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This paper seeks to propose a general framework to be used in developing multi‐use simulation modules for estimating project durations at the planning phase.

The research method incorporates two main stages. First, conceptualisation of the general framework, and second, implementing the framework in modelling and experimenting simulation modules, which involves data collection, statistical analysis, templates building through the ARENA software, and modules verification and validation.

The framework was found to be effective in providing an approach for building multi‐use simulation modules. The validation and verification processes of the developed simulation module reflect the soundness of the proposed framework.

Useful insights have been presented in this research regarding building multi‐use simulation modules in infrastructure construction projects. In addition, the paper demonstrates examples about how simulation interaction interface can contribute to the efficiency of using the simulation technique.

Given the lack of general approaches for building multi‐use simulation modules, this research suggests a simplified approach for developing multi‐use modules. Both academics and practitioners can benefit from this new approach by understanding the mechanism behind the multi‐use model concept as explained in this paper.

This paper seeks to introduce an evolved hybrid genetic algorithm and neural network (GNN) model. The model is developed to predict contractor performance given the current attributes in a process to pre‐qualify the most appropriate contractor. The predicted performance is used to pre‐qualify the contractors.

Hypothetical and real‐life case studies from projects executed in the Gaza Strip and West Bank were collected through structured questionnaires. The evaluation of the contractor's attributes and the corresponding actual performance of the contractor in terms of time, cost, and quality overrun (OR) were collected. The weighted contractor's attributes were used as inputs to the GNN model. The corresponding time, cost, and quality ORs for the same cases were fed as outputs to the GNN model in a supervised learning back propagation neural network (NN). (The adopted training and testing process to develop a trained model is presented.) The training process, including choosing the topology of the required NN using genetic algorithms, is explained.

The results revealed that there is a satisfactory relationship between the contractor attributes and the corresponding performance in terms of contractor's deviation from the client objectives. The accuracy of the model in terms of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), R², average absolute error and mean square error revealed that the model has sufficient accuracy for implementation. The average MAPE for time, cost and quality OR is 15 per cent. Consequently, the model accuracy is 85 per cent.

The GNN model is able to predict future contractor performance for given attributes.

The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that affect Palestinian customers’ use of online banking services.

An empirical study was conducted using a questionnaire in order to test the hypotheses. The questionnaire was distributed to 500 respondents selected by the participating banks. A total of 369 complete questionnaires were returned. The study’s independent variables include technology adoption propensity, customers’ value for online personalization, customers’ privacy concern, e-trust, technological leadership and loyalty. Palestinian customers’ usage of online banking services is the dependent variable.

The results of the model tested clearly suggest that the use of online banking services is influenced, respectively, by the technological leadership, e-trust, e-loyalty, customers’ value for online personalization, customers’ concern for privacy and propensity of technology adoption. Finally, this paper suggests that policy makers should develop a prioritized hierarchy of actions in developing the effective use of bank’s online services, based on the t- and p-values of the latter mentioned factors.

One limitation of the study is relying on self-reported cross-sectional data collection, rather than longitudinal surveying. Despite such limitation, the study provides the Palestinian banking sector with recommendations to promote online banking services based on the empirically identified factors affecting such service adoption.

Palestinian banks should promote the adoption of online banking services by supporting personalization of services, privacy and trust. Customers should always be informed that their bank is among the first banks to introduce the latest state-of-the-art online services. Technology innovative and diverse online services should be offered by banks to attract customers.

Although numerous research studies have studied the factors affecting customers in using electronic and online banking services, few studies have considered such usage in the developing countries, such as Arab countries in general and Palestine in particular. This is the first study to examine the factors affecting the adoption of online banking services in Palestine. This study provides empirical evidence to fill in the gap by providing a deeper understanding of the factors affecting the usage of online banking services in the country. The findings of this study can help decision makers in the Palestinian banks to develop practical plans that might accelerate and expand the adoption of online banking emphasizing personalized and trusted services offered with high level of security and privacy.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of female portrayal in advertisements on Palestinian female consumers’ purchasing decisions. TV and online media were selected as the medium for the study. Specifically, the researchers examine the one-dimensional sexualized female portrayal in advertisements.

Culture is used as the lens through which the study examines the relationship between independent and dependent variables concerning the topic of this study. The study collected primary data from 395 Palestinian participants through a survey questionnaire.

The findings of the study revealed that there is a relationship between the independent variable (the sexualized female portrayal in foreign advertisements – advertisements originating in foreign countries) and the dependent variable (Palestinian female consumers’ purchase decision). Additionally, the study found that the cultural differences between Palestine and other foreign countries have a negative impact on the Palestinian female consumers’ perception of the product being advertised.

Although traditional marketing procedures would allow companies to filter and adapt particular adverts to suit various cultural, social and political environments, the advent of the open web and satellite TV channels extend the advertisements reach to audiences beyond their intended demographic.

This is the first study set in the Arab context (including Palestine) to explore the impact of sexualized female portrayal in advertisements on Palestinian female consumers’ purchasing decision.