Steve Drew

Using the Technology Acceptance Model in Understanding Academics’ Behavioural Intention to Use Learning Management Systems

Although e-learning is in its infancy in Saudi Arabia, most of the public universities in the country show a great interest in the adoption of learning and teaching tools. Determining the significance of a particular tool and predicting the success of implantation is essential prior to its adoption. This paper presents and modifies the technology acceptance model (TAM) in an attempt to assist public universities, particularly in Saudi Arabia, in predicting the behavioural intention to use learning management systems (LMS). This study proposed a theoretical framework that includes the core constructs in TAM: namely, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward usage. Additional external variables were also adopted— namely, the lack of LMS availability, prior experience (LMS usage experience), and job relevance. The overall research model suggests that all mentioned variables either directly or indirectly affect the overall behavioural intention to use an LMS. Initial findings suggest the applicability of using TAM to measure the behavioural intention to use an LMS. Further, the results confirm the original TAMs findings.

A Comprehensive Analysis of E-government services adoption in Saudi Arabia: Obstacles and Challenges

Often referred as Government to Citizen (G2C) e- government services, many governments around the world are developing and utilizing ICT technologies to provide information and services to their citizens. In Saudi Arabia (KSA) e- government projects have been identified as one of the top government priority areas. However, the adoption of e- government is facing many challenges and barriers including technological, cultural, organizational which must be considered and treated carefully. This paper explores the key factors of user adoption of e-government services through empirical evidence gathered by survey of 460 Saudi citizens including IT department employees from different public sectors. Based on the analysis of data collected the researchers were able to identify some of the important barriers and challenges from these different perspectives. As a result, this study has generated a list of possible recommendations for the public sector and policy- makers to move towards successful adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia.

The literature landscape of blended learning in higher education: the need for better understanding of academic blended practice

If we are to realise the potential of blended learning in higher education, then further research into academic practice and relevant academic development is essential. Our review of literature on blended learning in higher education reveals an interesting scholarship landscape which, when described in detail, pointedly directs attention to the lack of literature seeking to understand academics’ current blended practices. We argue that this is problematic in terms of formulating the required professional development and support. In essence, this paper uncovers the need for further research into understanding not only why academics may choose to engage in blended learning, but also, once engaged, why some choose to integrate technology to create transformative blends while others choose minimally impacting blends. This paper may interest those supporting academics in developing blended learning. It provides a guiding resource both for researchers investigating blended practices and those embarking on blended learning implementations.

Factors Influencing E-Commerce Adoption by Retailers in Saudi-Arabia: A Qualitative Analysis

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a study researching the diffusion and the adoption of online retailing in Saudi Arabia. It reports new research that identifies and explores the key issues that positively and negatively influence retailers in Saudi Arabia regarding the adoption of electronic commerce. Retailers in Saudi Arabia have been reserved in their adoption of electronically delivered aspects of their business. Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has the largest and fastest growth of ICT marketplaces in the Arab region, e‐commerce activities are not progressing at the same speed. Only a tiny number of Saudi commercial organizations, mostly medium and large companies from the manufacturing sector, are involved in e‐commerce implementation. Based on qualitative data, collected by conducting interviews with a sample population of retail sector decision makers in Saudi Arabia, both positive and negative issues influencing retailer adoption of electronic retailing systems in Saudi Arabia are identified. A number of impediments which include cultural, business and technical issues were reported. Facilitating factors include access to educational programs and awareness building of e‐commerce, government support and assistance for e‐commerce, trustworthy and secure online payment options, developing strong ICT infrastructure, and provision of sample e‐commerce software to trial. While literature reveals that government promotion has had limited effects on the diffusion of e‐commerce in most countries, this study significantly indicates government promotion and support as a key driver to online retailing in KSA.

EGovernment Stage Model: Evaluating the Rate of Web Development Progress of Government Websites in Saudi Arabia

This paper contributes to the issue of eGovernment implementation in Saudi Arabia by discussing the current situation of ministry websites. It evaluates the rate of web development progress of vital government websites in Saudi Arabia using the eGovernment stage model. In 2010, Saudi Arabia ranked 58 th in the world and 4 th in the Gulf region in eGovernment readiness according to United Nations reports. In particular, Saudi Arabia has ranked 75 th worldwide for its online service index and its components compared to the neighbouring Gulf country of Bahrain, which was ranked 8 th for the same index. While this is still modest in relation to the Saudi governments expectation concerning its vision for eGovernment implementation for 2010, and the results achieved by the neighbouring Gulf countries such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on the eGovernment index, the Saudi government has endeavoured to meet the public needs concerning eGovernment and carry out the implementation of eGovernment properly. Governments may heed the importance of actively launching official government websites - the focus of this study - as the main portals for delivering their online services to all the different categories of eGovernment (including G2C, G2B, and G2G). However, certain Saudi ministries have not given due attention to this vital issue. This is evidenced by the fact that some of their websites are not fully developed or do not yet exist, which clearly impedes that particular ministry from appropriately delivering eServices.

Strategic government initiatives to promote diffusion of online retailing in Saudi Arabia

This paper presents findings from a study of factors affecting the rate of diffusion and adoption of online retailing in Saudi Arabia. In general, Saudi retailers have not responded actively to the global growth of online retailing. Accordingly, this research was conducted to find the key factors involved in this phenomenon. A major finding presented here, is that both buyers and sellers emphasize the need for government involvement to support and promote development of online commerce. Particularly, it indicates the need for strategic government initiatives to provide regulation, legislation, education, and trusted infrastructure for secure payment and delivery. Saudi Arabia presents a unique cultural, technological and political context for the development of e-commerce. We highlight the particular motivators and potential benefits of Saudi government involvement in e-commerce development. A new model for formulating roles and strategic government initiatives to support the successful diffusion of online retailing in KSA is presented and discussed. This will be of interest to any following the development of e-commerce and the information economy in the Arab nations.

Course evaluation matters: improving students’ learning experiences with a peer-assisted teaching programme

In the rapidly changing global higher education sector, greater attention is being paid to the quality of university teaching. However, academics have traditionally not received formal teacher training. The peer-assisted teaching programme reported on in this paper provides a structured yet flexible approach for peers to assist each other in reinvigorating and refining their teaching practice. Academics participated in this national, multi-institutional trial for varied reasons: the majority voluntarily, others to increase low student evaluation of course scores and some as part of a graduate certificate teaching qualification. Here we report on how academics used the scheme, and the teaching areas they focused on. Student evaluation of course scores increased in the majority of courses, suggesting the changes made had a positive effect on students’ learning experiences. The experiences of the multi-institutional trial reported here may benefit others considering such a scheme to reinvigorate and refine teaching practice and improve course evaluation scores.

Employees’ Perceptions of Biometric Technology Adoption in E-Government: An Exploratory Study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This paper discusses an exploratory study of government employees’ perceptions of the introduction of biometric authentication at the workplace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The authors suggest that studying the factors affecting employees’ acceptance of new technology will help ease the adoption of biometric technology in other e-government applications. A combination of survey and interviews was used to collect the required data. Interviews were conducted with managers and questionnaires were given to employees from two different government organisations in Saudi Arabia to investigate the employees’ perceptions of using biometrics. The results of this study indicate a significant digital and cultural gap between the technological awareness of employees and the preferred authentication solutions promoted by management. A lack of trust in technology, its potential for misuse and management motives reflect the managers’ need to consider their responsibilities for narrowing these gaps. It was apparent that overcoming employees’ resistance is an essential issue facing biometric implementation. Based on the research the authors recommend that an awareness and orientation process about biometrics should take place before the technology is introduced into the organisation.

Biometric authentication for mobile government security

Mobile government provides unique opportunities to utilize mobile technology to receive government services and information literally from any place, at any time, using varieties of wireless networks. However, mobile devices are using wireless network broadcasts which are vulnerable as they send signals over the public airwaves. With the rapid growth of mobile devices and Internet services, there is a growing need for user and government authentication for the protection of data and services, and to promote public trust. This paper presents the process of the grounded theory application to information system security research to develop a substantive theory for the successful implementation of biometric authentication in m-government security. It concludes by presenting the findings in the form of categories with their relationships. These emerging categories indicate the factors that influence the adoption of biometrics in m-government security.

Towards User Acceptance of Biometric Technology in E-Government: A Survey Study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The paper discussed an exploratory study of government employees’ perceptions of the introduction of biometric authentication at the workplace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We suggest that studying the factors affecting employees’ acceptance of new technology will help ease the adoption of biometric technology in other e-government applications. A combination of survey and interviews was used to collect the required data. Interviews were conducted with managers and questionnaires were given to employees from two different government organisations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to investigate the employees’ perceptions of using biometrics. The results of this study indicate a significant digital and cultural gap between the technological awareness of employees and the preferred authentication solutions promoted by management. A lack of trust in technology, its potential for misuse and management motives reflect the managers’ need to consider their responsibilities for narrowing these gaps. It was apparent that overcoming employees’ resistance is an essential issue facing biometric implementation. Based on the research we recommend that an awareness and orientation process about biometrics should take place before the technology is introduced into the organisation.