Banking Website Evaluation
Introduction
The Emirates NBD is a banking group that was started in 2007 after being featured in the financial markets. "It is the leading group in the United Arab Emirates as it has consolidated the largest banks in the region" (University of Virginia, 2007). It is based in the GCC region and on December 2009, it summed 281.6 billion AED. Its vision is to be the leading bank globally based in the Middle East in terms of financial services provision. "The bank has 13 branches and 705 ATMs in UAE and it's a key player in the arena of corporate banking" (Oxford Business Group, 2008). The bank engages in various corporate social functions in UAE such as education, charity, culture, environment, sports, and art.
SAIB (Saudi Investment Bank) is a company formed as a joint stock and began operating in 1977. According to International Business Publications, (2009) the bank was as a result of a Royal Decree and has various shareholders. Among them, the Industrial Bank of Japan, private and public institutions of Saudi, Mizuho Corporate Bank and individuals of Saudi. The bank offers investment banking in addition to traditional wholesale, commercial banking, and retail products and services all over the GCC region. The bank is supporting several projects with an aim of promoting private commercial and industrial sectors. The university of Michigan, (2004) argued that the bank is the leading brokerage services provider and offers efficient and attractive customer lounges in different branch locations throughout Saudi market.
SABB (Saudi Arabia British Bank) was established in 1978 as a joint stock firm and is located in the GCC region. According to Oxford Business Group, (2010) the bank replaced the BBME (British Bank of the Middle East) in Saudi Arabian kingdom. The bank provides Amana services which are based on the principles of Sharia. The bank offers services such as commercial banking, investment banking, Amana Islamic banking as well as private banking.
Evaluation
Evaluation in this context is the critical analysis of websites with an aim of identifying the most resourceful one in a given field of study. Needs of the user and the purpose of his/her search should act as a guideline during the evaluation. The critical evaluation of the three company websites is presented below.
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Emirates NBD |
Saudi Investment |
SABB |
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Is the title informative?
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Are the authors clearly identified?
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Are the e-mails to contact the Authors provided? |
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Are the illustrations informative and appropriate? |
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Is the layout attractive, consistent and easy to navigate? |
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Is there an introduction with a summary about the site? |
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Are there multiple links provided to sub-topics? |
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Is the text large and visible?
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Are the linked sub-topics well developed?
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Are the sub-topics further linked to other sites providing information? |
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Are the links functioning?
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Is the website objective?
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Is there a particular viewpoint presented by the website?
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Does the website provide facts only?
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Opinions only?
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Both Facts and Opinions?
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Is there useful information provided by the website? |
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Is the overall message biased? |
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Is the message based on evidence? |
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From the above evaluation, all websites present different viewpoints to the viewers during the tour. The first point of view is that the websites provide information about certain banks. This is because of the financial terms used in the sub-headings. The next point of view is that the banks are in Arabic. This is because of the language used to write some headings and the images of Arabic people as well as buildings.
Recommendations
a
Newly started banks should develop their websites in a more attractive manner so as to demand attention to their potential customers/clients. This can be through appropriate selection of colors, messages, and images presented through slideshows and proper alignment of subheadings in the start point. For it to be competitive, the business should design a website in a way that allows online chat between clients and the business representatives. This will answer all the queries that the clients may fail to get the written information in the site.
A starting business should also refrain from using images and language that might associate them with a particular race, religion or region. This would help in capturing the attention of clients from all corners and aspect of the world thereby reducing chances of prejudice and discrimination.
