Informatics Publishing Limited

Dimitrios Xanthidis ¹, Ali Saad Alali ², Ourania Koutzampasopoulou ³

Affiliations
1 Management Information Systems, Dhofar University, OM
2 Information Studies, IMSIU University, Riyadh, SA
3 Information Systems, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MY

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to evaluate the Websites of companies in the (Gulf Council Cooperation Countries). Methods: A total of 129 websites from companies in these countries (except Oman) were evaluated against guidelines related to HCI and informational features and to globalization and personalization issues. Findings: The results are not positive when assessing the interest to implement the features related to the aforementioned issues features. Applications/ Improvements: A lot more training and awareness is necessary to ensure website quality and to be successful in following their companies’ strategies and offer their potential digital customers a convenient and productive navigation experience.

Keywords

Customization, Evaluation, Globalization, GCC, Human-Computer Interaction, Websites, Web Site Evaluation Index.

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Dimitrios Xanthidis ¹, Ourania Koutzampasopoulou Xanthidou ²

Affiliations
1 Management Information Systems, Dhofar University, OM
2 Information Systems, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MY

Abstract

Objectives/Methods: The study attempts to describe the effects of social networking in Saudi everyday life and consumer behavior. The data were gathered from a peer-moderated and pre-tested questionnaire (appendix) that was, then, made available on- and off-line. Findings: The results suggest that Saudis are making very heavy use of the Social Media Networks mainly because they want or need (or both) to socialize and enrich their cultural life as much as possible given the general lack of other opportunities available especially in non-central cities. They don’t seem to care or understand the possible negative issues associated with the extensive use of social networking. Conclusions: These suggestions are meant to lead to more systematically organized studies in the near future from the local authorities in an effort to better facilitate the organization of the online social community in the country and form policies aiming to mitigate possible threats from over- engagement.

Keywords

Consumer Behavior, Exploratory Study, Saudi Arabia, Social Media.

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Dimitrios Xanthidis ¹, Ourania Koutzampasopoulou Xanthidou ², David Nicholas ³

Affiliations
1 Management Information Systems, Dhofar University, OM
2 Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, MY
3 CIBER Research Ltd., Newbury, UK, CIBER-Research.eu, GB

Abstract

Objectives: The rapid advent of information technologies is addressing the role of location and time management in the education system. This exploratory study about eLearning developments in Saudi Arabia aims to reveal the current reality of eLearning progress in the country. More specifically, it seeks to find if Saudis are or, if otherwise, what is blocking this effort. Methods: A number of diverse types of administrative, technical and general challenges and issues related to this concept are covered. A pre-tested questionnaire was used during the data collection with data gathered from various individuals in Saudi Arabia. Findings: The Saudis are dissatisfied with the speed of the relevant developments and only blame the local telecommunications and other infrastructure not related to the academic institutions. Conclusions: It is believed that in just a short period of time eLearning systems will be fully utilized in the educational system like it happens in many other developed countries.

Keywords

Challenges, Education, eLearning, Opportunities, Preference, Saudi Arabia, Usage.

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