SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted Exploring the Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing the Persistence of Traditional Flood Irrigation in Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Arafah, Mohammed Ayman M; Ainslie, AndrewThis dissertation examines the socio-cultural factors that contribute to the continued use of traditional flood irrigation among farmers in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, despite rising water scarcity and the existence of more effective options (modern irrigation methods), such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. Al Ula's oasis agriculture is heavily dependent on the non-renewable Saq-Ram aquifer, where unsustainable withdrawals and flood irrigation practices have hastened groundwater depletion, salinity building, and nitrate contamination. While Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasises modern irrigation as a national goal, adoption remains low in Al Ula, indicating that technical and economic explanations are insufficient. This study, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), utilizes a qualitative, exploratory approach to investigate how social norms, attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and broader cultural traditions influence irrigation decisions. Data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with farmers, which were conducted partly through snowball sampling on participants' farms and partly through an opportunistic approach at the Al Ula Fruit Festival, and complemented with direct field observations. Transcripts were analysed thematically. The study found that dependence on flood irrigation is fuelled by cultural continuity, family heritage, and peer influence, as well as practical views of simplicity, price, and crop quality. Partial modernization, such as installing pipelines to convey water while still flooding basins, reflects common misunderstandings and risk aversion. Although farmers realized groundwater depletion, they prioritized immediate output and profit, revealing an awareness-action gap. Notably, participants stated a conditional willingness to implement modern irrigation if financial, technical, and institutional support were offered. This study contributes to theory by expanding TPB to include social reinforcement and cultural identity, as well as to practice by emphasising the importance of culturally sensitive, farmer-centred policy. Addressing Al Ula's irrigation dilemma necessitates solutions that are solved not only by transferring technology but also interacting with the socio-cultural factors that underpin traditional practices.10 0Item Restricted The Implementation and Impact of Value-Based Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities and Challenges(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alkhathlan, Ibrahim Saad; Abou Hamdan, OmarThis study examines how Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) is being implemented in Saudi Arabia and what challenges are affecting its progress. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has committed to shifting its healthcare system toward value-based models that improve outcomes. The research aims to explore the implementation and challenges, with a focus on policies, progress and barriers of VBHC healthcare in Saudi Arabia. A structured literature review was carried out using academic databases and official Saudi health sector sources. Fourteen sources were selected, including studies and government publications from 2020 to 2025. These were analysed thematically based on their focus on policies, barriers and achievements related to VBHC. The findings reveal strong policy support and early progress, such as pilot payment models, digital infrastructure and outcome measurement initiatives. However, several issues are slowing the implementation, including dependence on fee-for-service payments, weak data integration and limited clinical engagement. While early results are promising, the transition is still in early stages. The study highlights the need for improved digital systems, provider autonomy, national performance tracking and larger staff training. Addressing these areas is essential to make VBHC sustainable and ensure that national reforms lead to meaningful change in everyday care.7 0Item Restricted An Exploration of How Talent Management Enhances Employee Performance Management in the Saudi Arabian Workplace(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Bukhari, Firas; Limki, RashneThis study investigates how talent management enhances employee performance management in the Saudi Arabian workplace, with a focus on national programs like Vision 2030 and Saudization. The study focuses on three areas: organised talent identification, talent development integration with performance systems, and policy framework. A qualitative method was used, using semi-structured interviews with HR professionals from various sectors and thematic analysis to find relevant patterns. The findings show that structured talent identification improves worker competency and engagement, whereas combining talent development with performance promotes continuous learning, career growth, and retention. Alignment with national policies improves compliance, reputation, and competitiveness. The study adds to the HRM literature in Saudi Arabia and provides practical guidance for organisations seeking to align policy requirements with global practices. It emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach that promotes both individual achievement and national economic goals.3 0Item Restricted Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve under Vision 2030 Reforms(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Shihana; Byrne, JosephThis dissertation examines whether the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis holds in Saudi Arabia by analyzing the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, economic growth, energy consumption, and technological innovation over the period 1990–2022. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) econometric framework is employed and carefully estimated, supported by unit root and cointegration testing, using annual national data. Policy and structural shifts are accounted for through two dummy variables capturing the Kyoto Protocol (1997–1999) and the launch of Vision 2030 (post-2016). The results confirm the presence of a long-run cointegrating relationship among the variables. However, there is no evidence of the inverted-U pattern predicted by the EKC. Instead, the estimates indicate a U-shaped relationship, with CO2 emissions increasing alongside economic growth at higher income levels, reflecting the persistent reliance on fossil fuels in the Saudi economy. Energy consumption emerges as the dominant long-run driver of emissions. Innovation, proxied by annual patent counts, exerts only a limited short-run effect, suggesting that the diffusion of green technologies has yet to influence emissions trajectories meaningfully. The findings confirm that economic growth alone will not achieve environmental improvements, requiring targeted reforms. Expanding renewable energy capacity and strengthening the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program across sectors are essential to lower carbon intensity. Developing human capital is equally important, as the transition demands skilled labor and technological capacity. Energy price reform, including cost-reflective pricing and carbon charges, would discourage wasteful consumption. Finally, strong international collaboration is needed to reinforce domestic efforts and align fully with Saudi Arabia’s long-term climate commitments8 0Item Restricted The impact of leadership style on employee motivation and performance in the Saudi financial sector(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alharbi, Meshal; Das, RanjitThis study investigates the impact of four leadership styles—transformational, transactional, authoritarian, and laissez-faire—on employee motivation and performance in the Saudi financial sector, within the broader context of institutional reforms and Vision 2030. A quantitative, positivist approach was adopted, using a structured online questionnaire distributed to a sample of 80 employees from government, semi-government, and commercial financial institutions. The data were analysed using SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as correlation and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the transactional leadership style was the most successful, exerting a significant beneficial impact on performance and motivation. Although it did not immediately result in better performance, transformational leadership dramatically increased employee motivation, indicating that institutional and regulatory limitations might restrict its usefulness. Laissez-faire leadership was negatively correlated with motivation and did not significantly correlate with performance, whereas authoritarian leadership had no discernible impact on either. Additionally, a strong positive link between motivation and performance was validated, highlighting the essential role of motivation as a mediating component in the dynamics between leadership and performance. Theoretically, this study challenges the notion that transformational leadership is always preferable by providing a comparative analysis of leadership philosophies in a Saudi setting. It offers valuable perspectives for managers, legislators, and human resources specialists, emphasising the importance of fusing the motivating attributes of transformational leadership with the accountability and structural clarity of transactional leadership. The study findings also advise reducing the dependence on authoritarian and laissez-faire methods.16 0Item Restricted Nawa (نوى): From Seed to Strategy — A Sustainability Advisory for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alqahtani, Rozan; Ramli, KautsarNawa Consulting helps early-stage founders in Saudi Arabia and the GCC build practical sustainability into their businesses. Year 1 delivers fast audits and 1:1 coaching (Arabic/English, digital-first); Year 2 adds ESG-readiness projects; Year 3 offers strategy, impact KPIs and investor-readiness packs. The model is lean, remote and partner-led, using repeatable toolkits to keep prices accessible and delivery quick. Primary customers are aspiring entrepreneurs and micro-SMEs reached via startup hubs, universities, webinars and referrals. Evidence comes from customer interviews, a simple market scan and live experiments; risks and ethics are addressed with clear consent, data-minimisation and no-greenwashing rules. Financially, break-even is ~70 billable hours/month (reached Jan 2026). Year-1 totals: sales SAR 518k; cash in SAR 546k; cash out SAR 417k; year-end cash SAR 129k, with one early cash dip mitigated by spend controls and part-payments. An SDB loan at month 12 funds conversion to an LLC and a first hire; from Year 2, 10% of net cash supports founder-focused initiatives. The plan sets a 24-month path to a resilient, values-led advisory ready to scale or partner for strategic growth.16 0Item Restricted Understanding Saudi Female Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Physical Education Provision in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Light of Vision 2030 Reforms(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Nahari, Laila; Makopoulou, KyriakiBackground The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) introduced physical education (PE) to girls’ public state schools in 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030 (SV30), a national reform aiming to promote health, empowerment, and gender equity. While the reform is historic, girls’ voices and teachers’ experiences remain under-researched. despite cultural, structural, and policy challenges such as limited facilities, specialist staff shortages, and mixed social support. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of female students and female PE teachers in KSA regarding the implementation of PE in the unique historical context of the country. Design and Methodology A mixed-methods multiple-case study design was used, informed by social constructivism. The study was carried out in three state secondary schools in one Saudi city. Study 1: A cross-sectional anonymous online questionnaire (n = 60 girls, Grades 7–9) explored female students’ enjoyment, perceived purpose, and preferred ways of learning in PE. Study 2: A multi-site qualitative case study (7 focus groups, n = 30 girls) examined girls’ lived experiences, and perceived challenges, using task-based participatory activities. Study 3: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study investigated female PE teachers’ perceptions, practices, confidence, and challenges through semi-structured interviews (n = 5) followed by a quantitative survey (n = 16). Key Findings Across the three studies, several patterns converged. Both girls and teachers recognised PE as important for health, fitness, and stress relief, though a minority questioned its academic relevance. Students strongly preferred practical, hands-on activities such as football, basketball, and self-defence, and teachers agreed these lessons generated more engagement. However, many lessons remained theory-heavy due to limited space, equipment, and teacher confidence. Teachers emerged as pivotal change agents. Their support was strongly linked to girls’ enjoyment and positive health perceptions, while their identities and beliefs shaped whether they became innovators or reluctant implementers. Finally, facilities and resources were consistently highlighted as inadequate, with students and teachers calling for safe, well-equipped spaces. At the same time, several divergences emerged in how girls perceived the value of PE. While most emphasised the importance of developing physical competence, others viewed PE as a pathway to well-being, fitness, and a positive body image. Some also framed PE in terms of empowerment and gender equality, reflecting broader views shaped by SV30 expectations. Teachers’ responses similarly varied, some advocated competitive, performance-oriented models, whereas others promoted more inclusive and empowering approaches. Many teachers also noted a gap between their theoretical knowledge and practical confidence, underscoring the need for sustained and targeted professional development. Discussion The findings show that girls’ PE in KSA is more than a new subject. It is a space where health, identity, and social change intersect. Girls described PE as empowering: they understood health, felt able to manage their experience, and found personal meaning in movement, reflecting Antonovsky’s salutogenic model of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Yet some girls adopted narrow, body-image views of health, echoing Kirk and Quennerstedt’s critique of biomedical discourses. Constructivist, student- centred lessons helped many girls to experience freedom, strength, and equity, supporting arguments by Oliver, Kirk, and Stolz that transformative learning in PE can reshape relationships with the body. Teachers emerged as key change agents. Confident teachers reframed PE to support cultural change and created supportive learning environments, aligning with Rogers’ concept of the teacher as a change agent and Giroux’s view of teachers as cultural workers. Where teachers lacked confidence or felt identity conflicts, resistance slowed reform, illustrating Tschannen-Moran’s work on self-efficacy and Kelchtermans’ ideas on professional values. A persistent policy–practice gap was evident. Despite strong SV30 policies, limited training and resources left many lessons theory-heavy and repetitive, consistent with Fullan’s implementation gap and Kirk & Tinning’s critique of policy collapse at classroom level. Gendered assumptions about “appropriate” activities reproduced inequalities, echoing Amade-Escot and Penney & Evans. Finally, the research highlights the need for diversity, inclusion, and student voice. Girls wanted choice, feedback, and dialogue with teachers’ evidence that students should be partners in curriculum design, not just recipients, as argued by Fielding and Enright & O’Sullivan. Intersectional factors of religion, gender, and culture shaped experiences, underscoring the importance of culturally responsive and participatory approaches to sustain reform. Conclusion This thesis provides the first localized, evidence-based account of girls’ PE in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates that successful reform requires more than policy: it depends on culturally relevant pedagogy, empowered teachers, and ongoing investment in resources and training. The study contributes to global debates on gender, inclusion, and quality physical education in non-Western contexts.15 0Item Restricted SMART TOURISM IN SAUDI ARABIA: EXPLORING THE INTEGRATION OF AI IN CULTURAL HERITAGE DESTINATIONS(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Hussain; Buhalis, DimitriosIn line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the tourism sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with smart tourism emerging as a key pillar of innovation and development. This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in cultural heritage tourism, with a focus on three significant heritage destinations: Al-Ula, Diriyah, and Historic Jeddah. While innovative tourism technologies such as AI-powered recommendation systems, augmented reality (AR), and sentiment analysis have the potential to enhance tourist experiences, increase visitor satisfaction, and support heritage preservation, their adoption within Saudi Arabia’s heritage sector remains underexplored. This research aims to assess international tourists’ perceptions of AI usefulness, satisfaction, and trust, and to examine their behavioural intentions and willingness to pay for AI-enhanced services. A quantitative survey method was employed, with a sample of 306 international tourists who interacted with AI services at the selected heritage sites. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, ANOVA, and correlation tests. The findings are expected to provide empirical insights into the effectiveness of AI technologies in enhancing cultural tourism experiences while preserving authenticity. The study offers practical implications for tourism authorities, technology developers, and policymakers on how to strengthen innovative heritage tourism strategies in Saudi Arabia.25 0Item Restricted Political Economy of Diversification: To What Extent Does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Foster the Transition to a Post-Rentier Economy?(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Althalabi, Abdullah; Gammon, EarlThis dissertation examines the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy under Vision 2030, focusing on its implications for Rentier State theory. The study aims to reassess the explanatory power of the Rentier State framework in light of recent economic diversification efforts and to explore how it can be enhanced through engagement with Developmental State theory. Drawing on both theories, a new theoretical framework is proposed to account for evolving dynamics in rentier economies within the global political economy. This analysis links Vision 2030’s strategic objectives to the factors of production to assess structural change. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach supported by quantitative secondary data to examine economic, political, and social dimensions of transformation. Findings suggest that Saudi Arabia is transitioning from a late rentier to a post-rentier stage, challenging the traditional assumptions of Rentier State theory. The study argues for a theoretical shift that integrates developmental perspectives to reflect institutional adaptation, state-led industrial policy, and long-term investment strategies. This research contributes to the literature on rentierism and developmentalism by proposing an updated framework for analysing state transformation in resource-dependent economies. It recommends a stronger focus on economic production factors in future rentier state analyses.14 0Item Restricted Future Challenges of Major Tourism Projects in Saudi Arabia: A Prospective Study on Environmental Sustainability(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alanazi, Bassam; Zadeh, Shiva IlkhaniThis research critically examines Saudi Arabia's largest tourism projects—NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Riyadh—under the lens of environmental sustainability, and focuses on their place within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. These massive projects, in spite of their ecological claims, causes serious threats to delicate marine and desert ecosystems. The research reveals a disconnection between the projects' ambitious rhetoric of sustainability and their real-world environmental consequences, and alarms both environmental management and government control. This study employs qualitative case study method, and invokes the Triple Bottom Line, Resilience Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, based on eight in-depth interviews as well as extensive examination of government policies, academic scholarship, and media articles. It evidences widespread gaps in sustainability, such as deteriorated water scarcity, loss of biological diversity, increased energy needs, and deceptive marketing that falsely overhypes environmental success. The study points to a lack of responsibility in the projects, with some initiatives such as quantifiable environmental goals, while others are based heavily on promotional hype. The views among stakeholders differ, with some being cautiously optimistic about new technology while others are seriously worried about the long-term environmental impacts. The study calls for a shift in paradigm—one where real ecological protection is coupled with economic development to ensure that such projects deliver sustainability.44 0