ALHOSN University

About: ALHOSN University is a education organization based out in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Finite element method & Timoshenko beam theory. The organization has 83 authors who have published 133 publications receiving 1845 citations.

Efficiency and competition of Islamic banking in Malaysia

Abstract: Purpose – In an attempt to enrich the literature of the efficiency of Islamic banks, this study aims to empirically investigate the efficiency of the fully fledged Islamic banks as well as Islamic windows in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – This study measures the technical and cost‐efficiencies of these banks using the non‐parametric frontier method, data envelopment analysis (DEA).Findings – The findings show that, on average, the efficiency of the overall Islamic banking industry has increased during the period of study. The study also revealed that, although the fully fledged Islamic banks were more efficient than the Islamic windows, they were still less efficient than the conventional banks. Finally, Islamic windows of the foreign banks were found to be more efficient than Islamic windows of the domestic banks.Originality/value – The findings of this study will provide some empirical insights as to how these two modes of Islamic banks had fared in the competitive environment from 1997 to 2003.

English as a medium of instruction in the Gulf: When students and teachers speak

Abstract: This study explores the effectiveness of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, with special focus on the situation in the United Arab Emirates. The study, undertaken at six universities located in major cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, examines students’ and teachers’ perceptions about the use of English to teach subject matter. A total of 500 students and 100 teachers responded via survey questionnaires and structured interviews about the effectiveness of EMI. Results suggest that the current EMI situation leaves much to be desired with students struggling to learn the subject matter due to their low-proficiency in English. This paper suggests implementing a bilingual curriculum in which instruction is delivered in English and Arabic in order to enhance students’ linguistic and biliteracy skills. The study has implications for language education policy issues in the Gulf and advocates bilingual education as a means to improving students’ mastery of English, while preserving their national identity and indigenous culture.

The intentions of Lebanese consumers to adopt mobile banking

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that differentiate customers with high intentions to adopt mobile banking from others. This study examined the effect of perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived credibility, trust, normative pressure, self-efficacy, compatibility, and trialability. It also included demographics as control variables. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected using the snowball approach. The respondents filled in a structured questionnaire in February 2014 in Beirut, Lebanon. In total, 800 responses were received, 776 of which were completed and analysed. Findings – This study showed that perceived compatibility, trialability, perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived credibility, and trust positively and significantly discriminate high-mobile banking adopters from low adopters. This study also found that perceived self-efficacy separates customers through their willingness to adopt mobile banking. Originality/value – Although a handful of st...

Urban livability across disciplinary and professional boundaries

Abstract: This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability. The paper examines different literature or theoretical streams that contribute to the debate related to the notion of livable cities. It juxtaposes academic constructs from architecture and urban planning fields with the popular culture and web indices that rank cities according to their living standards, services, and international appeal. The study offers a comparative analytical assessment of these diverse approaches and lays out a nuanced understanding of urban livability that draws on the richness and diversity embedded in design, planning, and current ranking tools. The paper ultimately aims to shed light on the configurations, conditions, and processes that may enhance the livability of various urban settings. It integrates such disparate views into an interdisciplinary perspective of urban livability. While the bulk of this paper analyses relates to North American, European, and Australian cities, the concepts discussed pertain to urban livability on a global scale.

Energy decay for Porous-thermo-elasticity systems of memory type

Abstract: Linear systems of porous-thermo-elasticity including a memory term in one dimension are studied. We establish an exponential and polynomial decay results.