Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Corporate Governance and Comply or explain approach in the UK: evolution, impact, and limitations(Brunel, 2024-09-08) alshuwaier, Mohammed Ahmed; Zaccaria, ElenaThe UK corporate governance codes date back to the late 20th century. Their beginning is marked by the adoption of the comply or explain approach, which revolutionised corporate governance by giving the codes voluntary character. This approach provides that companies have the flexibility to choose between strict adherence to the code or the provision of justifiable explanations in case of deviations. Thus, comply or explain resulted in a departure from the rigid hard law instruments to regulate corporate governance and was a step forward for the development of internal structures for audit and control. What this study aims to answer is whether the comply or explain has a place in the present corporate governance practice and how it has contributed as a corporate governance approach in the last thirty years. Thus, a conclusion was reached that this principle has both positive and negative features; however, its place in the UK’s corporate governance practice remains crucial for providing guidance on corporate conduct. This study found that the UK corporate governance codes are prominent with their flexibility, accountability and transparency resulting from the application of comply or explain. Consequent to the adoption of this principle, a more dynamic and adaptable corporate governance landscape was formed. Companies are now encouraged to tailor the rules so that they fit their needs, since companies differ dramatically in size, functions, and economic place. This choice between compliance or explanation allowed companies to experiment and innovate, which in turn led to diverse and effective corporate governance practices. Simultaneously, this approach also required clear explanations in case of noncompliance, which fostered accountability and transparency within the company. However, the comply or explain is is not without its downsides. The most detrimental among them is the heavy reliance upon shareholders’ engagement since the latter are the ones responsible for evaluating the quality of explanations given by executive directors. Additionally, it was found that companies provide only formal compliance, as their ‘tick-thebox’ mentality does not allow them to apply the spirit of the voluntary recommendations rather than the text itself. Thus, the reflexivity of the process is under question.6 0Item Restricted The Effect of TikTok Short Videos on British Generation Z Decision-Making to Visit Saudi Arabia for Leisure Tourism(University of Surrey, 2024-10) Alfaifi, Rayan Hassan; Alector, RibeiroThis research explores the impact of TikTok short videos on British Generation Z’s decision-making process regarding leisure tourism to Saudi Arabia. With the rise of social media as a powerful tool for influencing consumer behavior, especially in the tourism sector, this study investigates the role of TikTok content in shaping the perceptions and travel intentions of British Gen Z, a demographic known for its heavy engagement with social media platforms. Specifically, the research focuses on how different types of TikTok content—positive, negative, entertainment-focused, and cultural—affect the image of Saudi Arabia as a leisure tourism destination and influence Gen Z's decision to visit. The theoretical foundation of the study is based on two prominent psychological models: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). The TPB framework is used to analyze how attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control shape Gen Z’s behavioral intentions to visit Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the ELM focuses on the routes of persuasion (central and peripheral) to explain how TikTok content may influence users’ perceptions and decisions, depending on their level of cognitive engagement and involvement with the content. Together, these models help explain how social media content can drive changes in attitude and behavior, particularly in the context of tourism decision-making. The study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing an experimental approach. A total of 390 participants from the UK, all of whom belong to Gen Z (aged 18–28), were recruited through Prolific, an online data collection platform. These participants were randomly divided into five groups, with four experimental groups and one control group. Each experimental group was exposed to a different type of TikTok content: Group 1 watched a positive video about Saudi Arabia, Group 2 watched a negative video, Group 3 watched an entertainment-focused video, and Group 4 watched a cultural video. The control group was not exposed to any video content. All participants completed a structured questionnaire before and after the intervention, which measured their prior knowledge of Saudi Arabia, cognitive and affective images of the destination, and their intention to visit. Data collection was carried out using the Qualtrics platform, and the results were analyzed through SPSS using various statistical techniques, including mixed between-within subjects ANOVA, mediation analysis, and moderation analysis. These methods were chosen to test the nine hypotheses outlined in the study, which revolve around the influence of TikTok content on travel intentions, the mediating role of the perceived image, and the moderating effects of prior knowledge and involvement with TikTok content. The results of the study reveal several key findings. First, the type of TikTok content significantly influences British Gen Z’s travel intentions and perceptions of Saudi Arabia. Positive TikTok content about Saudi Arabia, such as a video featuring Cristiano Ronaldo discussing his positive experience in the country, significantly increased participants’ intention to visit. In contrast, negative content, such as an interview with an individual comparing Saudi Arabia unfavorably to Canada in terms of professional freedom, had a negative impact on travel intentions. Entertainment-focused content, showcasing fun activities and scenic shots of Aseer Province, had the strongest positive effect on both the perceived image of Saudi Arabia and the intention to visit, confirming the hypothesis that entertainment-related content has a stronger influence than other types of content. The study also confirms the mediating role of the perceived image of Saudi Arabia. Participants who viewed positive or entertainment-focused videos reported a more favorable cognitive and affective image of the country, which in turn increased their intention to visit. Conversely, those exposed to negative content reported a less favorable image, which decreased their travel intentions. This mediating effect highlights the importance of destination image in shaping travel decisions, particularly when potential tourists rely on user-generated content from social media platforms like TikTok. Moderation analysis further revealed that prior knowledge and involvement with TikTok content play significant roles in moderating the relationship between content valence and travel intention. Surprisingly, participants with higher prior knowledge of Saudi Arabia showed stronger reactions to both positive and negative content, suggesting that those who are more familiar with the country are more influenced by the type of content they encounter. Similarly, participants with higher involvement in TikTok content showed stronger intentions to visit Saudi Arabia after watching positive or entertainment-focused videos, indicating that higher engagement with the platform enhances the impact of the content. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the powerful influence of TikTok content on British Gen Z’s perceptions and travel intentions towards Saudi Arabia. Positive and entertainment-focused content can significantly enhance the destination’s image and increase the likelihood of attracting tourists from this demographic. On the other hand, negative content can harm the destination’s image and deter potential visitors. These findings suggest that Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, in line with Vision 2030, can benefit greatly from strategically leveraging TikTok and other social media platforms to promote its leisure tourism offerings. By creating engaging, visually appealing, and culturally rich content, the Kingdom can attract a larger share of British Gen Z travelers, further diversifying its tourism sector and boosting its international appeal.9 0Item Restricted IPO Regulation in Saudi Arabia: A Look into IPO Listing Requirements and their Future Suitability(University of Edinburgh, 2024) Mushaikh, Yousuf; Hood, ParkerThis thesis discusses the KSA capital market in light of the recent rise of private companies pursuing initial public offerings. The thesis discusses the history of KSA's capital market and its continuous growth in light of Vision 2030 and its realization programs. The thesis provides an overview of the listing requirements for IPOs in both Tadawul's main market and NOMU and assesses them in a comparative manner with UK's IPO listing rules. The aim of this thesis is to analyse IPO listing requirements in KSA and their role in enabling private companies going public. The thesis looks into the potential difficulties private companies may face in going public and analyses them while also looking into the potential of introducing SPACs in KSA to further grow the capital market, in line with Vision 2030's goals.18 0Item Restricted The Impact of Corporate Governance on Financial Performance in Saudi Listed Companies(University of Sussex, 2024-09) Madini, Numair; Madini, NumairThis dissertation investigates the impact of corporate governance on the financial performance of Saudi-listed companies, focusing on key governance elements such as board independence, executive compensation, audit committee effectiveness, transparency, and internal controls. With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 serving as a backdrop, this study aims to understand how recent governance reforms and practices contribute to the financial outcomes of companies in a rapidly evolving economic environment. The research adopts a quantitative approach, analyzing data from a representative sample of Saudi-listed firms across various sectors. The findings reveal that robust corporate governance practices are strongly correlated with improved financial performance. Specifically, the presence of independent directors on company boards is associated with higher returns on equity and assets, underscoring the importance of unbiased oversight in corporate governance. Similarly, executive compensation that aligns with company performance positively influences long-term financial success, although the design of such compensation packages must carefully balance short-term and long-term incentives. Effective audit committees, characterized by their independence and financial expertise, play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and internal controls. The study also highlights the importance of transparency in financial reporting, with companies that adhere to stringent disclosure practices attracting more investment and enjoying lower capital costs. Additionally, strong internal controls and proactive risk management practices are essential for 2 maintaining financial stability and resilience in an increasingly complex and volatile business environment. The dissertation concludes that as Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its Vision 2030 goals, the adoption of global best practices in corporate governance will be crucial in achieving sustainable growth, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring the long-term success of its corporate sector. The findings provide valuable insights for corporate leaders, policymakers, and researchers, contributing to the ongoing development of corporate governance practices in Saudi Arabia and other emerging markets.16 0Item Restricted Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Physical Activity: Exploring the Issues among Asian Population in the UK and Advocating for Policy Change: A Mixed-Method Study(University of Nottingham, 2024-07) Alaslani, Hadeel; Adams, Gary; Shaw, IanBackground and aim: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), a glucose intolerance disorder resulting in hyperglycaemia, affects approximately one in every 23 pregnancies in the United Kingdom (UK). Compared to other ethnic groups in the UK, Asian-born women have a higher rate of GDM (5.8%). Physical activity is reported to have numerous benefits for both the expectant mother and foetus, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of developing GDM. This study examines the patterns of physical activity that impact GDM occurrence among Asian pregnant women living in the UK by: 1) assessing the association between patterns of physical activity engagement by Asian pregnant women and GDM occurrence; 2) gaining insight into Asian women’s knowledge of GDM and identifying barriers to and enablers of physical activity during pregnancy. Method: This research employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design comprising two phases. Data for the first phase were collected from 75 participants using a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants. Findings: Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between physical activity based on different variables during pregnancy and GDM occurrence in the first phase. However, sports/exercise, occupational, and light-intensity physical activities indicated a protective effect against GDM. Thematic analysis in the second phase identified four themes aligned with the socioecological model framework underpinning the study context. Both quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated into a joint display table to enable an in-depth evaluation of the interactions among intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors influencing changes in physical activity behaviour among pregnant Asian women. Conclusions and recommendations: This thesis has made a unique contribution to existing knowledge on physical activity during pregnancy and the occurrence of GDM among Asian women in the UK. Application of the socioecological model provided evidence of changes in physical activity behaviour and the influence of individual, social, and environmental factors. These findings are significant for various domains, including public health, and groups such as policy health advisors, and healthcare professionals concerned with female prenatal health. Future studies should support practice in culturally appropriate strategies for promoting physical activity by ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding Asian culture will allow healthcare providers to effectively address the specific requirements of this demographic of pregnant women rather than simply adopting current guidelines, which may be inadequate.9 0Item Restricted Satisfaction, Utilisation and Willingness to Pay for Primary Care Dental Services(Queen’s University Belfast, 2024-07-02) Almutairi, Majed; O’Neill, Ciaran; McKenna, GerryIt is a common objective to strive for better health. Keeping one's teeth healthy and practising appropriate oral hygiene are essential but frequently overlooked aspects. Poor dental health can have a detrimental effect on speech, diet, and general well-being and has been related to a range of serious health conditions. Nevertheless, there are substantial obstacles to receiving prompt, reasonably priced dental care. User preferences can offer insights into the publics’ perceptions of dental services' how they are valued and used. Potential disparities in oral health and the effectiveness of the healthcare system can also be found by analysing preferences differently among social groups. This emphasises how crucial oral health equity is to enable everyone to reach the highest standards regardless of social or economic background. This thesis aims to examine satisfaction, utilisation, and Willingness to Pay for dental care, to identify the underlying factors that lead to differences across these among various groups of individuals, and to assess how the context in which care is delivered affects them. The thesis consists of a number of studies, that use primary and secondary data from Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. It seeks to understand the perception of dental services, how these vary and what lessons might be learnt from this with respect to policy. The thesis is laid out in five chapters. In Chapter 1, the background to the study is provided and motivation for the subsequent empirical chapters set out. In Chapter 2 an empirical study that examine satisfaction with dental services are presented using the Donabedian framework to relate care quality to satisfaction. In this study, data from the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSAS) is used to examine the differences in satisfaction across different demographic groups and to track the development of this satisfaction over time. The chapter demonstrates using data from the UK, how satisfaction with dental services can vary within a publicly funded system throughout an economic cycle as the opportunities for private practice change and with it, access to dental care among publicly funded patients. Importantly the chapter underscores the challenges in analysing and interpreting the results of satisfaction survey data. In Chapter 3, the focus shifts to the utilisation of dental care, using the Andersen model as a conceptual framework. The chapter has been divided into two main sections. The first section emphasises the significance of accurately describing the concept of 'need' when examining variations in dental care use. Using data from the Scottish Health Survey, it highlights distinctions between those who use services for prevention and those who use services for treatment attention terms of their socio-demographics. The following section examines differences between regions in use of services that might be concealed by national statistics. The second study demonstrates the existence in Saudi Arabia of distinct patterns across regions in use of care related to socio-demographic characteristics of users. In Chapter 4, satisfaction with, utilisation of, and willingness to pay for dental care services in Saudi Arabia are examined using primary data analysis that collected face to face and online. the first study examines satisfaction with dental care in Saudi Arabia by conducting a comparative analysis of in-person and online surveys. This study highlights the possible influence of survey administration techniques on research findings. This study shows how overall satisfaction varies as satisfaction with specific aspects of service but not others vary, demonstrating that amenities and communication are critical drivers of overall satisfaction. In the second empirical study the utilisation of services as reported in face-to-face surveys and online surveys in Saudi Arabia are examined on the potential for sample selection is explored using data gathered during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath. In the third study, the utility theory used to examine the willingness of individuals in Saudi Arabia to pay for dental check-ups using online survey responses in Saudi Arabia. This study presents as a proof of principle a study of WTP in Saudi Arabia and amines differences in willingness to pay among various demographic groups. The validity of the study's estimated willingness-to-pay is validated internally and externally. It also examines the more general implications of these findings for fairness and healthcare policy, providing a thorough assessment of the financial elements of dental service accessibility and cost in Saudi Arabia. In the final chapter the lessons from across the various empirical studies are discussed, strengths and limitations of the work examined and areas for further research identified.25 0Item Restricted Factors contributing to hate crimes and racial discrimination against Arab Muslims in the UK(Saudi Digital Library, 0023-11-23) Alanazi, Maryam; Alanazi, MaryamIn recent years, a considerable body of research and surveys has been undertaken, notably in the aftermath of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. These investigations have shed light on a noticeable increase in hate crimes directed explicitly towards the Muslim community within the UK, notwithstanding the existence of specific surveys conducted among Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, which have produced positive outcomes, indicating a positive trend in the degree of acknowledgement granted to Muslims within the nation (Ghani & Nagdee, 2019). According to the 2021 report published by the UK Home Office, it was determined that around 50% of individuals targeted in hate crimes are affiliated with the Muslim community in England and Wales. What determinants contribute to hate crimes and racial discrimination towards Arab Muslims in the United Kingdom? Is the United Kingdom considered to have the lowest incidence of racial discrimination against Muslims compared to other European nations? What factors contribute to the increase in hate crimes? Do Arab Muslims perceive a sense of societal failure? This ongoing crisis of racism has prompted numerous inquiries, including those about Arab Muslims, which are but a small subset of the broader range of questions being posed. And lastly, what do Arab Muslims anticipate from the government in combating prejudice and hate crimes? This research examines the variables causing hate crimes and racial prejudice against Arab Muslims in the UK in response to this problem and the abovementioned points. To do this, the research will first depend on secondary data from administratively released national-level statistics, which will be analysed in the literature review last section. After that, a varied sample of Arab Muslims from throughout the UK will be used for semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire-based survey to gather primary data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This study attempts to provide a thorough investigation of the views and perceptions of Arab Muslims about the causes influencing hate crime and racial prejudice by integrating primary and secondary data sources.10 0Item Restricted A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THEATRE-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS BULLYING IN THE UK, IRELAND, AND SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-01) Alharbi, Naif Ali; Edgar, StephenAbstract The current study explored the use and effectiveness of theatre-based interventions to address bullying in the UK, Ireland, and Saudi Arabia. The study adopted a comparative analysis, and data were collected from existing published sources. The data collected were thematically analysed. One crucial finding was that the UK and Ireland have many laws to address bullying, such as the UK’s Equality Act, 2010 and the Irish Children First Act, 2015. However, laws in Saudi Arabia have yet to be fully developed to specifically deal with school-based bullying. Theatre-based interventions, such as role-play and drama, were implemented in the UK and Ireland and were found to be effective in reducing bullying rates among learners. The interventions helped increase students’ knowledge of how to resist bullies and develop better social skills. The main success of theatre-based interventions involves the active involvement of teachers and students in theatre activities. Additionally, the major challenges affecting theatre-based interventions include teachers’ inadequate knowledge of dramatisation and the temporary nature of the positive impact of theatre-based interventions on student behaviour. A key recommendation from the study is that Saudi Arabia should promote drama workshops in schools to empower students and enable them to address bullying issues. Keywords: Bullying, theatre, interventions, Saudi Arabia, UK, Ireland, role-play14 0Item Restricted An investigation of AI in talent management in luxury hospitality in the UK (United Kingdom)(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-09-29) Alshalah, Zahra; Marinakou, EvangeliaAn investigation has been conducted into the implementation of artificial intelligence in the luxury hospitality sector of the United Kingdom. Digitalization is influencing the business operations of the hospitality sector from a variety of perspectives, including talent management. Managing talent is critical to the success of business operations in the luxury tourism sector, since it is a fundamental component of providing a better level of service to customers. There is no doubt that the hospitality industry is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Hoteliers have been assisted greatly by artificial intelligence in managing their talent in recent years. Yet most human resources managers in luxury hotels in the United Kingdom are unaware of the existence of this technology, which is the reason for their slow growth. The purpose of this specified dissertation paper is to provide an in-depth analysis and discussion regarding the various challenges that various HR managers are undergoing while implementing AI technology within the hospitality industry in the UK. As well as the variety of approaches through which these challenges can be mitigated, this article discusses various ways through which all of these challenges can be mitigated. Artificial intelligence has been found to be able to facilitate the recruitment process. By doing so, Human Resources professionals have been able to reduce their workload. Additionally, it is used to train employees, make cognitive decisions, and select resumes for employment.97 0Item Restricted The Role of Aesthetics in Successful Logo Design.(Saudi Digital Library, 2022-12-24) Nasseraldin, Ahmed; Westland, Stephen; Lee, Soojin; Marsden, JamieLogos are important; they grab consumers’ attention, make a strong first impression, and are a valuable visual representation of a brand. The visual appearance of logos is therefore important in terms of how they are viewed by consumers and how they influence consumer perceptions of the brand that the logos represent. The central question that is explored in this thesis is what visual attributes of a logo contribute to the logo’s aesthetic appeal and the approach taken is one that analyses data derived from consumer responses. The work described is therefore a collection of consumer-driven studies that use interviews, focus groups and surveys; the latter may be described as psychophysical experiments. The experimental part of the thesis is structured into three experimental chapters that describe 7 studies. In Chapter III, a set of focus groups and interviews collected information from consumers about logo aesthetics and some related concepts such as familiarity. Chapter IV includes two experiments where participants were asked to scale various logos in terms of visual attributes. The data from these experiments allowed a factor analysis that derived four main visual factors: vibrancy, simplicity, sophistication and balance, in order of deceasing share of the variance. These four factors can be considered to form a 4-D aesthetic space for logos. Chapter V describes cross-cultural studies of logo preference using a Likert scale and particularly explored the role of colour and whether a logo was a simple icon or had text. It was found that logos without an icon, consisting only of text, were perceived as being less preferred than logos with an icon. It was also found logos that were coloured were more preferred than logos that were achromatic or multicoloured.14 0