FUTURE OF OMAN TOURISM PERCEPTION OF THE STUDENTS IN TOURISM STUDIES

Oman’s ‘Vision 2040’ aims at diversifying its economic activities from oil and gas sector to tourism sector.  The vision and mission statement aims at developing tourism as a sustainable economic sector. The objective of the study is to analyze the various factors affecting the students’ perceptions towards choosing Tourism studies as their mainstream. The study was conducted with 223 students of tourism studies who were selected on the basis of random sampling and were contacted through a well-defined questionnaire. The primary data was collected, compiled, and thoroughly analyzed to arrive at conclusions. A critical analysis was carried out using the null hypothesis, chi-square, and ranking tests. The study reveals that the factors like non-discrimination of gender, promotion opportunities, and physical working conditions play a crucial role in motivating most of the students in choosing tourism studies. Further, this paper critically analyzes the discouraging factors for their aversion towards the tourism industry. Our empirical results reveal that the high risk of accidents, non-tourism spouse preferences, Omani traditional values discourage the attitude towards choosing tourism as their future job and hence the tourism studies. The study further demonstrates that there is a strong association between the motivating factors and the reasons for students choosing tourism as their studies. There exists a necessity for the Government and the related sponsoring institutions to look into these factors and encourage our young tourism students who will in return render their full support towards diversifying Oman’s future economy towards tourism

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES OF SAUDI STUDENTS - CASE STUDY: PRINCE SATTAM BIN ABDUL AZIZ UNIVERSITY

undergraduate students’ academic performances and their social interpersonal skills in the Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. Design/methodology/approach: 64 samples were collected from full-time undergraduate students studying in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University from different colleges including Community college, College of Business Administration, College of Education, College of Engineering and College of Pharmacy. The descriptive statistics analysis was used to analyze the demographic data while inferential statistics were used in testing the research hypotheses. The results obtained from the analyses were used to interpret the outcomes. Findings: The empirical results reveal that the students enjoy meeting new friends online using social media rather than meeting in person and for this reason they spend a lot of time – addicted. It is also confirmed that the bad comments are passed easily through social media affecting other's sentiments and most of them strongly believe that all the information in social media is true and reliable and the rumors were spread easily in social media. Further, it is also confirmed that social media does not support the Learning of the students. Practical Implications: The study confirms that the students exchange learning materials through social media and it helps them to update the developments in their college/university. The students believe that through Social media they have improved their communication skills and they can communicate with anyone at any time. It is also found that some of their teachers communicate with them and encourage them to use social media but for studying only.    Originality/value: The research work is of its first kind as it focuses on the impact of social media on the academic performances of the students studying in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, which has suggested effective means for effective implementation of social media strategy

IMPLICATIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS TECHNOLOGY IN INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES

Purpose Social media has transformed and influenced communication, research and education in general through the vast variety of online tools which are available for communication.The objectives of the research study is to examine and analyze the influence of Social Media on the academic Performance of students and their social interpersonal skills. Design/methodology/approach 195 samples were collected from full-time undergraduate students studying in the University from different faculties including business, engineering, law, English Studies and Language Studies. The descriptive statistics analysis was used to analyze the demographic data while inferential statistics was used in testing the research hypotheses. The results obtained from the analyses were used to interpret the outcomes. Findings The empirical results reveal that the students get to learn through social media differently enabling them new information and are also able to communicate easily with others. The communication exchanged is irrelevant to studies and does not help them in any manner to improve their learning. It is confirmed that the Social Media effects do not support the Learning of the students and most of the students are addicted to social media. Practical Implications The study confirms that it is good means to approach the students through social media whichmight boost the education in an easier way. Originality/value The research work is of its first kind as it focuses on the impact of social media on the academic performances of the students studying in Higher Educational Institutions.&nbsp

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING MECHANISMS IN SOHAR UNIVERSITY

PurposeThe objective of the study is to critically examine the mechanisms of organizational learning in Sohar University and to identify the relationship between stages of organizational learning and mechanisms of organizational learning and to examine the effectiveness and the nurturance of the pedagogical practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted with 76 employees from all the departments of Sohar University, who were selected on a simple random sampling basis and were contacted through a well-defined questionnaire. FindingsThe study reveals that the employees of Sohar University are encouraged to attend external programs and seminars on new developments have been organized and the university prepares detailed plans reflecting contingency approaches. The study also confirmed that there is no relationship between demographic factors (Gender, age, qualification and teaching experience) and the Organizational learning. The study also reveals that there is an association between the Innovations, Implementation and Organization learning.Practical ImplicationsThe study has thrown light on the organizational learning process, which is the key driver in innovating, implementing and stabilizing.Research limitationsThe study was restricted to the academic staff from all the faculties of Sohar University. Many of them did not understand the concept. So the researcher has to explain them in detail before furnishing the detailed questionnaire.Social ImplicationsThe study can be extended to other colleges and universities in Oman so that the accuracy of the tools and techniques of organizational learning can be ascertained. This will induce high transmission goals to equip and uplift the participants in a positive and creative contribution.Originality/valueOnly a very few have examined the impact of Organization Learning in the Universities of Oman, and it is a first-hand study of its kind.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INNOVATION: CASE OF OMAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Purpose: The objective of the study is to explore the concept of customer-centricity in Oman and to analyze the challenges of implementing customer-centric innovations, and the strategies in building momentum for the customer-centricity.  Design/methodology/approach: For carrying out the research study, the concept of customer-centric innovation and the current practices by selected top companies of Oman were considered. Findings: The finding of the empirical study reveals that the organizations in Oman are finding the way to transition from its existing customer-centric approach to a more innovative and technology aligned strategy, keeping the core strategies in place that are focused on operational issues. Practical Implications: Only a few notable organizations in the country are very open about their initiative to improve customer interaction. It is apparent that organizations in the country are still yet to realize the importance of building core strategies that put customers in the middle. Companies in Oman can drive growth by means of business process improvement that will attract more customers and building stronger business-customer relationships. Social Implications: There are several ways in which innovation can be integrated into customer-centricity. The technologies available today provide the best tools for improving customer interaction. Originality/value: No study has investigated before the customer-centric innovation in Oman, and this study will help the organizations especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to plan their strategies accordingly

TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Purpose: The objective of the study is to critically examine the concept of Smart data and its influence in creating Social entrepreneurship involving community engagement. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study involves an in-depth exploratory approach in finding out the technological platform for social entrepreneurship in social engagement. Findings: Finding the best solution to a problem varies in terms of approach.  The term Social Entrepreneurship - sounds vague for some, and the possibilities of its application are virtually limitless, which encompasses a need for boundaries to demarcate its true purpose. Practical Implications: In today’s modern world, attempting to draw out the context of business techniques with the aid of information technology to solve social problems is being regarded as an emerging approach referred to as social entrepreneurship. Social Implications: The study confirms the idea of social entrepreneurship is being attributed to its underlying function of fostering community engagement in an attempt to draw out solutions to long-standing social problems. Originality/Value: The vague understanding of social entrepreneurship requires a more in-depth exploration in which this article intends to achieve.&nbsp

MANAGING STUDENTS & EMPLOYEES THROUGH COLLEGE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CIMS) – A CASE STUDY: SHINAS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY (SHCT), OMAN

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to critically analyze the effectiveness of CIMS in completing the registration / academic advising process at Shinas College of Technology and to critically analyze the effective functions of the CIMS to fulfill the role played by the CIMS. Design/methodology/approach: For this research study, Simple random sampling method in selecting the samples of the survey. 180 samples were collected which include the faculty, students and users of the College Information Management System (CIMS) from Shinas College of Technology (ICT). The collected data underwent analysis using the SPSS and the findings were interpreted. Findings: The study reveals that CIMS is characterized by its multiple functions; is user-friendly and flexible. CIMS has met the expectations of most of the users, despite the presence of a few technical problems requiring improvement.Educational Technology Center (ETC) ensures smooth, secure, safe and fast access. CIMS is subject to continuous assessment through periodic follow up by the Educational College Center from any external attacks etc. which is a welcoming feature. Research limitations/Implications: The study suggests that CIMS users should be given training on the updates and necessary training to the CIMS maintenance crew. Social implications: The study suggests thatthere is only a small group of individuals who handles and manages the entire program - installation of CIMS and periodic follow-up etc. and technical expertise is needed at the college level. Originality/Value: No study have ever examined the Information Management System of HEIs in Oman

FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY: KEY CHALLENGES FACED BY SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN OMAN

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to critically investigate the challenges faced by SMEs; to analyze SMEs difficulties during adopting new technologies and to critically investigate the difficulties in the form of policies and procedures. Design/methodology/approach: For this research study, purposive sampling methodology was adopted. Using a well-defined questionnaire, 257 samples were collected from all over Oman. The data collected was recorded, tabulated, summarized and the tests – Chi-square tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and regression analysis were carried to obtain the results. Findings: The study reveals that most of the respondents got delay in the commencement of business due to lack of finance. It is also revealed that the SMEs are in dire need of technical support at the time of commencement of their businesses and need support to establish IT infrastructure. Research limitations/Implications: The study suggests that the adequate support from General Authority for SMEs can change the scenario of setting up of the SMEs in a smooth transition and the interim advances by the financial institutions can help them avoid time lag. Social implications: The study suggests that the Governmental authority should monitor and follow up SMEs to avoid the SME units becoming sick and provide technical support, guidance and nurse the units, if they become sick. Also, the licensing for the SME units should be made easier through single window system. Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the main challenges faced by SMEs in Oman. Our study includes selected samples of SMEs and not the micro enterprises. The study can further be extended to all the MSMEs in all the regions / Governorates of Oman

THE EFFECT OF SECURITY PROCEDURES ON EMPLOYEE MORALE

Purpose The objective of the study is to critically analyze the main issues on the scrutiny of personal belongings and the effect of it on the employee morale and to understand the due impact so as to find out a simplified work atmosphere in order to increase taskforce retention. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted with 260 employees working in the Oil fields of Sohar industrial port, Oman. The employees were selected on a simple random sampling basis and were contacted through a well-defined questionnaire which was made available online for this purpose.  The sample included both the managers and the workers from the task force. Findings Our empirical results reveal that the employees understand the logic behind the measures, are not reluctant and hence no negative impact on the employee’s morale. However, the study demonstrates that there is a strong association between the privacy of the employees, their trust, tolerance and the morale of the employees. The main factors which might impede the security procedures are the trust and the privacy. Practical Implications The study reveals that the security practices may violate the individual privacy and leads to ethical conflict and thus the employees may become untrusted and tend to leave the organization due to daily physical inspection which is not a very good sign. Social Implications There is a need to educate all the employees on the logic behind such inspection measures and seek the opinion on the ways to improve such measures. A national campaign can be initiated. Originality/value Very few studies have examined the effect of security procedures on the employee morale in the oil fields of Oman and it is a first-hand study of its kind

IN-COUNTRY VALUE (ICV) – ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMPANIES OF OMAN

Purpose The objectives of the study are to analyze to the opportunities created for the new entrepreneurs through the In-Country Value (ICV) scheme; to analyze the benefits earned by the entrepreneurs through ICV in the selected companies of Oman and to critically analyze the impact of in-country value in the economic growth of Oman. Design/methodology/approach To carry out this research study, exploratory approach was adopted. Secondary data were obtained from seven selected companies in Oman, and the data was collected from the four perspectives of ICV, and the collected data was analyzed, and the conclusion was drawn. Findings The study reveals that ICV initiatives have brought a great change in the local economy through enhancement of human skills and exploration of the capabilities of human resources and the potentialities of SMEs and the ICV strategy opens opportunities to the new entrepreneurs from the local community to come up with self-employment and encourages local entrepreneurs. Research limitations/Implications The study reveals that the selected companies are following their own pattern of plans, programs, and strategies and there is no uniform pattern to adjudge their performances. The Ministries should define clear guidelines and periodic reports should be generated and should be publicized that will boost up the morale of the budding entrepreneurs and the local Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Social implications The study reveals that the ICV strategy adds value to the growth of local economy and thereby the national economy through the efforts of SMEs of Oman.  Originality/Value No one has ever examined the effect of ICV strategy in the local and economic development of Oman, it is a first-hand study of its kind, and the results will be useful to streamline the strategies for ICV initiatives