Research Title: The effect of market-sensing capability on knowledge creation process and innovation Evidence from SMEs in Jordan

Author: Muneer Mujalli Abdel-Muti AlRwashdeh, Published Year: 2019

Management Science Letters ,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This article aims to investigate the effect of market-sensing capability among knowledge creation and process and product innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. We propose that market-sensing capability will influence knowledge creation and process as well as product innovation. The study develops a model that contributes to the flourishing marketing management literature, i.e. the higher the knowledge creation, the higher the performance of SMEs. Data are collated from valid (n=304) respondents of Jordanian SMEs. The study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the analysis and the results indicate a positive effect of market-sensing capability on knowledge creation, and process and product innovation. Knowledge creation process has also maintained a positive effect on process and product innovation. Knowledge creation process mediated the link between market-sensing capability and process and product innovation. The study suggests that market sensing abilities of an enterprise are important for SME’s improvement which requires learning-positioning for firm effectiveness. In addition, managers need to harmonize their procedures concerning market sensing and learning. Future study can streamline the findings with a longitudinal design and insights can be acquired by exploring the impact of environmental factors surrounding strategic entrepreneurial orientation.

Keywords: Market-sensing Innovations Knowledge management

Research Title: Data to model the effects of perceived telecommunication service quality and value on the degree of user satisfaction and e-WOM among telecommunications users in North Cyprus

Author: Muneer Mujalli Abdel-Muti AlRwashdeh, Published Year: 2020

Data in Brief,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This dataset is used to investigate a comprehensive model of user satisfaction and electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Building on the perceived telecommunication service quality and perceived value dimensions in enhancing and improving users' satisfaction and e-WOM, we empirically investigated how the dimensions of service quality as a second-order construct and perceived value dimensions affect users’ satisfaction and e-WOM in the context of mobile operators in North Cyprus. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire at Girne American University. The dataset was empirically evaluated using a survey of 500 respondents regarding their perceptions of the service provided by the mobile telecom operator. Data analysis involved structural equation modelling (SEM) using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 24. First, we conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural modelling, followed by hypothesis testing. The outcomes obtained from this dataset indicated that perceived telecommunication service quality was positively related to perceived value dimensions (performance value and emotional value) and user satisfaction. At the same time, performance value, value for money, and social value were found to have a direct impact on user satisfaction. Specifically, there was a significant relationship between user satisfaction and e-WOM. The results may provide further insights into mobile value-added services.

Keywords: Service qualityPerceived valueUser satisfactione-WOMMobile value-added services

Research Title: The effect of electronic word of mouth communication on purchase intention and brand image: An applicant smartphone brands in North Cyprus

Author: Muneer Mujalli Abdel-Muti AlRwashdeh, Published Year: 2019

Management Science Letters ,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This study aims to examine the effects of electronic word of mouth communication (eWOM) among consumers on purchase intention and brand image, specifically, Generation Y and Z groups in relation to smartphone brands. The study utilizes an empirical research model using data collected from 402 valid respondents among consumers who use smartphone brands in North Cyprus. The study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore and conduct the analysis. The results confirm the significant effects of eWOM on purchase intention through brand image and the moderating role of product type among eWOM, purchase intentions and brand image. The study also recommends that firms and marketers must concentrate on online communication channels to affect consumers’ intention toward purchasing brands and brand image. Moreover, the current study model suggests that future study can be extended in different context, countries (i.e. developed, emerging, developing), industries (i.e. banks, e-commerce, tourism) and different social me-dia platforms sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter).

Keywords: Electronic word of mouth communication, Purchase intention, Brand image, Product type, Smartphone brands

Research Title: Artificial intelligence applications for enhancing organizational excellence: Modifying role of supply chain agility

Author: Mohammad Mahmoud AbdulMajeed Al-Nadi, Published Year: 2024

Problems and Perspectives in Management, 22

Faculty: Business

Abstract: The study’s goal was to demonstrate the modifying role of supply chain agility in the impact of artificial intelligence applications on organizational excellence in Jordanian e-commerce companies. The analytical and descriptive approach was adopted. The study population consisted of 160 companies operating in the e-commerce sector in Jordan. The sample comprised 400 respondents working in senior and middle management positions. The questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. The results showed an impact of artificial intelligence applications in all dimensions (expert systems and neural networks) on the organizational excellence of e-commerce companies in Jordan. The value of the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj. R2) was. 265%. Based on the model’s F value (4.1190) and its level of significance (P; 0.00), the impact of these techniques on organizational excellence is statistically significant. Additionally, the results displayed an impact of supply chain agility on improving the impact of artificial intelligence applications on organizational excellence. The value of the degree of influence ß after introducing the modified variable supply chain agility and the value of R Square increased by. 11 at the significance level (Sig).= 0.000. This study recommended training workers to stay up to date with developments in artificial intelligence, expert systems, and neural networks in their operations, control of searching for this evidence within databases, and knowledge representation.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, organizational excellence

Research Title: Leadership behaviours for Lean Six Sigma: Jordan as a case study

Author: Mohammad Mahmoud AbdulMajeed Al-Nadi, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to identify leadership behaviours in the manufacturing sector in Jordan that enable successful Lean Six Sigma implementation. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected through 27 interviews to identify the leadership behaviours that facilitate Lean Six Sigma and a focus group to categorise the aspects by grouping them into themes. A grounded theory approach was used in the field study. The processes of constant comparisons helped in identifying the relevant aspects of leadership behaviours and integrating specific aspects into themes; these processes were iteratives. Therefore, this research project relies on the grounded theory methodology to collect and analyse the data. The authors also used a focus group to categorise the aspects by grouping them into themes. In that, the aspects were grouped around core categories. Findings After analysing the data, 36 aspects have emerged. The data analysis processes helped in discovering the aspects of leadership that support the use of Lean Six Sigma in the manufacturing sector in Jordan. The aspects were developed through an iterative process of analysis until the saturation level was reached. Eight themes that influence the successful use of Lean Six Sigma emerged: Training and development; Continuous improvement and development; Communication; Empowering employees; Motivating employees; Managing qualities and operations; Employees engagement and involvement; and Supporting culture Research limitations/implications There are some research limitations to this study, which opens avenues for future research. First, the data was collected through qualitative methods, which limits the generalizability of the results. Future studies are needed to generalize the results to the wider business community. Second, the data was collected only from manufacturing organizations and did not consider other sectors. Future researchers are urged to replicate the study in other sectors. Third, this study considered only Jordanian firms; therefore, the authors call upon further research to investigate other national settings that may have a different business culture. Practical implications This study encourages businesses to follow and adopt these behaviours in organisations, which can help in developing desirable behaviours among leaders to reach advanced levels in using Lean Six Sigma. Moreover, practitioners can develop training programmes for developing leaders. Thus, the Lean Six Sigma journey can become smoother by addressing the issues that face practitioners during the different phases of implementing Lean Six Sigma. In that respect, the practical implication of this research is to describe the practices that the leadership of organisations must develop to maintain high levels of Lean Six Sigma deployment. Originality/value Scholarly studies in this field are scarce, especially in developing countries, so identifying the leadership behaviours can help researchers create a theory of leadership behaviours for Lean Six Sigma. Furthermore, practitioners of Lean Six Sigma can take into account these behaviours as crucial to the effective use of Lean Six Sigma. They can encourage leaders to follow and adopt these behaviours in organisations which can help in developing desirable behaviours among leaders to reach advanced levels in using Lean Six Sigma. Thus, the Lean Six Sigma journey can become smoother by addressing the issues that practitioners face during the different phases of implementing Lean Six Sigma.

Keywords: Lean Six Sigma

Research Title: ANFIS-based Mathematical Model of Mechanical Ventilator

Author: Mustafa Awwad Al Khawaldeh, Published Year: 2024

2024 17th International Conference on Development in eSystem Engineering (DeSE) , University of Sharjah, UAE

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The modern industrial revolution and the spread of viruses have resulted in an increase in respiratory diseases and lung cancers. These problems arouse the interest in research on artificial respirators and their mechanism of operation and control. Designing a mathematical model of mechanical ventilator helps in demonstrating its behaviour during the process of artificial ventilation. To address this research problem, this study aims to validate the impact of a newly developed mechanical ventilator model on patient’s lungs. It compares the new ANFIS-based model with an existing mathematical model of mechanical ventilator. The simulation of both ventilators in Matlab includes certain parameters namely respiratory rate (RR), positive end-expiatory pressure(PEEP), tidal volume and pressure wave. The developed model demonstrates high accuracy in comparison with the existing model. Changing one of these parameters reveals its influence on the lungs’ volume, flow and PV loop. The MATLAB simulation constitutes a uncomplicated environment for testing and observation respiration parameters (flow, dynamic compliance and volume) during artificial ventilation. The simulation results are promising as this facilitates studying any type of ventilation modes virtually without jeopardizing the life of mankind during clinical trials.

Keywords: ANFIS-based Mathematical model, transfer function, mechanical ventilator, lung model, MATLAB Simulink.

Research Title: Economic Analysis and Design of Sustainable Solar Electric Vehicle Carport at Applied Science Private University in Jordan

Author: Akram Mohammed Al-mahrouk, Published Year: 2024

Energies, 17

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Electrical vehicles are finding wide acceptance in the Jordanian transportation market; this has caused an accelerating shift in the emissions of greenhouse gases from the direct burning of fossil fuels consumed by the transportation sector towards the power generation sector. On the other hand, as electric vehicles gain more popularity, an extra load is added to the electrical power generation systems, raising essential concerns such as the capability of the power network to support this massive extra load and the increased emission of greenhouse gases caused by power plants. Studies show that Jordan’s weather is known for being bright, sunny, and very suitable for the generation of electric power from solar energy sources. Therefore, with an infrastructure that can support convenient off-grid charging, a huge burden will be taken off the national grid and the environment. Therefore, this work proposes a basic design for an off-grid PV-covered carport and presents a study of the economics and effectiveness of using such a system to charge electric vehicles owned by the students and employees of the Applied Science Private University. The study is based on actual solar irradiance data collected on-site during university working hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) to allow students and employees to charge their electric vehicles from an off-grid carport system while on campus. Space limitations for carport design, initial design cost, return on investment, and annual electricity consumption are discussed to demonstrate the benefits of such a system for both the consumer (convenience and low charging cost) and the power company provider (less load to maintain).

Keywords: renewable energy; electric vehicles; carport; solar irradiation

Research Title: Exploring the Experience of Patients Who Received Mechanical Ventilation Support during Their Intensive Care Unit Stay

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2024

Healthcare , 12

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the experiences of patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) support during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay in Jordan. Methods: A phenomenological hermeneutic approach was conducted, informed by the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. Fifteen patients participated in interviews regarding their experiences during their time in the critical care unit of three public hospitals in Jordan. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Findings: The findings of the current study indicated that patients who received MV support during their ICU stays experienced both physical and psychological suffering. A pattern of shared experiences among intensive care patients was identified. Five main themes captured the patients’ experiences: (1) feeling powerless, (2) being unable to recognise time, (3) feeling dead, (4) experiencing physical pain, and (5) having future concerns. Conclusion: The current study found that mechanically ventilated ICU patients suffer both physically and psychologically. Nurses should use specific strategies to relieve discomfort in addition to pain treatment. This is especially essential for non-verbal patients, whose actions may resemble those of their clinicians in pain.

Keywords: experiences; patients; mechanical ventilation; intensive care unit; Jordan

Research Title: Computational Design of a Novel Inhibitor Against COVID

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2024

Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 21

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background: In recent years, in silico computational approaches have tremendously guided computational medicinal chemists and research scientists to analyze protein structures, kinetics, functions, and molecular interactions of the administered drugs. Objective: This study aimed to identify a novel inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 using human CD26 and modeled spike protein through suitable in silico approaches. Methods: In this work, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation experiments were conducted to gain insights into the binding affinity and stability, respectively. The docked complex of CD26 with modeled spike protein showed higher binding affinity than the complex of CD26 with resolved spike protein due to the existence of strong interactions with the crucial amino acid residues of the target proteins. Results: The results of the molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that CD26 with the modeled spike protein docked complex showed good stability when compared with the resolved protein. Conclusion: From this computational finding, it was also suggested that the structure was stable and would rapidly guide the discovery of potential inhibitors against COVID-19.

Keywords: Computational design, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, CD26, COVID

Research Title: Computer-Aided Biopharmaceutical Model Development

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Any medication that is derived from or partially synthesized from a naturally occurring biological source is referred to as a biopharmaceutical. The research and development of a new medicine is a complex process, and forecasting pharmacokinetics and drug targeting has proven difficult for scientists. During the discovery and development stages, particularly the early ones, it is crucial to understand the biopharmaceutical profile of drugs. A new drug’s introduction into the market is a labor-intensive procedure that is expensive in terms of both time and money. Drug development and discovery are said to take between 10 and 14 years and cost more than $1 billion. By offering a quick and inexpensive method to assess the bioperformance of medications, computational modeling has developed into a vital tool that accelerates the formulation development process. In-silico screening models have been widely used in the research and development of biopharmaceuticals, such as gastrointestinal absorption simulation, in silico computational modeling, monoclonal antibodies, predicting the corneal permeability of some medicinal agents, and the identification of potential compounds to treat diseases. The concepts and advancements of computer-aided biopharmaceuticals are briefly discussed in this chapter.

Keywords: Computer-Aided Pharmaceutical, Computational Pharmaceutics, Simulation Models, In-silico.