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Given the rapid increase in energy consumption in the residential sector in Jordan recently, the question of how to promote energy-saving behavior in Jordanian households is an emerging topic that is receiving increasing attention from scholars and academics. Generally, there is an unresolved paradox in the literature concerning electricity-saving behaviors. On one hand, numerous studies highlight energy-saving behaviors. On the other hand, recent research indicates the presence of significant untapped potential in electricity-saving behaviors. Therefore, it is useful to revisit the construct of these behaviors qualitatively to expand understanding. The study aimed to provide a better understanding of electricity energy-saving behaviors in terms of its motivations, barriers and support mechanisms from household heads' or household members' perspectives

Qualitative study in a sample of households in north Jordan was conducted in the Irbid province using grounded theory methodology. The analysis of qualitative data involved coding, followed by the integration of codes into more comprehensive categories and themes and interpreting the findings.

The results identify the motivations for households to save energy, the main barriers to indulging in electricity energy-saving behaviors, and the main support mechanisms and perceived support of electricity energy-saving behaviors

The findings bear significant implications for targeted interventions in the study area, improving motivations and addressing local barriers and can inform future policy issues by tailoring initiatives to the specific context.

This study is distinguished by being the first study that specializes in electricity energy-saving behavior of households in Jordan, using new methodology and techniques (qualitative survey).

The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedent factors influencing e-loyalty toward e-wallet payment apps in developing countries (e.g. Jordan). This study also investigates the mediating role of perceived usefulness (PU) and the moderating role of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) toward these apps.

An online questionnaire was used for data collection from 251 actual users of e-wallet payment apps. To estimate and test the research-proposed model, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed.

The results mainly confirm that perceived trust (PT), perceived financial cost (PFC) and perceived ease of use were found to be determinants of PU; perceived security (PS), PT, PFC, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment (PE) were found to be determinants of e-satisfaction, whereas e-satisfaction and e-WOM were found to be determinants of e-loyalty toward e-wallet payment apps. Likewise, the results support the significant effect of the moderating effect of e-WOM. Conversely, the direct and indirect impact of PU and perceived health benefits (PHB) on e-satisfaction is not supported; therefore, hypotheses H4, H5 and H9 were rejected.

This study contributes to the understanding of the critical success factors underlying e-wallet apps during and post-COVID-19 era, which can help policymakers in banks and other financial institutions (service providers) to increase the diffusion rate of financial inclusion by the usage of e-wallet apps.

This study aims to develop a novel approach for predicting default risk in bancassurance, which plays a crucial role in the relationship between interest rates in banks and premium rates in insurance companies. The proposed method aims to improve default risk predictions and assist with client segmentation in the banking system.

This research introduces the group method of data handling (GMDH) technique and a diversified classifier ensemble based on GMDH (dce-GMDH) for predicting default risk. The data set comprises information from 30,000 credit card clients of a large bank in Taiwan, with the output variable being a dummy variable distinguishing between default risk (0) and non-default risk (1), whereas the input variables comprise 23 distinct features characterizing each customer.

The results of this study show promising outcomes, highlighting the usefulness of the proposed technique for bancassurance and client segmentation. Remarkably, the dce-GMDH model consistently outperforms the conventional GMDH model, demonstrating its superiority in predicting default risk based on various error criteria.

This study presents a unique approach to predicting default risk in bancassurance by using the GMDH and dce-GMDH neural network models. The proposed method offers a valuable contribution to the field by showcasing improved accuracy and enhanced applicability within the banking sector, offering valuable insights and potential avenues for further exploration.

The current study aims to examine the influence of smart mobile banking services (SMBS) on senior clients’ intention to use banking applications through the moderating role of digital accounting. For that sake, features of SMBS were adopted and included (convenience, security, trust and ease of use).

Quantitative approach was used through adopting a questionnaire as a tool of study. The questionnaire was built by researcher through the aid of previous studies; the questionnaire was distributed on a convenient sample of senior bank clients who were above 60 years old as according to UNCEF. After application process, researcher retrieved (306) properly filled questionnaires and SPSS was used to screen and analyze gathered primary data. It is worth mentioning that Cronbach’s alpha scored higher than 0.70 which guaranteed the reliability and consistency of study tool.

Results of the study indicated that SMBS influence senior clients’ intention to use these applications and this influence is moderated by ramifications of digital accounting. It appeared that features of SMBS were mainly ease of use and trust, which can effect on how senior clients are convinced to use SMBS. Digital accounting appeared in the sense of guaranteeing a high level of stability and accountability to use SMBS through security, easy access, continuous update and valid presentation of application contents. Results of hypothesis testing accepted the main hypothesis which argued that there was a statistically significant influence of SMBS on senior clients’ intention to use, with a value of (R² = 0.73, p = 0.5). Based on such results, the study recommended that bank managers should focus on providing reliability and privacy by introducing digital accounting practices in a deeper way to ensure efficiency, reliability and compatibility in the banking services provided.

Limitations of current study were presented through the application on senior clients who were above 60 years old according to UNICEF. As for the practical implications of study revealed that understanding the factors that influence senior clients’ intention to use SMBS can help banks develop strategies to improve their experience with the banking service. For example, if digital accounting is found to be a significant moderating factor, banks can invest in digital accounting solutions to provide a more user-friendly interface for senior clients. As for theoretical implications, the study can extend the technology acceptance model by examining the moderating role of digital accounting in the relationship between SMBS and senior clients’ intention to use. This can contribute to a better understanding of the factors that influence technology adoption among senior clients.

The originality of current study is that it focuses on the use of SMBS, which is a relatively new technology that has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its convenience and accessibility. Also, the study examines senior clients, who are an important demographic for the banking industry, as they represent a large portion of the population that is more likely to face challenges in adopting new technologies.

This research aimed to fill several gaps in the tipping literature which has overlooked the server's perspective in identifying and understanding variables that influence a tip amount and therefore where they concentrate their efforts during the service encounter. Furthermore, the extant literature has theorized how or why certain variables influence the tip amount, but these studies fail to capture insight from server's which would supplement the theory and provide a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms at play.

This study adopts a grounded theory approach using semi-structured one-on-one interviews with tipped restaurant employees who were identified and selected using snowball sampling. Content analysis is employed to code and categorize the data.

The content analysis revealed five categories where servers focus their time and effort to earn tips: service quality, connection, personal factors, expertise and food quality. The server's personality was identified as a variable the tipping literature has largely ignored as a determinant of the tip amount. Server's shift their style of service for groups of eight or more people, and for regular customers, who must dine in the restaurant at least once per week. Lastly, despite the many drawbacks associated with working for tips, servers would not want to replace it with any other method of compensation.

This is the first qualitative study focused on understanding the server's role in the service exchange relationship since McCarty et al. (1990) study. The results provide new insights on the often-studied variables from the tipping literature.

This paper aims to examine and compare the dividend ratios’ statistical and economic ability to predict the equity premium in the UK and US markets and two US sub-indices (S&P 500 Growth and S&P 500 Value).

In this paper, the authors use the linear regression models to examine the dividend ratios’ statistical ability to predict the equity premium. The in-sample and out-of-sample approaches, including Diebold and Mariano (1995) statistics, and Goyal and Welch’s (2003) graphical approach, are used. Also, the mean-variance analysis is used to test the economic significance.

The paper findings indicate that the dividend ratios have in-sample and out-of-sample predictive abilities in both UK and US markets and both US sub-indices. However, the results show that the dividend ratios have a less impressive predictive ability in the US market compared to the UK market and less in the US value index than the US growth index. This could indicate that there is no relation between the number of companies that distribute dividends in each index and the informativeness of dividends ratios. Furthermore, the tests show the dividend ratios’ predictive ability departure during particular periods and in some indices.

Results and implications of this research are exclusively applied to the US and UK markets. These results can also be applied with caution to other markets, taking into consideration the distinctive characteristics of these markets.

Results revealed in this paper imply that the investors in any of the indices may experience economic gain by adopting a dynamic trading strategy using the information content of the dividend ratios prediction models instead of the benchmark model, which is the prevailing simple moving average model.

This paper adds value through testing the prediction models’ economic significance in two well-developed markets, in addition to exploring the relationship between the number of companies distributing cash dividends and the dividends ratio prediction ability. Unlike most of the previous studies in which dividend ratios’ prediction ability is attributed to the number of companies that distribute dividends in the market, this paper denied this interpretation by studying two S&P 500 sub-indices. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to test the prediction models’ ability for these sub-indices.

Many international radiology societies, including American College of Radiologists (ACR), have established guidelines for optimum forms and contents of medical imaging reports to ensure high quality and to guarantee the satisfaction of both the referring physician and the patient. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the criteria of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports in Jordan according to the standards of the ACR.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in early January 2021 for two weeks. An invitation letter was sent to 85 MRI centers of various health-care sectors in Jordan to participate in the study. Each invitee was requested to send at least ten different MRI reports. The study used a questionnaire containing the checklist of the latest edition 2020 of ACR’s practice parameter to communicate the diagnostic imaging results and the demographic information of the participating MRI centers. Seven basic elements were assessed for content-related quality of MRI reports, which are administrative data, patient demographics, clinical history, imaging procedures, clinical symptoms, imaging observations and impressions. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the data.

Forty-one MRI centers participated in the study with 386 different MRI exam reports. The majority (92%) of the reports were computer-generated. Free texted unstructured reports and head-structured reports had an almost equal percentage of around 40%. Exam and radiologist demography as well as exam findings criteria were 100% available in all reports. The percentage of exam conclusion, and exam description and techniques were 2% and 4.9%, respectively (N = 368). There was a positive association between computer-generated reports and the presence of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)/health information systems r = 0.443.

Structured and free text unstructured reporting were the common types of MRI exam reports in Jordan. Handwriting exam reporting existed in few MRI centers, particularly in those that had no PACS and radiology information systems.

This study aims to present a research model to investigate the potential impact of human capital, structural capital and social capital on e-banking proactiveness. In addition, it reveals the potential impact of e-banking proactiveness on competitive intelligence and competitive agility. Also, it aims to explore the impact of competitive intelligence on competitive advantage and competitive agility. Finally, the impact of competitive agility on competitive advantage will be examined.

In order to gather data, a questionnaire was prepared and administered to 211 respondents in Jordan. The research model and hypotheses were then assessed using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS).

The study demonstrated a significant impact of human capital, structural capital and social capital on e-banking proactiveness. The findings confirm that e-banking proactiveness significantly impacts competitive intelligence and achieving competition. Moreover, the findings confirm that competitive intelligence significantly impacts competitive agility. Also, the findings revealed a substantial relationship between competitive intelligence and competitive advantage. Finally, the results discovered that competitive agility significantly impacts competitive advantage.

The research gives valuable insights into the elements that drive e-banking proactiveness, which can beautify the proactiveness literature is well-known. By uncovering the position of intellectual capital in fostering proactiveness, this examination contributes to deeper information on the way financial institutions can successfully respond to market modifications, patron needs and technological advancements. Future scholars can build upon these findings to discover proactiveness in different sectors and industries, thereby broadening the understanding of proactive behaviors throughout numerous contexts.

The basis for this study on electronic transferable records (ETRs) in the context of digitalizing cross-border trade is established in this chapter. It illustrates how the growing trend toward paperless trade and technological improvements is changing trade operations. This chapter focuses on the need to look into ETRs because of their capacity to influence business transactions while navigating complex legal issues. The specific goals of the study are outlined, including a review of the advantages, legality, difficulties and best practices of ETRs. This study aims to shed light on the possible advantages and disadvantages of ETRs, the legal framework that controls their use and the best practices for their efficient implementation. This study also seeks to provide informative recommendations for businesses and people that are considering using ETRs.

This study explores the evolving world of ETRs and their crucial function in international trade. Multidimensional technique is used to examine the transformative potential of ETRs from a variety of research angles. The research design is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the literature that includes a wide range of reliable sources, including academic papers, business reports and legal documents. The comprehensive retrieval of essential material is ensured through keyword searches in renowned academic databases and industry resources. The qualitative synthesis of secondary sources further enhances this methodology and allows for a complex examination of the implications of ETRs. The case study analysis provides practical information on the benefits, hazards and practical applications of ETRs. Multifaceted aspects are uncovered via a thematic approach and qualitative investigation, including potential advantages, hazards, implementation plans and regulatory frameworks.

ETRs offer a range of potential advantages for cross-border trade, encompassing augmented efficiency, reduced costs and heightened security. Nonetheless, their implementation also presents legal challenges and risks, spanning security and privacy concerns, legal ambiguities and technical complexities. Consequently, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to meticulously assess and mitigate these risks through the integration of robust security protocols, staying informed about legal developments and adhering to pertinent regulatory stipulations. In spite of these hurdles, the trajectory of ETR adoption is anticipated to remain on an upward trajectory, driven by increasing recognition of their potential benefits and the concurrent evolution of legal frameworks and technical standards.

Research limitations included the following: lack of adoption of ETRs internationally; and legal diversity and different legal systems results in different consideration of the ETRs. It makes reaching a unified ETR system more difficult.

It is necessary to develop clear policies and procedures and establish well-defined policies and procedures governing ETR use. These should encompass security guidelines, data protection measures and adherence to legal mandates. Regular review and updates are imperative. Stay current on legal developments: In light of the continuously evolving legal and regulatory landscape pertaining to ETRs, businesses and individuals must stay abreast of pertinent changes and seek professional counsel when necessary. Collaborate with partners and stakeholders: To ensure harmonization and standardization in ETR deployment, active collaboration with partners, regulators and industry associations is vital.

Enhance awareness and education: Investment in awareness and educational initiatives is crucial. Decision-makers should organize training programs, workshops and seminars to enhance understanding of ETRs’ potential benefits in cross-border trade among stakeholders. Socially, the use of ETR can achieve several political advantages for the society. It minimizes risks of corruption through enhancing tracing and auditing abilities for relevant authorities making it more difficult to engage in corrupt practices. That can promote integrity within government and public procurement system.

The development of standardized technical frameworks and interoperable platforms for ETRs could enhance their seamless integration into existing trade systems. Additionally, investigating the integration of emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT and AI into ETR ecosystems could unlock innovative solutions to security, authenticity and data management concerns. This study examines how ETRs can radically alter how trade is conducted on a global scale. This paper examines ETRs’ role in improving cross-border trade digitization by examining their advantages, legal difficulties and implementation techniques. The conclusions will aid firms, decision-makers and attorneys in navigating the constantly changing world of trade agreements. The study’s ultimate goal is to offer takeaways that support effective, secure and legally compliant integration of ETRs, ensuring that they operate as a catalyst for improved global trade efficacy and efficiency.

From 1979 to 2023, the takaful structure has been adopted in many jurisdictions, making the documenting of its early days of establishment relatively difficult and somewhat unreliable. This is unlike conventional insurance, where the history and legislation are well documented and archived in various research (Hellwege, 2016; Marano and Siri, 2017). The purpose of this paper is to provide a chronology for the establishment and development of takaful via the takaful establishment in each jurisdiction, documenting its first takaful operator and first takaful regulation.

This paper has used a qualitative method in the form of reviewing literature and available data such as journals, books and official resources. The data is thoroughly analysed in order to build the chronology for takaful. It adopted an exploratory research design, which is deemed suitable in situations where few works of literature have examined the subject (Neuman, 2014). The paper explores the establishment and non-establishment of takaful in 57 countries. The paper categorises the countries into seven regions starting with the GCC, Levant, Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and Others.

The takaful chronology presented in this paper shows that takaful operations exist in 47 jurisdictions, starting from Sudan and the UAE in 1979, with the most recent adopters being Morocco and Iran in December 2021. It is found that 22 jurisdictions do not have takaful regulations, and the Takaful Act 1984, issued in Malaysia, is considered the first takaful regulation that sets the basis for other regulations that follow.

The paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive chronology of takaful, especially as the few existing timelines have been found to be incomplete and consist of contradictory information.