robust information about entrepreneurship in the MENA region, followed by a thematic analysis to identify key research themes within each category.
Findings
Despite the growth in entrepreneurship research in the MENA region, research on certain factors is lacking. An analysis of 271 studies published between 2009 and 2019 identifies 9 main research categories, within which 30 themes have attracted significant academic attention. Female entrepreneurship and gender, youth entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship behaviour and orientation are the three key categories influencing perspectives on entrepreneurship in the MENA region. This study highlights research gaps and provides recommendations to guide future research on the sustainable development of entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
Originality/value
This paper highlights trends in entrepreneurship research amongst scholars within the MENA region and suggests paths for future research efforts.
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Leila Nasrolahi Vosta and Mohammad Reza Jalilvand
This paper aims to examine how technological media accelerates sustainable development. Further, the mediating role of good governance and society empowerment would be…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how technological media accelerates sustainable development. Further, the mediating role of good governance and society empowerment would be investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted among 450 students at the level of higher education using stratified sampling plan. Following a two-step approach, a measurement model was estimated and then a structural model was analyzed to evaluate five proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The research results indicate that technological media has a direct and positive effect on good governance, empowerment and sustainable development; technological media has an indirect and positive influence on sustainable development via good governance and empowerment as mediating variables; good governance and empowerment are significant antecedents of sustainable development.
Originality/value
The research examines the relationship among technological media, good governance, empowerment and sustainable development, thus contributing to sustainable development literature theoretically. In addition, relevant implications are provided for policymakers as to how to accelerate development sustainably across their countries.
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Hanan Ahmed Al-Balushi, Harcharanjit Singh and Irfan Saleem
This study, using stakeholder theory and diffusion of innovations (DOIs), aims to examine the readiness of Omani health-care firms to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). This…
Abstract
Purpose
This study, using stakeholder theory and diffusion of innovations (DOIs), aims to examine the readiness of Omani health-care firms to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). This adoption is seen as a key step towards ensuring green innovation and sustainable performance (SP) in the health-care sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted convenience and referral sampling techniques to enhance the response rate for the limited number of health-care firms using AI. Using explanatory research design, structure equation modelling and employees as the unit of analysis, a random sample technique is used to distribute the structured questionnaire to five hospitals in North Al-Batinah, including Shinas, Liwa and Sohar cities. Smart PLS 4.1 analyses the responses.
Findings
The research demonstrates that AI could significantly enhance SP, a finding that is of utmost importance in the current health-care landscape. This study also tested green knowledge sharing as a boundary condition. Furthermore, the study’s findings indicate that AI leads to the emergence of green innovation and SP, suggesting that firms are willing to adopt AI and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Practical implications
This study implies that stakeholders, including the Omani Government and Middle Eastern firms, should prioritize investments in AI technologies tailored to sustainability initiatives.
Originality/value
This research study makes three significant and unique contributions. Firstly, it uniquely integrates stakeholder and DOIs theories to explain the mediating function of green innovation and the moderating effect of green knowledge sharing. Secondly, it provides a unique Middle Eastern context, where the government’s focus on the health sector is crucial. Finally, this study outlines a clear and actionable pathway for the Middle East to achieve the SDGs, thereby enlightening the reader on the potential of AI in the health-care sector.
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Nasiru Zubairu, Ahmed Mohammed and Zeinab Zohny
Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this study. It is critical to offer strategic insights to energy supply chain participants towards the sustainable transition to renewable energy (STRE). The purpose of this study is to identify viable RE sources in Oman as a case study of a GCC member country, develop a comprehensive framework of STRE, and suggest future research opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper addressed this problem through a country/regional study of Oman by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of RE-related peer-reviewed publications spanning over 21 years from January 2000 to February 2021. The qualifying articles are evaluated using template analysis qualitatively to identify viable renewable energy sources, build a holistic framework of STRE and recommend future research opportunities.
Findings
Findings confirm the potential of solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies driven by environmental, economic and social sustainability concerns. However, results suggest that to fast-track the STRE, more emphasis should be accorded to solar and wind energies owing to the geographical composition of Oman. Findings reveal that policies and regulations, advanced and cost-effective technologies, subsidy regimes, grid connectivity and capacity, storage capacity and land availability influence the STRE. Gaps in the literature are identified from the results to clarify and suggest future research opportunities.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that conducted an SLR that was evaluated using the template analysis technique to build a novel and updated framework that facilitates a crystalline understanding of STRE to guide policymakers and professionals in strategic decision-making.
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Rakesh Belwal, Maryam Al Fazari and Shwaky Mansour
This study examines the condition of working women within Oman’s socioeconomic framework, emphasizing their underrepresentation in senior management, the effects of workplace…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the condition of working women within Oman’s socioeconomic framework, emphasizing their underrepresentation in senior management, the effects of workplace constraints on career progression and solutions to enhance opportunities for women in leadership roles.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative phase involved a survey of 215 Omani professionals − 87 male and 128 female, with data analysed using IBM SPSS 28 and SmartPLS 4. Analyses included measures of central tendency and deviation as well as PLS SEM-based path analysis and multigroup analyses.
Findings
The inclusion of women positively influences their career advancement, while harassment and gender discrimination hinder progress. Gender discrimination has a more substantial effect at lower and middle levels but is less impactful at the top level. Harassment affects women over 40 more significantly, with little impact on younger women. Additionally, domestic gender roles particularly hinder the career advancement of women in the 31–40 age group.
Practical implications
The practical consequences encompass the establishment of mentorship programmes, the provision of networking opportunities and the promotion of gender equity awareness. These programmes promote an inclusive workplace, facilitating women’s professional growth. Mentorship and networking offer crucial assistance and connections, whereas growing awareness of gender biases fosters equity and equal treatment for all employees. These initiatives jointly foster a more equal work environment.
Social implications
By implementing sustainable measures and fostering a culture of equity and inclusivity, Oman can prevent gender discrimination and further solidify its commitment to gender equality. This will create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.
Originality/value
This research is distinctive within the Omani setting, as no previous studies have explicitly examined women’s career progression from a socioeconomic perspective.
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Lina Ghazi Gharaibeh, Sandra T. Matarneh, Mazen Arafeh and Ghaleb Sweis
The problem of design changes in the construction industry is common worldwide, and the Jordanian market is no exception. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The problem of design changes in the construction industry is common worldwide, and the Jordanian market is no exception. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors causing design changes in construction projects in Jordan in both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, this research will examine the effect of these factors on project's performance during the construction phase.
Design/methodology/approach
This research commences by identifying the factors causing design changes in construction projects worldwide through an intensive literature review. The identified factors were then filtered to those applicable to the Jordanian construction market based on the results obtained from a questionnaire survey and real case construction projects. In total, 252 professionals from the Jordanian construction industry and 10 completed and/or ongoing construction projects in different parts of Jordan were compared.
Findings
The results find that the top major factors affecting design changes are owner's requirements; design errors and omissions and value engineering. The research also studies and documents the impacts of design changes on project cost, schedule and quality.
Originality/value
The results obtained from this research will assist the construction professionals representing owners, consultants and contractors in applying control measures to minimize the occurrence of the identified factors causing design changes and to mitigate their sever impacts on projects in terms of cost, schedule and quality.
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Mohammadreza Habibi and Sharareh Kermanshachi
It is estimated that more than half of the construction industry’s projects encounter significant cost overruns and major delays, resulting in the industry having a tarnished…
Abstract
Purpose
It is estimated that more than half of the construction industry’s projects encounter significant cost overruns and major delays, resulting in the industry having a tarnished reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to identify key project cost and schedule performance factors. However, despite the attempts of numerous researchers, their results have been inconsistent. Most of the literature has focused solely on the construction phase budget and time overruns; the engineering/design and procurement phase costs and schedule performances have been rarely studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The objective of this study was primarily to identify and prioritize engineering, procurement and construction key performance factors (KPFs) and to strategize ways to prevent performance delays and cost overruns. To achieve these objectives, more than 200 peer-reviewed journal papers, conference proceedings and other scholarly publications were studied and categorized based on industry type, physical location, data collection and analysis methods.
Findings
It was concluded that both the time required to complete engineering/construction phases and the cost of completing them can be significantly affected by design changes. The two main causes of delays and cost overruns in the procurement phase are construction material shortages and price fluctuations. Other factors affecting all phases of the project are poor economic condition, equipment and labor shortages, delays in owners’ timely decision making, poor communication between stakeholders, poor site management and supervision, clients’ financial issues and severe weather conditions. A list of phase-based strategies which address the issue of time/cost overruns is presented herein.
Originality/value
The findings of this study address the potential confusion of the industry’s practitioners related to the inconsistent list of potential KPFs and their preventive measurements, and pave the way for the construction research community to conduct future performance-related studies.