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The Effects of Dynamic Assessment and its Mediating Factors on EFL Twelfth Graders’ Grammar Achievement in the UAE
No full textThe present study investigates the effects of dynamic assessment (DA) and its mediating factors on EFL twelve graders’ grammar achievement in a private school in Dubai, UAE. The study attempts to answer the following research questions: 1) What are the effects of implementing DA versus non-dynamic assessment (NDA) on the grammatical achievement of EFL twelve graders?, 2) What effects does DA have on the level of performance of EFL twelve graders’ grammar achievement?, 3) What effects does DA have on the proficiency level of EFL twelve graders’ grammar achievement? and 4) What are the views of EFL twelve graders with regard to their grammar achievement when DA is implemented? The study adopts the explanatory sequential mixed-methods research approach. The first part is the quantitative phase, which involves implementing the quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design to collect quantitative data to examine the overall impact of DA versus NDA on learners’ grammar achievement levels. It also examines DA’s effects on EFL twelve graders’ performance and proficiency levels. However, the second part is the qualitative phase, where data have been collected using semi-structured interviews to explore EFL twelve graders’ views regarding their grammar achievement when DA is implemented. In order to achieve the purposes of the study, 140 participants have been selected using convenience sampling for the quantitative phase of the study, and 20 participants, representing the low and high achievers of the advanced and the general proficiency levels, have been chosen using purposive sampling for the qualitative phase of the study. While quantitative data have been analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc multiple comparisons, qualitative data have been analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the results of the study, there is a significant effect of DA on the level of grammar achievement for EFL twelve graders for the experimental group that has undertaken the DA intervention compared to the NDA group. This indicates how learners of the experimental DA group have improved their grammar achievement more effectively than their peers of the control NDA group. The results also demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the level of grammar achievement among learners of the three levels of performance in which low-achieving learners have improved their grammar achievement substantially better than their counterparts of the average and high-performance learners who have undertaken the DA intervention. In addition, the results of the study point out that there is a statistically significant effect on the proficiency level for EFL twelve graders in the experimental and control groups, which means that the impact of DA on grammar achievement is higher for participants of the advanced proficiency level than it is for participants of the general proficiency level. The qualitative findings have indicated that most learners have positive views and prefer DA over NDA methods due to their engaging, communicative, supportive and comfortable nature. Moreover, the qualitative findings have resulted in some themes pertaining to (1) learners’ awareness and understanding of DA, (2) learners’ involvement in DA interactions, (3) the most effective DA interaction techniques, (4) learners’ general positive feelings towards DA, (5) learners’ positive views towards DA, (6) the role of DA in developing learners’ cognitive abilities, (7) diagnosing and improving learners’ weaknesses using DA, (8) learners’ challenges during the implementation of DA, (9) general drawbacks related to the use of DA in EFL classrooms, (10) the usefulness of DA in dealing with specific grammar rules, (11) learners’ preference of DA over NDA to be implemented in their future examinations, (12) learners’ recommendation of integrating DA into the English curriculum, and (13) learners’ views on how to improve the use of DA in EFL classrooms. Finally, the pedagogical and theoretical implications of implementing DA in EFL classrooms have been outlined
Overview on the Judicial Application of the UAE Arbitration Law
No full textThe almost 12-year long-awaited UAE Arbitration Law, being its historical first stand-alone arbitration law which repealed and replaced articles 203 to 218 of the UAE Civil Procedures Law, was enacted in the Official Gazette on 15 May 2018. The UAE Arbitration Law inaugurates a new chapter in the UAE's arbitration legislation, giving it is the first stand-alone arbitration law in its history. This thesis, under such a background, discusses and analyzes, the key new features of the UAE Arbitration Law comparing to the old arbitration law stipulated in the UAE Civil Procedures Law; how the new provisions or mechanisms stated in UAE Arbitration Law have been judicially applied, by reviewing certain number of the UAE Courts’ precedents, focusing on some key new provisions such as appointment of arbitrators, arbitration agreed by reference, jurisdictional competence and challenge, interim and precautionary measures, recognition and enforcement, award challenge or nullification etc., to better understand how the true intention and tenet of the UAE Arbitration Law in theory, with a focus on the new provisions or mechanisms stipulated in the UAE Arbitration Law, has been interpreted and implemented in judicial practice, in an effort attempting to provide some guidance and recommendations on practicing of the same and to identify issues arising out of applying the same in the practice so that giving suggestions on how the UAE Arbitration Law may probably be improved and how the legal provisions should be better implemented in practice, with highlights to the legal practitioners in the UAE.The almost 12-year long-awaited UAE Arbitration Law, being its historical first stand-alone arbitration law which repealed and replaced articles 203 to 218 of the UAE Civil Procedures Law, was enacted in the Official Gazette on 15 May 2018. The UAE Arbitration Law inaugurates a new chapter in the UAE's arbitration legislation, giving it is the first stand-alone arbitration law in its history.
This thesis, under such a background, discusses and analyzes, the key new features of the UAE Arbitration Law comparing to the old arbitration law stipulated in the UAE Civil Procedures Law; how the new provisions or mechanisms stated in UAE Arbitration Law have been judicially applied, by reviewing certain number of the UAE Courts’ precedents, focusing on some key new provisions such as appointment of arbitrators, arbitration agreed by reference, jurisdictional competence and challenge, interim and precautionary measures, recognition and enforcement, award challenge or nullification etc., to better understand how the true intention and tenet of the UAE Arbitration Law in theory, with a focus on the new provisions or mechanisms stipulated in the UAE Arbitration Law, has been interpreted and implemented in judicial practice, in an effort attempting to provide some guidance and recommendations on practicing of the same and to identify issues arising out of applying the same in the practice so that giving suggestions on how the UAE Arbitration Law may probably be improved and how the legal provisions should be better implemented in practice, with highlights to the legal practitioners in the UAE
Exploring the Determinants of IoT Adoption Intention in the Public Sector: An Extended TOE Framework Perspective
No full textPurpose: This research aims to investigate the determinates of the adoption intention of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) public sector, recognizing its significance in modernizing government operations and public services. The study addresses the limited research on IoT adoption in this context by proposing a theoretical model that incorporates technological, environmental, and organizational attributes, while also considering individual innovation traits. The research builds upon the Technological Organizational Environmental (TOE) framework to examine these adoption factors.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a positivist approach, this study conducts quantitative analysis through an online survey with 160 respondents. The research explores the relationships between TOE factors, technological factors, organizational factors, environmental factors, individual innovation traits, and IoT adoption intentions within the public sector. Furthermore, it investigates how Individual traits moderate the relationship between TOE factors and IoT adoption intentions.
Findings: The study uncovers several significant insights. It identifies positive relationships between TOE factors, technological factors, organizational factors, environmental factors, and IoT adoption intentions within the UAE public sector. Additionally, it highlights that Individual traits exert a positive influence on IoT adoption intentions. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that Individual traits moderate the relationship between TOE factors and IoT adoption intentions, shedding light on the complex interplay of factors in IoT adoption.
Practical Implications: This research contributes to existing knowledge by concentrating on organizational-level IoT adoption factors within the UAE public sector, distinct from studies that primarily focus on individual adoption. It also elucidates the unique challenges and opportunities specific to the public sector, setting it apart from industrial sectors. These findings offer valuable insights for technology practitioners in the public sector, aiding them in enhancing IoT adoption strategies.
Originality: This study contributes originality by addressing the dearth of research on IoT adoption in the UAE public sector. It proposes a comprehensive theoretical model and employs a TOE framework to examine IoT adoption factors, while also considering individual innovation traits. This unique approach adds to the body of knowledge regarding IoT adoption in organizational contexts.
In conclusion, this research enhances our understanding of IoT adoption intention factors within the UAE public sector and provides a practical framework for public sector organizations to optimize their IoT adoption strategies. Future research is encouraged to delve into potential mediators, introduce novel constructs, and apply the model across diverse sectors to further advance our knowledge in this area
Termination of Construction Contracts Under the UAE Law and FIDIC
No full textConstruction is among the industries, if not the top industry, that play the most key role in the economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Like all other industries, Construction faced recently exceptional critical challenges due to the pandemic which caused an extensive inability, or at least a substantial hardship, for innumerable parties to comply with their contractual obligations. Eventually, this resulted in an increase in the number of delays in the projects’ deliveries and, in numerous cases, resulted in the dissolution of the contracts. Consequently, the importance of the concept of contracts termination gained considerable attention compared to the pre-pandemic era, as the relevant clauses and legal provisions were the lifeline equipment to some parties, while they were the calamity to many others.
For this purpose, this paper focuses on the law provisions related to the termination of contracts under UAE Civil Code, and their application by the UAE courts. The paper also reviews the relevant provisions in Fidic Red Book (1987, 1999 and 2017) and highlights their applicability under UAE law. The paper concludes that a contract can be lawfully terminated under both the UAE law and FIDIC Red Book (1987, 1999 and 2017) under specific conditions and subject to certain requirements. Therefore, it is essential for the parties to be cautious and to be fully aware of the law, the contractual rights, obligations, and procedures, while drafting the contract and prior to taking such a termination decision and declaring it officially to the other party.
This dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the termination of contracts under the UAE law and under FIDIC (Red Book)
Understanding the factors affecting users’ acceptance of smart government mobile applications using a hybrid SEM-ANN approach
No full textNonAbstract
In recent years, smart cities have received significant attention as solutions to the complex problems modern communities face. The popularity and demand for smartphones and applications continue to increase, and smart governments are using innovative applications as essential tools to boost the effectiveness and efficiency of their services and to achieve transformation from an electronic government (e-government) to a mobile government (m-government). However, only a few scholars have explored those factors affecting the use of m-government innovative applications in developing countries. Therefore, the primary aim of this research is to determine those variables that influence the users’ actual use of m-government innovative applications and to examine their relationships. To do so, this study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with trust in the internet, trust in government, cultural influence, service quality, and public awareness. The proposed theoretical model is evaluated based on data collected from 146 m-government service users using questionnaire surveys and is analyzed through a two-stage analytical technique that includes PLS-SEM and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Among the 15 hypothesized associations in the research model, the correlations between variables support nine hypotheses, suggesting that these variables influence users’ adoption of smart government mobile applications. The results of this study reveal the positive impact of service quality, cultural influence, and public awareness on users’ perceived ease of use of smart government applications. The users’ perceived usefulness of smart government applications is also positively influenced by service quality and cultural influence.
In contrast, their perceived ease of use and usefulness improves their attitude toward using these applications. The most important factor is perceived ease of use, affecting users’ intention and use of government smart applications. The most potent predictor of usage intention is attitude toward using smart applications. This study's key findings fill the literature gap and determine the most influential factors that impact end users, the state-of-the-art TAM model, and the effectiveness of the research model. These findings are expected to improve the current theorization of mobile technology elements that influence user acceptability and utilization of competent government mobile applications. This research also offers practical suggestions to m-government decision-makers and developers for improving the degree of actual use of their apps and services. Policymakers and practitioners in the smart government of Dubai can emphasize those factors that enhance the adoption of smart government mobile applications.
Keywords: Smart cities, Mobile government (m-government), E-government, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Trust in the internet, Trust in government, Cultural influence, Service quality, Public awareness, User adoption, Smart government applications, Perceived ease of use, Perceived usefulnessNo
Effectiveness of Psycholinguistic Approaches in Improving Students’ Achievements in Writing in the Online Distance Learning Setting: A Case Study on Grade Eleven Students in the UAE
No full textBecause of the Covid-19 pandemic, Online Distance Learning (ODL) has become an important learning tool that needs more attention from educationalists to be effectively used to deliver the English language to second language learners. This requires English language teachers (ELTs) to adopt valid methodological approaches and adapt suitable strategies to help improve their teaching practices in ODL classrooms, which may be applicable in other language teaching contexts. This study is a contribution to our knowledge of how to effectively employ psycholinguistic approaches in the ODL setting to improve students’ achievements in the English Language Writing Skill (ELWS). To investigate and explore its effectiveness in improving students’ ELWS achievements in the ODL setting. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using the pretest-posttests, and classroom observations during 8-week intervention on an experimental group treated by implementing the proposed psycholinguistic framework and a control group that was taught conventionally. A close-ended questionnaire was also employed to explore ELTs’ perceptions of psycholinguistic approaches and elicit their suggestions to implement them more effectively and figure out some solutions to any upcoming ODL challenges. Results from the pretest-posttests and findings from the classroom observations show that there is a difference in students’ ELWS achievements in favor of the experimental group. Results from the questionnaire show that ELTs need to enrich their knowledge to be skillful enough to master the ODL setting
Investigating the Crucial Role of School Leaders in Nurturing Middle Leaders to Enhance their Performance
No full textThe competence and cooperation of school leaders at all levels are crucial to the efficient operation of educational institutions. This study focuses on the critical role of school leaders (SLs) in developing middle leaders (MLs) to improve their performance in private schools in Sharjah. The study intends to provide insight into the methods, issues, and potential solutions used by school administrators to assist and empower MLs in their positions. The study uses a mixed method research methodology, using questionnaires and interviews to gather information from teachers, SLs and MLs at the selected private schools. The results demonstrate how important it is for SLs to nurture MLs and support them to improve their performance. School administrators understood how critical it is to provide MLs the chance to develop their leadership abilities, and foster teamwork. SLs must provide a supportive climate that facilitate the development and effectiveness of MLs and assigning them decision-making tasks. The study also emphasized the significance of open lines of communication between SLs and MLs. The study suggested potential techniques used by SLs like developing mentorship programs to offer advice and assistance, setting aside time for ML development, and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared leadership. The results highlighted the necessity of continued professional development programs and encouragement for MLs. Educational institutions may build a strong leadership communication channel that supports a positive school culture, increases teacher effectiveness, and ultimately improves student outcomes by realizing the value of ML development. The study's findings add to the body of knowledge on educational leadership and have applications for private schools in Sharjah and elsewhere
Enforceability of DAB's Decision in the Context of the Construction Contract: A Comparison between English & UAE Law
No full textThe construction industry holds significant economic importance for countries, with each construction project being unique in terms of factors like time, cost, quality, and risk allocation, which are fundamental aspects of construction contracts. Complex disputes often arise due to factors such as the scale of the project, unclear contract terms, imbalanced risk distribution, scope changes, involvement of multiple parties, and inconsistent interpretations. Traditional litigation, given its rigidity, has gradually given way to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, known for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Among these ADR options, the Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) stands out as a highly impactful mechanism. Comprising one or three impartial experts with technical expertise related to the project, DABs are appointed to actively prevent formal disputes and provide well-informed decisions on referred disputes during a project's lifecycle. Various jurisdictions have introduced mechanisms to enforce DAB decisions, with some relying on their own judicial systems and public policy as ultimate benchmarks for enforcement. For example, the United Kingdom, as a common law jurisdiction, implemented the Housing Grants, Construction, and Regeneration Act of 1996 (the "Construction Act") to regulate the enforcement of DAB decisions. In contrast, the UAE, a civil law country, has not introduced DAB through local legislation, relying on the UAE Civil Code and other relevant statutes, to govern the enforcement of DAB decisions. This dissertation's main objective is to examine the legal framework governing the enforcement of DAB decisions under English and UAE law. Employing a doctrinal approach, the study aims to identify similarities and differences in the enforceability of DAB decisions in both jurisdictions and highlight the challenges associated with enforcing DAB decisions under UAE law. Consequently, the research will propose recommendations to enhance the regulation of DAB decision enforcement in the UAE, where FIDIC 1999, a widely used standard construction contract that supports DAB, is prevalent. Establishing a robust and efficient enforcement mechanism will unlock the full potential of adjudication, a highly effective alternative dispute resolution method already proven successful in other jurisdictions. The first chapter provides an overview of the study's background, rationale, and objectives. Subsequently, the second chapter delves into the concept of construction contracts and the mechanisms for resolving disputes within this context. Chapter three explores the role and responsibilities of DABs in construction contracts, while chapter four examines the core aspects and methods of enforcing DAB decisions under English law, the FIDIC 1999 Red Book, and UAE law. Finally, chapter five concludes the study by presenting recommendations for best practices aimed at improving the effectiveness of DAB decision enforcement. This research will serve as a valuable resource for construction professionals, legal practitioners, and policymakers with an interest in conflict resolution within the construction industry
The Effectiveness of Leadership Style and Employee Skills Development on Customer Satisfaction and Brand Loyalty, Case Study: Emirates Airlines
No full textThe research is aimed at detailing and understanding the effectiveness of the leadership style and employee’s skills development in Emirates Airlines company and seeks to understand the connection between it, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. This research study has considered analysing the factors that are influencing customers satisfaction and includes a detailed literature review section, in which different concepts regarding employee’s skills development and leadership styles have been provided. In the methodology section, the methods that have been used in the research study for collecting and analysing the collected information have been analysed to determine the ways the research study has been carried out to ensure reliability of the findings. In the findings and discussion section, the reasons behind the customer satisfaction with the organisation have been analysed for gaining a clear understanding of the strategies to be adopted to gain their brand loyalty, while continuing with innovation to manage competitive advantage of the organisation.
The findings represent that the customers are more satisfied when the employees are well trained and highly qualified in providing a high-quality service. In addition, to the positive effect on their loyalty to the brand of Emirates airline
Investigating the Reasons for Low Achievement in External Exams (NWEA-MAP) Among High School Students: A Study Among Teachers and Students in a Private School in Sharjah
No full textThis research study aimed to explore how high school students evaluate their academic success and identify the factors that contribute to underachievement. The study investigated grade level, gender, study duration, self-perceptions, language barriers, parental engagement, and study habits. The findings revealed that while students generally had a positive attitude towards their academic aptitude, language barriers, average parental engagement, and poor study habits were prevalent. These results underscore the significance of addressing language obstacles, increasing parental involvement, and promoting effective study habits to improve academic achievement and foster positive self-perceptions among young individuals. However, it is important to note the study's limitations, including a small sample size and a unique setting in a private school in Sharjah. Therefore, caution should be exercised when generalizing the findings to other academic contexts or populations. Future research should aim to expand the sample size to explore potential interventions that can enhance both academic performance and self-perceptions among students. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the educational factors influencing low achievement and negative self-perceptions in high school students, offering practical implications for educators, parents, and policymakers. By addressing these factors, stakeholders can enhance students' opportunities for academic success and cultivate a positive school experience, thereby promoting their overall well-being and satisfaction