Demographic Study of Consumer Preference Towards Traditional Shopping After the Pandemic

Purpose of the study: The research aims to identify the key factors influencing consumer preferences for traditional shopping, with a particular emphasis on the post-pandemic shift in shopping behaviours, and to find ways to attract consumers to traditional shopping after the pandemic. Design / Methodology / Approach: 250 samples were collected using a simple random sampling method. The data consists of the period from 2020 to 2024. The relationship between the variables was tested using the chi-square test. The factors influencing consumers to shop traditionally were analysed using Garrett’s Ranking Method. The factors determining the behaviour and perception of the consumers were analysed using factor analysis using SPSS. How traditional sellers could attract buyers was analysed using multiple response analysis. Findings: From the results, it was concluded that age and marital status have a significant impact on traditional shopping.  Among the factors that lead consumers to shop traditionally, trustworthiness was ranked first, followed by time-saving, comfort, discounts and offers, price, and habit. The result of the factor analysis showed that among the psychological factors, emphasis was given to the importance of consumers' ability to evaluate quality in person, Among the external factors, emphasis was given to the economic conditions; in marketing strategy, emphasis was given to advertising and promotions; in social factors, for cultural influences and age and lifestyle in personal factors. Research Implications: There is a significant relationship between age and traditional shopping. There is a significant relationship between marital status and traditional shopping. Trustworthiness is the first factor that influences consumers to shop traditionally. Among the psychological factors influencing behaviour and perception, the perception of product quality stands out, emphasising the importance of consumers' ability to evaluate quality in person. Social Implications: The pandemic triggered a profound shift in traditional shopping, reshaping consumer habits while deeply impacting, social and cultural dynamics of several communities. These changes underscore the necessity for retailers, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt innovative strategies that align with the evolving demands and expectations of modern consumers. This study paves the way for the sellers who sell in-store. Originality / Novelty: Online shopping has expanded rapidly during and after the pandemic in response to rising demand. No study was made on consumer preference towards traditional shopping after the pandemic. This study is expected to fill the gap in the literature in terms of period. This study is a unique study on a topic that has not been dealt with in the past

Perceptions of Community-Based Tourism Among Locals at Al Kasfah Hot Spring, Oman

Purpose of study The purpose of the study was to examine the benefits that community-based tourism (CBT) can bring to Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring; to investigate locals’ perception of implementing community-based tourism at Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring and to identify the factors influencing locals’ perception of community-based tourism at Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring. Design/Methodology/Approach Primary data was collected for the research through questionnaire surveys.  A sample of 50 locals from the community of Ain Al Kasfah hot spring was collected. The sampling method chosen was random probability sampling. Findings It was found that community-based tourism provides locals with sources of income, creates jobs, brings authentic experiences to tourists, aids infrastructural development, and protects the environment. CBT contributes to the ‘three pillars of sustainability’, generating economic, environmental, and social benefits, and locals generally hold positive attitudes towards it, which can help the governmental bodies to support community-based tourism in rural areas.  Further, results show that ‘Awareness of CBT by the community’ is the only factor that has influenced the ‘Perception of the community towards CBT’.  Social Implications This study will help the community in Al Kasfah Hot Spring understand the potential of CBT. Furthermore, planners that want to develop tourism at Omani hot springs can also use the results of the study to understand the community’s perception and follow more sustainable approaches to tourism development. This research will assist governmental bodies in finding methods of tourism development that will overcome the concerns of locals regarding water distribution. Originality/Novelty This study contributes to CBT research by exploring the perceptions of residents in Al Kasfah Hot Spring, Oman—an under-researched destination. Unlike previous studies that focus on tourists or economic impacts, this research highlights local perspectives, ensuring alignment with community aspirations for sustainable tourism development

Between Risk and Growth: Challenges in SME Financing for Omani Lendors

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the challenges encountered by commercial lenders in extending finance to SMEs in Oman and to identify the SME-related factors that hinder access to finance from commercial lenders. Design/methodology/approach:  This study adopted a qualitative research approach. The target population for the study comprised financial institutions operating in Oman that provide credit facilities to SMEs, including commercial banks and specialised lending entities. A purposive sampling technique was employed. Findings: The study finds that lending institutions in Oman face significant challenges in financing SMEs due to stringent documentation requirements, insufficient collateral, irregular cash flows, and weak financial records. While SMEs primarily seek working capital and term loans, banks remain cautious, viewing them as high-risk clients. Lenders mitigate these risks through preventive measures, monitoring, loan restructuring, and advisory support. Research implications: The research highlights the need for more inclusive credit assessment models and tailored lending practices. By integrating alternative data sources and adopting risk-sharing mechanisms, financial institutions can expand credit access while maintaining portfolio stability. Social implications: Improved SME financing can stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs, and support Oman’s economic diversification under Vision 2040. Addressing financing constraints will empower SMEs to sustain growth, enhance community development, and contribute more effectively to the national economy. Originality/Value: This study provides fresh insights into SME financing challenges from the perspective of Omani lenders, an area with limited prior research. It contributes to the literature by linking lender risk perceptions with practical strategies to improve SME access to credit

From Perception to Practice: Understanding Omani Undergraduate Journeys in Academic Research

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore undergraduate students’ perceptions and actual experiences in completing their academic research or dissertation; To identify the main challenges faced by undergraduate students during their dissertation process, and to suggest ways to overcome the challenges and improve the undergraduate research experience. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a qualitative research design. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with undergraduates from Muscat. A set of ten open-ended questions guided the interviews, allowing flexibility for probing and clarification. A total of 24 participants from various colleges across Oman were interviewed—four from each of six academic programs: tourism, hospitality, marketing, business, finance, and human resource management. Findings: The study revealed that the students faced difficulty in most of the areas of research, which included topic selection, searching literature review, compiling, and literature paraphrasing, data collection, data analysis using inferential statistics (and statistical software). Additionally, there were soft skill issues such as time management, keeping focus, communication with supervisors, and the inability to prevent challenges like personal issues and similar conflicts. It also emerged that the supervisor plays a pivotal role in helping the students not only to manage the academic side but also to mentor them to maintain their focus and be on track. Research Implications: This study will provide a structured framework to support students in dissertation writing. It will offer targeted guidance in academic writing, time management, stress management, and the use of specialized research tools, thereby improving students’ preparedness, efficiency, and confidence throughout the research process. Social Implications: The findings will support initiatives such as showcasing exemplary dissertations from previous cohorts, ensuring transparency in grading criteria, plagiarism policies, and penalties. Regular supervisor-student meetings will also be encouraged to monitor progress, address challenges, and foster a supportive research culture. Originality / Value: This research uniquely emphasizes enhancing academic excellence by bridging the gap between students’ perceptions and actual experiences in academic research, offering practical strategies for improved dissertation outcomes

The Relationship between Economic Growth and Unemployment in India

Purpose: The objectives of the study are to investigate the statistical correlation between economic growth (measured by GDP growth) and the unemployment rate in India and to analyse the direction and strength of causality between economic growth and unemployment, thereby determining whether one variable significantly influences the other. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a quantitative research methodology, utilizing time-series data from 1991 to 2024 based on the data from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Forbes India and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation using Correlation Test and Granger Causality test to examine the correlation between GDP growth and unemployment rate and the causality between them with the help of EViews Statistical Software. Findings: The findings revealed a negative correlation between economic growth and the Unemployment rate in India. There is no Granger causality between Economic Growth and the Unemployment rate in both directions. This study delves into the nuances of how economic expansion impacts employment trends and vice versa. Research Implications: The implications derived from this analysis are pivotal for designing effective policies that can foster inclusive growth and address unemployment challenges in India. Social Implications: This study highlights the need for inclusive economic policies that not only promote growth but also generate employment opportunities. Addressing unemployment is essential for reducing inequality and improving living standards in India’s rapidly transforming economy. Originality / Value: The novelty of this study lies in its extended data range from 1991 to 2024, which addresses gaps in previous research. It also applies both correlation analysis and Granger causality tests, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between economic growth and unemployment in India. This dual-method approach, combined with updated data, provides fresh insights and strengthens the empirical foundation for policy and academic discussions

Nizwa’s Cultural Tourism: Catalyst for Reviving Heritage, Empowering Growth

Purpose: The study was to determine the impact of cultural tourism on the development and local economy in Nizwa and to investigate the role of cultural attractions and activities on Nizwa’s tourism development as the cultural capital of Oman. Design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes the quantitative research approach. The snowball sampling technique was applied to collect the samples. The target population was 50 and the target population consisted of both local people and international tourists. For data handling, Microsoft Excel was used to organize and manage the responses, while the JASP statistical software facilitated efficient computation of the analyses. Findings: The study identified a positive influence of both tourism attractions and tourism activities on the development of cultural tourism in Nizwa. It further established that economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions collectively contribute to the city's cultural tourism growth. Research Implications: Key economic drivers include job creation and revenue generation through heritage sites like Harat Al-Aqr. Social impacts stem from Nizwa’s historical legacy and its role in fostering cultural exchange through festivals and markets. Environmentally, the renovation of heritage sites and adaptive reuse of old buildings enhance sustainability and visual appeal. Culturally, strong local identity and pride, reinforced by iconic attractions such as Nizwa Fort and Souq, promote community engagement and heritage appreciation. Social Implications: Cultural tourism in Nizwa enhances social cohesion by safeguarding heritage, promoting traditional practices, and reinforcing community identity. It also facilitates meaningful cultural exchange between locals and tourists, fostering mutual understanding while supporting the livelihoods of local artisans and traditional craftspeople. Originality / Value: This study offers a novel contribution by addressing a relatively underexplored area within the context of Oman. Nizwa stands out as a prominent example of a cultural heritage city in the GCC region, making it an ideal case for examining the broader implications of cultural tourism development

From Data to Decisions: The Role of AI in Modern Human Resource Planning

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the role of AI in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of workforce forecasting and predictive analytics; to explore how AI applications can support talent demand-supply alignment by identifying skill gaps, predicting shortages, and enabling reskilling initiatives and to analyze the strategic significance of AI integration in HRP for enhancing organizational agility, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a qualitative, descriptive research design based on secondary data from scholarly articles, industry reports, and corporate case studies (e.g., IBM, Deloitte, PwC, and Unilever). Data were analyzed through comparative and thematic analysis. Tables were prepared using verified secondary sources to highlight pre- and post-AI performance metrics and efficiency improvements. Findings: The findings reveal that AI integration significantly enhances HR efficiency, reducing recruitment time by up to 70% and employee turnover by 25%. Automation enables data-driven decision-making, real-time performance feedback, and predictive analytics for talent retention. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical accountability persist. Case studies from Unilever, IBM, and Amazon confirm that AI-driven HR practices improve accuracy, engagement, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, AI complements human judgment rather than replacing it, transforming HR from an administrative function into a strategic partner supporting organizational agility and innovation. Research Implications: This study contributes to the growing literature on AI applications in HR by demonstrating how intelligent systems reshape workforce planning, performance analytics, and decision-making. It provides an analytical framework for assessing HR transformation using AI-based tools. The research also highlights the importance of ethical AI governance and data integrity in human resource management. Future research could employ empirical validation using primary data or comparative cross-industry studies to measure AI’s long-term impact on HR outcomes, employee satisfaction, and strategic alignment with organizational objectives. Social Implications: The adoption of AI in HR has significant social implications, particularly in promoting transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in hiring and performance evaluation. By minimizing human bias and improving objectivity, AI can support equitable workforce management and better diversity outcomes. However, organizations must address privacy concerns and maintain ethical oversight to prevent misuse of employee data. Properly implemented, AI-driven HR systems can foster trust, enhance job satisfaction, and create more adaptive, human-centered workplaces that align technological progress with social responsibility. Originality / Value: This study is among the few that synthesize academic literature and real-world corporate practices to present a holistic view of AI’s role in Human Resource Planning. It bridges theory and application by illustrating measurable efficiency gains alongside ethical and managerial challenges

The Effect of Global Gender Inequality and Female Employment on The Economic Growth: Panel ARDL

Purpose of study: This study aims to analyze whether global gender inequality and female employment have any short-term and long-term effects on economic growth in OECD countries and to explore the existence and direction of causality between global gender inequality, women’s employment, and economic growth in OECD countries during the study period. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the study, the dependent variable is the person Per Capita Growth, and the dependent variables are the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) and Female Labor Force Participation Rate (KIKO). The data set of the variables consists of the period 2006-2023. The relationship between the variables was tested with the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) Panel ARDL test. In addition, the Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin (PDH) Panel Causality test was used to measure homogeneous or heterogeneous causality between the variables. Findings: According to the results of the PMG Panel ARDL test; while it was determined that only the KIKO data affected Economic Growth in the short term, it was concluded that both independent variables affected the dependent variable in the long term. According to the PDH Panel Causality Test, it was determined that there is a bidirectional heterogeneous causality relationship between gender inequality and economic growth. While women's employment is the heterogeneous cause of economic growth, economic growth is the homogeneous cause of women's employment. Finally, there is also a bidirectional homogeneous causality between women's employment and gender inequality. Research Implications: According to the results of the Pooled Mean Group Panel ARDL test; a 1% increase in the GGGI independent variable causes a decrease of approximately 2.83% in the dependent variable PERGDP in the long term. On the other hand, a 1% increase in the KIKO independent variable causes an increase of approximately 0.05% in PERGDP in long term. the short-term coefficients are examined as a group average, the KIKO independent variable affects PERGDP in the short term, while the GGGI independent variable does not affect PERGDP in the short term Social Implications: When the analysis results obtained in this report are evaluated, they provide extremely strategic results for policymakers in the decisions they will make. The effect of gender inequality on economic growth allows the evaluation of gender differences in economic, educational, health, and political outcomes between women and men based on existing data. On the other hand, this study can contribute to both the contribution to national income and social and gender equality, considering the contribution that the increase in women's employment rate will provide to the country's economy in both the short and long term. Originality/Novelty: In line with its purpose, this study is thought to fill the gap in the literature in terms of the period it covers, the countries, the variables used and the method chosen. Keywords: Gender Inequality, Women’s Employment, Economic Growth, Panel ARDL, Global Gender Gap Index

Convention and Visitors Bureaus as Catalysts for MICE Tourism: The Case of Oman

Purpose: The aim of the study was to understand the role and significance of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) in supporting and promoting global conference, exhibition, and convention tourism, and to analyse the specific role of the OCB in enhancing Oman’s presence within the international MICE tourism sector. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research approach was utilized to explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of MICE tourism in Oman. The population included the Oman Convention Bureau and all stakeholders, including hotels and event planners. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants.  Primary data was collected through 10 semi-structured interviews, including government officials, event organizers, hotel managers, and representatives of major conference venues. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically to identify patterns and recurring trends. Data analysis was carried out using voice memos and manual coding to enhance the depth and validity of interpretations. Findings: Stakeholders recognized Oman’s cultural appeal, natural landscapes, and high-quality hospitality as key strengths but highlighted persistent challenges, including limited flight connectivity, visa delays, seasonal capacity gaps, and infrastructure constraints. While OCB’s logistical support, visa facilitation, and international promotional campaigns were appreciated, concerns were raised about limited internal outreach, resource constraints, and over-reliance on the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger digital platforms, coordinated engagement, streamlined visa processes, financial incentives, and diversified venues beyond Muscat. Technical shortcomings, such as disrupted Wi-Fi and payment issues, further underscored operational gaps. Calls were also made for improved transportation networks and closer alignment between public and private stakeholders. Research Implications: Academically, the study contributes to the literature on conference and convention tourism by examining the evolving role of convention bureaus in emerging destinations, with a focus on Oman. Practically, it provides actionable insights for the OCB and its partners to refine strategies, address systemic challenges, and benchmark against global best practices. These improvements are critical to advancing Oman’s Vision 2040 agenda for economic diversification and sustainable tourism growth. Social Implications: Strengthening Oman’s MICE industry through an empowered Convention Bureau fosters job creation, SME participation, and community engagement, while promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development. Enhanced collaboration ensures wider socio-economic benefits aligned with national priorities and Vision 2040. Originality / Value: This study uniquely examines the Oman Convention Bureau’s hybrid governance model, stakeholder dynamics, and competitive positioning, offering tailored recommendations to enhance Oman’s MICE sector in alignment with Vision 2040—an area with limited prior academic research.

Exploring the possibilities of Omani Landscapes as Venues for International Fashion Events

Purpose:  The purpose of the study was to analyse the potential of promoting international fashion events in Oman and to analyse how the use of Omani landscapes as venues can encourage international fashion events. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed-method approach to gather data. Interview with seven experts from the tourism and fashion background was conducted to get their views on the possibility of Oman’s Natural Landscape as an International Fashion venue. Additionally, an online survey was used to collect the data from the youth aged between 18 and 41, to get their perspective. The participants were generally students and academics related to fashion education.  Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used in the study. Findings: The overall results show that although Oman’s unique landscape has the potential to host international fashion events, there is still a lack of knowledge on the economic significance of the fashion industry as a whole and international fashion events in particular. Additionally, it was found that there is a need for Government attention and planning to promote and develop interest in international fashion events. Social Implications: This study proved that Oman can expand its target market for tourism through hosting international fashion events. Oman is promoted as a niche destination rich in culture and landscape and fashion-induced tourism could be Oman’s future trend. Moreover, this study brought out the anticipated challenges and opportunities to support planning and bidding for international fashion events, and with proper research and planning it could be overcome but also leave a mark in standards of tourism and fashion. Originality Value: Since this is a relatively new concept, this study would be the blueprint for different stakeholders who share an interest in showcasing the Sultanate as a fashion tourism destination