SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
Browse
25469 results
Search Results
Item Restricted Corporate governance in the insurance industry: Global evidence on risk-taking and performance(University of Southampton, 2024) Alzughaibi, Faris; Tingbani, Ishmael - Haque, FaizulThe insurance industry plays a pivotal role in maintaining both domestic and international economic stability, making the governance of insurance companies and the mechanisms influencing their operations and performance crucial areas of academic and practical interest. This thesis aims to expand the existing body of knowledge on the role of corporate governance (CG) in the insurance industry from a global perspective through three distinct but interconnected papers. The first paper presents a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) on the effects of CG in the insurance industry. It appraises, synthesises and extends knowledge on the theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence regarding internal and external governance mechanisms and their impacts on a wide range of financial and non-financial outcomes for insurance firms. This review, encompassing 130 articles published in 63 journals from 1980 to 2021, reveals several key findings: (a) agency theory is the most commonly applied theory, with a lack of application of multi-theoretical frameworks; (b) certain internal governance mechanisms, such as state, family and foreign ownership, board diversity, finance and Shariah committees and debt-based compensation, are rarely investigated; (c) external governance mechanisms, such as Shariah law and external actuaries, receive limited attention; (d) cross-country studies are scarce; and (e) methodological limitations include a scarcity of qualitative studies, inconsistency and lack of precision in certain variable measurements. The paper concludes by outlining several opportunities for future research. Building on insights from the SLR, the second paper investigates the influence of multiple facets of board diversity (i.e., gender, nationality, tenure and age) on two critical aspects of risk-taking in insurance firms: insolvency risk (financial risk) and underwriting risk (operational risk). Using an international sample of 3,333 firm-years from publicly traded insurers across 44 countries over 2003–2019, the paper finds that board diversity in terms of gender, nationality and age significantly reduces both insolvency and underwriting risk. However, board tenure diversity shows mixed results, with a negative association with insolvency risk but a positive association with underwriting risk. Further analysis uncovers the mechanisms through which diverse boards influence risk management, demonstrating that they tend to adopt more conservative investment and financial policies. Yet importantly, this conservative approach does not compromise financial returns. Additionally, the implementation of gender quotas leads to a significant reduction in insurer risk. The third paper completes the picture of how board diversity affects risk-taking by considering the moderating role of institutional factors and adopting a holistic view of diversity through a composite board diversity index encompassing gender, nationality, tenure, and age. Using a global dataset of 3,187 firm-year observations from publicly listed insurers over a 17-year period, the findings confirm that increased board diversity is associated with reduced insolvency and underwriting risk among insurance firms. The paper further reveals significant moderating effects of institutional factors on this relationship. Specifically, strong national governance quality amplifies the risk-mitigating benefits of board diversity. Moreover, drawing on Hofstede’s (1980) cultural dimensions, the paper demonstrates that societies with high uncertainty avoidance strengthen the risk-reducing effects of board diversity, while cultures characterised by high individualism, power distance, and masculinity attenuate these benefits. Additional analyses focused on the global financial crisis (2007-2009) reveal that the effectiveness of diverse boards in mitigating risk is especially pronounced during periods of economic stress.9 0Item Restricted A Critical Evaluation of the Asymmetric Effects of Covid-19 on the Risk Betas of Essential and Non-Essential Sectors(University of Southampton, 2020) Alzughaibi, Faris; Leitch, MatthewAbstract The main aim of this research study is to critically evaluate the impact of the current health crisis on the betas (a measure of systematic risk) of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom. Specifically, the current study focuses on examining the underlying impact of the covid19 health crisis on the betas of companies grouped under two different categories including the non-essential services category and the essential services category. The current study also seeks to compare the impact of the current health crisis on the betas of non-essential and essential companies with the impact that the 2008 financial crisis had on the same companies. The current study relies on secondary research that deploys an event study approach in order to achieve the aim of the research study herein. Historical data on weekly adjusted closing prices of 26 stocks grouped equally under two categories (non-essential companies and essential companies) based on government guidelines, was collected and used to calculate the betas for four different periods including the period before covid19, during covid19, before the 2008 financial crisis and during the 2008 financial crisis. The FTSE All-Share Index was used as the market benchmark for purposes of calculating beta. The comparison of the results obtained from the data collected and the analysis conducted indicates that covid19 had a more profound impact on stock price returns and betas of the selected companies for this study compared to the impact that the 2008 financial crisis had on the same companies. In addition, the results indicate that the covid19 pandemic had a more significant impact on the betas of non-essential companies compared to essential companies. There are various explanations that have been presented in prior studies to explain the reasons for the profound impact of the covid19 pandemic. However, this study finds that the response actions and policies implemented by the government during covid19 provide the most compelling and satisfying explanation for the unprecedented covid19 impact on the stock market – both on the volatility (measured by beta) and stock market returns.4 0Item Restricted Design and Synthesis of Novel Chiral Iodine(III) Reagents and their Enantioselective Applications(Cardiff University, 2024) Alkahtani, Rawiyah; Wirth, ThomasChiral iodoarene catalysts have become an environmentally and chemically green alternative to transition metal-based catalysts due to their facile availability, low toxicity, versatile reactivity, high stability towards moisture and oxygen atmosphere, ease of recovery, and ease of handling. Some of the oxidation reactions tend to use chiral iodine catalysts because of their strong electrophilicity, appreciable oxidizing properties and its ability to induce a wide range of stereoselective transformations under mild reaction condition with a high degree of stereocontrol. High reactivities and selectivities for central iodophenol lactate-based catalysts have been reported. Here, novel chiral iodoarene lactate-based catalysts were synthesized where the oxygen atom in the previous versions of these catalysts has been replaced with a protected nitrogen atom. The new family of central chiral iodoarenes catalysts were successfully and easily designed and synthesized over several steps in good yields starting with the protection reaction of iodoaniline derivatives followed by Mitsunobu reaction conditions in the last stage of the synthesis. The reactivities and enantioselectivities of the newly synthesized iodoaniline catalysts have been studied in several stereoselective oxidative transformations such as α-oxysulfonylation of ketones, oxidative rearrangement of alkenes, oxylactonization of carboxylic acid, and dearomatization of phenols. In addition, the structural features of the prepared iodoaniline catalysts were investigated by NMR spectroscopy analysis and X-ray crystallographic studies. Finally, a novel methodology was explored for the oxidative rearrangement of non-terminal alkynes to produce α-arylalkanoic esters. The optimized conditions were very selective to rearranged activated non-terminal alkynes bearing electron donating groups (MeO) at the ortho and para positions of aryl alkynes. Hypervalent iodine reagents were utilized to rearrange the alkynes effectively in high yields in racemic form. Then, chiral α-arylalkanoic ester were synthesized successfully in high yields 60-92% and selectivities 62-99% ee, when C2−hypervalent iodine reagent bearing electron donating lactamides side chain was used in the reaction. The reaction was scaled up successfully for organic synthesis applications. Also, the reduced chiral iodoarene was recycled for sustainable and environmental properties. After that, the efforts were directed to perform the reaction catalytically, but the maximum yield obtained was 20%. A possible mechanism was proposed and described based on the isolated products and control experiments.12 0Item Restricted The Perspectives and Practices of Sport Scientists and Sports-Medicine Practitioners in Ballet.(University of Edinburgh, 2024-08-28) Alshawi, Sara Saud; Weston, MatthewPurpose: To explore the current perspectives and practices of Sports scientists and Sports medicine practitioners (SSSMP) in ballet. Methods: An online questionnaire survey evaluated influences in training planning, current training practices, and monitoring. The survey was developed via Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) Online Survey. A web link to the survey and an banner with a QR code was generated and shared across several social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc). Results: 26 participants were involved in sports science and sports medicine role in the ballet environment; sports scientists were mostly responsible (2.8 ± 0.8) for training planning, decision to monitor training load (46%), along with analysing and interpreting load data (4.0 ±1.1). Additionally, the collective consensus on the time of the season (4.3 ±1.0), dancers’ performance (4.2 ±1.0), injury prevention (4.2± 0.7) and rehabilitation (4.0 ±0.9) were perceived as very influential for planning training, 96% of the respondents emphasising that injury prevention played an integral role in training ballet dancers. However, opinions diverged on the methods of monitoring; in addition, approximately 53% of the respondents disagreed with the current equipment used for effective load monitoring in ballet. Conclusion: The findings highlight the current perceptions and practices on training load monitoring and help navigate sports scientists and sports medicine practitioners' influences to a certain extent in terms of their role in an interdisciplinary approach and athletic management structure in ballet. Further research is needed to assess the impact of training loading monitoring in ballet.11 0Item Restricted Perceptions and Implementation of a High-Fidelity Simulation Within the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum at a University in Saudi Arabia A Qualitative Case Study Research(Cardiff University, 2024) Alnazawi, Ohoud; Hopkinson, Jane; Parsons, GarethIntroduction: Developments in nursing education in the form of various teaching strategies and teacher- and student-centred approaches are evident in the literature. Technology can enhance the delivery of nurse training and education by supporting experiential learning. Various types of simulation exist, including those involving humans, manikins, task trainers, and virtual reality. The concept of 'fidelity’ is used in relation to the level of realism provided by the simulation system and should reflect how closely the appearance and behaviour experienced inside the simulation resemble that of the actual situation being simulated. High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) refers to a variety of advanced full-body manikins that can replicate human body functions with a high level of realism. Applying HFS, therefore, has the potential to guide practice-focused learning, which may have a strong impact on future nursing practice. HFS can significantly improve learning outcomes for nursing students by providing realistic and immersive experiential learning opportunities. In Saudi Arabia, there are few centres that offer HFS due to its high cost, the limited time available to use it, and lack of experience. Consequently, nursing students and nursing faculty may not experience the benefits of HFS, which may negatively affect clinical practice, the care of patients, and patient safety. Aim: This study aimed to explore nursing faculty and students’ perceptions of HFS and to understand how HFS is being conducted within undergraduate nursing curricula in a university in Saudi Arabia. Design, method, and data analysis: This study followed a qualitative case study design. Nursing students (13) and faculty members (10) were recruited from one university in Saudi Arabia, and data collection included interviews and gathering of eight documents related to curriculum design and HFS briefing/debriefing for analysis using a thematic approach. 12 Findings: The study identified significant curriculum challenges in the planning and implementation of HFS in nursing education. Faculty and students reported issues with variability in simulation module development and practice in simulation, lack of clarity on learning objectives, and insufficient support and training hours. Faculty expressed concerns about inadequate resources and training program features, including debriefing structures, access to HFS resources, and support for staff. Cultural suitability and gender issues also surfaced, impacting students’ comfort and engagement. The findings emphasize the need for a consistent and pedagogically sound approach to HFS curriculum design. Operational challenges and under- preparedness among both faculty and students were noted. Overall, addressing these issues is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of HFS in nursing education. The findings of this study were used to develop a framework that integrates Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) with the socio-cultural and educational factors identified in this research. Dissemination: This study generates insights from nursing faculty members and students that may contribute more broadly to the development of higher-quality nursing education and practices in Saudi Arabia, which may subsequently inform national health policy. Its contribution to knowledge lies in its demonstration of the importance of culturally appropriate HFS for the Saudi context and the need to adapt the learning model underpinning the curriculum to accommodate this approach.24 0Item Restricted Investigating cybercrime amongst female students in Saudi Arabia and identifying how social work can respond to the challenges(Univeersity of Birmingham, 2024) Aldoweekh, Tarfa; Fillingham, Joy; Cooner, Tarsem SinghExisting literature has suggested that there is a need for Saudi Arabia’s social work sector to address cybercrime against women as an emerging social issue. Cybercrime has been steadily rising in Saudi Arabia, and studies have shown that young women are more likely to be the victims. There are, however, this study is the first qualitative study that explore the issue of cybercrime in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of both social workers and the people that they support. This study therefore offers a contribution to the existing literature by critically investigating the role social workers in the university context play, in supporting female students with cybercrime. The research used an interpretative qualitative approach, conducting 30 semi- structured interviews with 15 female social worker participants, and 15 female student participants. The results of the study found that cybercrime against young women was very common, yet few of the students had sought out the help of social workers. The research identified that one of the most significant barriers to young female students seeking out the help of social workers in cybercrime related issues, was a fear of shame or familial punishment. The study also explored how the nature of social work in Saudi Arabia is shaped by the culture and origins for the country This has implications for both young women encountering cybercrime and highlights limitations of ethical and effective social work practice as it is experienced in Saudi Arabia at present. The study also sought to explore how these findings could be applied to wider Saudi Arabian society, particularly in relation to the topic of female agency and gender norms in Saudi Arabia. and how this information could be used to improve and solidify the social work profession in Saudi Arabia.7 0Item Restricted Choco-Camel(University of Manchester, 2025) Alothman, Tasneem and Alberiki, Alya; Zolkiewski, JudithChoco-Camel is an innovative startup based in the UAE, offering premium camel milk protein bars. These unique snacks combine the cultural significance of camel milk with modern wellness trends, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the demand for health-focused snacks grows in the UAE, Choco-Camel is well-positioned to tap into this expanding market. Camel milk, rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and known for its easy digestibility, sets the company apart by providing a healthier alternative to traditional protein bars while connecting customers to the UAE’s cultural heritage. Choco-Camel aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by offering a nutritious and delicious snack that supports overall wellness. The use of camel milk is central to the company’s mission of promoting better health outcomes and contributing to global well-being. The company generates revenue through a multi-channel strategy that includes indirect sales in major retail outlets and Amazon. By focusing on premium pricing and strategic partnerships with key retailers and fitness centres, Choco-Camel ensures broad distribution and strong brand visibility. The health snack market in the UAE is growing rapidly, driven by a shift toward nutritious and culturally relevant products. With its unique offering, Choco-Camel is poised to become a leader in the premium health snack segment. In its first year, Choco-Camel aims establish a strong market presence. By emphasising innovation, cultural relevance, and sustainability, Choco-Camel is on track to become a household name in the health snack industry, setting the foundation for long-term success and market leadership.10 0Item Restricted Hospitality Projects in Riyadh(University of Cranfield, 2024) Alkahtani, Saud; Hussels, StephanieHospitality Projects in Riyadh12 0Item Restricted Government Legislation's Influence on Clean Energy Integration: A Legal Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Corporations in Saudi Arabia and the UK Clean Energy Sectors.(University of Westminster, 2025) Alsudais, Saleh; Muth, Daniela1. Abstract: The study has provided a comparative study on the Legal Frameworks prevalent in Saudi Arabia and the UK considering the challenges faced by the corporations dealing with clean energy. It is by the year 2030 that the UK intends to accomplish the aim of producing “about half of its electricity using renewable energy sources, with the remaining 50% to be generated from gas” taking into account the point that it is beyond the testament of the commitment to sustainability for Saudi Arabia. As per the principles of the International Energy Agency (IEA), "Saudi’s electricity generation mix is still dominated by natural gas (58.4%) and oil (41.3%)” with around 0.3% found being “sourced from renewables, the majority of which is generated by solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities” . The Ten Point Plan for the Green Industrial Revolution, an initiative of the UK has been illustrated in Figure 1 below for harnessing the potential of nature to absorb carbon through the establishment of new National Parks, as well as the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thereby founding superior biodiversity-related havens, concentrating on the 2030’s goal of safeguarding the 30% of England’s countryside. Besides, “the Climate Change Act sets legally binding targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by at least 80% by 2050, from 1990 levels” , which has become the Parliament’s Act in the year 2008. 1.1. Research Purpose and Objectives The main purpose of conducting this research is to provide a comparison between the clean energy regulations of Saudi Arabia and the UK. In this context, it considers exploring the impact that Saudi Arabia's accession has on the World Trade Organization taking into account the clean energy sector, encompassing the manner, in which national legislation can be influenced by international trade commitments, thereby supporting the sector’s growth over the years. Considerably, the research objectives that have been formulated for being discussed in the study are as follows: 1. Analyse Government Legislation: Examine how government legislation influences the integration of clean energy in the corporate sectors of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. 2. Identify Challenges and Opportunities: Identify the key legal challenges and opportunities that corporations face when complying with clean energy regulations in both regions. 3. Compare Regulatory Frameworks: Provide a comparative analysis of the clean energy regulatory frameworks in Saudi Arabia and the UK, highlighting similarities and differences. 4. Assess Impact on Corporations: Evaluate the impact of these legislative measures on corporate strategies and operations related to clean energy adoption. 5. Recommend Best Practices: Suggest best practices and actionable insights for policymakers and corporate stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of legal frameworks and promote sustainable corporate growth in the clean energy sector. 1.2. Research Questions The completion of the study can contribute to the addressing of the main research question as provided below: • What are the key similarities and differences between the clean energy regulatory frameworks in Saudi Arabia and the UK? For addressing the main question, the below-listed sub-questions also need to be duly addressed: • How does government legislation impact the integration of clean energy in the corporate sectors of Saudi Arabia? • What are the primary legal challenges and opportunities for corporations complying with clean energy regulations in Saudi Arabia? • How do these legislative measures affect corporate strategies and operations related to clean energy adoption in both regions? • What best practices can be recommended to policymakers and corporate stakeholders to improve legal compliance and promote a robust clean energy sector in Saudi Arabia 1.3. Research Background For the attainment of the research aim and objectives, it is first of all important to understand the different terminologies associated with Clean Energy Legislation, the definitions for the different concepts have thus been outlined herein for setting up an apt foundation for the study. Renewable Energy can be defined as the “energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed” with some of the common ones being solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Although the terms ‘Renewable Energy' and 'Green Energy' are used interchangeably there exists a significant difference between the two and that is Green Energy can be produced from a particular source and with the application of a specific method, which by no means can be harmful to the natural environment. It can hence be stated that all renewable energy sources cannot be considered as green energy but the majority of the sources of green energy are found to be renewable in nature ; . One of the most common types of renewable energy is the Solar Energy and Wind Energy with the former found to be generated from Sun and the latter directly from the air. In this context, Solar energy is found to be “created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun” and is indeed “necessary for life on Earth, and can be harvested for human uses such as electricity” . On the other hand, wind energy generation is primarily associated with kinetic energy, i.e., the energy evolving from motion. To understand wind energy more aptly, it can be stated that a "wind turbine takes the kinetic energy of wind and turns it into electrical energy” . Another important concept to be discussed throughout the study is Carbon Emission, which refers to the carbon compounds getting released into the atmosphere in the forms of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) contributing to the trapping of heat into the atmosphere and in turn leading to the occurrence of global warming as the foremost outcome . To provide a detailed discussion on Clean Energy Integration, knowing about the Hydrogen Economy is of great significance and it can be defined as “a vision of an energy delivery infrastructure based on hydrogen as a carbon-free energy carrier” . A multifaceted global movement encompasses a state of transition taking place towards renewable energy, as well as sustainability. It is further driven by the factors of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, identifying the urgent need for combating climate change, and promoting environmental conservation. One of the several trends that contributes to the restructuring of the energy landscape universally is the renewable technologies’ economic viability, which can be inferred from the dramatic improvement brought about in the solar, as well as wind power’s competitiveness from the year 2010 to 2020. The electricity expenses incurred from utility-scale solar Photovoltaics (PV) had fallen by 85% with a reduction in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) by 68% followed by a fall in the onshore wind and offshore wind by 56% and 48% respectively. It can further be inferred that “up to 800 gigawatts (GW) of existing coal-fired capacity could be economically replaced by new renewables capacity, saving the electricity system up to USD 32 billion per year and reducing carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 3 gigatonnes (Gt) CO2” . Rapidly growing usage of renewable energy technologies is another trend indicating the global shift towards sustainability. It can be understood from the point that wind energy production has risen globally from 0.5 petawatt-hours (PWh) (2011) to 4.8 PWh (2021) with the world found to be harnessing 2.7 PWh of solar energy in the year 2021 from 2009 showing an increase by 4,660%. Contextually, “the shift to renewable energy picked up speed in 2022, contributing to a 107 gigawatt (GW) global surge, making up 90% of new power capacity, fossil fuels included. In 2023, this is expected to surpass 440 GW, matching India's total power capacity. By 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts, driven mostly by solar PV technology advances, this growth will equal the combined power capacities of China and the US” . Therefore, it can be stated that shifts have not by any means taken place automatically but necessitate the need for making continuous investment in the domains of training, as well as re-skilling so that workers can be prepared for taking up the required roles and playing their parts efficiently in the sectors dealing with renewable energy resources. This study initially develops the Introduction chapter, which offers insights into the International Energy Agency’s principles dominating the legal frameworks of the UK and Saudi Arabia along with the policies being presented in the Ten-Point Plan for the Green Industrial Revolution. The purpose and objective of the study along with the research questions have also been underlined herein with brief description of the related terminologies. This is followed by the second chapter of International Framework for Clean Energy, which demonstrates in details the diverse factors and components of the frameworks and their impacts in the long run. In the third chapter of the study, the Legal Frameworks of Clean Energy prevalent in Saudi Arabia has been discussed in details encompassing the related theoretical frameworks, application of Corporate Social Responsibility policies, and the challenges associated with the same. Another point of discussion under this chapter is the Vision 2030 and Clean Energy Legislation of Saud Arabia, which is followed by the strategic initiatives and legal aspects associated with the same. Clean Energy Legislation Trends of Saudi Arabia has also been discussed herein based on the data gathered on the impacts of the legal frameworks on the corporations dealing with clean energy services. The fourth chapter is the Legal Frameworks of Clean Energy prevalent in the UK, which not only discussed about the relevant theoretical frameworks along with description of the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Green Industrial Revolution but also the Legislation Trends of Clean Energy within the nation. The fifth and the most important chapter of the study is the Comparative Analysis of Legal Frameworks in Saudi Arabia and the UK. In this case, the foremost section demonstrates the differences lying between the legal and regulatory frameworks of both the nations. The similarities and differences lying amidst the legal challenges in the corporate compliances of the UK and Saudi Arabia have also been critically compared and interpreted under this section. This is followed by the comparison of the clean energy sectors’ opportunities under the existing frameworks, which have been considerably described in this section of the study for demonstrating the differences within the markets of the UK and Saudi Arabia, specifically the grounds of investment incentives and market access as well.10 0Item Restricted A Comparative Analysis of Marketing Effectiveness of Sports Clubs at the University of Stirling(University of Stirling, 2025-01-08) alshayaa, osama saad ali; Bannon, Declan PThis dissertation investigates the marketing strategies of university sports clubs, focusing on the swimming and volleyball clubs at the University of Stirling, to understand their effectiveness in fostering membership growth and engagement. The study seeks to establish factors that have led to these clubs’ marketing success and recommend how other lesser-known sports may improve marketing within the university system. In detail, it compares the resource distribution and promotional strategies in addition to the general students’ perception of these two clubs. The present study used a qualitative approach based on the phenomenological research tradition to understand the club members' experiences. Interviews were used to collect data from 16 respondents, including members of both clubs. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the most common patterns and trends, particularly marketing partnerships, event-based participation, availability of locations, and the influence of results on the club’s recognition. The study shows clear distinctions between the two clubs. The swimming club receives a lot of support from institutions, has a diverse marketing strategy, and is located in convenient places, which increases its publicity. On the other hand, the volleyball club has some obstacles associated with a smaller budget, restricted marketing area, and less visible venue, which hinder the membership increase. However, swimming has a general cultural ambience associated with recreation and competition, whereas volleyball is mostly associated with competition. The findings of the study point to the need for club marketing strategies, including multiple channels, inclusive events and proper signage within facilities to increase equity for all clubs. This research enriches the current knowledge of sports marketing in higher education. It has valuable implications for the managers who are interested in developing a harmonious environment for promoting sports culture on campus. This way, universities can help solve marketing issues and improve inclusiveness, participation, and sustainability within their sports divisions.3 0