United Arab Emirates University Research Articles

Impact of English Language Lecturers’ leadership styles on Educational Student Satisfaction, a case study on a private university in UAE

Teacher leadership style, quality of teaching and students’ satisfaction are considered the keys to produce high-quality graduates and to enhance teaching-learning experiences in higher education. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between English language lecturers` leadership styles and student satisfaction. The quantitative method was used in data collection. The study population was students of undergraduate university programs and a sample of 196 was drawn. A total of two sets of instruments were used for collection of data and analyzed by using the correlation and regression statistics.  This study used an adapted form of Bass and Avolio’s (1995) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5x-Short (MLQ) to measure the Transformational and Transactional leadership styles and a questionnaire proposed by the researcher to identify and measure educational student satisfaction. This study has provided some of the key determinants of educational student satisfaction. The results of the study indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between lecturers` transformational leadership and student satisfaction. However, there was a negative significant relationship between transactional leadership style and student satisfaction. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the lecturers display transformational practices to enhance the satisfaction of the students.

The shift from face-to-face to online teaching due to COVID-19: Its impact on higher education faculty's professional identity

With the COVID-19 emergency shift to online teaching, it is timely to investigate the impact of online teaching on teachers’ professional identity, namely their beliefs and roles. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from four faculty members working at different UAE universities, aiming to incorporate teachers' voices and practices in the research process. Findings showed teachers' professional identity underwent some phases of instability as tensions arose between the way they viewed themselves, their beliefs, and their practices in the online environment. Teachers experienced changes related to their pedagogical, managerial, and social roles and practices.

Research on factors affecting smart choices regarding to a good place to study: A case of young students

Today, university is more than just a place to transmit aspirations; it is also where Generation Z (Gen Z) decides to establish themselves and follow their ambitions. Over the years, the emergence of Gen Z as a new wind has had a significant impact on the evolution of civilization. As a result, the trend of industry selection is altered to varying degrees. Gen Z choose a school that wants to demonstrate its capability by taking new and daring steps in the process of learning and working. For today's gen Z, attending to school is about growing skills as much as learning. Soft skills will be the most useful subject to teach oneself in a variety of areas, FPT University is usually a forerunner in terms of extracurricular activities. The new staff have quickly noticed the dynamic learning atmosphere and numerous practical experiences. Experience seminars and contests tailored to each business. This is an opportunity to acquire a range of skills from successful people in each area. studies with training programs comparable to several colleges throughout the world each major at FPT Univerity is created in accordance with a different standard from industrialized nations. All textbooks for FPT University students are bought from overseas. The multilingual - international atmosphere here becomes one of the draws for applicants, as Gen Z wants to discover new regions and may visit many nations across the world through student exchange programs. English is viewed as a tool rather than a topic at FPT University. Students must achieve English proficiency requirements in order to enroll in. This study also identified four elements that impact Generation Z's decision to attend university, which are as follows: Knowledge in practice, technology, the environment, and gender equality References Abbas, J., Alturki, U., Habib, M., Aldraiweesh, A., & Al-Rahmi, W. M. (2021). Factors affecting students in the selection of country for higher education: A comparative analysis of international students in Germany and the UK. Sustainability, 13(18), 10065. Saut, M., & Saing, T. (2021). Factors affecting consumer purchase intention towards environmentally friendly products: a case of generation Z studying at universities in Phnom Penh. SN Business & Economics, 1(6), 1-20. Sarikhani, Y., Ghahramani, S., Bayati, M., Lotfi, F., & Bastani, P. (2021). A thematic network for factors affecting the choice of specialty education by medical students: a scoping study in low-and middle-income countries. BMC medical education, 21(1), 1-12. Serravalle, F., Vannucci, V., & Pantano, E. (2022). “Take it or leave it?”: Evidence on cultural differences affecting return behaviour for Gen Z. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 66, 102942. Heathcote, D., Savage, S., & Hosseinian-Far, A. (2020). Factors affecting university choice behaviour in the UK higher education. Education Sciences, 10(8), 199. Deckman, M., McDonald, J., Rouse, S., & Kromer, M. (2020). Gen Z, gender, and COVID-19. Politics & Gender, 16(4), 1019-1027. Del Chiappa, G., Pung, J. M., & Atzeni, M. (2021). Factors influencing choice of accommodation during Covid-19: A mixed-methods study of Italian consumers. Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 1-27. Thangavel, P., Pathak, P., & Chandra, B. (2022). Consumer decision-making style of gen Z: A generational cohort analysis. Global Business Review, 23(3), 710-728. Thangavel, P., Pathak, P., & Chandra, B. (2022). Consumer decision-making style of gen Z: A generational cohort analysis. Global Business Review, 23(3), 710-728. Nuseir, M. T., & El Refae, G. A. (2021). Factors influencing the choice of studying at UAE universities: empirical research on the adoption of educational marketing strategies. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 1-23. Li, F. S., Qi, H., & Guo, Q. (2021). Factors influencing Chinese tourism students’ choice of an overseas PhD program. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 29, 100286. Su, Y., Zhu, Z., Chen, J., Jin, Y., Wang, T., Lin, C. L., & Xu, D. (2021). Factors influencing entrepreneurial intention of university students in China: integrating the perceived university support and theory of planned behavior. Sustainability, 13(8), 4519. Holzer, B. M., Ramuz, O., Minder, C. E., & Zimmerli, L. (2022). Motivation and personality factors of Generation Z high school students aspiring to study human medicine. BMC medical education, 22(1), 1-10. Lai, H. M., Hsieh, P. J., Uden, L., & Yang, C. H. (2021). A multilevel investigation of factors influencing university students’ behavioral engagement in flipped classrooms. Computers & Education, 175, 104318. Li, F. S., Qi, H., & Guo, Q. (2021). Factors influencing Chinese tourism students’ choice of an overseas PhD program. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 29, 100286. Calitz, A. P., Cullen, M. D. M., & Jooste, C. (2020). The influence of safety and security on students’ choice of University in South Africa. Journal of Studies in International Education, 24(2), 269-285.

Research Data Management: A review of UAE academic library experience

Abstract Purpose: This paper is a review of the status of Research Data Management (RDM) efforts in UAE public university libraries. Approach: The investigation is through examining available literature about the topic using region-specific articles when available, librarian comments, and the information provided by UAE university library websites. Existing lessons and policy documents are sought, and plans suggested for local solutions, suggesting avenues for progress. Findings: Though not a new concept, findings indicate that local RDM activities are emerging, but knowledge of their importance of exists. Research limitations: This review is limited to public university libraries though the results and experiences could be generally relevant to more research establishments. Practical implications: Taking advantage of the existing awareness to organize tangible RDM efforts can facilitate retrieval and availability of data relevant to the region. Value: An intricate range of activities involved in the organization of RDM services is revealed.

Gamified flipped classroom versus traditional classroom learning: Which approach is more efficient in business education?

Past studies have shown the efficacy of flipped classrooms and gamification learning approaches. However, we know little about the blend of these learning approaches. This study compares the effectiveness of gamified flipped classrooms (GFC) to traditional classroom (TC) learning approaches. We study two different undergraduate cohorts over six-week course delivery in management and IT in a university in UAE. We collected data through an online survey from 105 students (control and experimental) and performed interviews with two focus groups of students. We identified the GFC learning approach as more efficient in terms of complexity of the technique, task orientation, student engagement, satisfaction, knowledge, and learning motivation. We also found a slight difference between the two approaches in terms of student skill development. Surprisingly, the control group achieved better course learning outcomes through TC than the experimental group using GFC because of perceived content relevance. The study provides additional evidence on the relevance of employing mixed learning approaches in classrooms, not to rely on one approach of university lecturers and learning enhancement units solely.

Public management in the education sphere: Prospects for realizing human capital in the development of knowledge management technologies

The study aims to form and test a knowledge management model for universities, which made it possible to identify the most influential factors and their relationship with knowledge management processes. The sample of the study (N = 100) included members of the administrations of the United Arab Emirates universities, senior students (graduate students) and teachers. The data were collected based on a Google Forms questionnaire (65 questions). The model includes 6 main factors: leadership, organizational culture, organizational structure, human resources, information technology, measurement and control. It is assumed that the favourable influence of these factors will contribute to the effective implementation of the knowledge management process. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed in SPSS and EViews. The model was verified with the help of the root-mean-square error of approximation. The factors "organizational culture", "human resources", "organizational structure", as the processes of creation, storage and use of information demonstrate the highest degree of compliance (value is 0.5 and below). Internal consistency was checked by calculating Cronbach's alpha (total Cronbach alpha is 0.97). To assess the existing relationships between the processes and factors of knowledge management, an analysis of Spearman's ρ correlation was performed (confidence level is 99%). The findings of the study show that the factor "organizational culture" has the greatest impact on the process of creating knowledge, and the factor of the organizational structure considerably affects knowledge management. It has been concluded that information technology is the least influential factor in the knowledge management process. The model demonstrates that the greatest influence of the “leadership” factor can be observed in the context of the process of applying knowledge. The validity of the model makes it possible to argue that it can be used as a public policy tool for the implementation of knowledge management initiatives in universities. The practical significance of the research lies in the fact that on the basis of the model described in the study, it is possible to perform a preliminary assessment of the knowledge assets of universities in order to improve the process of knowledge transfer in education and research. The model will provide university administrations with an opportunity to identify areas for improvement in order for the knowledge management process to be more effective, which ultimately should result in the creation of human capital that meets modern needs.

Japanese Anime Fandoms in the UAE: An Exploratory Study on Media Accessibility, Habits and Cultural Perceptions

The satellite TV revolution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the early 1990s precipitated the proliferation of foreign media broadcasts. Japanese anime dubbed into Arabic became the most-watched content in Emirati households, a trend that continues to date because the Japanese entertainment and digital media industry offers youngsters easy access to and diverse options for anime. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the growing popularity of anime fandoms in the UAE to ascertain the level of commitment, involvement and the moral perceptions of Emirati fans vis-à-vis Japanese pop culture. A focus group discussion was conducted in a leading UAE university among the otaku or aficionados of Japanese anime (males and females). The participant responses offered comprehensive insights into the fandom trends of the region and articulated interesting opinions on Japanese pop culture and digital media accessibility. Notably, the findings of this study suggested that the enthusiasm of this fan following is often obstructed rather than celebrated and thus cannot achieve its potential. Therefore, the study finally contemplates how Emirati otaku and their practices may be better supported in UAE.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Linguistics Research, Vol. 10, No. 4

English Linguistics Research (ELR) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether ELR publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 4 Alina Andreea Dragoescu Urlica, University of Life Sciences, RomaniaGhadah Al Murshidi, The United Arab Emirates University, UAENaom Nyarigoti, United States International University-Africa, KenyaWin Whelan, St. Bonaventure University, USAYuemin Wang, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Best Regards,Camille SuEditorial Assistant, English Linguistics ResearchSciedu Press*************************************Add: 9140 Leslie St. Suite 110, Beaver Creek, Ontario, L4B 0A9, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 210E-mail 1: elr@sciedupress.com E-mail 2: elr@sciedupress.org Website: http://elr.sciedupress.com

Kano Model Integration with Data Mining to Predict Customer Satisfaction

The Kano model is one of the models that help determine which features must be included in a product or service to improve customer satisfaction. The model is focused on highlighting the most relevant attributes of a product or service along with customers’ estimation of how the presence of these attributes can be used to predict satisfaction about specific services or products. This research aims to develop a method to integrate the Kano model and data mining approaches to select relevant attributes that drive customer satisfaction, with a specific focus on higher education. The significant contribution of this research is to solve the problem of selecting features that are not methodically correlated to customer satisfaction, which could reduce the risk of investing in features that could ultimately be irrelevant to enhancing customer satisfaction. Questionnaire data were collected from 646 students from UAE University. The experiment suggests that XGBoost Regression and Decision Tree Regression produce best results for this kind of problem. Based on the integration between the Kano model and the feature selection method, the number of features used to predict customer satisfaction is minimized to four features. It was found that ANOVA features selection model’s integration with the Kano model gives higher Pearson correlation coefficients and higher R2 values.

A Further Understanding of the Dominant Factors Affecting E-learning Usage Resources by Students in Universities in the UAE

Universities benefit from the merging of classroom lecturing and the use of technological resources to provide an innovative environment for their students. E-learning resources facilitate the process of teaching and learning. Although students use these resources widely, their usage behaviours and the factors the dominate the instructor-students learning resources usage still need to be investigated further due to the fast growing technological changes and the advance features of e-learning, which affect the dominant prioritization and the significances of these factors. In order to facilitate this research, a research model was derived from the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in order to observe the factors that influence the instructors-students utilization of learning resources within universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The research model was assessed based on an analysis of 520 students who participated in the study. Thus, it can be inferred that both peer influence and student’s capability to use technology have no relevant effect on perceived usefulness and students’ usage behaviour. However, instructor contributions, course content and design do indeed have a significant correlation with student usage behaviour. The findings from this research advance the understanding of the factors that have a more dominant influence on instructor-students learning resources usage in the context of UAE universities.

Analysis of Computer Skills and Happiness Levels of Electrical Engineering Students during Pandemic

Since March 2019, UAE university has responded to challenges raised by the pandemic by transforming normal instruction platforms and assessments to online. The pandemic itself and online learning have affected students’ skill level, job outlook and perception of the future. Engineering education, in particular, involves laboratory experience, field internships, industrial visits in addition to classroom learning. This study undertakes to analyze electrical engineering students’ concerns raised by challenges due to pandemics. The study develops a hypothesis and validates it using data collected from electrical engineering students (of years 2, 3 and 4) registered in the spring term of computer courses of electrical engineering. The data thus, collected is analyzed and suggests that electrical engineering students’ happiness levels are low, the job outlook is weak, and skill development concerns are high due to virtual laboratory experience and absence of physical industrial visits/internships. Some recommendations are developed and presented.

ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL ENGINEERING COURSES IN THE UAE UNIVERSITY AND RECOMMENDATION ACTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

The current study examined the Architectural Engineering (AE) students at the College of Engineering (COE) at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) learning outcomes through assessing three main engineering requirement courses. The assessment is based on the direct method which consists of the achievement of the students and their capability to demonstrate mastery through actual work or work products such as presenting the facts. The CLOs have been assessed through Course Work (Quizzes, Home works, and Term Projects) and Examinations (Midterm and Final Exams). The course learning outcomes (CLOs) for each course for the AE program have been analyzed in terms of the level of achievement and compared with the overall achievements of all students enrolled in the same courses at the COE. This assessment has been carried out for three continuous semesters fall 2019, spring 2020, and fall 2020. Indeed, some deficiencies in terms of CLOs achievement which has been set below 70% are recorded and remedial actions have been provided for improvement. The second part of this study consists of the comparison of the attainment level of the CLOs of GENG215 course between two consecutive semesters fall 2019 and spring 2020. Indeed, this period was characterized by the drastic change in the teaching method moving from the traditional way of face-to-face interaction with students to online teaching.

Ranking of Universities in the United Arab Emirates: Exploring a web-based technique

This study investigated university rankings in the UAE within the context of the challenges facing higher education globally in the 21st century, by using the Webometric ranking methodology. Data was collected and analysed on the top 20 UAE universities. It was apparent that the UAE universities do not perform as well as expected in the Webometrics ranking, when compared with peer countries. The ratings are slightly below that which is expected, especially when one considers measures such as research publications. Strategies to improve performance using the Webometrics indicators could have a positive impact on the UAE universities. Improvements in communicating research and their web presence is likely to move the UAE universities up the Webometrics rankings, and their academic reputation in the country.

The Use of Google Classroom to Support the Learning Process

The purpose of this study is to assess the students' skills in creating virtual classrooms using the Google Classroom (GC) application through a 30 item questionnaire. In addition, the study used a Likert scale and an interview to explore students' perceptions towards GC. The sample consisted of 26 Master's students in the College of Education at Al Ain University in UAE. Data was generated from analyzing the questionnaire, and the Likert scale and the interview were used to answer the research questions. The results revealed that the degree of Master's students' skills in creating virtual classrooms was weak, and there are no statistically significant differences between students' skills based on gender and specialization. The results also showed that the perception of the GC was positive, and the majority of participants assured that GC is easy to create and use. They also expressed interest to learn more about GC through training. The findings from this study could be utilized by College of Education faculty members, students, administrators, and policymakers.

Alternative modes of publication for novice researchers

Alternative modes of publication for novice researchers

Assessment of Two Engineering Courses in Architectural Engineering Program in UAE University Based on the Comparison of the Students Results with the Students and the Instructors Opinions

The present study examined the level of outcome satisfaction of two main engineering courses taken by students in the Architectural Engineering department (AE) by evaluating the students’ satisfaction result (SR), the attained level of the students’ opinions (SO), and the instructors’ opinions (IO). The AE program in United Arab Emirates University is one of the departments in the College of Engineering accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET which provides assurance that a College or University program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates. The AE program offers a wide range of engineering courses at different levels from sophomore level to senior level. All the engineering courses are mainly prerequisites to the Capstone Engineering Design Project which builds on the outcomes of all courses to perform detailed design and cost estimates of the selected alternative solutions to a well-defined engineering problem. The two courses considered in this study are Building Electrical Circuits and Building Acoustics and Lighting. New assessment parameters which are the student course outcome satisfaction coefficient (SCOSC) and the mean absolute deviation around a central point (AMD) have been introduced in this paper. These two parameters are calculated based on the comparison of the students’ satisfaction results with both students’ opinions and insructors’ opinions, and compare the mean absolute deviations of the students’ direct results with the students’ opinions and the instructors’ opinions, respectively. Indeed, the course learning outcomes (CLOs) of the SR of some sections for both courses show higher attainment compared with the SO and IO.

Enhancing the Social Work Field Practicum Experience through the Practice Development Forum (PDF) at the United Arab Emirates University

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of field education in social work, there are situations when only a few social work educators are involved in supporting students in their field placements. At the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), for example, involvement in field education is reserved for faculty who are fluent in Arabic due to the nature of Organizations and Agencies that offer practice learning opportunities to social work students. More specifically, these organizations and agencies have a clientele of largely Arabic speaking Emiratis, and thus find it easier to work with the Arabic speaking faculty. In this paper, we outline how the Practice Development Forum (PDF) is used, resulting in expatriate faculty becoming involved in field education, not only for their ongoing professional development but mainly as a vehicle through which social work students can maintain links with faculty members with varying local and international backgrounds. The PDF provides a safe space outside the practice learning setting, and a significant outcome has been the development of case studies to be integrated into teaching content in subsequent academic years. With the institution of PDF, there have been additional unanticipated benefits that emerged as well which are also addressed in this paper.

Paradox of research productivity of higher education institutions in Arab Gulf countries: The case of the UAE

AbstractThis paper investigates the paradox of research productivity of higher‐education institutions in the Arab Gulf Countries. Exploring the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the article fills the gap in the literature on the Gulf higher education research efficiency. Despite the considerable investment into higher education, UAE universities showed rather slow growth in research output. This puzzle was tackled to present possible policy outcomes relevant for research productivity in higher education institutions located in the emerging economies. The study highlights the research productivity indicators dynamics for GCC countries and brings detailed analysis on the research output and input for the UAE universities. We argue that to succeed in academic efficiency the county needs to increase its research investments and diversify research‐boosting policies and practices. The policies should focus on work‐attractive long‐term conditions for the faculty/researchers, home‐based doctoral education system and home‐trained human resources.

A Capstone Course Linking Geography Knowledge and Entrepreneurship Skills: An Instructional Approach to Entrepreneurship Education

Various entrepreneurship initiatives benefit from advanced technology and information in fields like geography and demography. The goal of this research is to discuss the design of a capstone course that aims to connect relevant geographical and business knowledge as an integral part of entrepreneurship education at the UAE University. Using case study method, this capstone course incorporates teaching methods based on the problem-based learning (PBL) to deliver blended business knowledge and experience through a series of sessions modelled on PBL and entrepreneurship concepts designed to develop the students' entrepreneurship skills in the context of geography capstone course. 20 senior students in geography capstone courses involved in entrepreneurship learning in 2018. Later, they participated in a questionnaire survey, where the collected data quantitatively analysed. Also, a second survey of 20 students enrolled in geography projects-based courses were surveyed in 2020 to explore the influence of students learning experience during the lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic. Study findings revealed that the students strongly agreed on the content of the questionnaire (12 items). This study recognised the gap in the experience and education of entrepreneurship professionals and the needs of today's business job market. Thus, the designed capstone course envisioned a learning solution to bridge the existing gap. A second survey revealed that applying diverse online learning methods have positively influenced students learning experience during the lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, students demonstrated their ability to create regional solutions and applications of economic benefit. © 2021 RIGEO. All Rights Reserved.

Undergraduate Research Program to Recycle Composite Waste

With the rapid growth in the manufacturing industry and increased urbanization, higher amounts of composite material waste are being produced, causing severe threats to the environment. These environmental concerns, coupled with the fact that undergraduate students typically have minimal experience in research, have initiated the need at the UAE University to promote research among undergraduate students, leading to the development of a summer undergraduate research program. In this study, a recycling methodology is presented to test lab-fabricated Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for potential applications in industrial composite waste. The work was conducted by two groups of undergraduate students at the UAE University. The methodology involved the chemical dissolution of the composite waste, followed by compression molding and adequate heat treatment for rapid curing of CFRP. Subsequently, the CFRP samples were divided into three groups based on their geometrical distinctions. The mechanical properties (i.e., modulus of elasticity and compressive strength) were determined through material testing, and the results were then compared with steel for prompt reference. The results revealed that the values of mechanical properties range from 2 to 4.3 GPa for the modulus of elasticity and from 203.7 to 301.5 MPa for the compressive strength. These values are considered competitive and optimal, and as such, carbon fiber waste can be used as an alternate material for various structural applications. The inconsistencies in the values are due to discrepancies in the procedure as a result of the lack of specialized equipment for handling CFRP waste material. The study concluded that the properties of CFRP composite prepreg scrap tend to be reusable instead of disposable. Despite the meager experimental discrepancies, test values and mechanical properties indicate that CFRP composite can be successfully used as a material for nonstructural applications.