Fall 2021/2022
Fall 2021/2022
Embedded Files
Evaluating the Usability and Accessibility of Kuwait’s E-government Websites
ٍStudent: Jaber MisriAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: This study aims to evaluate the current aspect of e-government services domains, focusing on their websites with the purpose of identifying which improvements to the user interface are needed to advance e-government initiatives and ensure access of information for the end user. It explored potential usability issues users might face when interacting with the websites using a tool developed from a combination of recognized usability heuristics. The goal was to highlight the need for standards to be applied across e-government websites in Kuwait. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to conduct the research. Web Automation Evaluation tools (WAET) were used to investigate the guidelines that are not being adhered to. Results showed that all the e-government websites tested were in violation of the guidelines and failed on many instances to meet the principal checkpoints that are set to ensure inclusiveness for all users both abled and disabled. Results of the usability study highlighted that there was a lack of consistency across the government websites in following standard usability guidelines. Several of the sites had major usability issues that would impede the user from being able to accomplish their desired task, whereas other government websites were found to have more minor usability errors such as broken links and unintuitive navigation. These findings support the need for further usability research to be undertaken to support the need for government guidelines for e-government websites to ensure they meet accessibility and usability standards. The study had some limitations in that the study only used 7 websites as a sample. A more in-depth evaluation would give additional information for setting policies across a broad range of government institutions.Internet as a Source of Health-Related Information
ٍStudent: Shahad Al-Nasser Advisor: Prof. Abdus Sattar ChaudryAbstract: The increased availability and access to the Internet is making it easy for patients to get health related information online, which may affect their access and utilization of health services. This study explored the use of the Internet to access health-related information and its effect on the health outcomes of patients in Kuwait. The study utilized a cross-sectional study design that involved participants completing a questionnaire on Google Forms®. A total of 99 participants completed the questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that 98% of the participants had access to the Internet. Additionally, 85.9% of the participants visited different websites every month to access health-related information. Interestingly, 84% participants carried out between one and 20 searches online each month for health-related information. Most participants preferred searching webpages belonging to doctors, hospitals, or medical societies. Discussing the information obtained from the Internet with doctors had a positive effect on health outcomes and the relationship with doctors for most of the participants. The results of this study indicate that using the Internet to find health-related information has remained an important part of healthcare, which has called for policies to ensure that quality information can be accessed by patients when visiting websites for medical information.Investigating the Views of Kuwait University Students on the Content and Design Features of an Academic Library Website
ٍStudent: Nouria AlajmiAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: This study aims to investigate graduate students' requirements of the Kuwait University library website using the evaluative framework proposed by Al-Qallaf and Ridha (2018). The research employed a quantitative approach and convenience sampling to obtain online survey data from science and humanities graduate students enrolled at Kuwait University. The findings showed that the most widely required features of the university’s library website were as follows: easily identifiable titles/headings (among the website’s design features), library services (among its navigation tools), contact information, Online Public Access Catalog, and online tutorials (among web content), current awareness (among virtual library services), and Instagram (among Web 2.0 tools). These results may inform the efforts of academic library web designers to improve the current portal for users. The inclusion of the recommended services and tools will enable students to optimize their use of the academic library website. This study makes a substantial contribution to research on designing and developing an academic library website that meets user requirements.The Uses of Social Media Platforms in Raising COVID-19 Awareness Efforts: The Case of Snapchat
ٍStudent: Noura Al-MutairiAdvisor: Dr. Talal Al-HajiAbstract: The COVID-19 pandemic occurred at a time when social media was easily accessible for billions of people worldwide, and social media platforms significantly affect how people are dealing with the pandemic. One of the important social media platforms for young people—especially in Kuwait—is Snapchat, and its effects on COVID-19 awareness have not been explored in research. This study examined the use of social media and its effect on COVID-19 awareness with a focus on Snapchat. It involved carrying out an online survey through Google Forms among 44 graduate students from the Information Studies Master’s Program at Kuwait University. The results indicate that all the students use social media, and 100% used Snapchat, which is preferred as it is the best way to share images and short videos with friends. Snapchat was important in understanding COVID-19 transmission for 63.6% of the participants and was beneficial to 61.4% of the students in learning about new government regulations. In addition, 56.8% of the students reported that Snapchat helped them obtain general information about lockdowns and other containment measures. The implication of these findings is that Snapchat is influential in spreading information about COVID-19, which calls attention to how governments can effectively use this social media platform to help individuals access information and make decisions on testing and vaccination.Exploring Kuwait University Students’ Use of Google Scholar
ٍStudent: Shorouq Adnan AlzuabiAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: This study aims to explore students’ perceptions of Google Scholar (GS) use. It also aims to investigate how students perceive GS during their research tasks by adopting the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study identified four determinants of intention behavior: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, peer influence, and facilitating conditions. Additionally, the key moderators related to gender, academic major, year of study, and technological skills were identified. A quantitative research approach using an online survey method was adopted in this study. The online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of undergraduate students from the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University (KU). A total of 346 students participated the study. The results showed that respondents showed positively perceived system features (accessibility and relevance), facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention to use GS. Moreover, the majority of the identified factors were correlated with each other. Only respondents’ technological skills were found significant with performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating condition and behavioral intention. The study also identified the challenges that discouraged many students from using GS. This study, therefore, proposes a model that represents undergraduate students' use of GS to draw KU faculty’s attention to address issues around improving student learning.Use of Electronic Resources by students in Academic Libraries
ٍStudent: Anwar Al-OtaibiAdvisor: Prof. Abdus Sattar ChaudryAbstract: Academic libraries are making electronic resources available to students and other users because of the ease of use and convenience that comes with these resources. As more students access the Internet, their use of electronic resources increases, and it is important to investigate how students use e-resources in academic libraries. This survey study investigates the use of electronic resources by students in an academic library and their awareness of new features of these electronic resources using an online Google Forms questionnaire. The study sample included 84 undergraduate students from the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Almost 80% students were female; most used electronic resources at the library; e-books were accessed by 60.7%; research databases by 11.9%; and e-journals by 10.7%. Approximately 56% of the students used these resources frequently and most frequently. More than half used and received recommendations regarding electronic resources at the library. Students reported using electronic resources to gain general information (57.1%) or answers to specific questions (42.9%). The results of this study indicate that the new features of electronic resources are useful in increasing the speed of searching for resources, increasing access points to information, making information available, and accessing information that is increasingly becoming electronic. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that librarians be proactive in making information about electronic resources and new features available to students to enhance convenience of use.Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Library and Information science Articles Published During COVID-19
ٍStudent: Fatemah Adel AlameerAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: This study aimed to report findings from bibliometric and content analysis on COVID-19-related literature published in the area of library and information science (LIS). It identified trends in LIS research published during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021). One hundred forty-eight articles published in the Scopus database were retrieved. The study's findings are divided in two sections. The first centers on the bibliographic analysis and provides an overview of notable authors, sources, subject areas, affiliations, and countries that have contributed to the field of library and information science throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This section also identifies the year that the most LIS articles were published. The second section focuses on a content analysis that identifies popular methodologies and the common key LIS modules discussed in literature published during the same period.Knowledge Management and Happiness: Toward Creating Better Performance
ٍStudent: Noura AldaihaniAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: This study investigates the relationship between knowledge management processes and happiness in an educational context. It explores the indirect impact of knowledge management on performance by examining the connection between happiness and performance. The study followed a quantitative approach by adopting a web-based questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection. Five hundred and thirty-nine teachers working in high schools run by the Ministry of Education in Kuwait participated in the project. The results revealed that there were significant relationships between the five processes of knowledge management and happiness. Happiness was significantly related to performance, and knowledge management had a strong connection to performance. All of the knowledge management processes had a strong impact on happiness; however, knowledge creation had the strongest impact on happiness and performance. It was concluded that adopting an effective KM process could help teachers experience a greater sense of happiness and improve their performance in schools. Establishing a system of best practices and preserving lessons that teachers and administrators have learned for future use could help transform schools into creative organizations.Community Resilience and Public Libraries
ٍStudent: Munerah AlmufarrehAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the usage of the New York Public Library (NYPL) Twitter account as a platform to channel library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of the NYPL Twitter account was undertaken to identify tweets broadcasted by the library between March 2020 and September 2021. Content analysis was performed on a total of 3,924 tweets, which were collected and analyzed based on eight categories that reflected the general classifications of tweets adopted by public libraries. In particular, community resilience tweets were identified and analyzed. Community resilience is categorized into economic development, social capital, information and communication, and community competence. According to the findings, the largest number of community resilience tweets (306) were created in the month of April during the peak of the pandemic. The study showed 79% of the tweets published by the NYPL between April 2020 and September 2021 fell into the recommendation or suggestion category. Meanwhile, 95.4% of the tweets that were related to community resilience fell into the community competence category. The study found that despite the fact that it had close their physical facility, the NYPL was still able to provide their services virtually. The study also emphasizes the significant role that the NYPL played in creating a solid social infrastructure, fostering community cohesion, and providing a sense of escapism that offered a comforting therapeutic outlet. Furthermore, the study found that social media, particularly Twitter, functions as two-way medium that libraries can use to engage and connect with their patrons. Overall, the study highlights the NYPL's successful contribution toward promoting community resilience through the use of Twitter.Spring 2020/2021
Spring 2020/2021
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Mobile Banking Usage: A Study of Customers of National Bank of Kuwait
ٍStudent: Amani AlruwaieAdvisor: Prof. Abdus Sattar ChaudhryAbstract: This project studies the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mobile banking usage among customers of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). First, it explored the frequency of mobile banking usage during the pandemic. Second, it studied the customers’ perceptions of the features that encourage them to use mobile banking. Third, it reviews the problems faced by customers while using mobile banking services. Fourth, it explored the increase in mobile banking usage during the pandemic based on the data derived from a survey of 118 customers via an online questionnaire. The results showed that most participants used mobile banking weekly, and that bank transfers and account balance inquiries were most availed by mobile banking users. Customers found features such as the ability to access mobile banking services 24/7, faster output, security, ease of transactions, convenience and reliability encouraged the usage of mobile banking. Contrastingly, server issues and delayed in-service problems were among the problems faced by customers. Overall, the study’s findings indicated a positive increase in mobile banking usage during the pandemic, with customers being aware of positive features and its drawbacks, including operational problems. These findings will aid banks in addressing the problems, improving communication and enhancing mobile banking services.Social Media Detachment: Four Weeks of Self- Experimentation
ٍStudent: Shaima Al-ShukailiAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: Social media offers an active digital environment for users. It enables people to create, share, comment, like, and post. It shifted the in-person communication to the digital world, building an online community This research aims to understand an individual’s emotions when a decision to disconnect from social media is made. Detachment from social media has several effects. These are investigated through two primary measures: the mood measure and the fear of missing out (FOMO) scale. A self-experimentation was conducted for four weeks, from March 2021 to May 2021. Daily records of mood changes were carried out through diary writing and a self-identifying survey. The findings of the study documented a fluctuation in mood rates. Evidently, the mood rate fluctuates between the four weeks of experimentation, from a slightly sad mood in the first week to neutral in the fourth week. The reluctant/eager mood, however, maintained its rate during the four weeks of study with a neutral to slightly eager mood. With the irritable/serene mood, there was huge change throughout the four weeks of study toward the positive mode of serenity. The decrease in negative mood at the end of the experiment illustrates the changes that occur alongside habit-creating behavior. These findings and their implications are discussed in this research.The Impact of Social Media Platforms on Users’ Information Literacy
ٍStudent: Khalid Ahmad HusainAdvisor: Dr. Charlene Al-QallafAbstract: The purpose of this study is to explore whether internet users are able to apply their information literacy skills while using social media. The study investigated three specific information skills, namely critical reading, critical thinking, and privacy. A quantitative survey method using a Likert scale was adopted, in addition to an open-ended qualitative structured interview. The survey and structured interviews were used to collect primary data from students at Kuwait University. The survey was sent to 70 potential participants. The findings showed that the participants had high levels of information literacy skills in critical reading and critical thinking, although they also indicated that the large volume of information, they interact with hinders their information literacy skills. However, this research had some limitations, which implies the need for further research to determine whether the results are accurate.How MLIS Programs Prepare their Graduates to Deal with Young Adults and Special Needs: Investigation of MLIS Curricula
ٍStudent: Eman Al NasserAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: This study investigates the current coverage in Library and Information Science graduate curricula of the discipline-specific knowledge and professional competencies and skills required to serve young adults and individuals with special needs. The study examines 25 American Library Association Accredited Master of Library and Information Science Programs. Courses related to young adults and special needs were identified, and the contents of 45 syllabi were examined. The study found that discipline-specific knowledge related to understanding individual needs; developing, implementing, and evaluating programs based on societal needs; awareness of literature suitable for young people and for people with special needs and collection development in these areas; and the ability to evaluate appropriate content for both young adults and people with special needs was satisfactorily covered. However, there was a low rate of coverage of discipline-specific knowledge related to technology, digital devices, and content in young adult content. There was also a low rate of coverage of essential skills, most importantly of information literacy. The study found that in special needs content, there was a high rate of coverage in the sampled courses of discipline-specific knowledge related to reliable online resources and the use and awareness of technology. The results of this study can provide a practical roadmap and valuable insights for Library and Information Science educators, researchers, and practitioners.Digital Health Information Literacy: Investigating Patients at Al-Razi Hospital in Kuwait
ٍStudent: Manal Thamer IdreesAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: This study aims to investigate hospital patients' digital health information literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. A paper-based survey was distributed to 136 Al-Razi Hospital patients aged 18 or over. The study showed that the most pronounced particulars in digital health information literacy assessed the salience of online content, searching for information on COVID-19, and inputting self-generated data. The most frequent problems that the respondents encountered concerned ascertaining who else could access their data and sharing private information, be it their own or another, intentionally or unintentionally. Search engines, social media, and the websites of public bodies were the most used sources of information on COVID-19 and related issues. Social media was associated with a low ability to evaluate information critically, while public websites were indicative of high analytical ability. The main topics that the respondents searched for were the symptoms of the COVID-19 disease, its transmission, and its current spread. In conclusion, Al-Razi Hospital patients were digital health information literate. Their behavior connected with online information-seeking vis-a-vis the sources used and the most common topics.E-government Analysis: Keywords to Thesaurus
ٍStudent: Rawan Hussain AljamanAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: This practical study investigated a real issue encountered in browsing the main electronic gateway to Kuwait government, where it was difficult to retrieve and access needed information, where there is no built-in list of controlled vocabulary. Building that controlled vocabulary list to facilitate retrieval and access processes is the aim of the research as a solution. This project studied e-government using text mining to create a controlled list of keywords then develop it into a thesaurus to be used in e-government portals, as many e-governments portals do not have one. A built-in controlled vocabulary list will totally support information searching and information retrieval. It helps the user allocate the relevant terms for a search inquiry and provides them results that match their needs. If a thesaurus of this type is developed, this work cannot be done at random but must be done through a systematic analysis, by analyzing the performance of e-government over in the last three years. For this, it was examined what areas of interest are within the discipline, where did publications originate geographically, which years are the richest with published studies, what keywords are most frequently used in research, and other analyses. As qualitative studies are becoming more central, the study adopted bibliometric analysis and content analysis methods as reflective processes involving the identification and classification of elements from raw data. This enables the researcher to develop something new by drawing out connections from data. For this purpose, text mining is applied to determine what has been published about e-government at Kuwait University Libraries website. This was the starting point that led to sufficient information contributed in creating a thesaurus formed of a set of verified vocabulary list to enable smoother information processing and retrieval mechanisms.Students’ Evaluation of Kuwait University Library
ٍStudent: Munirah AlqadiriAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: Academic libraries are examining how well they are meeting the demands of their users, particularly students. Kuwait University Library has directed its investments of its resources to facilitate students access with the goal of high academic achievement. However, an investigation was needed to understand the services that can enhance students’ academic achievement. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the services, resources and facilities offered by Kuwait University Library. Following the objective of enhancing the library by adopting new technology and library services for students, the study evaluated four crucial factors, namely, the value of library services, facilities that make using the library easier, barriers that make using library harder, and services to add in the future, from students perspective. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, and a questionnaire survey instrument was used to collect primary data from the Kuwait University College of Social Science students. Two-hundred and four questionnaires were returned which were found to be valid for analysis. The findings showed that all students had specific needs from the academic library. This research did have some limitations that imply the need for further research to determine how academic libraries interact with students and their search strategies, and whether the information needs of students were met.Investigating The Level of Awareness of Copyright Law Among Undergraduate Students in The College of Social Science at Kuwait University
ٍStudent: Sahar NaifAdvisor: Dr. Nujoud AlmuomenAbstract: This study investigates the level of copyright law awareness among undergraduate students in the College of Social Science (CSS) at Kuwait University. The methodology used for the study was a quantitative approach, and an online survey was used as a tool to collect the necessary data. Three hundred and thirty-nine (339) undergraduate students were conveniently randomly selected from the College of Social Science (CSS) study. Three research questions were answered, and the data was collected through an online questionnaire. A questionnaire with close-ended questions was used to examine the level of awareness of copyright law. The findings demonstrate that most undergraduate students are aware of copyright law and aware of copyright infringement. The results also provided that the undergraduate students have a strong perception that copyright infringement is a form of intellectual theft. Most responses were agreed that paraphrasing does not mean that they are violated copyright law. Besides, the results also indicate that one of the factors that cause copyright infringement and Plagiarism is the ease of accessing the information on the internet, followed by a large number of assignments required of them on the deadline. Finally, the study presented several recommendations for Kuwait University and Kuwait University libraries to consider raising awareness of copyright law among undergraduate students.An investigation of the effect of Misinformation on Receiving COVID-19 vaccine
ٍStudent: Mohammad A. AlkhalifiAdvisor: Dr. Nujoud AlmuomenAbstract: Internet tools, including social media, have grown in popularity significantly over the past decade. On the one side, social media has facilitated the sharing of information, but it has also facilitated the dissemination of false and incorrect information, which is often referred to as misinformation. Governments and the World Health Organization's efforts to increase awareness of COVID-19 have been hampered by misinformation, which is mainly spread through social media. Due to misinformation, a sizable number of individuals have been dissuaded from vaccination. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of misinformation on vaccination efforts against COVID-19. The research examines Kuwait 200 individuals who were exposed to misinformation on social media and how that misinformation affected their vaccination views. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative study designs using interviews and surveys respectively. Additionally, the study sought to ascertain participants' understanding of the concept of misinformation, allowing the researcher to ascertain their degree of misinformation awareness. Because health misinformation has the potential to jeopardize the lives of billions of people, its dissemination should be strictly regulated. The results derived from survey and interviews shown that misinformation tends to influence the receiving of COVID-19 vaccination. Primarily, misinformation from online platforms and other unofficial channels tend to promote a great impact on the recipients of coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, this study condes that misinformation of COVID-19 vaccine tends to deter people from registering from the program.Information Credibility on Social Media Platforms during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Kuwait
ٍStudent: Maryam AldhamerAdvisor: Dr. Suha Al-AwadhiAbstract: Due to changes in the information environment since the last global pandemic, the World Health Organization spoke about the need to fight not only the COVID-19 pandemic but also the related incredibility of information. Therefore, this study explored the factors that affect information credibility on social media platforms according to individuals' perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. The study adopted the persuasion theory the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to investigate four crucial factors: Trustworthiness, (Interactivity, Transparency), and information quality. These factors are derived from three information credibility dimensions which are, source credibility, medium credibility, and message credibility. This was implemented using a quantitative research method whereby an online questionnaire was used to collect primary data from social media users in Kuwait. The proposed model was tested and validated with empirical data from 474 participants of social media users. The findings revealed that all suggested factors were significantly correlated and influenced the information credibility significantly. Yet, trustworthiness has the highest impact on user perception of IC. The majority of social media users trust the information shared on social media platforms if they believe the source is reliable and fair.Assessing an Academic Library Website for Usability: A Case Study of Kuwait University
ٍStudent: Shaikha AlmahboubAdvisor: Dr. Charlene Al-QallafAbstract: This paper reports a usability study undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the Kuwait University Library (KULIB) Website. The study also aimed to measure users’ satisfaction rate and identify difficulties encountered when users interact with the website. The purpose of this paper is to present recommendations for a more effective and efficient academic library website, with a fruitful, satisfying user experience. Mixed-methods were used to conduct the study. Pre-defined task testing was developed to measure the effectiveness and the efficiency of the website, and a satisfaction survey was used to determine the users’ satisfaction rate. Interviews and observation enhanced the quality of the collected quantitative data. Results showed that the website had some problems and needs some improvement to compete successfully with other academic library websites worldwide. The research had some limitations; technical problems and losing internet connection affected the tests and interviews, and in addition, having participants from the same background for the usability evaluation may have limited the validity of the results.Community satisfaction assessment of Kuwait public libraries: A study to examine Kuwait’s community satisfaction levels using the IFLA Public Library Service Guidelines
ٍStudent: Dawoud Sami HaiderAdvisor: Dr. Abulnasser AbdullahAbstract: This paper investigates levels of community satisfaction with public libraries through the use of the IFLA Public Library Service Guidelines. Including facility, collection, technology, staffing, and operation as the main dimensions. A web-based questionnaire survey with a five-point Likert scale was conducted among library users and non-users based on convenience sampling. The sample comprised 347 participants. The results determine that satisfaction assessment is a valid tool to determine the direction in which public libraries must develop to create a successful strategic plan. The findings show that users’ satisfaction level was “below average.” Among the given dimensions, “technologies” received the lowest mean. As for non-users, results show that the highest percentage of participants is unaware of the public library’s existence. Despite a greater number of female participants, the results showed no significant difference between the variables in terms of gender. The study provides recommendations for authorities to provide better services according to users’ needs by applying International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) guidelines. Marketing strategies can be used to attract non-users through collaborative work among organizations. Because of a lack of extant research on the subject, further investigation is required to ensure the validity of this study’s results.Fall 2020/2021
Fall 2020/2021
Factors Influencing Individuals’ Continuous-Use Intentions of E-government Information and Services in Kuwait
ٍStudent: Sarah AlAzmiAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlAwadhiAbstract: The ranks of Kuwait’s e-government have dropped down five positions as stated by the E-government Development Index (EGDI) compared to the previous ranking. This decline indicates that Kuwait’s e-government services have not been used appropriately. Also, Kuwaitis have become reluctant to continue use e-government services and information. However, an investigation is needed to learn about the factors determining citizens’ continuous-use intention regarding e-government information and services. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the factors associated with individuals’ continuous-use of e-government information and services in Kuwaiti society. The study adopted a quantitative approach and tested the factors identified in the conceptual framework by using a questionnaire. A total of 178 individuals responded and were qualified to use e-government services in Kuwait. The findings demonstrated that all constructs were valid, reliable, and positively correlated. The results also revealed that service quality, trust, and citizens’ satisfaction were all substantial factors that encouraged citizens to continue-use the e-government information and services. The study results afforded numerous implications theoretically and practically to improve the current and future e-government services. Further investigation is encouraged to determine other factors that may be associated with continuous-use intentions of individuals in developing countries regarding e-government information and services.Factors that Affect E-book Usage During the Covid-19 Pandemic
ٍStudent: Dana AlhammadiAdvisor: Dr. Talal AlhajiAbstract: The study investigated the students perceptions affecting “electronic book” (e-book) usage during the covid-19 pandemic, with a focus on the features of e-books. The study aimed to explore the influence of e-books among Kuwait university undergraduate students during the pandemic. The methodology used for the study was quantitative. The study population included undergraduate students at the Social Science College at Kuwait University (Information Studies Department). A total of 160 students participated in the study. A questionnaire with close-ended questions was used to examine the features of e-books. The study’s findings showed an increasing use of e-books during the Covid-19 crisis regarding their main features. Statistical data were presented in tables. The study demonstrated undergraduate students’ awareness of new education technologies and one of its resources (e-books). The correspondent resulted study between factors and electronic reading during Covid-19 indicated that the adoption of electronic learning can improve the education process. This study has certain limitations. A larger number of participants might be more efficient. This study will assist the educators of the use of e-books and its features during any crisis. The study presented several recommendations for students to consider the positive use of e-books.Bankers in Kuwait: information-Seeking Behaviors in browsing health-related topics in social media
ٍStudent: Khalid AlMatarAdvisor: Dr. Nujoud AlmuomenAbstract: Health information on social media is increasingly effective today in our daily lives. The field of information seeking behavior has been increasingly focusing on the experience of information seekers. The purpose of this research is to investigate why bankers in Kuwait use social media to seek health information. Also, this study focuses on the health topics which users use most often when gaining and applying health information like mainly concerned with healthy dietary programs or topics related to physical activities. The applications were also examined from the users to which they prefer most when seeking health information. The methodology used for the study was quantitative and descriptive in nature. One hundred and fifty staff members who work in Kuwait International Bank participated in the study. We selected participants using a convenient non-probability sampling method. Surveys were distributed electronically for collecting data on application types, health topics, and reasons behind seeking information through social media applications. The results showed that there are certain health topics, reasons, and applications of which Kuwait International bankers use when seeking health information. Instagram is ranked the highest among other applications like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. The research indicates a significant implication for research on information-seeking behavior. It may help bankers be aware of their healthy lifestyle and how to overcome health challenges effectively through seeking health advice shared on social media applications.Personal Information Management Motivation: Towards a Better Job Performance
ٍStudent: Fatema AlRoumiAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: Personal information management (PIM) is defined as the activities people perform to acquire, organize, maintain, retrieve, use, and control information distribution to complete tasks and fulfil various roles. Personal information management motivation (PIMM) illustrates individual tolerance, willingness, and ability to perform active personal information collecting, organizing, and usage. This study aims to study personal information management motivation (PIMM) by measuring the significance level of impact of the four sub-dimensions of PIMM including sharing, formality, pro-activeness, and transparency among human resources professionals in Kuwait in both public and private sectors. The study extends the construct of PIMM and investigates its effect and causes on individuals' performance. The study adopts a quantitative research methodology where a questionnaire method is used to collect primary data. Findings have shown that the construct pro-activeness mean value is ranked the highest. Pro-activeness contributes to actively searching for new information and being able to share it with other individuals. The construct transparency mean value is ranked positive; however, it is the lowest among all four constructs. They have reflected that HR professionals in Kuwait in both private and public sectors are not so willing or sure to disclose any negative information about previous job experience and disclosing any work faults by themselves or other employees. The personal information management motivation constructs show a significant positive correlation with job performance. As a result, human resources professionals will benefit from the PIMM by setting specific measurements to test motivation and enhancing organizational performance. This research have some limitations, which imply the need for further research to determine how human resources department professional members interact with motivation constructs.Information Security Awareness of Banking Customers in Kuwait: An Exploratory Study
ٍStudent: Ahmad H AliAdvisor: Dr. Suha AlawadhiAbstract: The exceptional revolution on all aspects of information and its rapid global spread increases the importance and sensitivity of certain information types like banking information. Thus, information security measures, procedures, and user awareness campaigns are required to protect such information from possible threats. This study adopted the “knowledge”, “attitude”, and “behaviour” model (KAB) to investigate information security awareness of customers who use electronic and automated banking services through the two dimensions of “knowledge” and “behaviour”. An electronic questionnaire was used to collect data from 229 bank customers. The findings revealed a strong relationship between knowledge and behaviour, which explained their information security awareness. However, no significant differences were observed between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge and behaviour in terms of information security awareness.Smartwatches and Personal Health Information Management: Perceptions of Smartwatch Users in Kuwait
ٍStudent: Hessa AldughaimAdvisor: Prof. Abdus Sattar ChaudhryAbstract: The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence the use of smartwatches as a technology for personal health information management (PHIM). These included “perceived ease of use” and “perceived usefulness” (Technology Acceptance Model - TAM), “attitude toward smartwatch technology”, “social influence”, “self-efficacy”, and “functional congruence”. This paper investigated how existing factors related to personal health information management (PHIM) using “perceived self-reported health conditions” which are known to be a reliable way of measuring personal health. A questionnaire was the main data collection tool and a quantitative approach was used to evaluate the results. Using the stratified convenience-sampling method, a sample of 175 potential respondents was drawn from multiple fitness clubs in Kuwait. The findings revealed a clear positive relationship between all of the factors included in the study, except for “functional congruence and perceived usefulness”, which do not predict perceived self-reported health conditions. This research aids technology companies develop products with further potential in the field of information studies.Journalist’s Use of Social Media for Information dissemination: Perceptions of Journalist’s Towards Ethical Practices in Kuwait
ٍStudent: Esraa MohammadAdvisor: Prof. Abdus Sattar ChaudhryAbstract: The aim of the study is to explore the ethical practices among journalists in social media platforms. The study sought to determine if a formal code of ethics was obligatory on the part of journalists in Kuwait utilizing social media for professional use. The research assessed how ethical journalists were in delivering information to users on social media and the arrangements that can serve to prevent unethical social media practices among journalists. The study also explored what the possible ways were to educate journalists in using ethical practices while utilizing social media. The focus will be on the perceptions of journalist’s in Kuwait. The study adopted a quantitative method using an online questionnaire as the research instrument to primarily answer the key research questions of the study. It had open and close-ended questions. Using convenience-sampling technique, the sample comprised 200 journalists. A number of 170 journalists have responded to the questionnaire. Findings showed that journalists were aware of the various ethical issues that they needed to consider in this era of social media. Furthermore, results showed that journalists are following the code of ethics related to news dissemination in social media. The results also demonstrated the centrality of a social media policy with respect to ethical guidelines for journalists. The study will fill the gap in the literature regarding journalism and ethics in Kuwait. There are presently limited studies focused on the ethical aspect of the information behavior of journalists, pointing to the critical need for empirical research in this field. The study recommended periodic training for journalists to increase their awareness about the existing code of conduct. Findings are expected to aid administration media houses in assessing ethical awareness and practices among their journalists’.An investigation of information literacy skills and competencies of Kuwait Television journalists
ٍStudent: Fawaz A. HusainAdvisor: Dr. Charlene Al-QallafAbstract: Journalists act as gatekeepers of information, and the information that they produce has critical implications. Kuwait Television (KTV) is a government-owned organization that acts as the voice of the government. Its journalists, who are also known by other names, such as content creators, segment editors, researchers, and reporters, were never trained to be information literate by their departments. The purpose of this study is to investigate the information literacy competencies and skills of KTV journalists based on the Association of College and Research Libraries’ information literacy competency standards for journalism students and professionals. Those standards are “plan,” “find,” “evaluate for accuracy and fairness,” “draft and create,” and, finally, the application and understanding of “ethical and legal standards.” A quantitative survey method was employed using a structured questionnaire that contained 26 questions in a web-based electronic form. Out of 110 KTV journalists, only 64 answered the questionnaires. Tables and figures were used to represent statistical data. The findings showed that although KTV journalists were never formally trained to be information literate, they relatively treat information similarly to the information literacy standards. However, the results showed that KTV, as an organization, does not have designated information evaluators; the rules of evaluations and revision of information vary between departments, thereby highlighting the fact that there are no particular imposed guidelines and rules of information treatment across all departments. This study is the first attempt to investigate the information literacy competencies and skills of KTV journalists. The results provide an overall image of how KTV journalists engage with information. This should also help in planning and building a needs-based information literacy program to educate and promote information literacy among KTV journalists to produce quality information. In addition, the results should help decision-makers build professional and information literacy-based guidelines and standardize them across all information-producing departments.Using Social Media Platforms to Share Health Information from the Perspectives of Physical Therapists in Kuwait
ٍStudent: Maryam D. AldhafeeriAdvisor: Dr. Talal AlhajiAbstract: In recent times, health professionals have used their personal or professional SM accounts to disseminate health information through social media (SM) platforms. Health information published on SM networks is not limited to a specific specialty but includes different fields and departments. The current study was limited to physical therapists (PTs) in Kuwait. According to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this research tested a model to identify the factors that can affect physical therapists’ intention to share health information on SM platforms. The significance of this research lies in the fact that it contributes to understanding the physical therapists’ perspective towards sharing information about their specialization on SM networks and studying the critical factors influencing their intention to share health information. This research can lead to future studies that cover other areas and specialties. This quantitative research was conducted using an online survey. Of the 86 questionnaires distributed online to PTs, 80 were completed. This tool measured responses to five constructs of UTAUT: performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FCs), and intention (I). Statistical analysis of the results showed that three variables predicted an impact on physical therapists’ intentions towards sharing health information on SM; FCs came first at a rate of 34.7%. EE contributed 28.4% and PE contributed 19.3%. The statistical analysis showed that SI did not affect predicting intentions.Knowledge Sharing Practices in Academic Institutions: The Mediating Role of Social Networking Sites and the Emergence of Social Capital
ٍStudent: Sherifa Osamah AlasousiAdvisor: Dr. Bibi AlajmiAbstract: The purpose of the study is to explore the role of social networking sites in fostering knowledge sharing activities and enhancing job performance of academics. The objective of the study is to test the following: First, the mediating role of social networking sites on the emergence of social capital. Second, the relationship between social capital and knowledge sharing. Third, the relationship between knowledge sharing and job performance. A quantitative approach was adopted using a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. The population of the study consisted of academics working at Kuwait University. The study used convenience sample technique. Online questionnaires were sent out to potential participants using Kuwait University communication channels. Findings have revealed that social networking sites are significantly related to social interaction ties and trust development. Findings have also shown that the norms of reciprocity and identification have an impact on knowledge sharing among members. However, no relationship was found between knowledge sharing and job performance. The study adds to the literature on knowledge sharing and social capital. The findings of this study are expected to be beneficial for academic institutions and university administrations.Page updated
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