The Level of E-Training Readiness at Sultan Qaboos University: A Project Declaration of Originality

Running head: DISSERTATION
The Level of E-Training Readiness at Sultan Qaboos
University:
Basis for a Proposed Paradigm Shift

1DISSERTATION
MBA Project
Declaration of Originality
This project is all my own work and has not been copied in part or in whole from any other
source except where duly acknowledged. As such, all use of previously published work
(from books, journals, magazines, internet etc.) has been acknowledged within the main
report to an item in the References or Bibliography lists.
I also agree that an electronic copy of this project may be stored and used for the purposes
of plagiarism prevention and detection.
Copyright Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that the copyright of this project report, and any product developed as part
of the project, belong to Coventry University.
Signed: Dated:
Office Stamp

2DISSERTATION
MBA (IT) Project
Declaration by Examiners
I / We have examined this report titled
...............................................................................................................
... ................................................................................
........................................................................................................
submitted by .....................................................................................................ID No.
................................... in partial fulfillment of the requirements of MSc (IT) Course during
.................................................semester.
Signature of Supervisor Signature of 2nd
Marker
Name of Supervisor Name of 2nd Marker
Date: Date:

3DISSERTATION
Acknowledgement
Thank you to all of those who have helped listened and encouraged me throughout this study.
I am indebted to my supervisor ... [my supervisor], .... whose guidance, advice and patience
have been immeasurable, my mom, husband and my little daughter. My sincere thanks to all
members of the............... [my college ], both staff and students, whose continuous support
have made this thesis possible.
I would like to thank all of the participants in the study: students, teachers and Local
Education Authorities, for the time and help given throughout. Without their participation,
this research would not have been possible. In this context, I am also thankful to them, whose
research work helped me to execute this paper well.
Finally, I thank my family, without whom this thesis would not have been started or
completed! Your encouragement and support have never faltered; thank you.

4DISSERTATION
Abstract
The study will try to analyze the level of readiness that the employees will gain when the use
of electronic training programs will be implemented in the system. It will also provide better
insights to the university regarding the benefits that are present in e-training activities along
with the disadvantages. The necessary factors will also be highlighted that can help in
increasing the implementation of the e-training activities within the university based on
which the challenges of the employees can be avoided. The study will also help on providing
better recommendations regarding the shifts that the management of the university needs to
take so that it can provide better training methods to the employee. The important aim of this
research is to discover the level of readiness on the employees of Sultan Qaboos University
for implementing the e-training. In addition, it objects to classify the prospect advantages and
disadvantages of e-training. The major problem in the country is the decreasing price of oil
that has affected the economy of Oman. The study will help in focusing on the maximization
of the revenue in the gas and non-oil sector so that it can help in uplifting the economy. The
study will be based on Sultan Qaboos University, as they have an important part in training
the employees within groups so that they can increase the level of performance within and
outside the country. From the questionnaires and the interview results, it is evident that the
administration employees Sultan Qaboos University were positive and ready for the proposed
paradigm shift. This proves the hypothesis of the research study.

5DISSERTATION
Table of Contents
1: Introduction............................................................................................................................6
1.1: Background of Research.................................................................................................6
1.2: Problem Statement..........................................................................................................7
1.3: Research Objectives........................................................................................................7
1.4: Research Questions.........................................................................................................8
1.5: Research Hypotheses......................................................................................................8
1.6: Research Outcomes.........................................................................................................9
1.7: Limitation of the Study...................................................................................................9
1.8: Research Structure..........................................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Literature Review...................................................................................................11
2.1: Identify the Role of E- Training in Improving Productivity.........................................11
2.2: Interactivity and Trust of E-Training............................................................................13
2.3: The impact of E-Training on HR Retention..................................................................15
2.4: E-Training Potential Advantages..................................................................................16
2.5: E-Training Potential Disadvantages..............................................................................19
2.6: Factors Affecting E-Training........................................................................................22
2.7: Current Challenges of E-Training Implementation Programs in SQU.........................25
2.8: Trainings Conducted in Sultan Qaboos University.......................................................26
Chapter 3: Research Methodology...........................................................................................28
3.1: Research Purpose..........................................................................................................28

6DISSERTATION
3.2: Research Approach.......................................................................................................28
3.3: Research Instrument Design.........................................................................................29
3.3.1: Survey Design........................................................................................................29
3.3.2: Interview Design....................................................................................................30
3.4: Data Collection.............................................................................................................30
3.4.1: Population and Sample Size...................................................................................30
3.4.2: Ethical Approval....................................................................................................31
3.5: Pilot Study of Questionnaire.........................................................................................31
3.6: Survey management......................................................................................................31
3.7: Research hypotheses.....................................................................................................31
3.8: Data analysis method....................................................................................................31
Reference List..........................................................................................................................33
Appendices...............................................................................................................................38
Appendix 1: Survey questions.............................................................................................38
Appendix 2: Interview questions.........................................................................................40

7DISSERTATION
List of Tables