SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted New Venture Plan (Boulders)(Cardiff University, 2024) Hejazi, Tariq Ziad; Kaleka, AnnaThis report aims to deliver a strategy through which the new Boulders Foundation can be set up. This report covers key areas that must be completed to ensure the basic requirements to create a complete foundation that covers the objectives outlined in the initial brief. The report begins by covering the background of Boulders LTD and reviewing the key objectives of this report. Then the funding strategy, foundation structure, social prescribing, marketing strategy and risk assessment are reviewed in detail. The report ends by covering the key performance indicators and the measurable effects of the foundation. In the sections below this report will deliver in detail explanation, analysis and evaluation of each of the key points.15 0Item Restricted The Unconventional Pathways of Saudi Arabian Women Entrepreneurs in the Luxury Sector(University of Sussex, 2024) Alrashidi, Sarah; Jaser, ZahiraThis research delves into the transformative journey of Saudi Arabian women entrepreneurs in the luxury sector, propelled by Vision 2030. It critically examines their strategic maneuvers, successes, and challenges in navigating this dynamic market. Key areas of inquiry include the metamorphosis in the luxury sector for these women post Vision 2030, detailing specific changes and their impacts, as well as identifying the strategic blueprints and best practices that have driven their success. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of policy changes on their operational environment, explores mechanisms for sustaining ventures during economic downturns, and examines how trust is built and maintained among discerning clients. Additionally, it aims to understand the unique challenges and achievements characterizing the journey of these women in the Saudi luxury sector. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research provides a critical understanding of the resilience and innovation exhibited by Saudi women in the luxury industry.17 0Item Restricted Investigating the Entrepreneurial Intentions and Action Gap in the Saudi Context(University of East Anglia, 2024-08-14) Alkhulayfi, Abdulmohsen Mohammed A; Connolly, Sara; Sayce, SusanBackground: The importance of entrepreneurship for economic development is well-known, and incorporated in reform programs like the Saudi 2030 Vision. However, despite efforts to encourage entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), many individuals struggle to take actual entrepreneurial actions (EAs) and start businesses. This gap between EI and entrepreneurial behaviours, has led researchers to seek explanations for why potential entrepreneurs do not act. Purpose: This research aims to uncover why there is a gap between EI and EA among young people, by identifying the obstacles preventing them from turning their intentions into actions. It seeks to validate the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model in the Saudi context and to follow up with recent graduates to see if they have taken any entrepreneurial actions after completing their studies. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative data was collected from 301 Saudi students in 2020, followed by a survey six months after graduation to assess their EA. Interviews were then conducted to explore barriers. Another survey was sent to 231 students in 2021, with a follow-up after graduation. This allowed testing of EI during and after COVID-19 restrictions. Findings: The results provided evidence that the TPB model is valid in the Saudi context suggesting a strong association between EI and the TPB antecedents. A mediation analysis indicated that the three TPB antecedents were mediators between the social and societal factors (SAS) and EI. Analysis of the qualitative data pointed towards certain barriers preventing the participants from taking EA, these included the lack of financing, communication, training, and experience alongside bureaucracy and anxiety about expensive penalties. Originality: The findings represent an original and novel empirical test of the TPB model in the context of Saudi Arabia. This thesis represents a groundbreaking exploration of the dynamics of entrepreneurial intention and action in the specific socioeconomic context of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on this unique context, this study fills a significant gap in the entrepreneurship literature, particularly in the Gulf region. This study provides new insights into the complexity of entrepreneurial behaviour in a rapidly evolving economy by providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence the gap between entrepreneurial intention and subsequent action. This study employed a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the entrepreneurial decision-making process among Saudi Arabian individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs. By incorporating a culturally sensitive framework and contextual factors, this study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to the Saudi business environment. The findings of this paper will not only enhance the academic understanding of Saudi entrepreneurship but also aid policymakers and educators who aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship development, which also has practical implications for business leaders. By identifying barriers to entrepreneurial activity and proposing targeted interventions, this study aims to facilitate further research and promote the emergence of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This dissertation makes a significant contribution to the field of entrepreneurship by providing new perspectives, methods, and perspectives tailored to the specific sociocultural and economic context of Saudi Arabia. This highlights the importance of contextual research for understanding and promoting entrepreneurship both locally and globally. Research Limitations: This research has several limitations including generalisability of the findings to other populations a little bit, short follow-up intervals, participant distribution, and the absence of implicit measures. The generalisability of a study refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied or generalised beyond the study sample to other settings. When investigating entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours in the Saudi context, applicable to large populations with little bit variations due to COVID-19 but is generalisability may be limited by factors such as specific culture and economic differences in the Saudi context and other areas of the world. Theoretical Implications: The findings of the research confirm the applicability of the TPB model in the Saudi context. Additionally, the study introduces the Social and Societal (SAS) factors as a new antecedent to the TPB model. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing EI and facilitating the transition to EA should consider the influences of attitudes, social norms, perceived control, and broader societal factors. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can create an environment to support entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and development.46 0Item Restricted Creative & Collaborative Enterprise Proposal(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-17) Alathel, Maya; Thompson, GregoryThis document outlines the comprehensive product development journey of Varada, an innovative online concept store proposed to address the discernible gap in the Saudi Arabian market for unique lifestyle-focused gifts. The development journey is divided into three phases: Phase 1 - Conceptualization: The Varada concept was initiated by outlining fundamental core values, validated through participant observation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This phase laid the groundwork for product development, synthesizing observations and refining core values. Phase 2 - Mentor Collaboration: Mentoring sessions were pivotal in synthesizing participant observation insights and implementing them into a digital framework. Social media inquiries were conducted to engage the target audience, and actionable points were integrated into the evolving Varada concept. Phase 3 - Digital Integration: This phase focused on translating actionable items into a digital framework, emphasizing content creation and website development. Core values were adjusted based on participant observation, providing a solid foundation for mentoring sessions and digital integration. Core Values: Varada's core values, including Uniqueness, Wonder, Inspiration, Connection, and Quality, were identified and refined based on participant observation insights, serving as a guiding framework for the project. Participant Observation: Selective participant observation in a Saudi department store provided valuable insights into customer behaviors and preferences. Refined core values emerged from these observations, shaping the foundation for the Varada project. Social Validation: Mentoring sessions with an experienced entrepreneur guided the project towards specific offerings. Social media polls and questionnaires were used for engagement, with the insights contributing to actionable strategies for Varada's digital platform. Content & Website Development: Biweekly mentor sessions facilitated systematic development, leading to the creation of template content for the beta site. The Varada website represents a simplified version of the envisioned platform, with continuous refinement planned. Conclusion: While the beta site development is underway, identified areas such as financial mapping, UX collaboration, feature validation, brand alignment, and visual content enhancement will be addressed. Acknowledging product development as an iterative process, ongoing refinement is emphasized for post-launch success. The dedication to improvement is guided by the knowledge gained throughout the Creative and Collaborative Enterprise program.30 0Item Restricted Social media usage and entrepreneurial development amongst 18- to 25-year-olds in Hail, Saudi Arabia.(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-14) Alyousef, Hattan; Biressi, Anita; Rixon, Paul; Kolb, AlexandraThe recent transformation endorsed by the Vision 2030 development plan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has instigated a negotiation of modern values and norms in a youthful conservative nation. The rise of social media usage in Saudi Arabia and specifically in Hail has enabled these negotiations due to considerable technological advancement and its adoption by a youthful nation where almost 72% of the population are below the age of 35. The Saudi social media scene has not only become a recognisable career path, driven by the vast economic and socio-cultural reform, but a space where intersections of a power dynamic is visible and complex. Two main theoretical approaches have been adopted to examine and explore social media usage and entrepreneurial development. The first approach is Bourdieu’s work of field, habitus, and capital (1977, 1984, 1986) and more recent scholarly work on social, cultural, economic, and symbolic capitals. The second approach is informed by scholarship on presentational culture and communication, new media and creative industry, and social media studies. Although both theoretical approaches are from a western viewpoint, the experiences of Saudi youth provide new insight into the contextual negotiations between old values and norms and modernity in an era of development. In this qualitative study, the data will speak for themselves through the experiences and perspectives of social media users and entrepreneurs explored across an open-ended survey, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. While this work is focused on Saudi, it offers lessons and insights for other similar nations, or even for the west. The study raises questions relating to how Hail’s young men and women who maintain old values will utilise social media platforms to navigate and negotiate their online identity into an online entrepreneurial identity. Furthermore, having a diverse sample for each method – for instance, influencers and micro-celebrities from both rural and urban backgrounds – enabled me to capture different dimensions of the same entrepreneurial process. This entrepreneurial process identified different identity constructions and identity performances and crosschecking these practices with Hail’s young men and women demonstrates the complex ways in which the Saudi social media entrepreneur can participate in and contribute to the attention economy in this new Saudi era.24 0Item Restricted Examining the Institutional Influences Shaping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia(2023) Alothman, Nouf Abdulrahman; Baxter, DavidDrawing upon the existing literature that bridges institutions and entrepreneurship, the overarching aim of this doctoral study is to explore the influence of institutional forces on entrepreneurial ecosystems by embedding the lens of institutional theory. Three qualitative research papers have been developed to address this research aim. The first phase of this study is comprised of a comprehensive review of the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems and institutions in order to understand ecosystem dynamics and contextualise entrepreneurial ecosystems. Building on the literature review, the first paper pays close attention to the role of institutions within entrepreneurial ecosystems and generates a proposed framework to examine the intersection between the three pillars of institutional theory and the entrepreneurial ecosystem attributes of Spigel’s (2015) framework. The integrated framework inspired the second paper which aims to generate empirical evidence of the interplay between different institutional forces and the key elements of entrepreneurial ecosystem. The second paper principally focuses on business incubators as crucial players in entrepreneurial ecosystems, revealing a multi-level interplay between the contextually unique institutional elements that have a demonstrable impact on business incubators’ role in Saudi Arabia. These institutional elements include regulatory influences such as bureaucracy and investment laws regulating finance for local entrepreneurs, as well as the normative influences of informal supports from family and friends, and the norms of wasta. The third research paper applies the lens of institutional logics to examine the influences of digitalisation on entrepreneurship processes. The study reveals that digitalisation affects every stage of the entrepreneurship process, along with other established logics operating on both the socio-cultural and economic levels. This thesis makes multiple contributions to knowledge, policy and practice. First, it generates new insights into the intersection between the three pillars of institutional theory and the attributes of entrepreneurial ecosystems. It then advances understanding of a context-specific entrepreneurial ecosystem by examining the interplay between different institutions and business incubators as key actors in entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Incorporation of institutional theory in entrepreneurial ecosystems provides the potential to help develop a deeper theoretical understanding of context-specific entrepreneurial ecosystem. The theoretical contribution of this study further underlines the importance of multiple institutional logics and the new logic of digitalisation in the process of digital entrepreneurship in a transition economy. The study provides fresh insights for practitioners by examining their ecosystems through the lens of institutional theory and institutional logics to consider the major institutional forces and challenges at play within their national contexts. It then offers a number of policy implications while making practical recommendations for policymakers, business incubator managers and entrepreneurs working in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystems.14 0Item Restricted Examining the Institutional Influences Shaping Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia(2023) Alothman, Nouf Abdulrahman; Baxter, DavidDrawing upon the existing literature that bridges institutions and entrepreneurship, the overarching aim of this doctoral study is to explore the influence of institutional forces on entrepreneurial ecosystems by embedding the lens of institutional theory. Three qualitative research papers have been developed to address this research aim. The first phase of this study is comprised of a comprehensive review of the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems and institutions in order to understand ecosystem dynamics and contextualise entrepreneurial ecosystems. Building on the literature review, the first paper pays close attention to the role of institutions within entrepreneurial ecosystems and generates a proposed framework to examine the intersection between the three pillars of institutional theory and the entrepreneurial ecosystem attributes of Spigel’s (2015) framework. The integrated framework inspired the second paper which aims to generate empirical evidence of the interplay between different institutional forces and the key elements of entrepreneurial ecosystem. The second paper principally focuses on business incubators as crucial players in entrepreneurial ecosystems, revealing a multi-level interplay between the contextually unique institutional elements that have a demonstrable impact on business incubators’ role in Saudi Arabia. These institutional elements include regulatory influences such as bureaucracy and investment laws regulating finance for local entrepreneurs, as well as the normative influences of informal supports from family and friends, and the norms of wasta. The third research paper applies the lens of institutional logics to examine the influences of digitalisation on entrepreneurship processes. The study reveals that digitalisation affects every stage of the entrepreneurship process, along with other established logics operating on both the socio-cultural and economic levels. This thesis makes multiple contributions to knowledge, policy and practice. First, it generates new insights into the intersection between the three pillars of institutional theory and the attributes of entrepreneurial ecosystems. It then advances understanding of a context-specific entrepreneurial ecosystem by examining the interplay between different institutions and business incubators as key actors in entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Incorporation of institutional theory in entrepreneurial ecosystems provides the potential to help develop a deeper theoretical understanding of context-specific entrepreneurial ecosystem. The theoretical contribution of this study further underlines the importance of multiple institutional logics and the new logic of digitalisation in the process of digital entrepreneurship in a transition economy. The study provides fresh insights for practitioners by examining their ecosystems through the lens of institutional theory and institutional logics to consider the major institutional forces and challenges at play within their national contexts. It then offers a number of policy implications while making practical recommendations for policymakers, business incubator managers and entrepreneurs working in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystems.21 0Item Restricted Arabic Massive Open Online Courses and Teachers in Saudi Arabia: Technology, Space, Gift and Entrepreneurship(2023) Alsayegh, Nada; Ross, Jen; Knox, JeremyThis thesis critically examines Arabic Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the MOOC teacher experience by studying MOOCs in the context of Saudi Arabia from a posthumanist and sociomaterial perspective. It considers the materials, digital technologies and social context as active components in forming MOOCs and developing teachers’ identities and practices. Examination of Arabic MOOC platforms and online courses was conducted through visual analysis, interviews with MOOC teachers, and theoretical work on sociomateriality and spatial theory. Through this analysis, these MOOCs were shown to be deeply implicated in Islamic culture and in educational and policy context of Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the spatial implications of Arabic MOOCs in a cultural context and show new forms of teaching, spaces, and concepts. Specifically, the MOOC project in Saudi Arabia appeared actively engaged in producing new meanings of gift-giving and entrepreneurship. It reframed giving and knowledge-sharing practices in Islamic culture, including zakat of knowledge and waqf, and reconceptualised entrepreneurship in a digital educational context through the formation of entrepreneurial teachers. These different practices and the identities they produced were overlapping and unpredictable and confirmed the dynamic role of materials and digital technology in forming MOOC spaces, in addition to the entanglements of materials and social dimensions in MOOC teaching and MOOC teacher identity formation. These findings add empirical evidence to theoretical claims that MOOCs are not only a technological medium for online education, but also spatially and relationally produced and enacted. This thesis contributes new knowledge in three main areas. First, it challenges the assumption that MOOCs are ‘universal’ or ‘global’ by shedding light on the Arabic MOOCs and presents an alternative evidence-based perspective from an under-represented cultural context. Secondly, it offers a critical examination of MOOCs by adopting a relational approach and considering the material and digital technology in studying teachers’ experiences in Saudi Arabia. Finally, it shows how Arabic MOOCs actively engage in shaping cultural and entrepreneurial spaces in Saudi Arabia. This thesis makes an original contribution to scholarship in digital education, MOOCs and open education, online teaching, sociomaterial and spatial studies and education in the Gulf and Arab region.18 0