A Conceptual Framework for Smartphone Security Among Arab Millennials

The rapid growth of smartphone adoption and use in the Middle East has led to some critical post-adoption issues, including ensuring that smartphones are used securely. Moreover, there is a gap in the existing literature on the perceptions and behaviour of individual consumers, especially millennials, in relation to mobile security and dealing with smartphone security threats. Little research on this subject has been carried out in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, in a cross-national context. Therefore, this research aims to analyse the factors that can affect smartphone security behaviour among millennials in a cross-national context in the Middle East. The model developed in this research is based on a combination of the protection motivation theory (PMT) and the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), with additional factors specifically related to millennials’ smartphone security behaviour in the Middle East. The initial findings indicate that (1) there is a gap in research on the security behaviour of Arab millennials, despite the existence of serious security threats associated with their use of these technologies; and (2) there is a gap in research on similarities and differences in smartphone security behaviour among consumers in a cross-national context. A questionnaire will be distributed online to consumers who are 18–29 years old in Iraq, Jordan and the UAE. This is the first research to study millennial Arabs’ security behaviour around smartphones and mobile applications in a cross- national context. In addition, the conceptual framework proposed in this research combines the PMT and the UTAUT2, with a further extension via the inclusion of three additional factors: privacy concerns; security threats related to smartphone-specific characteristics; and cybersecurity acculturation. Furthermore, this research bridges the gap in knowledge in terms of addressing the lack of research on millennials smartphone users in the Middle East region as they form the largest segment of the population

An Analysis Of The Moderating Effect Of Age On Smartphone Adoption And Use In The United Arab Emirates

This paper investigates the adoption of smartphones among different age groups in the youth segment of the population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The proposed model is based on an extension of the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2). A total of 437 questionnaires were distributed face to face to smartphone users in Dubai. The findings showed that age is a significant moderator in the proposed model, as significant differences were found between smartphone users in the UAE aged 18–22 and those aged 23–29. Specifically, age moderated the relationship between behavioural intention and five independent factors included in the proposed model: culture-specific beliefs and values, perceived relative advantage, price value, effort expectancy, and enjoyment. In addition, age moderated the effect of habit on actual use of smartphones. Accordingly, this research provides information that can help mobile companies and developers of mobile applications to improve the way they target customers in the UAE

TOWARDS CLOSING GENDER GAPS IN ARAB COUNTRIES: UNDERSTANDING GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SMARTPHONE ADOPTION AND USE IN IRAQ (5)

This paper examines gender differences in Iraq in terms of smartphone adoption and use, with a specific focus on the factors that can affect women’s adoption and use of smartphones. The research used the mobile phone acceptance and use model proposed by Ameen et al. (2015). In total, 533 questionnaires were distributed to consumers aged 18–29 and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings revealed that three factors in the model had significantly different effects on the behavioural intention of groups of men and women. These factors were culture-specific beliefs and values, habit, and perceived relative advantage. The model fitted well with both groups, but the order of significance of the factors differed between them. The findings indicate that when targeting Iraqi women, other factors in addition to price must be considered

Mobile Adoption in the Arab Countries: A Conceptual Framework

There is limited research studying mobile phone adoption by actual consumers in the Arab countries, although the region had an incredible growth in mobile usage between the years 2000 and 2014. The main aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that can explain mobile adoption by customers in the Arab countries. An extensive analysis of the existing literature related to technology adoption in general as well as mobile adoption in the Arab countries was conducted. Accordingly, this paper proposes a new conceptual model based on some modifications of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and adding new variables which were also found related to the studied phenomenon. This research provides several important implications for researchers willing to study mobile adoption in the Arab countries as well as telecommunication companies operating or willing to operate in the region. Consequently, this model is set forward based on future empirical validation of it in Arab countries

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ADOPTION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN IRAQI HIGHER EDUCATION: EVIDENCE FROM SALAHADDIN UNIVERSITY (10)

This paper investigates the use of e-learning systems in universities in Iraq as part of the UNESCO Avicenna Virtual Campus Project. In addition, it identifies the factors that can affect Iraqi students’ acceptance and use of e-learning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the management of Salahaddin Avicenna E- Learning Centre. In addition, a questionnaire was developed based on extending the Technology Acceptance Model. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to students. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that e-learning has a potential in being used successfully in Iraqi universities. However, the training on the use of the system needs to be improved. In addition, the findings indicated that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms and self efficacy have significant effects on behaviour intention and behaviour intention, experience, information quality and technical support have significant direct effects on actual use of the e-learning system

The use of mobile phones to support women’s entrepreneurship in the Arab countries

Purpose This paper investigates how mobile phones can be used to support women’s entrepreneurship in Arab countries. The objective is to explore new ways to close the gender gaps in terms of entrepreneurship in these countries. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this research is an in-depth analysis of the existing literature and recent reports on women’s entrepreneurship and on the adoption and use of mobile phones in Arab countries. Findings The findings of this research indicate that female Arab entrepreneurs are interested in using mobile phones. However, they have not yet realised the full potential of mobile technology in empowering them beyond its basic use. Several challenges facing women’s entrepreneurship in the Arab countries were identified. Mobile phones can be used to overcome these challenges. Research limitations/implications This research is based on the collection and analysis of secondary data rather than primary data to support the findings. Practical implications There is a need for collaboration between telecommunication companies operating in the Arab region and government initiatives to build a solid environment in which female Arab entrepreneurs can operate. Originality/value This research provides new insights and recommendations for reducing the gender gaps in terms of entrepreneurship by using new and improved techniques to address women’s needs for economic independence. This will also increase the profit gained by the telecommunication companies operating in Arab countries and bring additional income to this regio