Shweta Belwal

Women develop stress not only at work but also in their home environment, which leads to chaos in both places. This study not only examines the extent of occupational stress among primary school teachers but also identifies the most important antecedents of occupational stress and its impact on the home environment. A survey was conducted on primary school teachers from Al Batinah Governorate in Oman. A sample of 232 respondents was effectively drawn to analyse data using the SmartPLS-based structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The job demand control support (JDCS) model was used to study occupational stress. A new variable home environment was included in the study to extend the JDCS model. The findings revealed some factors causing occupational stress and a significant positive relationship between occupational stress and the home environment. The study recommended the creation of a positive work environment, the development of appropriate educational policies, and the improvement of relationships with people in the workplace to ameliorate the stress affecting the home environment.

Mobile phones have emerged as ubiquitous devices beyond simple means of communication. Students studying at tertiary‐level educational institutions are one of the major target groups for mobile companies. Notwithstanding, the educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services do not know much about their needs and mobile phone usage behavior. This study aims to determine the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of university students in Oman. The study delves upon longitudinal data collected over three different points of time in a decade and analyzes the changes in students' needs and mobile usage behavior. The findings suggest that students' preferences over time for mobile phones have changed not only for brands but also the way they patronize mobile phones and associated services. The study gives a vital lead to educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services. By understanding the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of students, educators can target their content and deliveries and marketers can target their features, apps, and services innovatively to this emerging segment.

Public transportation services are vital for civic life. Recently, many countries in the Middle East have turned their attention towards developing and improving their public transport systems, as problems such as traffic congestions in cities, low mobility, high individual costs of transport, and a rural-urban divide in services have arisen. This study is a public needs assessment and opinion survey of an area in one such Middle Eastern country, the Al-Batinah region of Oman. The study finds public transport services in Oman are minimal and do not match demand, and there is an excessive reliance on private cars. Marketing of public transport services is constrained by certain environmental issues, particularly the socio-cultural and physical environments. The study is innovative from both an approach and implementation perspective and will help policy makers in Oman think about long-term strategies towards establishing viable public transport solutions.