Saudi Arabian Universities Research Articles

Muda dan Anti Bid’ah: Penyebaran Gagasan Salafi pada Mahasiswa di Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Jambi

Salafism was able to develop rapidly after the New Order fell due to the open space for freedom to spread various religious ideas and the genealogy of Salafism before the Reformation. This idea spread to Jambi through alumni of Saudi Arabian universities who moved or settled here. This study aims to explain the Salafi transmission path among students of two Jambi state universities and what religious ideas are conveyed in Salafi taklim. Through observations of salafi group recitations in October 2022 and interviews with 11 informants from among Salafi students, this article found that there are three transmission paths of Salafi ideas in Jambi state university students: First, there are already students who are involved in Salafi recitation when they are students and re-join the group when they are students; Second, through a family that adheres to the Salafist faith; Third, through peers on campus accompanied by motivation to study Islam more intensively because they come from non-religious schools. The speed of information of the digital age and the absence of a government ban on this anti-heresy group, made Salafi recitations still attended by young people with the content of four Salafi ideas, namely Tawhid, Loyalty and Hate (al-Wala' wa al-Bara), loving the sunnah and opposing heresy, and obedience to the government. The number of anti-heresy students at Jambi state universities is still minimal compared to followers of other religious ideas.

Impact of communication competencies, job requirements and Academic performance on students' career development at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

Among the strategic competencies that will provide value to university students over the course of their career development plan are those that are relevant to both the needs of employers and the success of students in the classroom. This study aims to examine how students' communication skills, job requirements, and academic performance at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia, affect their professional career development. An online survey was used to obtain the data collected for this study, which was then analysed with SPSS version 25 using multiple linear regression, making it a quantitative study. 210 students from Saudi Arabia's University of Hail were randomly selected to participate in this study's sample. Findings indicate that two of the three independent variables significantly affect the dependent variable. Therefore, a student's career development is significantly impacted by both job requirements and students’ academic performance, while communication competencies are not.

Instructors’ Perceptions of the Training Courses Related to Technology in Saudi Universities

The focus of this paper in on the training that related to the adoption of technology in teaching approaches by educators in one Saudi University. Currently, there are several training courses have provided by institutions to their instructors in Saudi Arabia universities, however, there is insufficient research was carried out by researchers in order to investigate the stakeholders’ perceptions of this workshops. As a result, this study came to examine teacher’s opinion of the raining that provided to the them by one Saudi University as the results of this study might help to address the issues that educators encounter when the attaining training courses. This study used questionnaire for collecting the data from participants. The study sample consisted of 60 participants. The study findings mentioned that educators needs sufficient training courses and based on their needs. Also, The study findings indicated that there is overlapping between the instructors schedules and the time of the workshops.

Research on Membranes and Their Associated Processes at the Université Paris-Est Créteil: Progress Report, Perspectives, and National and International Collaborations

Research on membranes and their associated processes was initiated in 1970 at the University of Paris XII/IUT de Créteil, which became in 2010 the University Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC). This research initially focused on the development and applications of pervaporation membranes, then concerned the metrology of ion-exchange membranes, then expanded to dialysis processes using these membranes, and recently opened to composite membranes and their applications in production or purification processes. Both experimental and fundamental aspects have been developed in parallel. This evolution has been reinforced by an opening to the French and European industries, and to the international scene, especially to the Krasnodar Membrane Institute (Kuban State University-Russia) and to the Department of Chemistry, (Qassim University-Saudi Arabia). Here, we first presented the history of this research activity, then developed the main research axes carried out at UPEC over the 2012-2022 period; then, we gave the main results obtained, and finally, showed the cross contribution of the developed collaborations. We avoided a chronological presentation of these activities and grouped them by theme: composite membranes and ion-exchange membranes. For composite membranes, we have detailed three applications: highly selective lithium-ion extraction, bleach production, and water and industrial effluent treatments. For ion-exchange membranes, we focused on their characterization methods, their use in Neutralization Dialysis for brackish water demineralization, and their fouling and antifouling processes. It appears that the research activities on membranes within UPEC are very dynamic and fruitful, and benefit from scientific exchanges with our Russian partners, which contributed to the development of strong membrane activity on water treatment within Qassim University. Finally, four main perspectives of this research activity were given: the design of autonomous and energy self-sufficient processes, refinement of characterization by Electrochemical Scanning Microscopy, functional membrane separators, and green membrane preparation and use.

The use of distance education to confronting the educational challenges in light of Corona crisis. (Analysis and evaluating study)

The chapter aims to recognize the use of distance education in confronting the challenges of education in light of Corona crisis. It discusses the following topics: introduction. Objectives. and significance of the chapter. Its terms and distance education (its concepts. Characteristics. Technologies. Norms of choosing and the challenges of implementing in light of corona crisis and the needs of its success). The international experience in implementing electronic and distance education after and during corona crisis, analyzing and evaluating the experience of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia universities to confronting the educational crisis during corona pandemic., designing questionnaire as a tool for collecting data of sample reaches. (352) members were selected randomly from the teaching staff in governmental universities in Saudi Arabia in (1441/1442). In addition to the document analysis card which was developed by the Ministry of Education and Saudi Arabia governmental universities to analyze documents related to distance education. The study reached at many results, including: A complete shift of Saudi governmental universities to distance learning during Corona crisis. The research sample agrees with a high degree that the distance education policy in the universities of Saudi Arabia is clear. The most important reasons for the success of distance education in the experience of Saudi universities: regulation, clarity of the educational policy among universities in the field of using distance education and preparing good technical infrastructure, the training of teaching staff members on the use of distance education in teaching through learning management system (Blackboard), the training of students on the learning management system (Blackboard), the use of control and motivation for learners to ensure their interaction, providing electronic guidance for students, as well as providing technical support for all university employees. The study came out with many recommendations, most notably: Getting benefit from successful international experiences in the field of distance education and the need to harmonize and resettle them according to the Saudi environment and students' needs, switching all traditional courses to electronic courses, and training university teaching staff to design and produce electronic courses, create an administration specialized in educational design made up of qualified cadres of educational technology specialists working on formulating and designing courses, studying reality, designing scenarios, and directing, producing and evaluating them. In addition to the need to pay attention to the technical infrastructure of universities Key words: Distance education, Corona crisis, Experience of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, challenges of education.

Meeting the challenge in a crisis: Students perceptions of emergency on-line teaching in Saudi Arabia

This paper explores the perceptions of a group of female Saudi Arabian university students, during the Covid-19 pandemic, regarding emergency on-line learning (EOL). The study utilized a mixed methods approach comprising two surveys. The first, examining the mechanics and structure of the shift. The second, a qualitative design eliciting the students’ responses to EOL. While the students initially enjoyed the experience, as time progressed a sense of dissatisfaction developed which became worse the longer the lockdowns lasted. The results assist policy makers, social workers, and student advisors to prepare for future crises that may result in another prolonged lockdown.

Does student-instructor interaction in universities influence academic attainment? The context of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT This study investigated in the Saudi Arabian context the relationship between student-instructor interaction and students’ academic attainment. A survey secured reports from university students (n = 167) of their age, gender, interactions with instructors, and cumulative grade mean score for the previous three semesters. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between student-instructor interaction and student academic attainment. These findings have implications for teaching practices and suggest a need to implement a facilitative, interactive style of teaching, instead of relying on conventional instructor-centred teaching, both within and outside the classroom. We identify limitations of the current research and suggest directions for future research, with reference to the Saudi Arabian university context.

Understanding faculty acceptance of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Saudi Arabian case study

PurposeThis study aims to leverage the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework developed by Venkatesh et al. (2003) to explore the factors influencing faculty willingness and acceptance of online teaching at a major Saudi Arabian university as we move to a post-COVID-19 new normal.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed business school faculty from a major Saudi Arabian university that transitioned to online learning because of the COVID-19 lockdown. We used partial least square structural equation modeling to examine the factors that impact faculty satisfaction and behavioral intention to continue using online teaching in the future.FindingsThe results of the study indicated that when faculty perceive that e-learning improves their teaching performance and effectiveness (performance expectancy) and find that online teaching tools are relatively easy to use (effort expectancy), then they are more open to considering online teaching and using digital tools even after the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses a Saudi Arabian sample, so the results of the study may not be generalizable to other countries. The study was cross-sectional in nature; a longitudinal design would help in uncovering more stable relationships and enabling us to draw stronger conclusions. Lastly, the sample size for the study was relatively small, resulting in a loss of power in statistical testing. Notwithstanding these limitations, our study contributes to a greater understanding and appreciation of faculty acceptance of online teaching as we progress to a post-COVID-19 new normal. As such, it should be useful to educators, institutions and policymakers as they seek to reimagine business education going forward.Originality/valueThe present study is one of the first scholarly studies to focus on exploring e-learning acceptance in a business school from a faculty perspective, considering the natural experiment that forced institutions to move to online teaching irrespective of their prior acceptance or experience with this teaching modality.

Embracing Technology in Higher Education: English Teachers' Perspectives in Saudi Arabian Universities

This research article explores the application of technology in the field of English language teaching within the context of higher education in Saudi Arabian universities. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, its integration into educational practices has become essential. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of English teachers regarding the utilization of technology, the challenges they encounter, and proposes recommendations for the enhancement of technology integration in the teaching-learning process. To achieve the study aims, English teachers from ten rural universities across Saudi Arabia responded to a questionnaire, expressing favorable views on the integration of technology in the educational environment. Despite their positive stance, participants highlighted several significant challenges to widespread technology adoption, namely a) inadequate teacher training, b) insufficient facilities (classrooms and laboratories), and c) a scarcity of technological resources (computers). The survey's results underscore the necessity for a well-defined vision and strategy for technology use. Instructors emphasized that the combination of financial incentives and the establishment of a standardized physical infrastructure could encourage widespread adoption.

Knowledge Economy, Innovation and the Universities' Education Role in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Academicians’ Perspectives at the University of Hail

The labour market is witnessing a significant increase in the levels of demand to learn new skills in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are among the most prominent features of the new industrial revolution. Universities have a vital function in the knowledge economy and innovation, as they generate and share knowledge through research, education, and creativity. The knowledge economy (KE) and innovation are key drivers of economic growth, as they promote innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. It creates new industries and jobs that require highly skilled workers. Weakness and inadequacy of the educational and research system have been considered as one of the main issues in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to identify the role of universities in the knowledge economy and innovation in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of academics at the University of Hail. To achieve the objective of this research, a cross-sectional explanatory and descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was adopted by the researchers. A sample size of 83 academicians was chosen using a simple random sampling procedure. The analysis method employed was structural equation modelling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS). The adopted instrument for collecting the data were a survey. The questionnaire measures were based on a 5-point Likert scale. To measure the reliability and validity of the instruments, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and Fornell-Lacker criterion tests were conducted. The findings of the study revealed that educational curriculum, educational policy, infrastructure, and scientific research have a significant role in (KE) and innovation, whereas the results of teaching methods showed no significant role in (KE) and innovation. To remain competitive in the ever-changing economic landscape, policymakers in Saudi Arabian universities must prioritize curriculum design, infrastructure, teaching methods, policies, and skilled manpower while paying more attention to science, technology, and innovation. In addition, universities should focus on developing the skills of their graduates to meet the demands of the job market. This can be achieved by offering internships and apprenticeships, as well as providing training in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Exploring the Influential Factors Affecting Staff Willingness to Adopt Augmented Reality

Adopting modern learning technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) technology in higher education has become a demand to enhance teaching and learning performance and motivate students to acquire effective learning processes. Yet, the readiness of universities to adopt modern learning technology, such as AR applications, in developing countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is considered one of the critical issues to ensure the AR system’s success. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the academic members’ willingness in Saudi Arabian higher education to adopt modern learning techniques such as AR technology. To test the model, a quantitative survey using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was applied in this study to collect the data. The study was conducted among a sample of 228 academic members and e-learning staff. Based on the analysis, the study found that perceived usefulness and perceived pedagogical contribution are important predicting factors for academic members’ willingness to employ AR in Saudi Arabian higher education teaching. The findings from this study provide insights that assist further studies regarding AR integration factors in higher education. This study contributes to the literature by developing a theoretical and conceptual framework of critical success factors for AR incorporation in Saudi Arabian (SA) universities.

Insights towards the environmental risk perceptions and built environmental behaviors: Guidelines for environmental governance and regulations

The present study explores Saudi Arabian university students’ insights into environmental risk perceptions (ERPs) and built environmental behaviors (BEBs). Based on the findings of previous studies such as Geng et al. (2015), Islam et al. (2019) and Alnaim et al. (2022) and the dire need for further exploration, the researchers developed the conceptual framework and model for confirmation in the context of Saudi Arabia. The researchers applied a quantitative approached and utilized 248 valid samples to infer the results. The findings of the study reveal a positive and significant effect of environmental protection (EP), knowledge of the environment (KoE) and environmental values (EVs) on BEBs. On the other hand, ERPs have a negative and insignificant effect on BEBs. Furthermore, ERPs mediate the relationship between EP, KoE, EVs and BEBs. The study findings would assist policymakers and environmental protection agencies in developing BEBs among all the country’s citizens. Besides, the results of a study would also support individuals in establishing BEBs regarding the recycling of restorative materials by avoiding the use of hazardous materials which is harmful to the environment and the healthy lives of human.

A Multisite Assessment of Saudi Bachelor Nursing Students' Perceptions of Clinical Competence and Learning Environments: A Multivariate Conceptual Model Testing.

Background: It is thought that students’ perceptions of educational and clinical learning environments improve the effectiveness of curricula and professional standards. It is essential to examine the educational and clinical learning environments in which nursing students learn, as well as how nursing students evaluate particular factors of these environments. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) identify nursing students’ perceptions on professional competence and learning environments in the classroom and clinical settings and (2) test a hypothetical model of variables that influence and predict students’ perceptions of learning environments and professional competencies. Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional methodological design. Five hundred and eighteen undergraduate nursing students were recruited from three Saudi Arabian universities using a convenient sampling technique. Using valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires, including the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM), the modified Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI), and the Nurse Professional Competence Scale-Short (NPCS-SF), data were collected. Results: Perceptions of professional competence and learning environments were positive among nursing students. With satisfactory fit indices, the final model found that students’ perceptions of clinical competence were significantly predicted by their perceptions of the clinical environment (B = 0.43, p < 0.001), students’ perceptions of university environments (B = 0.29, p < 0.001), ward type (B = 0.12, p < 0.001), and students’ year of study (B = 0.11, p < 0.001). The students’ perceptions of clinical environments were significantly predicted by their perceptions of the university environment (B = 0.31, p < 0.001), gender (B = 0.13, p < 0.001), students’ year of study (B = 0.12, p < 0.001), and ward type (B = 0.11, p < 0.001). Moreover, the students’ perceptions of the university environment were significantly predicted by gender (B = 0.11, p < 0.001) and length of training (B = 0.12, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A range of factors might influence students’ perceptions of their professional competence and learning environments. Improving the learning environments and clinical experiences of students could enhance their clinical competence. This study’s findings provide evidence for how to enhance the learning environments in the classroom and clinical settings in order to improve students’ clinical competence, which will ultimately result in better patient outcomes. It is a top priority for nursing educators all around the world to improve classroom and clinical learning settings that foster students’ learning and professional competencies.

Prevalence and knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors among young adults in Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are common disorders affecting a large portion of the population. The current study aims to assess the prevalence of CVDs risk factors among university students. Furthermore, to determine their knowledge level of CVD-related risk factors, such as lipid profile, blood sugar, and hypertension. In this cross-sectional study, 294 students were randomly recruited from a Saudi Arabian university. Blood glucose, cholesterol profile (total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol), and triglycerides were measured using standard protocols. Demographic characteristics and awareness about CVDs risk factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Data from 294 undergraduate students aged 18 and 22 were analyzed. The percentage of female participants was 35.4%. The prevalence of CVDs risk factors among the participants was as follows: there were 91 (31%) participants with elevated fasting blood sugar, 93 (31.6%) with high cholesterol levels, 92 (31.3%) with high triglyceride levels, 62 (21.4%) with high LDL cholesterol levels, 77 (26.2%) were smokers, and 105 (35.7%) were with elevated blood pressure. Chi-square analysis showed that smoking, Cholesterol among males, hip waist ratio, body mass index, and blood pressure among females were significantly associated with CVD events compared to other estimated risk factors. This study showed a high prevalence of CVD disease risk factors among Saudi University students. In addition, males who had high cholesterol levels were more likely to develop CVDs than females. • Saudi Arabian young adults are at a high risk of CVD and possess partial knowledge of risk factors. • The most common CVDs risk factor among young adults was excess weight. • Males with high cholesterol levels were more likely to develop CVDs than females. • Hip waist ratio, BMI, and BP risk factors among females were significantly associated with the development of CVD events.

Effectiveness of Kinesics among Saudi undergraduate EFL Students: How do Paralinguistics Impact the Pedagogical Practices in an ESOL Classroom?

Abstract Kinesics is a paralinguistic feature that helps convey a message quickly, especially in a TESOL environment. Kinesics is one of the main features of paralinguistics, which comprises various nonverbal fundamental elements. In this study, researchers collected the data regarding the effectiveness of kinesics for ESOL learners using a questionnaire with a sample of 385 instructors and learners from Saudi Arabian universities. Two hypotheses were tested: integrated kinesics significantly impacts learner-oriented proximity, and integrated kinesics features have a substantial effect on instructor-oriented proximity. SPSS was used to scrutinize the collected data. Regression analysis and descriptive statistic methods were used to check the frequency and reliability of the data and the variation of the results. The study’s findings indicate a significant impact of integrated kinesics features on learner-oriented proximity and instructororiented proximity. Using kinesics features in TESOL is very effective. It is concluded that kinesics is an inseparable part of the lecture room’s learning and teaching process. It is an integral part of teaching ESOL that should not be neglected.

Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among Saudi Arabian university students: relationship with psychological distress

Background and aimGiven the exponential growth of the gaming industry, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) merits further research. This study investigated the prevalence of IGD among Saudi Arabian university students and its relationship with the level of functioning, psychological distress, and potential for comorbid depression, as well as the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on gaming behavior. Materials and methods306 participants were randomly selected from various Saudi Arabian universities and surveyed using the 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20 Test), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler-6). ResultsThe estimated prevalence of IGD was 10.1%, and significantly higher risk was observed among IGD and respective at risk groups with psychological distress. Moreover, 67.4% of the participants reported an increase in playtime during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the Kesseler-6, psychological distress was observed in 19.9% of the participants. ConclusionsThis study suggests that IGD is a growing mental health risk associated with a dysfunctional impact and psychological distress.

Examining Students’ Readiness toward Using Learning Management System at University of Ha’il: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

During the past two decades, many universities around the world have deployed various types of learning management systems (LMSs) to manage the learning and teaching process electronically. The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic quickened educational systems’ shifting from face-to-face to online instruction. Blackboard is the most used LMS during this transition in Saudi Arabian universities, institutions, and higher education institutions. Although previous research has widely investigated students’ adoption of Blackboard, few studies have examined the factors affecting their readiness toward e-learning. The present study used the model of Student Online Learning Readiness (SOLR) as the primary framework for examining the factors that may affect students’ readiness toward using Blackboard. A survey was delivered to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Ha’il to collect data, and a total of 196 responses were received. A two-step process in AMOS was applied to analyse the data. The study findings showed that technical, social, and communication competencies had a significant positive influence on the readiness of students toward using Blackboard LMS. The study outcomes will provide educators, designers, decision-makers, and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the factors that could influence students’ readiness toward using Blackboard and, thus, enhance the successful usage of the system.

Dental restoration selection by students at southern Saudi Arabian universities.

Dental caries is a serious oral health concern and restoration of teeth is the main solution to this issue. Various restorative materials having different properties are used for posterior restoration. The aim of this study was to find that which factors can affect the choice of selection of material for posterior restoration among dental graduate students. For this purpose, a questionnaire was shared electronically among students of three different universities (King Khalid University, Jazan University, and Najran University). After collection, data were subjected to a chi-square test to check the significance. It has been observed that almost 50% of participants choose composite resin for posterior restoration. Results showed that according to most (more than 50%) of the dental students in Southern Saudi Arabia, different patient and tooth condition related factors can affect the choice for selection of restorative material.

Learning organizations in Saudi universities: Implications for occupational therapy education

In Saudi universities, the modern concept of acquiring, disseminating, adopting, and using information to improve organizational effectiveness through open systems of synergy among departments is hardly observed. This study aims to analyze the importance of organizational learning and the implications of applying its concepts in institutions of higher learning in KSA and occupational therapy education. We used secondary data obtained from a few studies that have assessed the adoption of learning organizations' concept in Saudi Arabian universities and occupational therapy educational programs and departments. The infrastructure has been improved to facilitate the adoption of the learning organizational concept under KSA's Vison 2030; however, a paradigm change is intensely needed where the adoption of the practice is acquired by faculty and staff members. Although organizational learning is essential for the survival and advancement of institutions of higher education as they are operating in a dynamic environment, it is hardly observed to be a part of the daily functioning in these organizations. The current study suggests that their opportunities that should be taken advantage of to implement these concepts in Saudi universities in general and occupational therapy education in particular.

Big data, oriented-organizational culture, and business performance: A socio-technical approach

This paper experimentally examines the impact of oriented-organizational culture that could support big data analytics (BDA) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, this study analyzed the effect of oriented-organizational culture (OC) on big data tasks (BDTs) toward improving decision-making (DM) and organization performance (OP). The study hinged on the theory of socio-technical systems to investigate BDA elements in higher education decision-making in Saudi Arabia. The analysis was conducted using a quantitative survey research design where data were collected from 270 IT staff working in Saudi Arabian HEIs using Qualtrics. PLS-SEM was applied to validate the research data and explore the relationship between the proposed hypotheses. The findings show that oriented-organizational culture positively affected big data tasks, i.e., storing, analyzing, and visualizing. Similarly, oriented-organizational culture positively affects improving decision-making by top management in Saudi Arabian universities. OC also positively influences the performance of Saudi Arabian universities. Improving decision-making by top management has a positive impact on enhancing the overall university’s performance. However, big data tasks, i.e., storing, analyzing, and visualizing, negatively affect improving decision-making by top management in Saudi Arabian HEIs. One of the study limitations is the small sample size; future studies should include private and public universities to alter the expected outcomes. Additional technological elements, such as IT infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s private and public HEIs, are recommended to be considered in future studies to establish the competence of respective IT infrastructure. AcknowledgmentThe authors wish to thank the Problems and Perspectives in Management Journal editors for their valuable time and assistance in improving the manuscript.