Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Adoption of robots in small and medium sized warehouses(Aston university, 2025) Alanazi, Atheer; Hing Yan, TongWarehouse management has become essential to supply chain management due to recent advancements. Automation has transformed many industries, particularly the supply chain, where giant corporations have reaped significant benefits, but small and medium-sized organisations have faced challenges. This dissertation seeks to identify the challenges encountered by selected organisations when using robots in their warehouses. This study included a comprehensive literature evaluation and data collection from 30 research articles published between 2010 and 2024. The Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework was used, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to examine the factors influencing small and medium-sized firms. The results revealed positive perceptions of robots' benefits in operational efficiency, as they save workers' travel time and safeguard their physical health by doing strenuous tasks, also increasing productivity, while also emphasising employees' hesitance towards security concerns and job loss regarding adoption. The methodology used in the dissertation was appropriate; nonetheless, it primarily consisted of an analysis of current research, indicating a deficiency of primary data stemming from insufficient direct contact with warehouse owners to investigate and assess the causes behind their non-adoption. Furthermore, it relied on previous research, which might introduce bias into the results.13 0Item Restricted DETERMINANTS OF SAUDI NURSING FACULTY'S CONTINUANCE INTENTION TO USE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS USING THE TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL(Barry University, 2024) Aljouaid, Mohammad; Ferrona Beason , ARNPBackground: Information and Communication Technology is becoming increasingly critical in healthcare and education. Researchers have recently underlined the need to integrate these technologies into nursing education, recognizing their potential to elevate the quality of patient care. Even though Learning Management Systems are widely available to nursing educators, consistent usage has remained challenging, since not all faculty members continuously utilize these resources. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine constructs of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness within the Technology Acceptance Model as determinants of the nursing faculty's Continuance Intention towards Learning Management Systems in Saudi Arabian institutions of higher education. Theoretical Framework: The study tested select constructs (Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness) of the Technology Acceptance Model. Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional, correlational and predictive design, with data collected from a convenience sample of nursing faculty members in Saudi Arabia. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman Correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal- Wallis Tests, and multiple regression analysis. Results: A strong positive correlation was found between Saudi nursing faculty's Perceived Usefulness and their Continuance Intention to use Learning Management Systems (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). The analysis also showed a significant positive correlation between Saudi nursing faculty's Perceived Ease of Use and their Perceived Usefulness (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). The multiple regression analysis explained 46% of the variance in Continuance Intention (R2 = 0.46), with Perceived Usefulness being a strong predictor of Continuance Intention and Perceived Ease of Use showing a positive association with Continuance Intention (β = 0.178, t = 1.951, p = 0.054). The demographic factors age, gender, academic rank, faculty specialty, teaching experience did not show significant associations with Continuance Intention. Conclusions: The findings showed that both Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use significantly influenced Saudi nursing faculty's continuance intention to use Learning Management Systems, with Perceived Usefulness emerging as the stronger predictor. The lack of significant associations between demographic factors (age, gender, academic rank, faculty specialty, and teaching experience) and Continuance Intention indicated that these factors did not impact faculty’s Continuance Intention to use Learning Management Systems. The findings' implications were essential for developing strategies to encourage the adoption and effective use of LMS in nursing education.11 0Item Restricted A Systemic Literature Review Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Marketing(University of Liverpool, 2024-09) Aldihnayn, Anfal; Peter, GuentherThe incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing has transformed the field in recent years. In this regard, companies are now increasingly deploying AI solutions to improve consumer engagement and operational efficiency. This study investigates the power of AI in marketing, particularly through the lenses of the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory on how this technology accelerates corporate productivity and profitability, enhances customer satisfaction, and brings hyper-personalization into marketing processes. The study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, drawing on 37 peer-reviewed publications published between 2018 and 2024 to examine AI's impact across the marketing domain. Results reveal that AI significantly improves marketing strategies, helping companies to improve their financial performance, automate tasks, personalise their interactions with consumers, and enrich the overall customer experience. The findings of this study also supported the view that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) are critical determinants for the incorporation of AI into marketing practices. Moreover, the relative advantage of AI as compared to other traditional marketing methods, especially in terms of automation and personalisation, has become one of the major drivers leading to its adoption. However, this study also emphasising the importance of addressing the ethical challenges including data privacy and algorithmic biases associated with using AI in marketing. This work offers researchers a direct and comprehensive overview of the extant knowledge role of AI in marketing. It concludes that the future of AI in marketing will continue to grow whereby companies worldwide will be able to tap into the power of AI for innovation and efficiency. Companies using AI will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic market demands and ensure a competitive advantage.45 0Item Restricted The impact of NDRG1 overexpression on the immunological and metabolic reprogramming of the pancreatic tumour microenvironment(The University of Sydney, 2024-07) Alenizi, Shafi; Kovacevic, ZaklinaPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly aggressive, with no effective treatments for the 80% of patients that are diagnosed at an advanced stage. A major hurdle in treating PDAC is the extensive tumour microenvironment (TME) which facilitates resistance to all current therapies. N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) is a metastasis suppressor that was found to inhibit tumour progression and metastasis in PDAC. Recent studies also suggest that NDRG1 reduced PDAC-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), although the mechanisms behind this remain to be established. Our studies investigated the effect of NDRG1 on PDAC metabolism and how this influences key TME elements including tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and PSCs. We generated PDAC cells (MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1) that stably overexpress NDRG1 and performed extensive metabolomic, proteomic and secretome analysis under normoxia and hypoxia. Using conditioned media or direct 3D spheroid cocultures, we assessed the effect of PDAC cells on THP-1 and U937 monocytes and primary PSCs using flow cytometry, Seahorse metabolic analysis, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. The findings indicated that NDRG1 expression profoundly affected the metabolism of cancer cells, which led to significant changes in both the immune and fibroblast components of the TME. In cancer cells, NDRG1 reduced the uptake of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) leading to inhibition of the mTOR pathway. The secretome of PDAC cells, including exosomes, cytokines and chemokines was also altered by NDRG1. Specifically, NDRG1 increased secretion of TNF-α, while reducing CCL2 and TGF-β production by PDAC cells. This led to re-programming of TAMs from an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype to a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and altered TAM metabolism. NDRG1 expression in PDAC cells also markedly influenced the metabolic cross-talk with PSCs, leading to increased infiltration of M1 polarized TAMs into PDAC/PSC co-culture spheroids. We demonstrate that NDRG1 is highly involved in regulating PDAC metabolism, significantly altering metabolic cross-talk with PSCs and leading to extensive “re-programming” of TAMs into the M1 phenotype. Hence, NDRG1 has the potential to disrupt the oncogenic interactions between PDAC cells and the TME, and promoting the expression of this protein may enhance PDAC vulnerability to current chemo/immunotherapies.15 0Item Restricted IAI-CGM: A Novel Theoretical Framework for Internet of Things -Enabled Continuous Glucose Monitoring Adoption for Self-Empowerment Perspectives Among Saudi Patients with Type 1 Diabetes(University of Sussex, 2024-07-11) Almansour, Hamad; Beloff, Natalia; White, MartinBackground: The alarming surge in the occurrence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia has been primarily linked to the adoption of a "westernised" lifestyle, especially in dietary practices. Despite the existence of treatment facilities, projections indicate that diabetes will affect approximately 25% of Saudi Arabia's adult population by 2030. Addressing this worrying situation regarding type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires a paradigm shift in health control dynamics. The emphasis is moving from relying solely on doctors and physicians to placing greater responsibility in the hands of patients. This shift implies that patients should possess enhanced knowledge and the means for self-empowerment over their diet and nutrition to address their health-related issues. This is where smart technology assumes significance, empowering patients to adopt self-care management roles with Internet of Things (IoT)- enabled devices. However, it is imperative that use of IoT-enabled continuous glucose monitoring (IoT-CGM) be implemented at diabetes primary care centres in order for this practice to be normalized among all patients in Saudi Arabia. It is challenging to accurately assess the current rate of smart technology adoption by patients and IoT integration in the Saudi healthcare sector. Patients’ IoT-CGM adoption may be caused by numerous factors, such as practical, technological, and user behaviour factors. The study seeks to gauge the extent to which Saudi Arabian patients with diabetes are ready to embrace IoT-CGM for self- empowerment. Aims and Objectives: The research aims to assess the readiness and willingness of primary diabetes care patients in Saudi Arabia to wear CGM devices, thereby allowing self-empowerment. This research examines the literature that represents the challenges and concerns influencing the adoption of IoT-CGM, taking into account the experiences of T1DM patients in the environment of Saudi Arabia. The theoretical framework of the adoption of IoT-CGM is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Consequently, a theoretical framework is proposed as intention to adopt internet of things-enabled continuous glucose monitoring (IAI-CGM) to assess the willingness of Saudi Arabian T1DM patients for self- empowerment. Methods: The quantitative primary data were collected from 873 T1DM patients in Saudi Arabia, aged at least 18 years old. Primary data were analysed using the research IAI-CGM framework. Next, the validity and reliability of instrument were measured after checking data normality in SPSS and then the hypotheses were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) in AMOS. In the following step, qualitative data were collected through 15 comprehensive semi-structured interviews to capture the viewpoints of T1DM patients. A thematic analysis was performed to explore themes grounded on the theoretical IAI-CGM framework to identify the significance of practical, technological, and user behaviour factors that influence the adoption intention of T1DM patients. Results: The results consolidate the critical factors into the proposed IAI-CGM framework, identifying the main elements crucial for the framework in the context of T1DM patients in Saudi Arabia. The comprehensive theoretical IAI-CGM framework, based on the TAM, was applied and extended to comprehend the factors affecting the intention to adopt IoT-CGM in the context of Saudi Arabia. The results indicate the significance of practical, technological, and user behaviour factors, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusion: This study investigated the critical factors found in the theoretical IAI-CGM framework, such as practical, technological, and user behaviour factors, in the environment of Saudi Arabia. The research findings give valuable information regarding the willingness of Saudi Arabian T1DM patients to adopt IoT-CGM, which necessitates its integration into the Saudi healthcare system.12 0Item Restricted Factors Influencing Consumers’ Attitudes and Behaviours Towards Using Mobile Apps for Restaurant Dining Experiences and Decisions in Saudi Arabia(Victoria University, 2024-06-18) Aljabr, Mshari; Garma, Romana; Drake, ColinWorldwide, consumers are using smart devices (mobile phones and tablets) to access information about restaurants. This research investigates the factors that influence restaurant consumers’ attitudes and behaviours towards using mobile phones to select restaurants in Saudi Arabia. The research adopted a mixed methodology, with qualitative research that informed the development of an online survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Saudi Arabian customers who frequently utilise their mobile phones to decide on restaurants. Thematic analysis identified positive attitudes towards using mobile phone channels (mobile web, SMS messages, or mobile applications (apps)) for restaurants, which focused on usefulness and ease of use, and negative attitudes, which focused on misleading information and extensive advertising. Respondents reported significant gains in using mobile phone channels for restaurant selection, particularly in terms of saving money and time. The qualitative research also identified Google Maps and Instagram as the most common mobile phone channels used for restaurant selection. The use of these channels before respondents visited restaurants exerted the greatest impact on their choice of restaurants. An online survey administered to customers who frequently used their mobile phone applications for choosing restaurants (n = 496) measured their attitudes and behaviours toward the use of Instagram and Google Maps for selecting restaurants. The results from structural equation modelling (SEM) found that three system factors: trustworthiness, usefulness and ease of use; and three individual factors: subjective norms, self-efficacy, and rational decision style, had significant positive influences on attitudes toward the use of mobile apps for selecting restaurants. Furthermore, attitudes toward the use of mobile apps had a positive influence on behavioural intention to use mobile apps, and both attitudes and behavioural intention to use mobile apps had a positive influence on the actual use of the mobile apps for selecting restaurants. The actual use of mobile apps for selecting restaurants had a significant positive influence on behavioural intention to visit the restaurants. The survey results also accentuated the moderating effects of mobile apps (Instagram and Google Maps), gender, and age on the relationships between all constructs in the research framework. This research makes a theoretical contribution by providing empirical support for the extended technology acceptance model (TAM), determining the factors that influence the attitudes towards using mobile apps, behavioural intention to use mobile apps, actual use of mobile apps, and behavioural intention to visit restaurants identified through mobile apps. The research also offers significant insights for restaurant management, emphasising that a mere presence on various communication platforms is insufficient; instead, restaurants must use their online presence more effectively to influence customer behaviour favourably. This will contribute to the overall success of their restaurant.36 0Item Restricted Extending the Technology Acceptance Model: Exploring Trust and Perceived Risk in the Adoption of Virtual Assistants within the Context of Saudi Arabia(Nottingham University, 2023-12-13) Altamimi, Bashaer; Muaid, ReemThis research examined, in depth, the factors that impact users' willingness to utilise virtual assistant apps in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The analysis included trust and perceived risk as essential elements, expanding on the technology acceptance model. Drawing from the perspectives of 281 virtual assistant application users in Saudi Arabia, the results of the study confirmed and underscored the significant, positive roles played by both the technology acceptance model and user confidence in shaping users’ propensity to embrace virtual assistant applications. In addition, the study revealed that different dimensions of perceived risk, spanning performance, as well as psychological risks, privacy risks and security risks did not exert any noteworthy influence on the adoption of virtual assistant applications. These findings provide valuable strategic insights for virtual assistant companies, aiding them in devising strategies to attract users and efficiently allocating resources for customer growth and retention. Furthermore, this investigation presents empirical evidence that enhances the theoretical comprehension of users' intents to embrace virtual assistant apps, specifically in the context of Saudi Arabia.21 0Item Restricted FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF GAMIFICATION TOWARDS CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS: THE CASE OF HEALTHCARE STAFF IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-28) Alzahrani, Saleh; Micallef, NicholasIn an era marked by digital transformation and heightened cybersecurity threats, the imperative for robust cybersecurity awareness among healthcare staff cannot be overstated. This thesis explores the multifaceted factors that shape the intention to use gamification as a means to enhance cybersecurity awareness within the unique context of healthcare staff in Saudi Arabia. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and bolstered by the integration of perceived enjoyment, this study employs a quantitative research approach. A meticulously designed survey was distributed to 332 participants using a snowball sampling technique. The data collected were subjected to variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) using the Smart-Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The findings of this research unveil significant and compelling insights. They reveal that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived enjoyment play pivotal roles in shaping healthcare staff's intentions to embrace gamification for cybersecurity awareness. These factors collectively underscore the significance of user-centric design and engaging gamified experiences in fostering a heightened sense of cybersecurity preparedness among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. The results contribute not only to the burgeoning field of gamified cybersecurity training but also to the broader discourse on technology acceptance and its application in the crucial realm of cybersecurity awareness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.26 0Item Restricted Examining Academics and Students Attitudes to Mobile-learning in a Transformative University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a study of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University(Saudi Digital Library, 0023-10-27) Alshehri, Eman; Preston, Greg; Buchanan, RachelAlthough there is a growing interest in mobile-learning and its potential benefits in higher education, limited research has investigated cross-contextual mobile-learning issues such as university technology policies, usage levels, and practices in relation to students' gender, contextual, educational, and gender-based mobile-learning attitudes. This study was undertaken as a case study at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), to investigate the attitudes of both academic staff and students towards the adoption of mobile-learning with Smartphones. The first purpose of this study was to explore the current Smartphone policies, level of usage, preferred learning activities by students and academics at IAU. The second purpose of the study was to investigate the student’s and academics’ attitudes and perceptions toward using their Smartphones as learning and teaching tools, with particular regard to the challenges and/or enablers that they may encounter. This study used an adapted version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and a sequential mixed methods design to collect the data using online surveys with students (N=325), and semi-structured interviews with academics (N=21). Regression analysis was used to analyse the online surveys (quantitative data), and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews (qualitative data). The study findings revealed that both students and academics generally have a positive attitude toward the use of Smartphones in the learning environment at IAU. Around 98% of students at IAU use Smartphones every day for learning, while the use by the academics was substantially less. From the nine measured variables, only four predictors had a significant influence on students’ attitudes to mobile-learning: self-efficacy, enjoyment, perceived ease of use, and mobile-learning preferences. For academics, the most frequently reported challenge they faced when adopting mobile-learning was the lack of policies and regulations governing their use. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on mobile-learning in higher education and offers useful insights into how Smartphones are currently used by students and academics at IAU and the best practices for implementing Smartphones as learning and teaching tools.74 0