SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted Undergraduate Students' Preparedness for Science Degrees: An Evaluation of Secondary Schools' Science Education in KSA(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) AlSadir, Shaykhah Muneer S; Alex, ElwickExecutive Summary Research purpose and objective: Enhancing students’ scientific knowledge and skills in Saudi Arabia is vital to achieve Saudi Vision 2030. This emphasised the importance of motivating students to pursue higher education and careers in science disciplines. By taking the specific context of students' transition from secondary schools to university undergraduate science courses, this research is carried out with the objective of assessing the preparedness of undergraduate students for science degrees. Further, this research is also carried out with the purpose of evaluating secondary school science education present in Saudi Arabia in making them ready and identifying the existence of any gap in the practical science and the laboratory skills of the undergraduate students. Methodology: Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted based on mixed research methodology to achieve the purpose of this study. This methodological choice helped in collecting qualitative data and quantitative data from undergraduate students studying science courses across Saudi universities. A dedicated preparedness survey supported collecting numerical data using Likert scale questions, and open-ended reflective questions supported collection of descriptive data about assessments, practical support and teaching in Saudi secondary science education. Key findings: Detailed analysis of qualitative and quantitative data identified the potential of secondary science education to develop a basic conceptual foundation on science subjects but found it inconsistent in meeting the demand for analytical and critical thinking skills of the university. Memorisation-based assessments were found to help students achieve short-term-based academic success but were not useful in promoting long-term success, as they were found to be ineffective in developing inquiry and problem-solving skills. Findings also showed that laboratory preparation is the weakest domain, as students felt unprepared and less confident to carry out laboratory work in the universities. Also, students offered recommendations for increasingly practical learning through accessing the well-equipped laboratories, deepening the conceptual engagement and supporting English language along with scientific communication in secondary science education. Conclusion and recommendations: This study has concluded that secondary science schools in Saudi Arabia are useful in providing a basic foundation of science concepts but lack in fostering practical, communicating and critical thinking skills needed for university-level science degrees. Memorisation-based assessments in secondary science education can promote short-term success in exams but hinder long-term readiness for university-level science degrees. Students also recognised the need for hands-off practical experience that is inquiry-driven and also conceptually rich. Based on all these conclusions, recommendations are provided to make pedagogical reform, assessment reform, facilitate laboratory enhancement, provide language-based support and provide policy-based recommendations for secondary science school curriculum redesign.10 0Item Restricted The Legal Framework for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an economic, social, and environmental Sustainability Transition in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alluhidan, Nouf Ahmed; Chimia, Annamaria; Trepte, PeterThis research examines the legal framework for public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a sustainable transition mechanism across three levels: social, economic, and environmental, by analysing all national regulations applicable to PPPs. The private sector could play a significant role in societal prosperity through its direct and indirect effects, making PPPs a crucial component in building sustainable infrastructures in countries. This has led the United Nations to recognise the need for all parties, including governments and the private sector, to cooperate in an international partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, PPPs cannot effectively contribute to the SDGs unless governments implement internal legal reforms and enhance the legal environment. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the current legal framework for PPPs under Saudi law and assess the extent to which it supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the SDGs. Numerous PPPs have recently been adopted in the country for the first time, with many more in the tendering process at various stages. In this regard, due to the recent adoption of PPPs, there was a strong need to conduct interviews to investigate their application across different sectors in the country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with government procurement officials, policymakers, and other experts in the field to determine the extent to which PPPs can serve as effective instruments for achieving sustainability in Saudi Arabia. PPPs clearly offer various advantages, including leveraging private sector expertise and funding, enhancing quality, fostering innovation and local content, and enabling risk sharing. However, challenges remain, such as unstable environmental and social regulations, a lack of environmental and social requirements in contracts, negative impacts on public employees, and a wide number of applicants in the short term. In conclusion, the legal framework governing PPPs is critical to ensuring Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives, some of which align with international standards, while others require serious consideration and reform.96 0Item Restricted The Contribution of Vision 2030 to Diversifying Income Sources in the Saudi Economy(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Almohaimeed, Nawaf; Albin, ErlansonSaudi Arabia used to depend mostly on oil money. Oil gave most government revenue and shaped the whole economy (World Bank, 2023). When oil prices fell in 2014–2016 the budget came under pressure (IMF, 2023). The government launched Vision 2030 in 2016 to grow non- oil sectors, bring in more private investment, and create jobs (Saudi Vision 2030, 2024). The plan pushes sectors like tourism, technology, finance and clean energy (Saudi Vision 2030, 2024). The Public Investment Fund was asked to invest at home to speed this shiV (PIF, 2021).3 0Item Restricted The Impact of Financial Reforms Under Vision 2030 on the Profitability of Saudi Banks(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alqahtany, Badria; Barros, LucyThis research inspects the effect of the Vision 2030 financial reforms (Basel III implementation and IFRS 9 adoption) on Saudi commercial banks from 2010 to 2024. Profitability was measured using ROA, ROE and NIM. The importance of this research lies in its provision of a deeper understanding of the extent to which financial reforms can enhance the performance of Saudi banks in an environment characterized by a rapid pace of economic transformation, thus contributing to bridging an important knowledge gap related to measuring the actual effects of these changes, secondary data was collected from the audited statements of the banks, SAMA publications and international databases. The sample was drawn from eleven Saudi banks and analyzed by using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, fixed-effects and random-effects panel regression, structural break tests, and diagnostics using Stata v17. After the reform in the year 2017, there was a drop in profits showing short run adjustment costs. After the reforms, efficiency had a weak relationship with profitability. However, the capital and quality of the assets remained important drivers of profitability. There was no effect of liquidity, and the macroeconomic variables showed small positive effects from GDP growth, and negative effect for inflation consistently. The structural break test shows that reform caused profitability behaviour to change – but modestly. Panel econometric techniques were justified on the grounds of the non-stationarity of profitability measures19 0Item Restricted The Discursive Construction of National and Tribal Identities in Saudi Arabia: A Discourse-Historical Approach(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alshamrani, Alaa; Capstick, TonyIn Saudi Arabia, modern statehood coexists with longstanding tribal affiliations. Both national and tribal identities function as prominent discursive constructs through which members of Saudi tribal communities articulate their sense of belonging. This thesis draws mainly on Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) as the overarching framework, while also employing tools from Corpus Linguistics (CL) and Multimodal Critical Discourse Studies (MCDS), to examine the discursive construction of Saudi national and tribal identities in the context of contemporary national reforms and nation-rebuilding efforts driven by the Saudi Vision 2030 policies. It investigates the construction and recontextualisation of discourses on national identity from top-down and bottom-up perspectives, identifying intertextual and interdiscursive relations between discourses produced at the institutional and grassroot levels. It also explores bottom-up discursive constructions of tribal identities to understand how Saudi individuals with tribal affiliations position their national and tribal belongings relative to one another.31 0Item Restricted Green and Sustainable Logistics Strategies in the Saudi FMCG Sector: A Post-Vision 2030 Desk-Based Analysis(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alshalawi, Maha; Adaba, GodfriedAbstract This study investigates the implementation of green and sustainable logistics practices within Saudi Arabia’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and evaluates their alignment with Vision 2030 sustainability priorities. Using a qualitative, desk-based research design supported by Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA), the study examined 13 corporate sustainability reports, national policy documents, and independent industry publications. The findings reveal partial but uneven adoption of sustainable logistics practices. Digital transformation is progressing but limited by capability gaps, while operational efficiency initiatives are widely reported but rarely supported by measurable performance indicators. Circular economy practices remain in early stages due to infrastructural and behavioural constraints, and transport sustainability is hindered by reliance on diesel fleets and insufficient low-carbon infrastructure. By integrating the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Circular Economy (CE), and Resource-Based View (RBV), the study highlights the interaction between external pressures, operational mechanisms, and internal capabilities. The research contributes theoretically by contextualising sustainability frameworks in the Saudi FMCG sector and offers practical recommendations for firms and policymakers to accelerate progress toward Vision 2030 objectives.19 0Item Restricted Assessing the Economic Political Drivers of Inflation in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alnoufal, Raghad; Gupta, AbhimanyuThis study examines the economic and political drivers of inflation in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on the period from 2016 to 2024. Inflation plays a crucial role in shaping economic stability, living standards, and policy decisions. Given Saudi Arabia’s heavy reliance on oil revenues and its ongoing structural transformation under Vision 2030, understanding the factors influencing inflation is essential for effective economic management. The research explores how government policies, oil price fluctuations, monetary and fiscal policies, and external economic conditions influence inflation dynamics in the Kingdom. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive research approach based on secondary data, including academic literature, official reports from the Saudi Central Bank and the General Authority for Statistics, and international institutions. It also includes a comparative perspective by examining inflation drivers in another oil-dependent economy, Nigeria, in order to highlight similarities and structural differences in inflation dynamics. The findings reveal that inflation in Saudi Arabia is driven by a combination of domestic reforms, oil market volatility, and global economic shocks. Major policy measures, such as the introduction of value-added tax (VAT), subsidy reforms, and fiscal consolidation under Vision 2030, have caused temporary increases in inflation but have also contributed to long-term economic sustainability. The fixed exchange rate between the Saudi riyal and the US dollar has helped maintain price stability but limits monetary policy flexibility. The study also shows that inflation disproportionately affects low- and fixed-income households despite government support programs. Overall, the research concludes that Saudi Arabia’s inflation is relatively moderate compared to many economies, largely due to strong institutional capacity and coordinated fiscal and monetary policies. However, continued economic diversification, improved inflation monitoring, stronger social protection systems, and effective policy coordination will be essential to maintain price stability and support sustainable economic growth in the future.15 0Item Restricted Strategic Partnerships Between Saudi Arabia and International Technology Companies amid Vision 2030: Drivers and Outcomes(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) ALSHAHRANI, NIDAA SAEED G; Dan, ColeThis study examines how Saudi Arabia is using international technology partnerships to support its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to reduce dependence on oil and build a knowledge-based economy. Partnerships with multinational enterprises (MNEs) such as Google Cloud, Oracle, and NVIDIA are especially important because they bring advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and semiconductors: sectors viewed as central to digital transformation agenda of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The aim of the study is to investigate how such partnerships promote Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation under Vision 2030. The literature review employed three main theories: Transaction Cost Economics (TCE), which examines governance and risks; the Resource- Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities, which focus on ownership and renewal of resources; and the Triple Helix (TH), which focuses on collaboration between government, industry and academia. The research adopted a pragmatist philosophy and abductive approach, applying a case study design with purposive sampling of secondary data, including policy documents, corporate press releases, consultancy reports, and legal analyses. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes across four research questions. The findings show Saudi Arabia engages in partnerships to achieve five key goals: signalling international credibility, accelerating infrastructure growth, ensuring data sovereignty, creating economic multipliers, and using cost advantages. Governance is characterised by hybrid contracts, centralised convening bodies, jurisdictional innovation, and links between infrastructure and energy policy. Domestic benefits are visible in localised learning systems, transfer of knowledge, workforce development, and spillovers to suppliers and small firms. However, challenges include dependency on foreign hardware, high energy use, legal complexities, skills shortages, and risks of passive learning. The study concludes that although partnerships have accelerated digital transformation, their long-term success depends on strengthening domestic capabilities and embedding sustainable governance models.15 0Item Restricted Analysing Operational Efficiency in Saudi Industrial Factories Using Labor-to-Production Ratios and Interpretable Machine Learning Technique.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alwalan, Abdulaziz; Sotiris, MoschoyiannisThis dissertation investigates plant-level efficiency of individual factories in Saudi factories, highlighting significant voids in the literature at the factory level that have attracted limited scholarly work. The labor-to-production ratio provides a measure of plant-level(factory-level) efficiency, which is a simple and practical measure that is of particular utility in settings where machine-level data are limited. The paper attempts to understand efficiency variations with respect to types of products and plant sizes, among other variables, while also trying to estimate interpretable models that have easily understandable classification boundaries of efficiency. The data set was collected from the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and covered five years of monthly data. After applying stringent inclusion criteria and preprocessing, a stratified sampling of 50 factories was randomly drawn from three size classes and five main product categories. The framework of methodology comprised descriptive statistics, inferential hypothesis tests, and interpretable machine learning approaches. Descriptive analysis assessed distributional properties and pointed out the occurrence of asymmetry in the efficiency measures. Inferential analysis utilized Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests, followed by Two-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Tukey HSD tests, with the objective of detecting group distinctions. In addition, Decision Tree models were considered based on two approaches: Fixed Parameters Evaluation (Entropy and Gini experiments) and Per-Fold Parameter Optimisation. Results revealed that the type of product was the main efficiency predictor, with plastic bag production factories always performing best relative to the production of concrete. Conversely, the factory size failed to show significant explanation power, with the medium factory size sometimes showing excellent performance but inconsistently so. The statistical tests confirmed that the product type variances were large, while the effects of factory size and factory size-product type interaction were non-significant. In addition, Decision Tree experiments emphasized the balance between accuracy and stability, and it was determined that the entropy-based configuration was the most viable alternative. Overall, this research provides significant theoretical and practical contributions through the provision of empirical evidence on factory-level efficiency in Saudi Arabia. The findings provide significant implications for policymakers and managers interested in optimizing resource use and meeting the target of Vision 2030, while also demonstrating the methodological strength of combining statistical inference with interpretable machine learning models.11 0Item Restricted The Role of Soft Power and Mega-Events in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – A systematic review(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almutawa, Abdullah; Lynsey, MelhuishSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents an ambitious national transformation programme aimed at reducing dependence on oil, diversifying the economy, and strengthening the Kingdom’s global influence. In order to achieving these goals strategic use of soft power and mega-events to reshape international perceptions, attract investment, and stimulate growth in tourism, culture, entertainment, and sport is being done. This systematic review critically examines how these instruments contribute to Vision 2030 by analysing peer-reviewed studies, comparative case literature, government publications, and grey literature from 2015 to 2024. The findings show that mega-events and soft power initiatives play a significant role in expanding tourism revenues, accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing global positioning, and supporting social transformation. They also reveal ongoing challenges, including criticisms of sportswashing, questions around sustainability, and the difficulty of assessing long-term outcomes. Based on this evidence, the study offers recommendations centred on improving transparency, strengthening legacy planning, investing in local capacity, and enhancing the integration of cultural and sporting initiatives within broader development strategies. While the review provides a comprehensive synthesis, it is limited by the relatively recent nature of Vision 2030, the scarcity of long-term observed studies, and reliance on grey literature where peer reviewed sources are still emerging. These limitations highlight the need for future research that tracks long-term impacts of Saudi Arabia’s soft power and mega-events over time and examines their effectiveness through primary data.42 0