Afnan Alawneh

Bio: Afnan Alawneh is an academic researcher from University of Jordan. The author has contributed to research in topics: Service quality & Customer satisfaction. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 10 publications receiving 53 citations.

Project management factors affecting the enterprise resource planning projects’ performance in Jordan

Abstract: Purpose This purpose of this research is to investigate the project management factors that are affecting the enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects’ performance in Jordan. Based on the conducted literature review, four project management areas were selected for this research: the communication management, the human resource management, the time management and the risk management. Design/methodology/approach In total, 24 Jordanian ERP projects were surveyed through designing a questionnaire that was distributed to project managers. Moreover, interviews were conducted with both the project manager of the largest ERP project in Jordan and a consultant of one of the Big 5 consulting firms. Findings The interviews’ results confirmed the effect of the four project management areas on the ERP project performance which is consistent with the questionnaire results except for the risk management. Originality/value No similar studies were found in Jordan. Moreover, this subject was tackled by only a few studies, so more research is recommended to investigate the project management factors that are affecting the ERP projects’ performance. It is also recommended that future studies extend this research on factors other than project management factors.

Exploring the Effect of Perceived Service Quality on Customers Satisfaction: A Study of Banking Sector in Jordan

Abstract: This study aims at investigating the effect of perceived service quality on customer satisfaction in the banking sector in Jordan. Service quality is studied within a set of different aspects based on SERVQUAL model. Respondents are chosen from a range of varying demographic features using random sampling. SERVQUAL questionnaires were distributed among 270 customers of different banks. 225 questionnaires were considered valid for analysis constituting an 83% final response upon which the analysis has been executed. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. The results showed a significant association between perceived service quality –expressed by its five dimensions- and overall customer satisfaction.

ISO-9001 implementation and critical success factors of the Jordanian consulting engineering firms

Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims at studying the level of implementation of ISO 9001 in Jordanian consulting engineering firms and to what extent does the implementation effectiveness affect the success of the construction projects. Moreover, the paper seeks to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that directly influence the ISO 9001 effectiveness in Jordanian consulting engineering firms.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was constructed and distributed to a sample of 125 employees from six ISO 9001-consulting firms. After collecting the data, exploratory factor analysis was utilized to validate the latent constructs (CSFs, ISO 9001 Effectiveness, and Firm Performance).FindingsThe findings suggest that firms experience a high level of ISO 9001 effectiveness. Moreover, among the five identified CSFs; employee attributes, external environmental pressure and quality system attribute had a significant impact on the ISO 9001 effectiveness, while internal motivation and firm attributes were insignificant.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in exploring such topic in the developing countries, since most of current studies were focused on developed contexts such as the USA and UK. Therefore, this research acts as a response to calls in the current literature regarding considering different industries and contexts.

The relationship between total quality management practices and organisational performance at Jordanian hospitals

Abstract: This study aims at exploring the relationship between applying total quality management programmes (i.e., training, teamwork, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction), and the organisational performance in Jordanian hospitals. A proposed research model and hypotheses are developed based on a comprehensive literature review. A questionnaire is used to collect data from a sample of managerial employees of major Jordanian hospitals. Regression analysis is performed to examine the relationships. Results reveal positive relationship between the total quality management practices and the organisational performance in Jordanian hospitals. Organisational performance is affected mostly by top management. The study concludes that organisational performance improves under the existence of the explored practices of quality management. The study implies that managers should consider quality improvement strategies as a top priority to enhance and promote the organisational performance and effectiveness.

Investigating the relationship between knowledge sharing and service quality in private hospitals in Jordan

Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of knowledge sharing on service quality in the health sector in Jordan. Two sets of questionnaires are used to collect data. The first set is used to measure to what extent knowledge is shared among the physicians. It consists of three dimensions (ICT_based, personal interaction and KM embedded in management processes). The second set is the SERVQUAL, which is used to measure the service quality and is administered to patients. Results show that there is no effect of knowledge sharing on the quality provided in the targeted hospitals and more research is recommended. No similar studies were found in Jordan. Moreover, this subject was tackled by only a few studies, so further research is recommended to investigate the relationship between KS and service quality in the health sector.

Total Quality Management and Business Excellence

Abstract: Menadžment kvalitete (Total Quality Management – TQM) je usko povezan sa poslovnim rezultatom i poslovnim uspjehom poduzeca. Kvaliteta i standardi su kljuc uspjeha na tržistu. Kupac želi, traži i ocekuje sve vise, a cilj TQM-a je upravo udovoljiti svim potrebama kupaca, približiti u potpunosti ponudu proizvođaca tržisnoj potražnji. Cilj rada je objasniti vezu TQM i poslovne izvrsnosti. Posebno se obrađuju dva indikatora poslovne izvrsnosti – produktivnost rada i konkurentnost, i to kroz perspektivu Menadžmenta kvalitete.

Routing protocols and architecture for disaster area network: A survey

Abstract: Disaster Area Network (DAN) is very crucial in case of natural or man-made disasters. During state of emergency, a rapidly deployable network is the highest priority to conduct search and rescue operations. This survey aims at investigating network architecture and routing models for disaster area networks. The main objective and goal of DAN is to ensure reliable, energy efficient communication which is susceptible to mobility and topology changes in the disaster area. The purpose is to improve delay, reduce overhead, minimize energy used, sustain movement and increase bandwidth for multimedia applications. Mobile Ad hoc network (MANET) addresses issues related to rapid and temporary setup and terminal probability and mobility in a disaster area until conventional infrastructure communication is established. We study the different routing protocols using MANETS or a combination of MANETS and other networks that are available in the literature to build up an efficient DAN.

Empirical Study of Project Managers Leadership Competence and Project Performance

Abstract: The role of a project manager’s leadership competence in improving project performance is critical. However, little attention has been given to people-related competencies of the project manager as a leader. This study aims to develop and test a model of project manager leadership competence. To investigate the influence of a project manager’s leadership competence on project performance, 289 project managers working on public sector projects in Pakistan were surveyed. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyze interrelationships among specific competencies and to explain these competencies in terms of their common underlying dimensions. Hierarchical Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were employed to test research hypotheses and the model. Findings from this study demonstrate that all five leadership competencies of a project manager are significantly related to achievement of project performance in terms of schedule, cost, and quality, as well as sta...