Would the employment of advanced technology and online presence help museums in the Middle East achieve their organizational goals?

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the effect of museums applying advanced technology and employing social media and internet tools to achieve their organizational goals. Qualitative research was conducted focusing on museums in Jordan and Iraq. The findings strongly indicated that the usage of technology and internet tools in the contexts of museums in could increase visits and help curators spark an interest among young people. The findings are important since both Jordan and Iraq have a long and illustrious past dating back to the dawn of civilization, which is why it is particularly important to preserve their national heritage for future generations and reach out to young people. The results of this research demonstrate to curators the value of advanced technologies and a strong online presence in attracting visitors and engaging with the general public.

KEYWORDS:

• Curatorship
• museum administration
• technology
• online presence
• social media
• MENA

Acknowledgement

For their contributions to this manuscript, the authors would like to thank Mr. Haydar Abbas Fadel, curator of the Iraq Museum, and the Museum staff; Dr. Jihad Kafafi, Curator of the Jordan Museum; and Dr. Hasan Abid Al-Zyoud, Curator and Manager of the Numismatic Museum in the Ahli Bank.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohammad Alawamleh

Mohammad Alawamleh is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at the American University of Madaba. He obtained his BSc in Computer Engineering and MSc in Digital Communication Systems from Loughborough University, and his PhD in Engineering Management from Coventry University (UK). His research interests include managerial and technical solutions for collaboration between enterprises, and supply chain, project, operations, and innovation management. He serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Modelling in Management, and on other journals’ editorial boards. He has been published in many leading peer-reviewed journals and has delivered keynote addresses and speeches in various countries.

Kaisar Abuqura

Kaisar Abuqura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The American University of Madaba. His research interests include Human Resources Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Innovation Management and Knowledge Management.