Determinants of student satisfaction in higher education: an empirical study in Dubai

We develop and empirically validate a student satisfaction modelling technology-enabled university environments. We use focus groups at a university in Dubai and an intensive literature review to propose a theoretical model that involves different types of student interactions; perceptions of infrastructure; and university branding as independent variables influencing student satisfaction as outcome variable. Using data collected from a random sample of 99 students, we empirically test the model using linear regression analysis. Two variables, branding and interactions of students with administrative staff are found to significantly influence student satisfaction, accounting for 61% of variance. Implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are given. With its specific context, the study requires replication in other countries to determine whether the findings are generalisable. This study is one of the rare occasions when a structural model of student satisfaction in technology-enabled environments in the Middle East has been subjected to empirical scrutiny. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd

Perceived financial literacy, choice of investment and retirement planning amongst women

The demographic trends indicating an ageing population, as well as social changes like the shift from extended to nuclear families, give rise to the need for financial preparedness for retirement planning, especially amongst vulnerable groups and women. One of the important determinants of financial preparedness is financial literacy which is the financial knowledge possessed and the ability to effectively process economic information. Financial literacy enables informed decision making and appropriate related actions in preparing for a retired life (Njuguna & Otsola, 2011). In practice, Financial literacy may be classified into two distinct components: perceived financial literacy (PFL); and actual financial literacy (AFL). PFL is the person’s subjective perception of his/her level of financial literacy. It also termed as financial confidence since it reflects a person’s self-beliefs about her/his own level of financial literacy. AFL, on the other hand, is a more objective determination of financial literacy, being formally assessed on a set of valid evaluation questions. Though there have been several studies on Financial Literacy, there is a dearth of studies that examine the perspective of women, who are particularly vulnerable when it comes to financial preparedness at the time of retirement. The present study therefore examines the influence of PFL and AFL on financial preparedness for retirement with specific reference to women. The study adopts a descriptive methodology and modelling to assess the extent to which AFL, PFL and demographics affect financial preparedness among women. The findings of a baseline study among women residing in the United Arab Emirates are presented and several implications are discussed to support the financial preparedness of the women. Key words: Perceived financial literacy, Actual financial literacy, Financial preparednes

The role of place branding and image in the development of sectoral clusters: the case of Dubai

This paper contextualizes how place branding and image influence the development of Dubai’s key sectoral clusters, including the key determinants of growth and success under the impression of Porter’s cluster theory. The approach is exploratory and of a qualitative inductive nature. Data was collected through conducting 21 semi-structured interviews with Dubai’s marketing/communication managers and stakeholders. Findings suggest that Dubai’s traditional clusters, namely, trading, tourism and logistics that have strong place branding and image show strong signs of success owing to Dubai’s geographical location (i.e., physical conditions). Among the new clusters, the financial sector is also benefitting from place branding. The results suggest that the success of traditional clusters have a positive spill over effect on the new clusters, in particular on construction and real estate. For policy makers it is worth to note that the recent success of the financial services cluster in Dubai will have positive impact on both, the traditional as well new clusters. The marketing and brand communication managers must consider the correlation and interplay of strength of activities amongst trading, tourism and logistics clusters and its implication while undertaking place branding for clients in their sector

Exploring Being Queer and Performing Queerness in Popular Music

For many pop artists, queer is what they do, not who they are. They perform queerness, rather than identify as queer. The research I present here suggests that popular culture’s understanding of queerness relies on a heteronormative lens, whereby queerness is objectified and paraded primarily as an artistic performance. My analysis demonstrates that David Bowie’s influence rests in his ability to create a space where his fans can perform queerness, without necessarily being queer. As such, Bowie’s performances have come to form our expectation of what a queer performance should look like. Continuing his legacy, Lady Gaga’s tribute to Bowie demonstrates her ability to not only adhere to the queer template of Bowie’s, but also to defy expectations. For Gaga, queerness is both a performance and a part of her identity, making her an ideal candidate to navigate the blurred lines between performing and being queer. I describe the consequences for the performance of being queer when popular culture’s understanding of queerness has been guided only through the extreme depiction of queerness. Finally, I explore queer pop as a possible space for queer performances by queer artists to flourish. Queer pop presents an opportunity to redefine both the act of performing and being queer. In summary, through an analysis rooted in the difference between being and performing, this thesis demonstrates that popular music adheres to a heteronormative perspective that ultimately objectifies queerness and promotes an extreme version of queer performance