Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to critically evaluate the components of the strategic planning process of construction companies in Oman; to investigate the factors that led to the success of strategic planning in construction companies in Oman; to identify the challenges in the implementation of strategic planning among different construction companies’ categories in Oman and to make recommendations in enhancing the strategic planning process for construction companies in Oman as well as in minimizing challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a mixed approach, quantitative and qualitative approach where it used the quantitative technique to investigate the companies and identify the problem while the qualitative approach was used to explain the challenges and uncover the best practices followed by the companies. The research used the cross-section time horizon data. Out of 940 companies registered as local companies in the category of construction and maintenance, the study tested90 companies using the survey questionnaire and interviews with senior employees/the owners of the companies. Findings: The study has shown that most of the companies have a clear understanding of the strategic planning components. Companies have realistic strategic plans but improvements need to be done to ensure success during implementation. It was also revealed that the motivation is not at the best level and the lack of creating a sense of urgency to implement the strategic plans which need to be enhanced. Research Implications: Some recommendations are given also to enhance the work environment and the manager’s skills and motivation system in the companies to achieve efficient strategic planning. Some recommendations are regulatory. This is a proposal to the government to do special legislation to regulate and protect private companies from unfair competition. Social Implications: The success of the strategic plans of the construction companies will lead to the socio-economic growth of the country. The recommendation will enhance the work environment and the strict implementation of strategic planning processes in construction companies in Oman. It was suggested that the Government need to amend the legislation curbing the unfair competition created by illegal contractors and small companies. Originality/value: There were no earlier studies discussed more in detail about strategic planning in construction companies in Oman. This study will help the companies’ owners and the decision-makers to adopt more successful strategic plans which will lead to greater success of the construction companies to have huge economic growth. Keywords: Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning Process, Components of strategic planning, Challenges of strategic planning, Construction companies in Oman
{"title":"Strategic Planning in the Construction Companies in Oman","authors":"Layth Al-Ghrairee, M. Matriano","doi":"10.14738/assrj.78.8804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.78.8804","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to critically evaluate the components of the strategic planning process of construction companies in Oman; to investigate the factors that led to the success of strategic planning in construction companies in Oman; to identify the challenges in the implementation of strategic planning among different construction companies’ categories in Oman and to make recommendations in enhancing the strategic planning process for construction companies in Oman as well as in minimizing challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a mixed approach, quantitative and qualitative approach where it used the quantitative technique to investigate the companies and identify the problem while the qualitative approach was used to explain the challenges and uncover the best practices followed by the companies. The research used the cross-section time horizon data. Out of 940 companies registered as local companies in the category of construction and maintenance, the study tested90 companies using the survey questionnaire and interviews with senior employees/the owners of the companies. Findings: The study has shown that most of the companies have a clear understanding of the strategic planning components. Companies have realistic strategic plans but improvements need to be done to ensure success during implementation. It was also revealed that the motivation is not at the best level and the lack of creating a sense of urgency to implement the strategic plans which need to be enhanced. Research Implications: Some recommendations are given also to enhance the work environment and the manager’s skills and motivation system in the companies to achieve efficient strategic planning. Some recommendations are regulatory. This is a proposal to the government to do special legislation to regulate and protect private companies from unfair competition. Social Implications: The success of the strategic plans of the construction companies will lead to the socio-economic growth of the country. The recommendation will enhance the work environment and the strict implementation of strategic planning processes in construction companies in Oman. It was suggested that the Government need to amend the legislation curbing the unfair competition created by illegal contractors and small companies. Originality/value: There were no earlier studies discussed more in detail about strategic planning in construction companies in Oman. This study will help the companies’ owners and the decision-makers to adopt more successful strategic plans which will lead to greater success of the construction companies to have huge economic growth. Keywords: Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning Process, Components of strategic planning, Challenges of strategic planning, Construction companies in Oman","PeriodicalId":107944,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies","volume":"114 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131170517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nadia Asima, adnan Ali Al Bimani, Ahmed Al Saqri, M. Matriano
Purpose of the study: The objective of this research was aiming at understanding the effect of hybrid cars on the environment. The research was also aimed at proposing a government policy that must be implemented to regulate the usage of hybrid vehicles. Design/Methodology: An analysis of the hybrid cars was carried out along with evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of said vehicles from the perspective of customers, support and maintenance. The study was based on a product substitute, introduced to replace vehicles that run on gasoline, with a hybrid of electric and gasoline vehicles. Findings: The result after testing the vehicles and their components is that Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) does are indeed less harmful to the environment due to them consuming less gasoline. With increasing production of hybrid variants, batteries are being planned and designed in way that extends its life as well as provides the ability of recycling. This turns to be safer, healthier and also a money saver package, saving a fine amount spent on fuel. Research Implications: The researchers hope to achieve a clear understanding of the influence of hybrid cars on the environment and individuals, the way hybrid cars operate, its advantages and disadvantages, and the proposed government policy that will regulate the impact of hybrid cars on the environment. Originality: The study is of its first kind and no one has carried out such study ever before in Oman. Keywords: Hybrid cars, Green environment, Technology, Electric cars, Product substitute, Batteries.
{"title":"The Social and Environmental Impact of Hybrid Cars","authors":"Nadia Asima, adnan Ali Al Bimani, Ahmed Al Saqri, M. Matriano","doi":"10.47259/ijrebs.114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47259/ijrebs.114","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose of the study: The objective of this research was aiming at understanding the effect of hybrid cars on the environment. The research was also aimed at proposing a government policy that must be implemented to regulate the usage of hybrid vehicles. Design/Methodology: An analysis of the hybrid cars was carried out along with evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of said vehicles from the perspective of customers, support and maintenance. The study was based on a product substitute, introduced to replace vehicles that run on gasoline, with a hybrid of electric and gasoline vehicles. Findings: The result after testing the vehicles and their components is that Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) does are indeed less harmful to the environment due to them consuming less gasoline. With increasing production of hybrid variants, batteries are being planned and designed in way that extends its life as well as provides the ability of recycling. This turns to be safer, healthier and also a money saver package, saving a fine amount spent on fuel. Research Implications: The researchers hope to achieve a clear understanding of the influence of hybrid cars on the environment and individuals, the way hybrid cars operate, its advantages and disadvantages, and the proposed government policy that will regulate the impact of hybrid cars on the environment. Originality: The study is of its first kind and no one has carried out such study ever before in Oman. Keywords: Hybrid cars, Green environment, Technology, Electric cars, Product substitute, Batteries.","PeriodicalId":107944,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125848612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose of the study: The objectives of the study were to critically examine the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in tourism business in establishing their businesses in Oman; to critically analyze whether the entrepreneurs in the tourism business are motivated to establish tourism business in Oman and to critically analyze the prospects for entrepreneurs to venture into the tourism sector in Oman. Design/Methodology: The data was collected through a well-defined questionnaire through which 241 tourism entrepreneurs from Oman, including unemployed youth who were interested in tourism were selected, on a random sampling basis. Structural Equation Modelling through Smart PLS was used to analyze the data. Findings: The results of the research show that the initial capital, working capital, and good location are the essential factors required to establish a tourism business in Oman. It was confirmed that the prevailing rules and regulations are strict and rigid to start a tourism business in Oman and it takes lots of time to start the operation of tourism businesses; seeking labor clearance procedure is NOT simple for tourism. Cultural values and physical working conditions do not encourage tourism-related businesses and the non-preference of spouses from the tourism sector is another major constraint for Omanis in taking up tourism businesses. Implications: It was suggested that the Government should provide strategic support to the tourism-related entrepreneurs; the Government should provide financial guidance to encourage tourism entrepreneurs irrespective of their ages. Governmental licensing authorities and all licenses to set up tourism businesses need to be obtained in one place. The Government should invest in super-structure projects to enhance the scope of tourism. Training must be provided by the Government to enhance the tourism business in Oman. Originality: This is the study of its kind and no research was carried out ever before to study solely the challenges of tourism entrepreneurship in Oman. Keywords: Tourism, Challenges, Tourism Entrepreneurship, Financial Constraints, Technological Support, Government Support, Procedures, and Formalities.
{"title":"Examining Challenging Factors of Tourism Entrepreneurship in Oman using PLS-SEM","authors":"Omar Al Badi, Firdouse R Khan","doi":"10.47259/ijrebs.115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47259/ijrebs.115","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose of the study: The objectives of the study were to critically examine the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in tourism business in establishing their businesses in Oman; to critically analyze whether the entrepreneurs in the tourism business are motivated to establish tourism business in Oman and to critically analyze the prospects for entrepreneurs to venture into the tourism sector in Oman. Design/Methodology: The data was collected through a well-defined questionnaire through which 241 tourism entrepreneurs from Oman, including unemployed youth who were interested in tourism were selected, on a random sampling basis. Structural Equation Modelling through Smart PLS was used to analyze the data. Findings: The results of the research show that the initial capital, working capital, and good location are the essential factors required to establish a tourism business in Oman. It was confirmed that the prevailing rules and regulations are strict and rigid to start a tourism business in Oman and it takes lots of time to start the operation of tourism businesses; seeking labor clearance procedure is NOT simple for tourism. Cultural values and physical working conditions do not encourage tourism-related businesses and the non-preference of spouses from the tourism sector is another major constraint for Omanis in taking up tourism businesses. Implications: It was suggested that the Government should provide strategic support to the tourism-related entrepreneurs; the Government should provide financial guidance to encourage tourism entrepreneurs irrespective of their ages. Governmental licensing authorities and all licenses to set up tourism businesses need to be obtained in one place. The Government should invest in super-structure projects to enhance the scope of tourism. Training must be provided by the Government to enhance the tourism business in Oman. Originality: This is the study of its kind and no research was carried out ever before to study solely the challenges of tourism entrepreneurship in Oman. Keywords: Tourism, Challenges, Tourism Entrepreneurship, Financial Constraints, Technological Support, Government Support, Procedures, and Formalities.","PeriodicalId":107944,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128037071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ikhlas Al Shibli, Alsafa Al-mamari, Hiba Al-Dhahri
Purpose of the study: The objective of the study is to determine the impact of service quality gaps in the telecommunications industry in Oman, through critically analysing the differences between the expectations and perceptions in relates to tangibility, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, and assurance. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the SERVQUAL model to calculate the existing quality of service of the telecommunication company operating in the Sultanate of Oman and to know the differences between expectations and perceptions of the quality of services provided to the customers by Omantel Company. The sampling used in this study was convenient sampling adopted through a questionnaire where the size of the sample was 150 which was randomly selected from the students of different faculties at Sohar University. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Findings: The findings of the research study revealed that there exists a negative relationship between the customer perceptions and expectations and the difference in the scores between the two sets of variables is in favor of the expectations of the respondents in relates to Omantel services. The reliability factor had the largest difference between the two sets of variables and the tangibles factor had the smallest difference. Research Implications: The results of this study help Omantel Company to strategically develop service quality in the areas of assurance, empathy, and responsiveness and to understand how consumers view the quality of the service, and to help the organization track and sustain quality service. Originality/value: The research was performed in the rapidly increasing telecom service industry, which is experiencing dramatic changes over time and is making concentrated efforts to keep up with unparalleled, ground-breaking advances in technology. This research can be extended to other sectors of the market. Keywords: Service Quality, Omantel, Telecommunications industry in Oman, SERVQUAL Model, Customers’ Satisfaction, Perception and Expectations.
{"title":"Students’ perception of the Service Quality Gaps of Omantel Company using SERVQUAL Model","authors":"Ikhlas Al Shibli, Alsafa Al-mamari, Hiba Al-Dhahri","doi":"10.47259/ijrebs.221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47259/ijrebs.221","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose of the study: The objective of the study is to determine the impact of service quality gaps in the telecommunications industry in Oman, through critically analysing the differences between the expectations and perceptions in relates to tangibility, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, and assurance. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the SERVQUAL model to calculate the existing quality of service of the telecommunication company operating in the Sultanate of Oman and to know the differences between expectations and perceptions of the quality of services provided to the customers by Omantel Company. The sampling used in this study was convenient sampling adopted through a questionnaire where the size of the sample was 150 which was randomly selected from the students of different faculties at Sohar University. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Findings: The findings of the research study revealed that there exists a negative relationship between the customer perceptions and expectations and the difference in the scores between the two sets of variables is in favor of the expectations of the respondents in relates to Omantel services. The reliability factor had the largest difference between the two sets of variables and the tangibles factor had the smallest difference. Research Implications: The results of this study help Omantel Company to strategically develop service quality in the areas of assurance, empathy, and responsiveness and to understand how consumers view the quality of the service, and to help the organization track and sustain quality service. Originality/value: The research was performed in the rapidly increasing telecom service industry, which is experiencing dramatic changes over time and is making concentrated efforts to keep up with unparalleled, ground-breaking advances in technology. This research can be extended to other sectors of the market. Keywords: Service Quality, Omantel, Telecommunications industry in Oman, SERVQUAL Model, Customers’ Satisfaction, Perception and Expectations.","PeriodicalId":107944,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133234419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: The objectives of the study were to analyze the financial growth of Oman Cement Company (OCC) to critically investigate the financial performance along with its growth in the Oman cement industry. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected from the five years’ financial statements between 2016 and 2020 listed in the Muscat Security Market and the analysis was carried out applying the different ratios – profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, management efficiency ratios, operating ratios, and financing ratios. Findings: The results of the study reveal that the OCC growing more efficiently in finance with effectively utilizes its assets. The company liquidity position was given a positive sign during the study period. The management and operating efficiency are less, and it needs improvement. Overall financial growth is stable impartment started during the end of the study period. Research limitations/implications: The study implies that the company management needs to utilize the fixed assets and improve the cash and cash equivalents. The production policy needs an eye on the future success of management. Social implications: The study suggests that the management should act wisely in handling finance. Further, the OCC policies should maintain standards to compete with foreign competitors. Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the causes for the financial issue in the Oman cement industry, and it is a first-hand study of its kind, and the results will be useful to the stakeholders. Keywords: Financial Statement Analysis, Performance Growth, Cement industry in Oman, Ratio Analysis, Oman Cement Company.
{"title":"Financial Performance Growth of Oman Cement Company","authors":"B. Muthuraman, Badriya Sarhan Al Nairi","doi":"10.47259/ijrebs.222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47259/ijrebs.222","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The objectives of the study were to analyze the financial growth of Oman Cement Company (OCC) to critically investigate the financial performance along with its growth in the Oman cement industry. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected from the five years’ financial statements between 2016 and 2020 listed in the Muscat Security Market and the analysis was carried out applying the different ratios – profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, management efficiency ratios, operating ratios, and financing ratios. Findings: The results of the study reveal that the OCC growing more efficiently in finance with effectively utilizes its assets. The company liquidity position was given a positive sign during the study period. The management and operating efficiency are less, and it needs improvement. Overall financial growth is stable impartment started during the end of the study period. Research limitations/implications: The study implies that the company management needs to utilize the fixed assets and improve the cash and cash equivalents. The production policy needs an eye on the future success of management. Social implications: The study suggests that the management should act wisely in handling finance. Further, the OCC policies should maintain standards to compete with foreign competitors. Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the causes for the financial issue in the Oman cement industry, and it is a first-hand study of its kind, and the results will be useful to the stakeholders. Keywords: Financial Statement Analysis, Performance Growth, Cement industry in Oman, Ratio Analysis, Oman Cement Company.","PeriodicalId":107944,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies","volume":"110 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115786999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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