Saudi Arabian Universities Research Articles

Promoting sustainable learning among accounting students: evidence from field experimental design

PurposeSeveral studies have attempted to explain the integration of sustainable development in business school curricula. However, little is known about who (male students vs female students), at which age (under 21, 21–25 and 26–30) and at which stage of their undergraduate education (freshman, junior or senior) can attain and retain an adequate understanding of sustainability in accounting education. For this reason, the present study aims to investigate the students' interest in sustainability in accounting with respect to their demographic factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a quantitative research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Further, an independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and factorial design were performed on 132 responses conveniently collected from accounting students in the College of Business Administration (COBA) at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.FindingsThe study found no differences between the attitudes of male and female students toward sustainability in accounting education. Similarly, no statistical differences were found in the three age categories identified in this study. However, significant results were found throughout the different academic classifications (seniority): freshman students, junior students and senior students. Further, differences in the mean scores for freshman and junior accounting students were different between the male and female students, indicating that both male and female senior students' attitudes toward sustainability in accounting education were higher than those of male and female freshman and junior accounting students. The study concluded that students achieve an adequate understanding of sustainability in accounting education related to the relativism category of the Perry model of intellectual development.Originality/valueLiterature on attitude of students toward sustainability in education, specifically accounting education, is questionable and needs further exploration. This is due to the fact that only a small number of accounting students have been exposed to sustainable accounting education. Similarly, a recent study found a significant deficiency in sustainable accounting education in four Saudi Arabian universities, with only 4.5% of respondents knowing the comprehensive definition of sustainable development and 88% respondents having very low to low familiarity with the term sustainability.

Availability of Voice-Recognition Devices to Support Visually Impaired Students in Saudi Arabian Universities

This study investigates the availability of instructing visually impaired students utilizing voice-recognition devices in universities in Saudi Arabia. The study also compares the learning encounters of understudies both recently and after the consolidation of such innovation into their instruction. The descriptive approach was utilized for the reason of depiction in this investigation. The study used observation and interviews to collect data, which was gathered from 50 participants. The study found that an unfinished program, a long learning process for the console and images, and a deficiency of qualified computer voice integration are all things that work against the device's guarantee and hold it back from coming to its full potential. Students’ degrees of excitement might change anyplace from typical to exceptional. The educational modules will be presented in stages, depending on each student's current skill level. It is accepted that students' ability to form viable utilize of computers within the learning process will proceed to make strides as a result of the expanding number of intercessions that are getting to be open.

Using TikTok as a Tool for English Vocabulary Learning in the EFL Context

One of the most crucial components of studying a language is learning its vocabulary. Without sufficient vocabulary, communication becomes problematic. However, research shows that Saudi Arabian university students have a small English vocabulary size. Many technological tools exist in the literature for increasing students’ vocabulary size, including TikTok videos. TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for producing and sharing videos. Because students’ perception of tools used in the classroom determine the tools’ success, investigating their perception of using TikTok videos for English vocabulary learning is essential. In this study, a quantitative research design was used to investigate students’ perception toward using TikTok as an English vocabulary learning tool in the EFL context. A descriptive quantitative methodology was adopted to analyze data from 115 female students at King Abdulaziz University. According to the findings, most students have a positive perception toward the use of TikTok videos as a vocabulary learning tool. These findings suggest that TikTok videos can be used to increase students’ English vocabulary size. The current study proposes an alternative pedagogical means for teaching English vocabulary to language teachers who want to help their students expand and develop their vocabulary.

Prospects and obstacles of digital quality management in Saudi Arabia universities. A systematic literature review from the Last Decade

Prospects and obstacles of digital quality management in Saudi Arabia universities. A systematic literature review from the Last Decade

Implementation of a strategic plan within a university college: a practical framework

ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of strategic planning’s role in enhancing higher education institutions’ sense of strategic direction and outlining measurable goals. The study particularly reflects the practical experience of setting up a strategic plan within a community college at a Saudi Arabian university, providing academic insight into implementing that plan. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the University's strategic plan implementation required conducting six unstructured interviews and examining a University document. A university can develop a programmatic framework within which to define new directions and programmes and evaluate its own capabilities against those of competing universities. A strategic planning framework can help universities and their colleges identify and follow a five-stage practical planning process. The authors emphasise the importance of actively involving stakeholders in decision-making while developing a strategic plan. This study may serve as a catalyst for further research on strategic planning at other universities.

HRM practices and academic research output: evidence from universities in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The Saudi Arabian higher education sector is unique because it depends on an international workforce comprising mostly non-Saudi academics. This study examined the relationship between HRM practices, trust, knowledge sharing and academic research output in Saudi Arabian universities. The study design supports the application of both exploratory and explanatory (mixed-method) approaches in examining the relationship between HRM practices and academic research output. Although the results suggest a positive relationship between HRM practices and academic research output, trust and knowledge sharing act as mediators. This study adds to the literature on higher education management, particularly from the Middle East Region – an under-researched area in education management research. Theoretically, this study contributes to understanding the relationship between HRM practices and academic research output in a higher education context. The findings have implications for advancing knowledge sharing and trust in Saudi Arabian universities.

Nursing students' perceptions on community care and placement preference in Saudi Arabian universities: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is an increasing shortage of highly educated community nurses; only a small number of nursing students choose to work in the community. ObjectivesTo understand the perception among nursing students in Saudi Arabia about working in the community and where they intend to pursue their careers. DesignA quantitative cross-sectional design. Settings and participantsA convenience sample of undergraduate students enrolled in their first to final years of a bachelor's degree program at three Saudi Arabian universities. MethodsData were collected from September–December 2022 using the ‘Scale on Community Care Perceptions’, which included demographic questions and measures reflecting their impressions of a community care placement, a community care career, and their current placement preferences. ResultsIn total, 439 students completed the online questionnaire. Nursing students' community care feelings (affective component), expectations, and regards as a future profession were moderately positive with a mean of 6.68 (1–10 scale; negative-positive perceptions). Regarding placement preference, many students chose general hospitals (N = 212, 48.30 %); a small number chose community care (N = 77, 17.54 %). The positive choice of respondents was influenced by the various technical nursing skills required (N = 212, 10.6 %), enjoyable relationships with patients (N = 211, 10.5 %), and many opportunities for advancement (N = 169, 8.4 %). Furthermore, students' placement preferences were significantly predicted by their expectations of placement and future professions in community care (F = 95.24, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.30). A significant difference was also found among their preferences in terms of the level of education and the experience of family and friends working in the community (p < 0.01). ConclusionCommunity care is an undervalued career choice among nursing students in Saudi Arabia. To bolster nursing students to prefer this career path, nursing schools, in coordination with local authorities, must formulate and implement a clearly defined career development plan that allows them to fully immerse themselves in community care activities.

Preferences, Career Aspects, and Factors Influencing the Choice of Specialty by Medical Students and Interns in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most critical career decisions medical students and interns make. However, little is known about the factors these graduates consider when choosing their specialty. Our study assessedfactors that medical students and interns consider when determining their specialty. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey-based study, conducted from November to December 2022. We utilizeda previously published questionnaire for 1074 participants, including 837 medical students and 237 interns from Saudi Arabian universities. Results The majority of female participants (80.4%), compared with only 19.6% of male participants, considered interest in specific procedures and techniques typical of the specialty an important factor in choosing a specialty (p = 0.036). Dissertation research experience was an important factor for 83.5% of female participants and 16.5% of male participants (p = 0.024). Additionally, good quality teaching within the study program framework was important for 81.2% of female participants and 18.8% of male participants (p = 0.033), suggesting that male and female participants viewed the importance of good quality teaching differently. Female participants accounted for 80% of those who considered the overseas experience a factor in their specialty choice. Also, 74.4% of female and 25.6% of male participants considered friends, relatives, or other connections in the healthcare field a factor that affects their choice. Furthermore, 79.6% of female and 20.4% of male participants reported having good experiences with physician role models as an impactful factor in their specialty choice. Conclusion Female participants were most interested in obstetrics and gynecology (12.1%,), internal medicine (11.8%), and family medicine (10.8%). Male participants, on the other hand, showed more interest in family medicine (12.7%,), internal medicine (11.0%), and emergency medicine (10.1%).Medical schools and healthcare institutions must provide students and interns with enough information and resources to help them explore different specialties and make well-informed decisions about their careers.

Islamic economics and finance instructional leadership and curriculum practices: a case study of selected public universities in Saudi Arabia

PurposeThis study aims to explore the instructional leadership practices implemented by academic professionals and leaders to enhance the curriculum of Islamic economics and finance (IEF) in two public universities in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative approach, using a case study methodology that focused on two meticulously chosen universities in Saudi Arabia. A total of 21 academics from two public universities in Saudi Arabia who worked in IEF schools were selected for semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe findings showed that two universities in Saudi Arabia that offer degrees in IEF exhibited limited instructional leadership. The findings indicate four apparent barriers that may explain the lack of involvement in instructional leadership and fair practices in the IEF curriculum at Saudi Arabian universities. According to this study, a positive collegial climate in Saudi universities’ IEF promotes shared instructional leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a limited qualitative method and small sample of respondents in this study may not provide enough evidence to generalise the findings to all universities and higher education schools in Saudi Arabia. Although a case study was used to describe IEF curriculum management and implementation at the two universities, caution should be exercised when applying these findings to other institutions.Practical implicationsIEF schools in Saudi universities need to leverage their positive, collaborative and relationship-building environments to develop activities that promote shared instructional leadership.Originality/valueThe research findings can offer valuable insights and examples for school leaders to develop instructional activities and promote the concept of “shared instructional leadership”. This approach involves delegating responsibilities and actions to others to enhance the IEF curriculum’s quality. Policymakers and university officials can use these findings to enhance strategic policies.

Exploring the Perception and Experiences of Nursing Instructors With E-learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's effect on the educational system, the integration of e-learning became essential. Consequently, it is necessary to explore nursing instructors' perceptions and experiences with e-learning. This study aims to explore the perception and experiences of nursing instructors in Saudi Arabia regarding e-learning. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among nursing instructors at Saudi Arabian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were invited to respond to an online questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), employing both descriptive statistics to summarize the responses of the participants and inferential statistics to identify significant differences in perception and experience levels based on demographic variables. The results demonstrated that nursing instructors in Saudi universities had a high perception of e-learning, with an average rating of 4.55/5. Instructors aged 41-50 years, of Indian or Saudi nationality, and holding a doctoral degree exhibited significantly higher levels of technological and computer experience compared to others. Moreover, instructors in these categories also had significantly higher levels of perception toward e-learning, with an overall average rating of 4.56/5. The study concluded that nursing instructors at Saudi universities possessed a high level of experience in technology and computer usage, and they exhibited a favorable perception toward e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instructors aged 41-50 years, of Indian or Saudi nationality, and with a doctoral qualification demonstrated higher levels of experience in technology and computer usage, as well as a more positive perception of e-learning during the pandemic.

Prospers and Obstacles in Using Artificial Intelligence in Saudi Arabia Higher Education Institutions—The Potential of AI-Based Learning Outcomes

Within the framework of the ongoing implementation of the 2030 Vision for Comprehensive Development of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal objective for the country’s numerous higher education institutions. This study aims to examine the opportunities and challenges that arise from the adoption of AI-based learning outcomes in Saudi Arabia’s higher education institutes. Moreover, the research also investigates the contribution of major higher education institutes in Saudi Arabia to the field of AI-based learning outcomes. To gather relevant literature, the Scopus and Web of Science databases were utilised, resulting in the selection of fifty-five studies for final analysis. The study employed the PRISMA statement 2020 for records filtration and utilised VOS viewer software to classify the literature on AI-based learning outcomes in Saudi Arabian universities. Through detailed analysis, three significant data streams were identified and examined. The findings indicate that AI is in a nascent stage within the realm of learning, and it has become an undeniable reality for higher education institutions. Embracing this transformative technology is crucial for meeting future learning challenges, and it is imperative that all students acquire the necessary technical skills to interact with and create artificial intelligence in the future. According to the findings, AI has the potential to address significant educational challenges, revolutionise teaching and learning methodologies, and accelerate progress toward the Saudi 2030 objectives. However, the study also highlights certain challenges associated with the implementation of AI-based learning in the higher education context of Saudi Arabia, emphasising the need for teachers to acquire new technological skills to effectively utilise AI pedagogically.

Saudi Arabian University Students&amp;#39; Perspectives on Issues and Solutions in Academic Writing Learning

EFL students confront a host of obstacles and challenges when it comes to academic writing, most notably those generated by the distinction between spoken and written English. In this regard, it is worth noting that Arabic differs significantly from English when it comes to both spoken and written versions. A number of variables drive these differences, including: 1) differences in the letters; and 2) differences in writing methods, with Arabic featuring more figurative phrases and longer sentences than English. There are various ways of teaching writing in academia; some are beneficial, like computerized writing instruction, whereas others, such as the usage of distinctive writing styles, are detrimental. Native speakers can help ESL students recognize the skills required for academic writing, enabling them to improve their academic writing. The study&amp;#39;s goal was to determine the obstacles that students at a specific Saudi university encounter when studying written academic English, as well as to differentiate across their educational needs and aims. During the academic year 2020-2021, the research&amp;#39;s group comprised 50 postgraduate students from one Saudi university. The data analysis showed that English as an additional language (EFL) students face many obstacles and underscores in their academic work, such as difficulties distinguishing between written and spoken English, generating a framework before writing a first draft, determining the abilities necessary to succeed in writing, and preventing plague words and phrases.

Predictors of Consanguinity Marriage Decision in Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study.

Consanguineous marriages are common in Saudi Arabia, increasing the risk of genetic blood disorders in offspring. This pilot study assessed the knowledge and perceived threats regarding genetic blood disorders, norms, and premarital screening for consanguineous marriage among unmarried university students in Saudi Arabia as a predictor of marriage decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 22 January through 22 April 2022. In total, 400 unmarried students at Saudi Arabian universities were recruited using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. The results showed that the majority of participants had poor knowledge of genetic blood disorders. Most of the participants had a favorable attitude toward consanguineous marriage, while perceived threats towards genetic blood disorders were perceived as neutral by the participants. Moreover, their norms regarding consanguineous marriage also showed neutral results. A multinomial regression shows that participants with poor attitudes were significantly 22.3 times more likely to have poor marriage decisions (95% CI: 4.9-101.7, p < 0.001). However, participants with good and neutral norms regarding consanguinity marriage were significantly protective factors against poor marriage decisions with an RRR ratio of 0.165 (95% CI:0.030-0.918, p = 0.04) and 0.238 (95% CI: 0.071-0.797, p = 0.02), respectively. To mitigate the risk of genetic blood disorders in future generations, there is a need for targeted awareness campaigns about genetic blood disorders and the risks of consanguineous marriages by integrating this education into university curricula, and premarital counseling. It is also important to address societal norms, promoting informed decision-making, and provide premarital consultation to couples who carry the same mutated genes and are at risk of transmitting the disease to their offspring. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to assess the effectiveness of campaigns in this regard.

The role of educational technology in developing the cognitive and communicative skills of university students: A Saudi Arabian case

This academic research explores the transformative potential of educational technology platforms, including virtual reality, gamification, and artificial intelligence, in revolutionizing the education sector. Existing literature has indicated that educational technology holds the promise of enhancing cognitive and communicative skills among university students. However, a research gap exists, as previous studies have primarily concentrated on school children, leaving a dearth of empirical evidence in this specific context. To address this gap, our current study conducted a comprehensive survey of 305 university students in Saudi Arabia. Employing quantitative methods, we assessed the impact of educational technology on university students' cognitive and communication skills, yielding noteworthy findings. The results revealed a significant positive influence of educational technology on both cognitive (p-value 0.016) and communication skills (p-value 0.014) among university students in Saudi Arabia. This research significantly contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of educational technology's accessibility and effective utilization in fostering the development of university students' cognitive and communication abilities. Furthermore, it sheds light on the implications of these findings for Saudi Arabia, a nation that has made considerable investments in educational technology and the accreditation of academic programs at its universities. Additionally, the study's outcomes suggest that educational technology can play a crucial role in facilitating the accreditation of academic programs in Saudi Arabian universities through its positive impact on university students' cognitive and communicative capabilities. This insight holds the potential to further advance the educational landscape in the country and beyond, emphasizing the need for continued integration and optimal utilization of educational technology in higher education settings.

Mental health and media coverage of COVID-19: investigation of the effects of television management, and efficient interrelation of anxiety through the dual technique: suffering VS pain, for the improvement of stress generated by the pandemic

Willingness to communicate (WTC) in a foreign language is linked to a range of negative and positive emotions. The present study investigated whether language enjoyment and anxiety are potential predictors of WTC. To this end, a group of 349 EFL undergraduate students (Female = 226, Male = 123) enrolled at public Saudi Arabian universities were surveyed. Multiple regression analyses revealed that foreign language enjoyment (FLE) was a predictor of WTC, while foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) did not seem to have a significant correlation with students’ WTC. These results suggest higher levels of enjoyment may have neutralized the effects of anxiety on WTC, indicating the salient role of positive emotions. Implications for foreign language teachers are discussed.

From traditional to tech-savvy: An empirical investigation of students' actual use of LMS in Saudi universities

The primary objective of this research endeavor is to comprehensively comprehend the impact of identified research factors on students' intentions to utilize learning management systems (LMS) in Saudi Arabian universities. In order to achieve this objective, the study has incorporated two prominent motivational models, namely the DeLone and McLean Model, and the technology acceptance model (TAM). The hypothesized relationships were succinctly depicted and experimentally validated through a sample of 224 students from Saudi Arabian universities. The findings of the study reveal significant correlations among all the proposed hypotheses. The research model employed in this project demonstrates that system quality, information quality, service quality, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and perceived ease of use exert direct influence on university students' intentions to employ LMS. Moreover, the research model highlights that the intention to use LMS significantly impacts actual usage behavior. By developing an innovative and integrated model for gauging students' genuine individual intentions to use LMS, this research paper makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature.

Entrepreneurial intention of Saudi students: role of Saudi Arabian universities in achieving The Goal of Vision 2030

Entrepreneurial intention of Saudi students: role of Saudi Arabian universities in achieving The Goal of Vision 2030

Mental Health and Coping Strategies among University Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross–Sectional Analysis from Saudi Arabia

This study examined psychological health and coping strategies among faculty and staff at a Saudi Arabian university. A web-based self-administered survey was used to assess probable anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping strategies by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Brief-COPE scale, respectively. Of 502 participants (mean age 36.04 ± 10.32 years, male: 66.3%), 24.1% (GAD-7 ≥ 10) had probable anxiety. Anxiety score was significantly higher in females (p &lt; 0.001), those with a history of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.036), and participants with less work experience (p = 0.019). Approximately 40% of participants met the criteria of probable depression, with females (p &lt; 0.001) and participants with less experience having more depressive symptoms. Around one-fourth (27.7%) of study participants indicated probable PTSD (score ≥ 33), with higher symptoms in females (p &lt;0.001), less experienced staff (p &lt; 0.001), and academic staff (p = 0.006). Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.844, p &lt; 0.001), anxiety and PTSD (r = 0.650, p &lt; 0.001), and depression and PTSD (r = 0.676, p &lt; 0.001). Active coping, religious/spiritual coping, and acceptance were common coping strategies, while substance use was the least adopted coping method among the study participants. This study indicated a high prevalence of probable psychological ailments among university staff.

Medical Students' Understanding, Attitudes, and Awareness of Antibiotic Resistance

Background: Antibiotics are potent medication that can stop or significantly limit bacterial development. Misuse of antibiotics is a big issue around the world. Antibiotic resistance has become a major worldwide health concern since it is linked to more cases of illness and death, higher healthcare costs, and longer hospital stays. Numerous studies on antibiotic awareness have demonstrated cultural, behavioral, educational, and healthcare system differences in students' perspectives on antibiotics. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess medical students' perspectives, familiarity, and understanding of antibiotics at two Saudi Arabian universities. Aim: Examine medical students' understanding and perspective on the proper use of antibiotics. The purpose of this survey is to assess the level of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance among medical students and to provide suggestions for reducing this problem. Methods: Students in the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University and Majmaah University were surveyed using a pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire for this study. A panel of specialists in the field has reviewed the questionnaire. The study's success will depend on the opinions of three distinct cohorts of future doctors. Results: The poll revealed a higher level of knowledge at Majmaah University (74.3%), but at Alfaisal University (71.81%) it was lower. Majmaah University had a higher rate of knowledge acquisition, according to the research. In addition, the study revealed that the rate of awareness at Al Faisal University was (86.35%), whereas the rate of awareness at Majmaah University was (87.13%), and the rate of attitude at Alfaisal University was (86.23%). Moreover, we discovered that as students’ progress in their education, so do their levels of knowledge, attitude, and awareness. Conclusion: The foundation of a thriving society is the use of sound scientific methods. Effective education, from this vantage point, plays a crucial role in imparting knowledge, awareness, and attitude that leads to change in behavior and habits, and therefore in the level of outputs that feed the community with a comprehensive health strategy.

Polysemous Verbs Break, Run, and Draw Within Prototype Theory From the Perspective of Saudi Learners of English

This paper attempts to explore the nature of polysemous verbs using a cognitive linguistic framework from the perspective of second-language (L2) users: specifically, English as a foreign language (EFL) students in a Saudi Arabian university context. Drawing on Pulman (1983), this analysis examines multiple senses of the verbs break, run, and draw using prototype theory and seeks to identify any semantic patterns in the priority accorded to the polysemous senses attached to each verb by the learner. A questionnaire with sentences as placeholders embodying different senses of each verb and a 4-point goodness-of-fit scale were prepared. The results of this study show that non-native learners of English (EFL learners) are aware that there is a semantic network of meanings for polysemous verbs, and that these meanings exist on a continuum from more central (about three to four senses for each verb, which could be considered core/generic meanings) to more peripheral (between one to three senses, which could be considered more specific meanings). Correlation analyses between learners’ perceptions of a verb’s polysemy and vocabulary size and years of learning English were performed, yielding few positive relationships, and those only weakly significant.