Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and explore the effectiveness of using balanced scorecard (BSC) as a management tool in the evaluation of the performance and thereby the quality services of a University. Design/methodology/approach The survey was conducted among the various faculties and departments Sohar University through a well-defined questionnaire. The collected primary data were compiled, analyzed and a critical analysis was carried out using a null hypothesis, χ2, and regression analysis. Findings Our empirical result clearly reveals that there is a strong association exists between the strategic road map and the four perspectives of BSC. Research limitations/implications The study was carried out in Sohar University, Oman and the same can be extended to all the higher educational institutions globally. Practical implications The study reveals that the key performance measures identified under the classification the four perspectives of BSC, play a crucial role in establishing the framework based on the strategic map determined by the vision and the mission of the University. Social implications The study demonstrates that the BSC concept can be introduced to an educational institution to fill up the gap created between the creation of strategy and implementation of the same. Originality/value No study has investigated the performance evaluation of a higher education institution in Oman, using the four perspectives of BSC, and this is a first hand study.

Entrepreneurship Development makes a powerful impact on the economic development of the country. The success of the entrepreneur depends on the environmental factors such as social, economic, legal, political and technological factors which influence their activities thus leading to successful entrepreneurship. The socio-economic factors are the major key factors influencing the entrepreneurial behavior and operation of the business and thus the need for the study and the due influence. This paper analyzes the impact of socio-economic factors in relevance to entrepreneurship development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Chennai, Tamil Nadu State, India.This paper attempts to explain the infrastructure that has to be developed in order to cultivate the quality of leadership among potential enterprising young men. Attempts are being made to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship. Our empirical results reveal that most of the selected entrepreneurs of SMEs perceive the relevance of these factors to the highest degree. They are tempted to enter the entrepreneurship sector because of the perceived opportunities available to make an appreciable profit.The study also reveals that the factors which are not considered to be of high importance in the bygone days, such as Education, Religion, Previous Experience, Family Type and Legal Status have a significant influence on the entrepreneurial behavior and the operational performance of the selected SMEs’ business, in the recent period. Thus, there exists a necessity for the Government and the related sponsoring institutions to look into these factors and encourage the young entrepreneurs who in turn will render their full support towards national economy.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of online customer satisfaction through the product quality, application safety, delivery guarantee, and the offers through online shopping. Design/methodology/approach: For this research, the purposive sampling method was used to collect 120 samples through a questionnaire– from those who are performing online shopping in Oman especially the youth. SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Chi-square analysis, ANOVA and Kolmogorov-Smirnov ranking analyses were carried out to conclude. Findings: The results of the empirical study reveal that the perceptions of the youth confirming the product quality & service guarantee influenced comfort and satisfaction to the online customers. The study also revealed that the service tangibility concerning the guaranteed package and delivery process along with the lowest price motivated them to go for online shopping repeatedly. Research Implications: The study illustrates through Quality Safety Assurance (QSA) model, the factors viz. Product Quality, Application Safety, Delivery Guarantee, and Offers should be focused to improve the online customer satisfaction, and the best-buy offers are the factors which need more attention to increase the Omani clientele. Social implications: The study throws light on the factors and their important role towards improving customer satisfaction during online shopping and the ways and means to augment the same. Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the factors influencing thecustomers’ satisfaction of online shopping in Oman, and it is a first-hand study of its kind, and the results will be useful to the online marketers.

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to critically investigate the challenges faced by SMEs; to analyze SMEs difficulties during adopting new technologies and to critically investigate the difficulties in the form of policies and procedures. Design/methodology/approach: For this research study, purposive sampling methodology was adopted. Using a well-defined questionnaire, 257 samples were collected from all over Oman. The data collected was recorded, tabulated, summarized and the tests – Chi-square tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and regression analysis were carried to obtain the results. Findings: The study reveals that most of the respondents got delay in the commencement of business due to lack of finance. It is also revealed that the SMEs are in dire need of technical support at the time of commencement of their businesses and need support to establish IT infrastructure. Research limitations/Implications: The study suggests that the adequate support from General Authority for SMEs can change the scenario of setting up of the SMEs in a smooth transition and the interim advances by the financial institutions can help them avoid time lag. Social implications: The study suggests that the Governmental authority should monitor and follow up SMEs to avoid the SME units becoming sick and provide technical support, guidance and nurse the units, if they become sick. Also, the licensing for the SME units should be made easier through single window system. Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the main challenges faced by SMEs in Oman. Our study includes selected samples of SMEs and not the micro enterprises. The study can further be extended to all the MSMEs in all the regions / Governorates of Oman.

Purpose:The objective of the study is to familiarise policymakers and practitioners in both the companies in their achievements of CSR projects and specialization by comparing Corporate Social Responsibility Practices (CSR) in Oman Liquefied Natural Gas Company LLC (Oman LNG) and Oman India Fertilizer Company (OMIFCO).Design /methodology/approach: A questionnaire survey was adopted and the details of the companies' business CSR approaches, CSR projects, measurements of CSR projects, disclosure, and challenges, in the long run, were obtained from the CSR experts in the companies. Further, secondary data was also collected from the companies' websites, annual reports, and CSR bulletins. Findings:The results of the study indicate that both the companies contribute to society in a positive way as they are accountable to implement CSR as they are the main players in Sur. Both the companies, value developing a practical CSR strategy in their business model concerning customers, stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers, more importantly, the society. However, there is no systematic approach and assessment approach to the level of impact on their CSR projects.Research Limitations / Implications: It is suggested that there is a need to establish a formal mean of dialogue between both the companies and the rest of the stakeholders in order to harmonize CSR projects so that replication of projects can be avoided. To achieve harmony of CSR projects, it is necessary to unite and share the best practices and innovative initiatives of CSR, through the development of a guide to familiarise the CSR concepts along with the tools and methodologies.Practical Implications: It can be seen that setting measurable goals, techniques, sustainability issue mapping, sustainability management system, life cycle assessment and CSR reporting are the significant gaps in the CSR approach of both the companies and the model practices should prescribe the same.Originality/value: This is the first-hand study of its kind as there is no comparative study of O&G companies has been done.