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.

PurposeThe objective of the study is to analyze the factors impeding Omanization policies in the selected sectors - Construction, Retail and Tourism of Oman economy and to find out the cause for the disparity created between the graduates and the jobs availability.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The interview approach was administered to collect the data from the Government officials, employers of expats in the private sector,  Omani youth seeking employment and employees from Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah.FindingsLack of coordination between government and the private sector in the formulation of Omanization policies contributing to sustained high level expatriate workers in Oman’s private sector leaving a large gap between the Omani job seekers and job availability in the selected sectors.Practical ImplicationsEvery year, the number of graduates is exceeding the number of jobs available in the economy and this paper draws attention to align this alarming issue through proper suggestions.Social ImplicationsThere is an urgent need to improve the alignment between the qualification and skills bestowed on nationals by education systems and the needs of the market through devising proper mechanisms.Originality/valueVery few studies have examined the harmony of Higher Education and market requirements in Oman. This is first hand study of its kind.

PURPOSEThe objectives of the study are to investigate the factors impeding the professionalism of the tourist guides in Oman and to analyze the service quality improvement of the tourist guides.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH56 samples were collected from the tourist guides in Oman working in public and private sector, and the samples were selected on a random sampling basis. Using a well-defined questionnaire data was collected, analyzed and interpreted to derive the conclusion.FINDINGSThe empirical results reveal that there is a rectilinear relationship between the Finance, Societal factors and the Success of Tourist Guide profession. But it is observed that from the negative coefficients that the finance and societal factors make a negative impact on the tourist guide job.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONSIt is suggested that specialized courses should be offered by the Government to tourist guides to improve their performances and, financial and moral support should also be provided by the Government to take up Tourist guide profession. The tourist guides prefer the Government should support tourist guides to participate in global events of tourism. Social ImplicationsIt is found that the tourist guides profession is considered neither as a decent job nor as a prestigious job by the society and the media only can correct the view of the society.ORIGINALITY/VALUENo study has investigated the professionalism and quality of service of the tourist guides in Oman, and this study will help the planners and the Government to boost tourism.

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The increasing awareness on Islamic banking and finance has created a huge demand for shari'ah based or shari'ah compliant products. Banks, especially are trying to capture this huge market by either converting themselves into a full fledge Islamic banks or opening a window for the Islamic based transactions. This study highlights the reasons why traditional banks turned towards Islamic model. The phenomenon of traditional banks turning into Islamic form was reinforced by the success of these banks averting the recent world economic crises. This study examined this phenomenon through four axes, first is the law, second is the risk and profit rates, third is about the customer needs for Islamic products, final one the lessons of successful conversions the region. This study concludes that there is a statistical significance between the trend towards the switching to Islamic banks and the low risk nature with high levels of profits that characterized Islamic banks. Also, religious (Islam) has influenced the conversion towards Islamic model. The study put forward several recommendations.