Research Achievements and Interests 

SECTION 1
Research Mission

SECTION 2
Books

SECTION 3
Chapters in Books

SECTION 4
Refereed Journal Articles

SECTION 5 Refereed Conference Proceedings

SECTION 6
Funded Research

SECTION 7
Research Abstracts

   Section 1: My Research Mission

            My education background and research interest are in Management Information Systems (MIS).  As a multi-disciplinary field, MIS is concerned with planning, implementing, operating and controlling computer-based information systems in organizations. My research is in the areas of managing information resources, designing expert systems, studying organizational issues in introducing and administering new technologies, managing end-user computing, computer mediated communication and social impacts of information technology.

          Besides the above main streams, my statistical and research methodological knowledge led me to contribute to non-MIS research. I have cooperated with my colleagues in addressing statistical analysis, financial analysis and marketing.

  Section 2: My Books

1.Abdul-Gader, A.(1996).  Computer Applications Textbook for High School.  The General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training.  With Dr. Helal Al-Askar (In Arabic)

 2.Abdul-Gader, A. (1999). Managing Computer-Based Information Systems in Developing Countries: A Cultural Perspective.  Idea Group Publishing: Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.  

Abstract

 3.Abdul-Gader, A. (2000).  Information Technology Transfer to Gulf Cooperation Countries: towards an Effective Management (Arabic book). King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (In Arabic).

Section 3: Chapters in Books

1.Abdul-Gader, A.(1993), "Globalization of Information Systems Education: Host Countries' Perspective.  In M. Khosrowpour and K. Loch (Eds.) Global Information Technology Education: Issues and Trends, Idea Group Publishing: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1993, pp. 237-257.

 2.Abdul-Gader, A.(1996), “Enhancing IT Assimilation in Saudi Public Organizations: Human Resources Issues,” In E. Szewczak and M. Khosrowpour (Eds) The Human Side of Information Technology.  Idea Group Publishing: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1995. With Dr. Alangari.

Section 4: Refereed Journal Articles

1.Abdul-Gader, A. (1990), "End-User Computing Success Factors: Further Evidence from a Developing Nation," Information Resources Management Journal, Volume 3, Winter, pp. 1-13.

 2.Abdul-Gader, A. (1990), "Statistical Power in Arabic Social Studies," Arab Journal of Administration, Winter, pp. 30-45 (Paper in Arabic) with Dr. M. Al-Twaijri.

3- Abdul-Gader, A. (1990),  "The Impact of Computer Training on Attitude among University Students; An Empirical Study," Risalat Ul-Khaleej Al-Arabi Journal, Volume 10, No. 34, pp. 73-96 (Paper in Arabic).

 4. Abdul-Gader, A. (1990), "Discourse Analysis for Knowledge Acquisition: The Coherence Method," Journal of Management Information Systems, Spring, pp. 61-82, with Dr. K. Kozar.

5. Abdul-Gader, A.(1990), "Islamic & Commercial Banking Role in Economic Development: A Comparative Study," The Middle East Business & Economic Review, July, pp. 35-47, with Mr. Al-Ghahtani.

 6. Abdul-Gader, A.( 1991), "Usability of Knowledge-based Systems: Beyond Technical Feasibility," Information & Management, Volume 27, 1: pp. 1-6.

 7.Abdul-Gader, A. (1991) "Trans Border Outshopping: An Arabian Gulf Study," International Review of Retail, Distribution, and Consumer Research, July, Volume 1, 4, pp. 455-468, with Dr. U. Yavas.

 8. Abdul-Gader, A. (1993), "Impact of TV Commercials on Saudi Children's Purchase Behavior," Marketing Intelligence and Planning , Volume 11, Number 2, pp. 37-44, with Dr. U. Yavas.

 9. Abdul-Gader, A. (1993), "Knowledge Workers' Use of Support Software in Saudi Arabia," Information and Management, 25, 6, pp. 303-311, with Dr. Mawdudur Rahman.

 10. Abdul-Gader, A. (1995), "The Impact of Computer Alienation on Technology Investment Decisions: An Exploratory Cross-National Analysis", MIS-Quarterly, December. pp. 535-559, with Dr. K. Kozar.

 11. Abdul-Gader, A. (1996), "Usage Pattern and Productivity Impact of Computer-Mediated Communication in a Developing Country: An Exploratory Study," International  Journal of  Information Management, Volume 16, No.1,  pp. 39-49.

 12. Abdul-Gader, A. (1996), "The Impact of User Satisfaction on Computer-Mediated Communication Acceptance: A Causal Path Model," Information Resources Management Journal, Volume 9, Winter 1996: pp. 17-26.

 13.  Abdul-Gader, A  (1996) “The Relationships between Work Stress Variables on Job Satisfaction of Computer Professionals Working in Saudi Arabia Different?,” Arab Journal of Administrative Sciences, Volume 3, Number 2, pp. 317-338, with Dr. Al-Meer.

 14. Abdul-Gader, A. (1997), "Information Systems Strategies for Multinational Companies in Arab Gulf Countries,” International Journal of Information Management, 17, 1, pp.3-12.

 15. Abdul-Gader, A. (1997), "Software Copyright Infringements:  An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Individual and Peer Beliefs," OMEGA International Journal of Management Science, 25, 3, pp. 335-344, with Dr. I. Al- Jabri

 16. Abdul-Gader, A, (1997), “Market Orientation in the Hospital Industry: The Development of a Scale,” accepted in the Journal of Healthcare Marketing. Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 37-52.  With Dr. S. Bhuian,.

 17. Abdul-Gader, A, (1997),  “Determinants of Computer-Mediated Communication Success among Knowledge  Workers in Saudi Arabia,” Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 38, No. 1.

 18. Abdul-Gader, A. and M. Al-Buraey, (???),"An Islamic Perspective to Managing Information Technology: Toward a Global Understanding", submitted to Hawliat Al-Jamiah Al-Islamiyyah Al-Alamiyyah.

 19. Abdul-Gader, A., (???), “Expert Systems: What is in it for Arab Organizations”, submitted to Arab Journal of Administration.

Section 5: My Refereed Conference Proceedings

1. Abdul-Gader, A. H. "Determinants of End-User Computing in Small Business: The case of Saudi Arabia," Proceedings of the 14th Conference of Small Business Institute Directors' Association, Houston, USA, February 15-18, 1990: pp. 23-28.

2. Abdul-Gader, A. "Knowledge-based Solution Strategies to Statistical Reasoning: Toward an Intelligent Statistician," Proceedings of the 1990 Information Resources Management Association Conference, Hershey, U.S.A., May 14-16, 1990: pp. 2-9. 

3. Abdul-Gader, A. "Strategic Value of Knowledge-Based Systems: Japanese Experience," Proceedings of the symposium on Industrial Management: Japanese Experience, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, December 15-18, 1991.

4. Abdul-Gader, A. An Islamic Perspective to Information Technology: Management Implications, Proceedings of the Arab Management Conference, Bradford,UK, June 1993; with Dr. Al-Buraey.

5. Abdul-Gader, A. "An Examination of End User Computing Success Antecedents and Simultaneity: Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) Approach," Proceedings of the 1993 Information Resources Management Association Conference, Salt Lake City, U.S.A., May 22-26, 1993.

6. Abdul-Gader, A. "End-Users’ Computing in Saudi Arabia", Proceedings  of the 1993 Annual Meeting of Decision Sciences Institute, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., November 21-23,1993, pp. 933-934; with Dr. M. Rahman..

7. Abdul-Gader, A  “Privacy and Software Piracy: An Investigation of Peer Pressure Effect,” Proceedings of the 1994 Information Resources Management Association International Conference, San Antonio, U.S.A., May 22-25, 1994; with Dr. Al-Jabri.

8. Abdul-Gader, A  “Investigating Information Technology Barriers in Saudi Public Organizations,” Proceedings of the 1994 Information Resources Management Association International Conference, San Antonio, U.S.A., May 22-25, 1994; with Dr. Al-Angari.

9. Abdul-Gader, A  “A plan of action for Saudi Public Sector Human Resources Problem: Solving The Information Technology bottleneck,” Proceedings of the 14^th National Computer Conference, Riyadh, April 2-4, 1995; with Dr. Al-Angari.

10. Abdul-Gader, A  “The Effects of Work Stress Variables on Job Satisfaction: Are Computer Professionals working in Saudi Arabia different?,” Proceedings of the 14^th National Computer Conference, Riyadh, April 2-6, 1995; with Dr. Al-Meer.

11. Abdul-Gader, A  “Ensuring Successful Hospital Information Systems Implementation: Critical Success Factors?,” Proceedings of the 1st Symposium on Hospital Information Systems, Hafer al Baten, Saudi Arabia, March 25-27, 1995.

Section 6: My Funded Research

1.  Agency: King Abdulaziz City for Science and
                    Technology
      Title    : Information Technology Assimilation in  
                   the Government Sector: An Empirical
                   Study
      Role    : Principal Investigator
      Starting Date: July 1992 (Muharram 1413)
       Duration: Two years
       Status  : Completed

  2. Agency: British Council, Riyadh
      Title    : Information Technology and
                   Development: Exploratory Study of
                   British Research Accomplishments
      Role    : Sole 
      Starting Date: Summer 1992
      Duration: Three Months
      Status  : Completed.

 4 Agency : Arab Paper Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
                   (WARAQ), through Research Institute,
                   KFUPM 
    Title : Developing the Administrative and
              Accounting System for (WARAQ) 
    Role : Project Leader
    Status : Completed (1996)

Section 7: Research Abstracts

Managing Computer Based Information Systems in Developing Countries: A Cultural Perspective

Abstract

The book provides practical recommendations on how to help diffuse computer-based information systems (CBIS) in the developing countries based on an understanding of their unique  economic, sociopolitical, and cultural dimensions.  It emphasizes the need for more realistic models better suited to the problems and challenges facing the developing countries.

The effective role of  CBIS in the process of economic development is contingent upon managing CBIS appropriately so that real assimilation of CBIS to organizational processes is realized.  Without doubts the use of CBIS is subject to extensive contextual variations between the developed and developing countries.  The theoretical aspects of research dealing with its management and the practical implications thereof are understood and presented by each of the two blocs with reference to its own version.  Regrettably, many of the research findings on CBIS have not always been suitable to solve problems usually faced by the policy makers and managers in developing countries.  Since many of the scholars and much of the research in the information system field originate from the developed world, the emergence of an indigenous outlook to CBIS policy and management issues in the developing countries is discouraged.  It seems that the views of the developed world on the subject found acceptance from many policy makers and managers in developing countries without much critical scrutiny of underlying assumptions. More often, these views are incompatible with their national and cultural perspectives.

Based on an understanding of the economic, sociopolitical, and cultural dimensions in the developing countries, this book provides practical recommendations on how to help diffuse CBIS in these countries.  In this sense, it presents a closer and more realistic overview as to how CBIS ought to be managed in the developing countries.  The author joins an increasing number of scholars and professionals from developing countries who appear extremely critical about the “dominant” ideas concerning the context gap.  They emphasize the need for more realistic models better suited to their unique situation and problems as well as ones capable for enhancing possibilities to effectively manage investments in CBIS.

The main managerial implications that can be derived from a contextual perspective will be analyzed in this book through questions such as:

·    To what extent and how can CBIS contribute to organizational and national development?

 ·   How can CBIS be managed in the developing countries?  Specifically, how can policy makers and managers in developing countries enhance the introduction, expansion, and control of CBIS within the social, political, economic, and cultural constraints?

Although these questions are generally broad, many more specific ones can be considered quite naturally.  Nevertheless, they all share the same assumption that the impact of CBIS and the way to manage it could be fundamentally different in the developing countries.  The overriding purpose of the book remains exploring means and methods for effective management of CBIS as well as its application on a wider scale in the developing countries.  At the same time, it does not ignore the risks inherent both in the CBIS potentials and in its applications in the developing countries.  Issues in this regard have been addressed with an extensive view over topics such as CBIS planning, development, management, and implementation.

 It is hoped that the efforts made through this book will fill certain gaps in CBIS diffusion management to some extent.  Starting with an analysis of culturally oriented perceptions and attitudes, chapters have been dedicated to discuss strategic as well as tactical guidelines to help facilitate CBIS diffusion in the developing countries.  Avoiding vague and non-quantifiable discussion of cultural issues, this work treats the subject far beyond its technical aspects.  It is strongly believed that undue emphasis on this aspect, coupled with overindulgence with technicalities, has often been a threatening and obstructive approach to the process of CBIS diffusion.