SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted A comparative analysis of corporate governance frameworks’ roles in integrating ESG into mergers and acquisitions in the UK and the US, and how they enable or hinder its integration in mergers and acquisitions.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Jan, Jumanah; Clare, PattonThis research examines the role of corporate governance frameworks in the UK and the US in enabling or hindering the integration of ESG in mergers and acquisitions. As ESG has become increasingly significant to transactional outcomes, yet a gap persists in comprehending whether governance integrates as an essential component or permits it to remain optional. This research examines this deficiency through a comparative legal analysis of the framework of the United Kingdom and the United States. This research implements a doctrinal and comparative methodology to examine legislation, soft-law instruments, and case law in both jurisdictions, supported by academic and empirical evidence. The analysis compares the UK’s principled approach, whilst assessing section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, and the US’s prescriptive approach embedded in Delaware’s fiduciary duties. The findings reveal that the UK framework is designed to grant flexibility but is obstructed by inadequate enforcement. In contrast, the US framework provides assurance yet is constrained by its focus on shareholder primacy. Consequently, neither framework completely embeds ESG into M&A, hence its integration is dependent on the board's commitment, investor pressure, and market conditions. This dissertation suggests that corporate governance functions as both a promoter and a hindrance to ESG in M&A, highlighting the necessity for more uniform guidelines, ESG metrics, and to reconcile the disparity between ESG’s theoretical significance and its inconsistent practical application.10 0Item Restricted Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Integration vs. Separation in the Government Sector of Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Altalhi, Shahad; Arslan, MelikeGovernance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) functions should be implemented effectively because organization performance and citizen trust in the public administration are critical (Makaš, 2023; Taufiq, 2023). The impacts of a poorly designed GRC system on a public institution can be disastrous, such as incurred delays in responding to crises, increased susceptibility to corruption and systematic inefficiencies, which undermine trust and prevent a country from progressing. The fundamental core components of GRC should be defined to comprehend GRC. The governance of the public sector entails how the government entities are guided and managed in terms of making decision and having authority and accountability (Abdelrahim, 2023). Good governance creates trust within the population hence having efficient use of resources, good implementation of policies, and ethics (Alhejaili, 2024). Risk management refers to the process of incident identification, assessment, and reduction, including financial management mishaps to data breaches (Almgrashi & Mujalli, 2024). Effective initiative-taking risk management protects common wealth and service and delivery. Lastly, Compliance refers to dealing with laws, regulations, and ethics (Abosaud, 2024; Mujahid, 2024). In the public sector, this is critical to the legal and ethical integrity, avoiding fraud, maintaining a position of public confidence, and necessitating strong controls to reconcile activities and needs. The concept of GRC has been changing in parallel with the evolution of public administration, especially after the 1980s New Public Management (NPM) reforms (Bracci et al., 2024). NPM focused on achieving efficiency and accountability in the public sphere using the management methods of the private business. With governments under pressure to become more open and responsive, GRC frameworks began to develop to manage governance, enterprise risk and regulatory compliance (Adeyinka et al., 2024). Through Vision 2030, transformative reforms are occurring in the government of Saudi Arabia, striving to achieve more transparency, accountability, and efficiency (Bracci et al., 2024; Omran, 2024). One of the main revisions is the betterment of GRC frameworks to successfully comply and manage risks (Alsulami & Chafai, 2024; Rehman et al., 2024). This background sheds light on the argument of separating and integrating GRC functions (Alqahtani & Abuanza, 2024). According to Taufiq (2023), the combination of GRC elements brings efficiency and harmony. In contrast, Sukomardojo et al. (2023) claim that apartness encourages expertise specialization, accountability, and avoids any conflict of interest. This study compares integrated with segregated GRC systems in the government sector in Saudi Arabia to provide viable recommendations to policymakers to promote good governance and compliance in line with Vision 2030.12 0Item Restricted Informal Institutions and Economic Performance(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Asiri, Saad; Wang, KunThis research examines the direct effect of tribalism on economic performance as well as the moderating roles of governance, in particular Government Effectiveness (GE) and the Rule of Law (RoL), in that relationship. Previous studies have examined tribalism's negative impact on institutional quality but have rarely studied its direct effect on economic performance or how governance can mitigate this effect. This study employs a mixed linear model on a panel dataset covering 73 countries over the period from 2002 to 2022. The results confirm that tribalism has a significant adverse effect on economic performance. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that GE significantly moderates this negative relationship, which indicates that strong government capacity can counter the influence of tribalism. RoL, however, does not exhibit statistically significant moderation, implying that formal legal frameworks may be circumvented by informal tribal networks. These results indicate that the dimensions of government vary in their ability to reduce the negative effects of tribalism. Moreover, the study recommends that for policymakers in tribal societies, improving government effectiveness can be a more effective strategy for promoting growth than relying solely on legal frameworks.16 0Item Restricted The Impact of Governance Factors on Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Analysis of GCC Countries and Spillover Effects on Regional Economic Development(The London School of Economics and Political Science, 2025) Alfehaid, Khaled; Parmigiani, AlbertoThis dissertation investigates the impact of governance quality on economic growth in Saudi Arabia and address the gap in understanding how governance quality shapes economic outcomes in Saudi Arabia and GCC region. It also conducts a comparative analysis of the governance environment across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, evaluating regional governance spillover and its impact on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth. Recognizing governance as a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses institutional and political factors, this study applies principal component analysis (PCA) to governance indices, employing it as a tool in a multi-regression equation. Given that most of these world governance indicators (WGI) are highly correlated, the PCA method is optimal. Data were collected between 1996 and 2023 (19 observations per country due to missing values). The findings reveal that institutional governance indicators, such as government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and rule of law significantly impact Saudi Arabia's economic performance. However, their association with growth is sometimes negative, potentially reflecting time lags, governance improvements, or the dominance of oil-based, state-led economic development. A comparative analysis of GCC nations highlights significant disparity in governance quality. For example, the UAE and Qatar lead in terms of institutional performance. However, political governance, particularly voice and accountability, remains a consistently weak dimension of governance across the region. Notably, the study identified significant negative spillover effects from improved governance in neighboring countries such as the UAE and Qatar, which could negatively impact the economic growth of Saudi Arabia. Conversely, positive spillover was observed from the countries with aligned institutional frameworks, such as Kuwait and Bahrain. These results demonstrate the complex dynamics of governance in GCC countries and underscore the need for regional policy coordination to mitigate adverse competitive spillover to promote inclusive economic development in the whole region.40 0Item Restricted The principle (or the notion) of accountable judiciary (or holding judges to account): A comparative study of Saudi Arabia and the U.K. (or English) Laws.(University of Glasgow, 2025) Abdulbari, Mohammed; Mullen, TomThis thesis undertakes a comparative administrative‐law examination of judicial independence in two advanced legal systems—England & Wales and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—while emphasising the latter’s visionary governance and commitment to both de jure guarantees and de facto implementation. Drawing on formalist, functionalist, and sociological theories, it develops a dual framework that distinguishes between de jure (statutory and constitutional guarantees) and defacto (institutional practice and administrative behaviour) indicators of independence. These indicators encompass tenure security, appointment procedures, financial autonomy, disciplinary safeguards, and protection from improper influence. The framework is applied through rigorous doctrinal analysis of primary legislation, soft‐law instruments, and observed administrative practice. In the UK case (Chapters 2–3), the thesis traces the administrative evolution from the Act of Settlement (1701) to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. It demonstrates how de jure measures—such as the Judicial Appointments Commission’s merit‐based selection process, consolidated‐fund remuneration, and entrenched tenure protections—combine with de facto conventions—Parliamentary restraint in commenting on pending cases and media‐court protocols—to reinforce a principled separation of powers. These administrative safeguards ensure that English and Welsh judges operate with predictable funding, protected status, and clear recusal and contempt procedures that shield them from executive or legislative interference. Chapters 4–6 celebrate Saudi Arabia’s dynamic fusion of centuries‐old Sharīʿah principles with cutting‐edge administrative‐law reforms under the Kingdom’s enlightened leadership. The analysis charts the system’s progression from early qāḍī and maẓālim forums to the 1992 Basic Law of Governance and the 2007 Judiciary Law, which enshrine Article 46’s de jure guarantee of judicial independence. It then examines de facto innovations: the Supreme Judicial Council’s transparent recruitment and promotion protocols, tiered rank hierarchies with probationary safeguards, specialised commercial and administrative tribunals, e‐litigation platforms that expedite case management, and Nazaha’s pioneering anti‐corruption oversight. These measures collectively reflect the regime’s unwavering commitment to administrative transparency, accountability, and the continuous enhancement of public trust. Chapter7 synthesises these findings by contrasting England and Wales’s long‐tested administrative safeguards with Saudi Arabia’s model of tradition‐empowered reform. It offers six targeted administrative‐law recommendations—mandatory annual anonymised reporting on judicial appointments, disciplinary measures, and budget allocations; statutory limits on executive review powers; and routine publication of written judgments—to strengthen de jure frameworks and deepen de facto autonomy. By demonstrating how a modern administrative structure can harmonise with Sharīʿah values under enlightened stewardship, this work provides best‐practice benchmarks for any jurisdiction committed to an impartial, accountable judiciary operating within a robust separation‐of‐powers framework.61 0Item Restricted Governance and Asset Allocation Strategies in the Investment Mutual Funds(Univeresity of Strathclyde, 2024-12) Alsubaie, Aseel; Moore, JedThis research examines the role of governance in asset allocation and portfolio management within the investment mutual fund sector. Modern governance frameworks, influenced by technological advances, ESG requirements, and market volatility, integrate risk management, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The study evaluates how governance structures incorporate ESG criteria, manage technology risks, and ensure resilience during market shifts. Findings suggest that funds with strong governance achieve balanced, risk-averse allocations through diversification and ESG integration. Additionally, AI and ML require governance adjustments to manage related risks. The study emphasizes the need for flexible governance frameworks to address future challenges in an evolving market landscape.29 0Item Restricted An Urban Management Framework for Crowd Movements in Hajj: A User-Centric Approach(University of Leeds, 2024-08) Kadi, Abdulrahman Omar; Selim, GehanThis thesis explores the complexities of urban management in the context of crowd movements during mega-events, with a particular focus on the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. The research aims to develop a user-centred management framework that enhances both crowd movement conditions and user experience, addressing the limitations of traditional top-down management approaches. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates theories from event management, crowd dynamics, and user experience, the study offers a novel perspective on managing large-scale gatherings, where the safety and satisfaction of participants are paramount. The research establishes the importance of urban management in facilitating effective crowd movements during mega-events, particularly addressing the unique challenges of Hajj, a religious event in Makkah that annually draws millions of pilgrims. The study identifies critical variables and correlations within urban management, event activities, and user experience, highlighting the need for a user-centric approach. The research examines urban management variables influencing crowd movements and analyses existing literature in order to identify gaps in the current understanding of crowd dynamics, particularly the formation and impact of collective behaviour during mass gatherings. A significant focus is placed on the pivotal role of user experience in shaping innovative crowd management strategies, employing tools such as User Journey Mapping (UJM) to dissect the collective experiences of pilgrims. The thesis further contextualises the study with a historical background of the Islamic pilgrimage, detailing the Holy Sites' rituals, circulation patterns, and significance. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and observational studies, to gather data during Hajj in 2021 and 2022. This data presents an in-depth analysis of crowd movement conditions during Hajj, identifying key challenges and proposing strategies to improve crowd control and user experience. The analysis from the user's perspective identifies touchpoints that influence crowd dynamics and underscores the importance of considering users' needs, expectations, and experiences in designing effective crowd management strategies. Moreover, the research introduces an urban management framework comprising three overarching themes: Event Management, Crowd Movement, and User Experience, each divided into sub-themes that collectively form a comprehensive approach to managing crowd movements during mega-events. The research synthesises these findings, relating them to the initial research questions and theoretical framework. It advocates for a user-centric strategy prioritising inclusivity, safety, and user satisfaction. It introduces the User-Centric Management Canvas (UCMC), a practical tool designed to guide event organisers in adopting this new approach. This framework offers a structured yet flexible method adaptable to various mega-event contexts. In conclusion, this thesis marks a significant contribution to urban management, providing a blueprint for future research and practical applications in crowd management. It sets the stage for a paradigm shift towards more empathetic and effective management of mega-events, potentially enhancing participants' safety and spiritual fulfilment at events like Hajj, with global applicability to other large-scale events.81 0Item Restricted THE CONTRIBUTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNANCE PROCESS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS(University of Reading, 2024-07-24) Alnajran, Saqer; Kakabadse, AndrewThis qualitative research was undertaken through a case study to explore the contribution of council members of King Saud University (KSU) to their institutional strategy. It is the first study to consider the impact of governing body members of higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. The study involved conducting 26 elite interviews with KSU council members and collecting 9 relevant documents. Through thematic analysis, the study elucidated how board members fulfill their responsibilities in alignment with KSU's strategic plan. Firstly, board members were identified as holding official positions that require role-based contribution and accountability. Secondly, the effective contribution of board members was facilitated by the use of technology through the KSU’s board portal Majales. Thirdly, the engagement of KSU council members at various decision-making levels, including the college council or equivalent level, in addition to the university council level, was found to positively influence the institutional strategy. Fourthly, the crucial role of the KSU president in enhancing collaborative efforts between the board and the institution to achieve strategic objectives was highlighted. Lastly, the efforts of KSU council members in developing new regulations and enforcing implementation compliance were essential in reflecting their contribution to realizing the objectives of KSU’s strategic plan. The study concludes by proposing a model that outlines the process through which board members contribute to their institutional strategy. The model emphasizes the importance of employing a distributed system of specialized experts in their respective roles to make an effective contribution. Additionally, it underscores the involvement of board directors in discussions at multiple levels within the institution contributing to the improvement of decision-making processes across the governance system. Furthermore, the model not only advances the understanding of governance and strategic dynamics within KSU but also provides valuable insights with broader applicability to higher education institutions.47 0Item Restricted The Relationship between Urban Governance and Physical Urban Expansion in Riyadh(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-30) Alotabi, Ahmed; Goodfellow, TomThis dissertation explores the complex issue of urban sprawl in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasising the limited efficiency of institutions for governance and planning to rein in this uncontrolled growth. Urban sprawl, frequently associated with unplanned and unsustainable development, has become a significant problem in Riyadh and is creating social, economic, and environmental issues. This study aims to clarify the intricate interactions between variables that contribute to this phenomenon, emphasising the function of legislative frameworks. This paper explores the underlying reasons behind Riyadh's failure to control urban expansion through a thorough analysis of past urban planning techniques, governance frameworks, and legal frameworks. The dissertation intends to shed light on the causes of urban sprawl in Riyadh by using a literature review methodology through archival analysis, scientific paper results, meta-analysis paper reviews, some policy evaluations, and books written by experts on the topic. Due to the paper’s emphasis on the role of governance towards urban sprawl, some essential literature analysis is based on documents that have been concerned with the issue, whether wholly or partially: The National Spatial Strategy 2030 (UN-Development Programme, 2021), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Report on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda 2022 (MoMRAH), Riyadh's strategic plan (MEDSTAR, 2021), Saudi Arabia’s National Report for Habitat III (MoMRA, 2016) and The Saudi Cities Report (MoMRA, 2019). According to the report, prioritising greenfield development and decentralised decision-making procedures has historically unintentionally encouraged suburban growth. Governance institutions have discovered it challenging to address the spatial fragmentation brought on by this strategy because they lack thorough master planning and mixed-use zoning plans. The complexity of urban growth in Riyadh is highlighted in this dissertation, but it also emphasises the essential for a paradigm shift in urban governance and planning. This research provides insights into how legislative structures might be re-calibrated to match sustainable and controlled urban growth by looking at the various legislative motivations that have sustained urban sprawl. The results of this study add to the larger conversation about issues facing urban growth and can guide policy initiatives to promote more cohesive, livable, and resilient communities. The research aims to lay the groundwork for future urban planning initiatives focusing on balanced and sustainable growth, thereby reducing the adverse effects of uncontrolled urban expansion in Riyadh and elsewhere.36 0Item Restricted A Mixed-Methods Study to Investigate the Awareness by Pilgrims and the Saudi Authorities of Health Risks Arising From the Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-09-28) Almehmadi, Mater; David, AlexanderOne of the most important factors in developing preventative measures is awareness of health risks among public authorities and the public themselves. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020-2023 has exposed significant weaknesses in public health systems that need to be addressed, although research has so far been limited with respect to studies that have explored the perceptions of both the public and authorities about the uptake of preventative health measures. As it is the host of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia offers a good case study of the health management of one of the biggest mass gatherings in the world. Although the health strategy here usually involves an array of preventative measures, the uptake among pilgrims is extremely low. As a case study exploring the factors that determine uptake, the Hajj pilgrimage is approached in this dissertation using a mixed methodology for the collection of data from the officials of the Hajj and the individuals who participate in it. Some 280 participants were canvassed in the quantitative study. The findings are that 94% considered the Hajj to be safe and limited themselves to taking pre-travel advice on health, while 70% of the respondents reported the diversity of the pilgrims to be the main factor threatening health outcomes. Overall, the study reported a significant shortfall in pilgrims’ perception of the health risks associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. Qualitative research was then utilised to collect data from 17 Hajj officials, using semi-structured interviews followed by thematic analysis. The key themes that emerged in the analysis include, first, the safety of the Hajj as perceived by Saudi officials; secondly, in the face of health risks, how the safety of pilgrims is maintained by Saudi officials; thirdly, avoiding the health risks of the Hajj pilgrimage; fourthly holding training sessions for the Hajj workers; fifthly, the pilgrims’ awareness of health risks; sixthly, the education of pilgrims about health risk in their individual countries; and finally, the use of new technologies to raise the pilgrims’ awareness about health instructions and measure their satisfaction regarding the outcomes.27 0