Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have evolved rapidly in recent years. Understanding the factors affecting the retention of existing learners in MOOC platforms and prompting their continued engagement is crucial to the success of such platforms. However, the factors that affect the technology acceptance by users may vary across cultures in terms of their significance and predictive power. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the factors affecting learners’ intentions to continue using MOOCs. Factors were examined through the lens of Arabic MOOCs and the technology acceptance model (TAM), integrating the model with a range of additional factors: technological, organisational, individual-related, social, and cultural. Exploratory and explanatory mixed methods approaches were adopted using qualitative and quantitative methods (Semi-structured interviews and self-administered online questionnaire). The results provided evidence of the successful extension of the TAM. In light of the findings of this study, recommendations were put forward to MOOC developers and instructors to adopt design strategies which could increase learner loyalty for Arabic MOOCs’ use.

Keywords: Learner’s Motivations, MOOC Acceptance, MOOC Adoption, MOOC Retention, MOOCs.

The impact of government expenditures on economic growth has been discussed widely on economic literature. There have been two different approaches dealing with the relationship between government expenditure and economic growth: Wagner hypothesis and Keynes hypothesis. While Wagner hypothesis argues that economic growth affects government expenditures positively, Keynesian approach indicates that increasing government expenditures increase economic growth. In this study the relationship between government expenditures and economic growth in Turkey has been investigated for 1975-2016 period to understand either Wagner hypothesis or Keynes hypothesis is valid for Turkish economy. The causality relationship between variables has been examined by Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Granger Causality test and long-term relationship has been examined by Johansen Cointegration test.

Keywords: Government Expenditures, Economic Growth, Causality, Cointegtation.