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

Factors influencing student satisfaction in universities in the Gulf region: Does gender of students matter?

While various research studies have focused on antecedents and consequences of student satisfaction, few studies have done so in the Gulf region. The objective of the present study was therefore to design and empirically examine a model of student satisfaction in a private university in the Gulf region that operates in a high-technology-enabled environment. Based on a literature review and conducted focus groups, draft measures for the study constructs were developed. Data were collected from 217 students and an exploratory factor analysis identified 6 factors that potentially influenced satisfaction. After scale development, multiple regression analysis was used to test the research questions. It was found that the two genders displayed a difference in the factors influencing their satisfaction. For female students, only reputation (beta =.499, p \u3c.01) was significant, while for male students, both reputation (beta =.763, p \u3c.01) and perceived faculty academic competence (beta =.301, p \u3c.01) were significant. Various theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis

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

Promoting employee innovation performance: Examining the role of self-efficacy and growth need strength

2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of individual differences particularly self-efficacy (SE) and growth need strength (GNS) as antecedents of employee innovation performance (IP). Design/methodology/approach: Using a sample of 354 employees in the United Arab Emirates service sector, the study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the model for IP. The predictors of IP were SE (conceptualized as a three-factor construct including initiative, effort and persistence) and GNS. Findings: SE-effort, SE-persistence and GNS had a significant direct effect on IP with SE-effort displaying strongest relationship, followed by SE-persistence and lastly GNS, while SE-initiative did not have a significant direct effect on IP. Originality/value: The present study contributes to scant literature pertaining to the relationship of GNS with IP. It is the first study to examine both SE and GNS together in the same model for their impact on IP

INVESTIGATING INDIVIDUAL AND SITUATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

The study investigated the impact of individual, cultural & contextual factors on academic integrity, conceptualized in terms of passive and active cheating, among medical students in Jordan. Using data collected from 353 students, it was determined through odds ratio analysis that cultural collectivism and academic integrity culture had no impact on either active or passive cheating. However, traits of both high conscientiousness and high agreeableness substantially reduced one’s risk of active cheating. Neither the cultural and personality variables, nor gender were found to increase one’s risk of passive cheating. These findings contradict current beliefs that collectivism impacts cheating among Middle East students. Various managerial and theoretical implications are discussed