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1 – 10 of 179Muhammad Turki Alshurideh, Barween Al Kurdi, Ra’ed Masa’deh and Said A. Salloum
This paper aims to investigate if perceived security, trust and perceived privacy affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Also, the study explores if trust…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate if perceived security, trust and perceived privacy affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Also, the study explores if trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence consumers’ intentions to use the e-payment system which is supported by testing the moderation effect of gender on the intention to use such systems in the higher education institutes.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 850 participants from United Arab Emirates (UAE) universities have filled an online questionnaire prepared for these aims. The survey instrument is composed of 22 items. The primary data was used to test the study model, proposed constructs and the study hypotheses using the Smart PLS Software.
Findings
The research confirmed that perceived security, trust and perceived privacy affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Also, the study found that trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have anticipated the significance of consumers’ intention to use e-payment system which is found also moderated by gender. Research outcomes indicated an important contribution towards the acceptance of e-payment systems and the common design of e-commerce systems.
Originality/value
Research outcomes have indicated an important contribution toward the acceptance of e-payment systems and the common design of e-commerce systems. Additionally, this study helped in increasing the reader’s understanding of various aspects of e-commerce, specifically consumers’ trust and privacy protection which consequently allows the online sellers to formulate appropriate strategies and actions imperative to serve the online purchasers and target the internet users.
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In light of the burgeoning interest in the Metaverse within educational contexts, this study provides a comprehensive review to address the knowledge gap prevalent among K-12 and…
Abstract
Purpose
In light of the burgeoning interest in the Metaverse within educational contexts, this study provides a comprehensive review to address the knowledge gap prevalent among K-12 and higher education teachers and educators. The increasing integration of the Metaverse into classroom settings necessitates a systematic exploration of its impact on subject-specific pedagogy, assessment methods, research methodologies and overall learning outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design involves a systematic review of 34 selected studies published between 2009 and 2023. The inclusion criteria prioritize investigations into Metaverse applications in classroom teaching, with a focus on subject disciplines, pedagogical approaches, measurement metrics and research methodologies. The selected studies undergo a detailed analysis and synthesis to extract meaningful patterns and trends.
Findings
The analysis reveals a predominant concentration on higher education, encompassing both science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines. However, few studies adopt comprehensive experimental designs. This suggests a gap in the methodological rigor of current research on Metaverse integration in education. While the Metaverse's impact on higher education is evident, the study underscores the need for more robust experimental designs and comprehensive research methodologies.
Research limitations/implications
The limited exploration of students' experiences with the Metaverse in educational settings highlights a nascent research area that warrants further investigation. Future research should prioritize measuring students' perceptions and performance through indicators such as test grades to enhance our understanding of the Metaverse's efficacy in educational contexts.
Originality/value
The study aims to offer insights into the current state of Metaverse integration in education and identify areas for further research and development.
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Elizabeth S. Buckner and Khuloud Saba
The purpose of this paper is to examine the educational and employment opportunities of Syrian youth. It examines findings from a number of nation‐wide surveys of Syrian youth to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the educational and employment opportunities of Syrian youth. It examines findings from a number of nation‐wide surveys of Syrian youth to investigate the educational and labor market conditions Syrian youth face amidst economic and social changes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study summarizes numerous nation‐wide surveys conducted by Syrian and foreign organizations concerning the employment and educational opportunities of Syrian youth and their attitudes to their future opportunities and other social and economic issues.
Findings
The study finds that class gender and regional background significantly impact the educational and employment opportunities available to Syrian youth. It also finds that Syrian youth express real concerns about their living conditions and future opportunities.
Practical implications
The study argues that future research on Syrian youth must disaggregate findings by background and demographic characteristics. It also argues that more research is needed to understand how youth perceive recent economic and employment changes, including an emphasis on identifying risk factors for marginalization and social and economic exclusion.
Originality/value
This study summarizes findings from the newest and most comprehensive nation‐wide surveys on youth in Syria. Such is often available in Arabic, in hard copy, and to researchers in Syria only. Scholars of the contemporary Middle East and policymakers directly invested in the fates of Syrian youth have a very real need for detailed and current research on youth in Syria.
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Laurice Alexandre, Charbel Salloum and Adel Alalam
The purpose of this paper is to answer the following question: what motivates refugees to create their own businesses in a developing country, and how do they go about it?
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to answer the following question: what motivates refugees to create their own businesses in a developing country, and how do they go about it?
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was conducted before Syrian refugees in main camps in Lebanon. The self-administrated survey was translated into the Arabic language to fit the respondents understanding of the questions asked and answers choices. Closed questions with nominal ratio and Likert scales were used to gather the primary data in the line of the study of Wauters and Lambrecht. The data were analysed with a logistic regression analysis under SPSS.
Findings
The findings show that 71 per cent of Syrian refugees seem to have a willingness to start a new business in Lebanon. The respondents are mostly young, with 62 per cent being between the ages of 18 and 35. Most of them are men (66.67 per cent) against 33.33 per cent of women. 60 per cent have already been entrepreneurs, and they are mostly motivated by earning a living but in the sector they used to work in before in their home country. Finally, the obstacles seem to be linked to financial and administrative issues, but also to the local policies. However, the fact that they share some cultural values with Lebanese such as the language or food, allow them to integrate easier and to create social bonds.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by the fact that the authors cannot generalise the findings since the Lebanese environment is very different from other countries’ environment. Besides, the Syrian refugees share already a lot of values and lifestyle with Lebanese. So, the authors cannot transpose their case to other ethnic population. Also, the study is limited by the lack of a gender statement and the link between the education level and the decision of creating a new business.
Practical implications
The authors propose some recommendations to the Lebanese Government and NGOs in order to facilitate and support the entrepreneurship actions of refugees shortly after they arrive to Lebanon.
Social implications
This paper confirms the importance of social ties in encouraging entrepreneurship in the case of refugees.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors make four contributions to the academic debate: first, the authors studied the entrepreneurial motivations of refugees in a middle-eastern developing country while the other studies have focussed upon the adaptation of such individuals in a western and developed environment. Second, the refugees are motivated by pull and push factors at once as the authors discussed in the precedent section. Third, although adaptation to the Lebanese culture is easier, resilience is nevertheless needed due to the Lebanese Government’s policies, which forbid refugees to work in the country. Fourth, with regard to migration studies in general, this paper stands half way between the various studies conducted on ethnic entrepreneurship, immigrant entrepreneurship and refugees. Indeed, the authors brought together many concepts such as social bonds, social capital, culture, political environment, and the service industry. On the managerial level, the findings allow the institutions and the government to target those refugees who show an appetence to entrepreneurship to stimulate their action, shortly after arriving in Lebanon, as their entrepreneurial intent decreases with the time they spend, often unemployed, in the host country. Should government policy change, both the integration of refugees, and entrepreneurship in general would benefit.
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Maher Al Sayah, Charbel Salloum, Hajer Jarrar, Laura Salloum and Jean-François Verdie
This study aims to explore the political dimension of social network theory and assess how these connections motivate entrepreneurial activity and enhance postentry stages. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the political dimension of social network theory and assess how these connections motivate entrepreneurial activity and enhance postentry stages. The authors take an individualistic approach to the topic of institutional deterioration by uncovering the potential opportunities it can create, as entrepreneurship often arises when a market opportunity is perceived.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach, using a self-selection sampling method to target private entities that own electric generators (also known as “illicit SMEs”) who are providing electricity services to the community despite the deterioration of the public energy sector in Lebanon. Data was collected through a survey administered electronically to 230 illicit SMEs, using a judgmental sampling method to ensure representation from all Lebanese governorates. The collected data was analyzed using ordinal least squares regression models.
Findings
The findings indicate a significant relationship between institutional deterioration and the reinvestment rate of entrepreneurs, with the moderating effect of political connections suggesting that the impact of institutional deterioration is dependent on the strength of an entrepreneur’s political connections.
Practical implications
The research findings demonstrate the significant influence of social ties and political connections on entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the context of SMEs that are providing services “illegally”. These results shed light on the importance of considering the role of social and political factors in the success and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures operating in challenging environments.
Originality/value
Entrepreneurial studies typically focus on free market platforms and supply-demand associations, assuming perfect government conditions. However, this study differs from previous research by highlighting the positive impact of social ties on entrepreneurial market access within a socially linked environment. The findings suggest the importance of considering social connections in entrepreneurial studies, particularly in challenging economic and political contexts.
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Sabraz Nawaz Samsudeen and Rusith Mohamed
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that might influence the intention and use behaviour of e-learning systems by students in state universities in Sri Lanka.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that might influence the intention and use behaviour of e-learning systems by students in state universities in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical model for this study was primarily drawn from unified theory of acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Exogenous variables included performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, work life quality, hedonic motivation, internet experience and facilitating condition, and their influence on behavioural intention and use behaviour were studied. Instrument was developed using validated items from past literature. Data for this quantitative study were collected from undergraduate and postgraduate students from 15 Sri Lankan state universities by self-administering and Web-form during second quarter of 2018. Structural equation modelling was used to see the insights from the valid data using IBM’s SPSS 25 and AMOS 22.
Findings
Results of the confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent evaluation of the structural model confirmed the proposed hypotheses, and it was found that constructs of UTAUT2 have a significant impact on and play an important role in behavioural intention to use and use behaviour of e-learning system by state university students in Sri Lanka.
Originality/value
The adoption of an e-learning system in Sri Lankan state universities is fairly low. Hence, investigation of what determinants might be contributing for adoption is important to enhance the learning experience of students and help them improve their knowledge. This paper contributes by delineating the factors that influence the acceptance and use of e-learning systems by students of state universities in Sri Lanka.
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Maruf Gbadebo Salimon, Sany Sanuri Mohd Mokhtar, Olayemi Abdullateef Aliyu, Maha Mohammed Yusr and Selvan Perumal
E-learning system has been widely acknowledged to have positive impacts on the learning process. Nevertheless, the intention to use it is globally low, thereby constituting…
Abstract
Purpose
E-learning system has been widely acknowledged to have positive impacts on the learning process. Nevertheless, the intention to use it is globally low, thereby constituting puzzles to be solved. This study aims to proffer some insights to solve the puzzles.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of the study were collected through an online survey among 425 students of four private universities using interactive electronic board systems. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The significant results of the study reveal that system quality, information quality and teaching materials significantly influenced perceived usefulness. Technology innovativeness and information quality also significantly influenced perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use equally influenced e-learning intention.
Originality/value
This research is one of the few studies that conceptualize a framework to study intention to use e-learning generally, and interactive electronic board in particular among four private universities using technology innovativeness, system quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and teaching materials.
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Diversity in entrepreneurship has become a noteworthy topic of research since consistent differences – and few similarities, if any – exist among entrepreneurial profiles. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Diversity in entrepreneurship has become a noteworthy topic of research since consistent differences – and few similarities, if any – exist among entrepreneurial profiles. The present paper aims to compare different entrepreneurial profiles managing innovation processes in new technology-based firms (NTBFs). In particular, attention is focussed on young entrepreneurs who are in a critical phase of their lifelong learning, the school-to-work transition.
Design/methodology/approach
Statistical elaborations are based on data retrieved from Italian Ministry of Economic Development in January 2021 and carried out through stochastic frontier analyses. Respectively, 1,699 young entrepreneurs, 1,079 female entrepreneurs, 205 ethnic entrepreneurs and 8,224 stereotyped entrepreneurs are considered.
Findings
Factors affecting the performance of innovation processes managed in NTBFs are the same for stereotyped and female entrepreneurs, but they consistently differ for young and ethnic entrepreneurs. Achieved results are not in the position to offer a complete analysis of the phenomenon but – hopefully – can corroborate a very interesting and up-to-date research path that merits further development. In particular, young entrepreneurs disclose an unexpected skills mismatch that should be investigated in-depth.
Originality/value
Most contributions offer a narrow view of entrepreneurial profiles since they focus on one profile per time. The present paper, instead, considers four entrepreneurial profiles and compares them. Moreover, young entrepreneurs reveal an unexpected skills mismatch that underlines the relevance of specific activities of on-the-job training and apprenticeships in order to try to overcome it and improve the results achievable by young entrepreneurs.
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Sevenpri Candra and Florensia Sarlin Jeselin
The e-learning-based approach is critical in keeping the wheels of education turning in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic. In this scenario, analyzing the implementation of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The e-learning-based approach is critical in keeping the wheels of education turning in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic. In this scenario, analyzing the implementation of the e-learning system is required to properly grasp the needs. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relationship between technical system quality, information quality, service quality, educational system quality, support system quality, learner quality, instructor quality, perceived satisfaction, perceived usefulness, e-learning system use and benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was carried out by giving online questionnaires to students attending private institutions in Indonesia. A total of 593 students participated in the study and provided responses. The structural equation model, which is supported by the program WarpPLS7.0, is used to analyze the data.
Findings
Maintaining the quality of the technological system, the information system, the learners and the educational system can help achieve the goal of increasing perceived utility. In the meanwhile, factors such as inadequate service quality, educational system quality, support system quality and teacher quality can all pose challenges to perceived levels of satisfaction. To get the most out of e-learning apps, users' expectations about how fun, useful and easy to use they are need to be met.
Research limitations/implications
This study was carried out in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic with a restricted number of participants from Indonesian institutions of higher education. This research has the potential to be expanded into a variety of different types of higher education in the future.
Practical implications
The main thing that will determine whether an e-learning system model works is the quality of the learners.
Originality/value
The institution should think about changing the material offered in the e-learning system to make it easier for students to grasp by describing the current material and providing digital handouts of lecturers' explanations. This study expanded the e-learning system success model and applied it to the evaluation of e-learning deployment in Indonesian higher education. This study will improve student comprehension of the e-learning model and contribute to the body of knowledge about e-learning applications and technology.
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Bethany R. Mather and Jeremy D. Visone
This study explored teachers' perceptions of a specific, collaborative peer observation structure, collegial visits, and collegial visits' connection to collective teacher…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored teachers' perceptions of a specific, collaborative peer observation structure, collegial visits, and collegial visits' connection to collective teacher efficacy (CTE). The research question was: how do teachers perceive collegial visits, particularly with respect to their influence on CTE?
Design/methodology/approach
Within this qualitative descriptive study, 13 K-12 educators from three northeastern USA schools (one urban high school and a suburban middle and elementary school) were interviewed individually and/or in a focus group.
Findings
Utilizing social cognitive theory as a framework for analysis, the authors found a theme of a shift from uninformed to informed perceptions of the collective. Results demonstrated that collegial visits foster positive CTE beliefs.
Practical implications
Since collegial visits were found to increase participants' CTE, a construct others have associated with increased student achievement, school leaders should consider implementing collegial visits as a professional learning structure in their schools after considering their specific context.
Originality/value
Though there has been recent scholarship connecting peer observations and CTE, there has been no research, to date, to examine the effect of the specific structure of collegial visits on CTE.
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