SACM - United States of America
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9668
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Item Restricted The Effect of Incremental Rehearsal on Word Recognition of Students with Learning Disabilities in Saudi Arabia(The Ohio State University, 2024) Aljufayr, Mohammed Abdullah; Paul, Peter VWord recognition is a key part of reading development and a fundamental component of elementary reading curricula. However, students with learning disabilities (LD) often encounter difficulties with reading skills and exhibit deficits in word recognition, increasing the need for interventions that enhance their reading achievement. Incremental rehearsal (IR), one of the most commonly used flashcard interventions supported by previous literature, has shown its effectiveness in different skills, such as word recognition. IR offers opportunities for repeated practices to help struggling students improve their outcomes. Despite the growing number of students with LD in Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy of interventions designed to improve reading outcomes, specifically word recognition, in students with LD in elementary schools. Thus, conducting an empirical study to teach Arabic word recognition to elementary students with LD in Saudi Arabia is crucial. Utilizing a single-subject multiple-probe experimental design across word sets, this study aimed to examine the effect of the IR intervention on Arabic word recognition in three fourth-grade male students with LD in Saudi Arabia. Maintenance and generalization of word recognition were also examined to investigate the sustainability of the IR intervention and to provide more precise conclusions regarding its efficacy. Results indicated that the IR intervention was effective for all three participants. All participants showed an increased number of words read correctly, accurate responses on retention measures, and maintenance and generalization of word recognition. Limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.11 0Item Embargo Satisfaction and Experiences of Saudi Parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Mixed Methods Study(Florida Atlantic University, 2024-09) Alroyley, Eftkhar; Chiang-Hanisko, LennyThe Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is an inherently stressful environment for parents, where their satisfaction is a critical indicator of the quality of care provided. However, limited research has explored the satisfaction levels of Saudi fathers and mothers in the NICU, which are influenced by Islamic cultural values, family dynamics, and societal norms. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed to explore the differences between Saudi fathers and mothers by integrating quantitative data on satisfaction with qualitative insights from NICU parental experiences of satisfaction through the lens of Leininger’s Culture Care Theory (CCT). Quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional descriptive correlation design using the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS), adapted for the Saudi context. Qualitative data were gathered through an ethnonursing design involving participant observations and semi-structured individual interviews. The study included 75 parents (34 fathers and 41 mothers) from King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent t-tests, while qualitative data (25 observations and 22 interviews) were analyzed according to Leininger’s four phases of the Data Analysis Enabler. The mixed-methods analysis employed a side-by-side comparison to present both findings in a parallel format. The quantitative findings revealed that both Saudi fathers and mothers reported high satisfaction levels with the care their infants received in the NICUs. However, Saudi fathers reported slightly higher satisfaction than mothers across the total score and all five subscales of the CCFSS, which include assurance, proximity, information, and support. A significant difference was observed only in the comfort subscale (p = 0.002), where fathers reported higher satisfaction. From the qualitative data, six major themes were identified: (a) emphasizing parental active engagement in NICU care, (b) addressing parental cultural considerations in NICUs, (c) integrating Islamic practices into NICU care, (d) cultivating collaborative partnerships between parents and NICU staff, (e) facing unexpected challenges during their infant's NICU stay, and (f) applying coping mechanisms to overcome NICU parental challenges. The mixed-methods findings showed that the roles of Saudi fathers and mothers in the NICU, shaped by social, cultural, and religious norms, significantly impacted their satisfaction. Convergence was found in total satisfaction, assurance, and comfort, while divergence occurred in proximity, information, and support. The findings of this study have important implications for NICU care in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, family-centered practices that integrate Islamic values, actively involve both parents in their infant’s care, and address the emotional and practical needs of fathers and mothers to enhance their overall satisfaction and well-being during their NICU experience.10 0Item Restricted Privatization in Russia, Argentina, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Lessons and Reforms(Wake Forest University, 2024) Alsabti, Sarah; Schneider, Dick“Privatization in Russia, Argentina, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Lessons and Reforms” is a doctoral dissertation investigating four different privatization experiences and focusing on the role of state and government entities. This dissertation assesses the challenges faced by the states and their entities during their privatization journeys and the factors contributing to their success. Through an examination of these challenges and success factors, the dissertation develops several valuable themes, which can serve as lessons—one of the most prominent is the positive impact of previous comprehensive reforms on privatization and state stability, especially in the legislative sphere. Further, adopting public sector governance indicators during privatization projects can create a thriving environment for privatization and facilitate its implementation. Finally, this dissertation suggests several reforms to help state entities improve public governance and enhance the success of privatization and other public projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The most critical of these reforms are to expand the jurisdiction of the administrative court, create a national unified portal for state entities’ decisions and circulars, and continue to strengthen anticorruption regulations and support their enforcement and development by state entities.15 0Item Restricted The Relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States (2017–2023): An Analysis of the Media Coverage in the U.S. Media Outlets(University of Florida, 2024) Alqabbaa, Mohammed Hamoud; Kiousis, Spiro KThis study explores the framing of the Saudi-U.S. relationship by three major U.S. newspapers—USA Today, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal—from January 2017 to December 2023. By employing qualitative content analysis, the study investigates how these newspapers framed the personal portrayal of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the nature of agreement/disagreement between the two countries on fundamental or minor issues, and the attitudes of President Trump and Biden toward Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal various framing approaches to the crown prince, with significant emphasis on the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The analysis also highlights noteworthy disagreements between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia on human rights, the Yemen conflict, and oil production while noting areas of strategic agreement, particularly in security cooperation against Iranian influence. President Trump's attitude was framed as highly supportive, prioritizing economic and strategic interests, whereas President Biden's approach was more critical, emphasizing human rights while maintaining traditional foreign policy. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on framing theory by providing a nuanced analysis of media framing in the context of international relations. The implications highlight the role of the media's influence on international relations, suggesting that political public relations practitioners should analyze and deal with complex media framing. Future research should extend beyond the traditional media, such as newspapers, to shed light and consider social media's impact on understanding the framing in the context of international relations.88 0Item Restricted Cultural and Individual Factors Influencing Test Anxiety: A Concurrent Mixed Method Study of Saudi High School Students’ Perceptions of Test Anxiety in English and Math(Howard University, 2024) Albalawi, Yusra; Picho-Kiroga, KatherineThe purpose of this study was to investigate the level of test anxiety that high school male and female students experience in English and mathematics classes in Saudi high schools. The study examined test anxiety in both subjects from motivational antecedents and cultural factors that cause test anxiety among students. A mixed-methods study was designed, with quantitative data collected on structured instruments. Test anxiety was measured on the Test Anxiety Inventory (TIA) from a total of 280 high school students in grades 9 through 12 recruited from public high schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Qualitative data were collected using focus group interviews with 20 students (10 male, 10 female) selected from a sample pool of 280 students by a systematic random sampling procedure. The quantitative data were analyzed with means, t-test (independent and dependent sample), one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical linear regression. The results indicated a moderate level of test anxiety in all students, with male students experiencing higher test anxiety than female students. Moreover, higher test anxiety was observed in English than in mathematics. Motivation and cultural factors are substantial sources of test anxiety among students, and success expectancies were negatively correlated with test anxiety in mathematics and English; however, task value was positively correlated with math test anxiety. Collective social stigma was the only predictor found to be significantly predictive of English and math test anxiety. Five themes emerged from qualitative data: high-stakes tests, subject-induced anxiety, family and social bonding, incompetence and nervousness, and future aspirations and value of the exams. The study concluded that test anxiety is common among Saudi high school students, but that gender and subject differences exist, caused by several cultural and motivational factors.48 0Item Restricted Perceptions of Marketing Students Using Smartphone Applications (Apps) in Distance Education in the College of Business Administration at Umm-Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia(Niagara University, 2024-08-23) Alazwari, Maha Abbas; Polka, WalterOur world is a rapidly changing society, surrounded by local and global challenges, the most important of which are technological and technical developments, and global openness represented by the spread of communication networks, the Internet, and others. Perhaps the most important of these technologies is what is known as smartphone applications (apps), through which millions of people participate, each according to his/ her interest and inclinations. Digital technology in general and smartphone apps on the network in particular are among the new innovations in human society that have changed human communication patterns. Considering that distance education is one of the components of this society, and one of its basic elements in the process of promotion and development. The educational system must know how to benefit from the use of smartphone apps in education in order to raise the level of knowledge and promote sustainable development. According to the Saudi government's Vision 2030, digital transformation is a crucial, conclusive, and practical approach that intends to facilitate and hasten the government's transformation in an efficient manner. One of the key goals of this vision is to enhance the quality of higher education in Saudi Arabia by adopting innovative technologies and approaches, including the use of digital platforms in education. KSA is planning on ranking at least 5 Saudi universities among the top 200 universities in the world by 2030. In the past, Saudi Arabia's education policy was entirely based on traditional education, with no consideration for digital platforms. There are specific previous studies looking at the use of educational smartphone apps in distance education by marketing students. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the impact of using smartphone apps as an educational tool on learning goals and learning outcomes of Marketing students' in the College of Business Administration at Umm Al-Qura University. Also, this study was to explore the impact the usefulness and ease of use of smartphone apps on the adoption of smartphone apps in distance education within the College of Business Administration at UQU Saudi Arabia. There were 240 responses from marketing students in the quantitative part, and 8 faculty members participated in the qualitative part of the study. Overall, the results showed strong support for the hypotheses especially when isolating ease of use and usefulness: learning goals and learning outcomes are indeed significantly mediated by ease of use and usefulness thereby driving adoption and learning outcomes. Direct effects of gender as a moderating variable were found for learning goals and adoption: females were less inclined to feel that apps were well integrated into learning goals but nevertheless were inclined to engage in greater adoption of the app. Future studies could delve deeper into individual motivations, attitudes, and contextual factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of gender differences in technology acceptance within educational settings.28 0Item Restricted INVESTIGATING TEACHERS’ SENSEMAKING PROCESS AND EXPERIENCES OF WORKING WITH STUDENTS WITH LABELS OF AUTISM IN SAUDI ARABIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: A QUALITATIVE COLLECTIVE CASE STUDY(Rowan University, 2024-03-11) Alharbi, Hind; Elder, BrentIn this dissertation, I conducted a collective qualitative case study to understand the personal experiences and sensemaking processes that teachers developed to educate students with labels of autism in inclusion settings in Riyadh public schools. Specifically, I aimed to understand how teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding the inclusion of autistic students explained why teachers did what they did in their school context. In three rounds of semistructured interviews with eight teachers, participants explained their experiences and process of teaching students with autism. Participants also shared documents and artifacts to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of inclusion offered and their relevance in supporting inclusive education capabilities for students with autism. This study was guided by sensemaking theory and the conceptual frameworks of disability studies, disability studies in education, and critical disability studies. I selected the participants using purposeful sampling and analyzed the data using inductive analysis techniques. Five major themes emerged with subthemes throughout the data analysis: (a) teachers’ attitudes, (b) teachers’ knowledge and understanding, (c) teachers’ sensemaking of social and school system barriers, (d) teachers’ sensemaking of their teaching practices, and (e) teachers’ sensemaking of how the roles of school leaders and special education supervisors influence their teaching practices.18 0Item Restricted LEGAL DIFFICULTIES FACING FOREIGN INVESTORS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE ROLE OF VISION 2030 IN IMPROVING FOREIGN INVESTOR STATUS(Southern Methodist University, 2024-08-06) Alasmi, Abdullah Abdulrahman; Camp, Martin L.This dissertation undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the legal complexities faced by foreign investors in Saudi Arabia and assesses the transformative role of Vision 2030 in reshaping the investment landscape. Beginning with an in-depth introduction in Chapter 1, the study outlines the research problem, presents the questions guiding the investigation, describes the research methodology, and underscores the importance and objectives of the study. Chapter 2 delves into the historical evolution of foreign investment, the role of international treaties in protecting investors, and the legal framework in Saudi Arabia. It sheds light on the risks associated with foreign investment and strategies for risk mitigation, offering insights into the historical trajectory of foreign investment laws in Saudi Arabia. Chapter 3 scrutinizes legal complications linked to the Kafalah system and regulatory barriers, providing an analysis of the migration of labor and the current reforms aimed at alleviating complications. Chapter 4 focuses on legal challenges posed by the judicial system, addressing issues such as the lack of commercial courts, administrative delays, and the slow implementation of judicial decisions, while highlighting ongoing reforms. Chapter 5 critically evaluates the impact of Vision 2030 on improving the status of foreign investors, examining reforms in areas ranging from the Kafalah system to judicial procedures. A comparative analysis with the UAE and the United States offers valuable insights into the global context of foreign investment regulations. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking exploration of future projects aligned with Vision 2030 that could enhance foreign investment opportunities. In the concluding Chapter 6, key results are summarized, providing answers to critical questions regarding the effectiveness of current regulations and the transformative influence of Vision 2030. The dissertation concludes with a set of recommendations for regulatory reforms aimed at further attracting foreign investment, contributing to the ongoing discourse on improving Saudi Arabia's investment environment. This study holds significance for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking a nuanced understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities in the Saudi Arabian foreign investment landscape.63 0Item Restricted The Effect of Environmental Factors of Social Cognitive Theory on Hotel Employees’ Turnover Intention in Saudi Arabia(Texas Tech University, 2024-08-08) Monshi, Bayan; Blum, Shane C.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has heavily invested in high-end hotels serving guests for seasonal religious holidays and other religious tourists, international vacationers, and business conventions. For the time being this investment may have given the KSA a competitive advantage over other international high-end hotel competitors who serve some of the same groups. This investment has also been an effective economic diversification away from KSA’s over-dependency upon its petroleum- based economy that largely supports its public works infrastructure and population social services. However, this barely two-decade old business is relatively still in its infancy. Aside from the fact that the KSA has benefitted from a combination of economically beneficial natural resources, favorable political advantages of its hegemony, and financial good fortune, it also is vulnerable to potentially destabilizing forces. These hazards include unemployment, revenue volatility, and international competition for front-line expatriate labor. Although these forces are uncertain, they are potentially imminent threats. The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of environmental work-life balance, supervisory support, training and development antecedents, as they potentially could impact cognitive or personal factors such as hotel employee engagement and job satisfaction, that in turn could influence their intention to quit. Since the majority (approximately 60%) of the labor pool of front-line workers in KSA high-end hotels consists of lower paid, one-year contractors separated from their families for long periods, competitive offers from other jobs could entice them to leave. Alternatively, since the approximately 40% national KSA labor force are more formally educated, younger, more inexperienced, and higher paid, competitive offers could pursued them to leave for a variety of reasons such as employee disengagement or lack of supervisory support. Thus, both KSA high-end hotel labor populations possess potential motivations for turnover, and thus disruption could pose significant challenges in either case. The results of this study of 164 Saudi Arabian national and 101 expatriate participants - 265 full-time employees in total - employed by 10 high-end 5-star hotels in Saudi-Arabia, in a 52-question survey using seven research scales support Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This was Bandura’s (1969; 1986) assertive framework that employee behaviors such as turnover intentions are influenced by social learning early in life. In this case, the specific results of this study suggest that factors such as work-life balance, supervisor support, and employee work engagement objectives of high-end hotel employees are significant causal factors that cognitively drive affective commitment towards turnover intentions one way or another. In this study, it was discovered that turnover intentions vary for two very different employee demographics: a) the propensity of high-end hotel 24/7/365 work employment tendency to tilt towards imbalance of work-life over home life for expatriates who are away from families for extended periods; and/or (b) the propensity of work-life imbalance, unsatisfactory supervisory support, or lack of sufficient employee engagement for KSA management employees that could lead to turnover. While these outcomes have been suggested by this study which has narrowed the labor knowledge gap about high-end hotels in the KSA that influence turnover intentions, there remain tenuous labor uncertainties that cloud the future justifying additional studies. The significance of these efforts is elevated by the high-stakes risk taken by the KSA government and citizenry, that may rest upon the will of the majority expatriate high-end front-line hotel labor force and their KSA, predominantly managerial labor force, to resist the temptation of turnover intentions.24 0Item Restricted WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION IN SPORT MANAGEMENT POSITIONS IN SAUDI SPORTS FEDERATIONS(Barry University, 2024-07-29) Alhazza, Dallal; Rosenberg, Daniel; Workman, Gayle; Mertler, CraigThe purpose of the study was to determine the level of women's representation in management positions in Saudi sports federations. The sample of this study was 21 Saudi sports federations. Specifically, a quantitative method of existing records was used to conduct an audit of the gender ratio on sport management positions of 21 Saudi sports federations. Data of the 21 Saudi sports federations were collected through the official Saudi Ministry of Sport website to compare the percentage of women's representation in sport management positions in three positions (board chairs, board directors, and chief executives). The theoretical framework of this study used the Kanter (1977) theories of gender dynamics and gender ratios critical mass. The results of this study indicated that the average percentage of women's representation within the three positions between the 21 Saudi sports federations stands at 4.76% for board chairs, 25.17% for board directors, and 9.5% for chief executives. The study also provided recommendations of improving the percentage of women's representation in sport management positions in Saudi sports federations in compares to the percentage of women in these positions worldwide.28 0