Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

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The influence of the #MeToo movement on women’s participation and innovation outcomes in STEM fields in the United States, 2010 - 2020
(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) HANDOOM, HEND; Gozen, Ruveyda
This dissertation investigates the impact of the #MeToo movement on women’s participation and innovation outcomes in STEM fields across the United States between 2010 and 2020. Utilizing a robust quantitative approach that includes fixed effects panel regressions, event study analyses, and Difference-in-Differences (DID) methods, the study examines how cultural shifts triggered by the movement influenced female STEM enrollment, employment, and patenting activity. While the #MeToo movement significantly increased media coverage of gender issues in STEM, its direct effects on employment and patenting were limited at the aggregate national and state levels. However, DID analyses revealed a significant rise in female STEM enrollment and marginal gains in patenting, suggesting early signs of progress in education and innovation. The research highlights the enduring influence of structural economic factors—such as GDP, wage disparities, and research investment—in shaping STEM gender equity outcomes, emphasizing the need for multifaceted policy interventions alongside cultural change. By integrating media discourse analysis and employing multiple econometric techniques, this study advances the understanding of social movements’ nuanced effects on STEM participation. The findings inform policy recommendations targeting education access, workplace equity, innovation support, and economic reform to foster a more inclusive STEM ecosystem. Future research should explore longer-term, intersectional, and organizational-level dynamics to better capture the complexities of gender equity in STEM. This dissertation underscores that while cultural movements like #MeToo catalyze important shifts, achieving lasting gender equity in STEM requires sustained, coordinated efforts bridging cultural, structural, and policy domains.
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THREE ESSAYS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE: EXPLORING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-DRIVEN METHODS AND EMPIRICAL PATTERNS
(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alrubaiaan, Omar; Chari, Murali
This dissertation consists of three essays on entrepreneurial strategy and performance. Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, and understanding the factors that shape entrepreneurial outcomes remains a central concern in the field. The three essays highlight complementary themes: strategic adaptation through pivots and the use of advanced AI to detect them, the role of entrepreneurial experience in shaping performance, and the contextual conditions under which immigrant entrepreneurs achieve superior outcomes. The first essay introduces a novel approach to measuring post-launch pivots in startups using Large Language Models (LLMs). By systematically analyzing changes in firm descriptions over time, the study develops an automated method to capture strategic redirection at scale. While pivoting is widely discussed in entrepreneurship, prior research has largely relied on case studies of individual or small groups of ventures. This study advances the literature by leveraging CrunchBase data and prompting LLMs to assess description changes and benchmarking their performance against human raters. Results show that the top-performing LLM outperforms human accuracy (84% versus 79%), demonstrating the promise of LLMs as scalable tools for systematically studying pivots across large samples. Moreover, when human raters were subsequently exposed to the LLM’s assessments, their accuracy increased to 85%, demonstrating the potential of LLMs not only as scalable analytical tools but also as valuable decision-support systems that enhance human judgment. The second essay examines the performance of serial versus novice entrepreneurs, distinguishing between survival and financial outcomes. Using panel data, the study develops and tests hypotheses on differences in venture performance, arguing that survival and financial performance—often treated interchangeably—reflect distinct dimensions of entrepreneurial success. Findings reveal that the first ventures of serial entrepreneurs generate higher financial performance but shorter survival relative to those of novices. Furthermore, subsequent ventures of serial entrepreneurs survive longer than earlier ones, though their financial performance does not significantly improve. These results shed light on the nuanced relationship between entrepreneurial experience and venture outcomes. The third essay investigates the performance of self-employed immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States, asking when and under what conditions they outperform their non-immigrant counterparts. Drawing on longitudinal panel data from the PSID, the study tests four hypotheses, including the moderating roles of family size, wealth, and industry context. Findings show that immigrant entrepreneurs outperform their native-born counterparts on average, with family size strengthening this advantage and wealth diminishing it. Industry dynamics also matter: immigrants excel in blue-collar sectors but are less competitive in white-collar industries, reflecting both constraints and opportunities embedded in immigrant entrepreneurship. Taken together, these three essays contribute to entrepreneurship research by advancing methodological tools for measuring pivots, clarifying the performance implications of entrepreneurial experience, and uncovering the contextual factors that shape immigrant entrepreneurs’ outcomes. Collectively, they provide a multidimensional perspective on entrepreneurial strategy and performance.
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The Role of Innovation and Technology in The Internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) ALQAHTANI, FAHD; Cranfield, Desireé; Mulyata, John
The thesis seeks to analyse the importance of innovation and technology in the internationalisation process of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. Several elements have been identified as relevant in the internationalisation process of organisations, with an emphasis on innovation and technology. The literature review (Chapter 2) describes the relationship between various contributory factors and explains the study’s theoretical framework. The methods of the current study comprise the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data, therefore reinforcing its contribution to the literature and allowing the development of practical guidelines for SMEs about their internationalisation process. Five hypotheses are proposed to help understand how innovation and technology affect the internationalisation of SMEs: the first two are directly related to the theme of innovation and technology, investigating their influence on the process of internationalisation, while the following three examine the involvement of resource development, managerial experience, and networking relationships. The results suggest a clear link between the increased use of innovative practices and the application of advanced technologies and the internationalisation of SMEs, although weaknesses are identified around resource development, managerial experience, and networking relationships in the global venture process. These findings demonstrate the necessity of a mixed approach that preserves the direction of innovation and technology, effective resource usage, a high level of managerial competencies, and successful networking. Therefore, useful insights can be provided to expand understanding of SME internationalisation within the Saudi Arabian context, including entrepreneurial strategies to help SMEs compete and prosper in the global marketplace through the adoption of innovation and technology.
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Sustainability and Innovation in Megaprojects: Assessing NEOM’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Economic Future.
(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Abdullah; Arami, Mitra
The themes of economic diversification and urbanization have increasingly occupied our attention amongst urban scholars, especially within megaprojects. On a Global scale, cities are embracing technology and innovation, sustainability, and economic evolution towards smart environments. One of the largest and most ambitious urban developments in the world, the $500 billion NEOM smart city in Saudi Arabia, is being advertised as a key aspect of Saudi Vision 2030 (Farag, 2019). The megacity NEOM is perceived as a futuristic city that utilizes artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced mobility, and an advanced digitized infrastructure (Altahtooh, 2019). As part of the project which aims to draw foreign investment, establish jobs and cut the kingdom's oil revenue dependence (Yusuf and Abdulmuhsen, 2023). Yet, despite NEOM seemingly mirroring trends towards smart cities globally, it also poses economic, environmental and logistical challenges (Algumzi, 2022). 1.2 Research Context: NEOM and Vision 2030 Vision 2030, which is the national reform strategy for Saudi Arabia, includes economic diversification and decreasing dependency on fossil fuels through sustainable urban development (Alghamdi, 2020). This umbrella includes NEOM as a flagship initiative to make Saudi Arabia at the forefront of city restructuring and green sustainability innovation (Mittal et al., 2023). This paper critically evaluates the role of NEOM in economic diversification, technological affordability and social context under the larger Vision 2030 umbrella. 1.3 Rationale for the Study Smart cities have been identified as valuable tools for sustainable development, thus studying sustainable megaprojects such as NEOM can provide insights into their viability in the context of developing countries. Although the concept of smart urbanism has initiated a rich literature (Kitchin and Dodge, 2017), there is little work focused on the long-term.
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Role of the Workplace Diversity in Enhancing Employee Performance and Innovation in Project Management: A Case of Saudi Arabia
(De Montfort University, Leicester, 2025) Alotaibi, Saud Shaman; Dibia, Chinedu
This study investigates the role of workplace diversity in enhancing employee performance and fostering innovation within project management environments in Saudi Arabia. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys conducted across multiple sectors. Findings reveal that inclusive and diverse teams significantly contribute to creativity, collaboration, and overall performance in project-based settings. The study highlights the need for diversity management strategies to achieve competitive advantage and project success, particularly in culturally diverse environments like Saudi Arabia.
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Investigating Organisational Success Determinants for Adoption of Innovation in Saudi Deep Technology and Environmental Engineering Businesses
(Saudi Digital Library, 2024-02-01) Badereg, Ahmad Talal; El-Hamalawi, Ashraf; Fotwe, Francis Edum
Performance within organisations aims to create a structure to boost working conditions and employees’ attitudes. Innovation performance is the process that encompasses the generation of ideas and strategies, as well as presentation and development and developing innovation from a resource-based perspective. Companies should invest significantly to sustain and enhance capabilities for innovation. Goals of innovation include increased market profile, high quality, and increased revenue, profitability, discovering new horizons, attracting more investment, motivating and stimulating employees and maintaining a competitive edge in the complex marketplace. The aim of this research is to critically investigate innovation enterprise mechanisms and success determinants for Saudi deep technology environmental engineering businesses, in order to develop a validated framework for innovation enhancement practices in the Kingdom. This research was carried out through an empirical study designed for the purpose. Wallach’s 3-Dimensional model and the Organisational Culture Index (OCI) were used for survey questionnaires in order to identify the Kingdom’s cultural profile (e.g. bureaucratic, innovative, supportive) and validating the developed conceptual framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to seek information and knowledge through describing the central theme. Case studies included deep technology environmental engineering businesses and government-based companies in the Kingdom. Initial results were promising and paving the way for innovation; however, most of the companies were facing enormous challenges, as use/implementation of innovation practices were ranked low amongst deep technology environmental engineering businesses in Saudi Arabia. Although, most of the variables were identified in the conceptual framework, it has noted that the current culture was not rather innovative or supportive but bureaucratic. Most significant challenges were lack of leadership, shortages of skills, managerial capacity and capability, lack of appropriate KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and readiness of organisation in the Kingdom. The Conceptual framework was validated via different iterations using empirical data. The result of this work is the first empirical study in the Kingdom which has made an attempt to investigate innovation practices among deep technology companies and proposing a validated conceptual framework for successful implementation of innovation-based culture. Finally, recommendations were provided to overcome the key challenges which were identified in this research. The recommendations include training and 5 development program for improving skills, development of leadership, reforms in Saudi Educational system and adopt appropriate KPIs for innovation.
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Improving Saudi Arabia's Pharmaceutical Self-Reliance by Leveraging Innovation and Technology.
(University College London (UCL), 2024) Alharthy, Khaled; Sheikh, Kabir
This study explored existing the state of knowledge on innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and its transformative potential in enhancing access to antibiotics within Saudi Arabia’s pharmaceutical sector. To achieve this goal, the study developed two main objectives: a). To evaluate the use and purpose of innovation for inducement of pharmaceutical access in Saudi Arabia b). To evaluate the use and purpose of innovation for inducement of pharmaceutical access in Saudi Arabia. The study utilised a systematic review methodology guided by PRISMA guidelines to search relevant educational databases to find literature that has been published in recent years. The databases consulted included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. The search strategy focused on keywords related to antibiotics access, innovation, digital health, and pharmaceuticals in the Saudi context. Key findings indicated that technology and innovation have great potential of enhancing access to antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in general as well as improving the country's ability of self reliance. The development and integration of telehealth and e-prescription tools in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare has increased efficiency in service delivery and prescription. However, these technologies have not been optimised to facilitate access to essential drugs. The implementation of such innovations is hindered by high development costs and stringent regulatory frameworks. The study findings identified the critical need for policy reforms, investment in technological infrastructure and fundings towards pharmaceutical research and development to optimise antibiotics procurement, distribution, and patient adherence to facilitate access to antibiotics. Another critical finding was lack of studies on the significance of technology in enhancing access to antibiotics especially following the government restrictions on non-prescribed antibiotics. Future research should prioritise in identifying more ways for Saudi Arabia to become self-reliant in terms of pharmaceutical means of approach, empirical studies to establish concrete links between technological interventions and enhanced pharmaceutical access to inform evidence based policy decisions to address accessibility challenges.
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Balancing Innovation and Protection: Is AI Regulation the Future of Saudi FinTech?
(King's College London, 2024-09) Alkhathlan, Alaa Saad; Keller, Anat
This study investigates the implications of artificial intelligence in the Saudi FinTech sector, focusing on the evolving regulatory landscape. While AI holds substantial promise for driving innovation, it also poses ethical and practical challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and fairness. This study examines the current regulatory framework in Saudi Arabia, highlighting efforts like the AI Ethics Principles and the Personal Data Protection Law. Despite these measures, significant gaps remain due to the voluntary nature of the AI Ethics Principles and Generative AI Guidelines, resulting in inconsistent implementation. The primary aim of this study is to guide policymakers on regulating AI in the Saudi FinTech sector while preserving innovation. Key recommendations urge policymakers to develop regulations based on international best practices, addressing issues such as data privacy, algorithmic biases, and systemic risks. Emphasising the need for continuous dialogue among regulators, FinTech companies, and international partners, the study also calls for enhancing human-machine collaboration, establishing regulatory sandboxes, creating an AI Oversight Committee, and supporting research to better understand AI's implications. By aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, these recommendations aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia's AI regulatory framework, support sustainable growth in the FinTech sector, and build public trust in AI-driven financial services.
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Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Sustainable Project Management
(University of Exeter, 2024-07-04) Alqurashi, Abdullah; Roman, Jose Melenez
Sustainable project management encompassed the economic, environmental, and social aspects of a project to attain the project objectives in a sustainable manner. Nonetheless, the integration of AI technologies in sustainable project management was still low due to factors like inadequate knowledge of technical know-how, costs of implementing AI technologies, and resistance from the project team. This research aimed to identify the factors that hinder the application of AI in project management for sustainable practices and provided recommendations for enhanced application. The research sought to understand the status of AI adoption, challenges faced, and the impact of knowledge management practices on project performance based on the survey of 40 professionals in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this research enhanced the theoretical understanding of the topic by identifying that the level of awareness of AI is much higher than the level of its adoption. The research results show that although the level of awareness of AI technologies is relatively high, the implementation of the technologies is limited because of technical, financial, and organizational constraints. This research has also highlighted how knowledge management practice can be used to close this gap which can enhance increase in project performance, reduce costs and promote innovation. The research provided practical recommendations for organizations interested in using AI for sustainability and following best practices on a global level and in alignment with the vision of Saudi Arabia for the future. When applying these recommendations, professionals will be able to increase project efficiency, reduce costs, and promote innovation which contributes to sustainable development goals. This research presents a conceptual model that outlines how AI technologies can be applied in sustainable project management, fostering innovation and sustainable development. The research also highlights the necessity for future research to delve deeper into developing actionable frameworks and practical strategies for integrating AI into sustainable project management.
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Taking Simulation Game into International Business Plan: Aljohani's Group
(University of Exeter, 2024) Aljohani, Yousef Saad; Thompson, Alex
Aljohani entered the jetpack market with the introduction of Flying Wing, retailing for $60. The company pursued a pricing strategy by offering a functional jetpack that promised comfort and safety with minimal design and engine power consideration, as its target market was the elderly. This retail pricing was the lowest in the market, which helped the company achieve its main objective of providing affordable personal mobility and, at the same time, attaining robust financial growth and customer satisfaction. The company intended to continue investing in R&D and evolving the market, which led to the development of a new Dreamliner-787 jetpack targeting the academic segment. This continuous development allowed the company to gain other secondary segments and expand its market share. The company focused on low pricing and aggressive product innovation, as witnessed by its R&D budget of $92,500 in the first two years. This pricing worked in entering and gaining a broader market in the elderly and academics segments. The company remained competitive by increasing revenue sold in the second year and profit margin. The company adapted its strategy by producing an eco-friendly jetpack catering to the academics segment. This plan worked by capturing a broader market that values high-quality products at a higher price, even though its pricing strategy led to the decline of the elderly market share. However, the introduction of Dreamliner-787 and the subsequent withdrawal of Flying Wing from the market helped capture other market segments, but it also resulted in a reduction in margin profits. The limitation of this strategy involved increased operational costs due to raw materials, promotion, and high distribution costs. Nevertheless, the company has an opportunity to re-introduce Flying Wing to continue selling to price-conscious consumers and increase the Dreamliner-787 retail pricing to boost sales and profitability. The first product introduced into the market was the Flying Wing jetpack, designed to offer comfort and safety to the targeted elderly group. The product is suited mainly to cost-conscious consumers, which led to its popularity in the academics segment. Since the company did not invest much in its design, promotion, engine power, or environmental considerations, the average production cost for Flying Wing was $31. Therefore, selling it for $60 resulted in higher sales in the two segments and better returns. However, the company introduced its flagship jetpack, Dreamliner-787, towards the end of year 2. Dreamliner-787 was designed to offer superior comfort, environmental friendliness, and enhanced safety features. It also greatly improved the design and engine power by introducing additional features. The flagship jetpack helped address market needs such as ecological considerations by academics and environmentalists, aesthetics requirements for the hipsters, engine capability needed by youths, and comfort and safety preferred by the elderly. Therefore, by developing Dreamliner-787, the company delivered a product capable of handling longer distances, offering quality at an affordable price. Dreamliner-787 exploited the emerging trend of environmental-conscious consumers such as academics and environmentalists. It also provided an opportunity for the company to cater to the consumers who demand powerful engines and aesthetics in their jetpacks. Therefore, Aljohani created Dreamliner-787 with specific considerations of consumer needs and preferences. The innovative and quality features positioned the company to capture a broader market by capitalising on the growing demands. Strategic investments in R&D helped the company remain ahead of the competition. Initially, the company targeted the elderly segment with the Flying Wing jetpack. The company acquired 91.67% of the elderly market share in the first year. The company realised the popularity of the jetpack amongst academics as it acquired a market share of 94.78% in this segment. In the second year, the company began development of Dreamliner-787 and slowed down on the promotion of Flying Wing in anticipation of the launch of the new product. The decision led to the decline of market share in the two segments in the second year. The introduction of the Dreamliner-787 allowed the company to capture a wider market share by having a chunk of each segment available. 46.03% of the environmentalists, 44.85% of the academics, 38.89% of the hipsters, 26.30% of the teen boys, and 15.85% of the elderly purchased the Dreamliner-787 in the third year. This helped boost total volume sales revenue from $740,040 in the first year to $2,330,248 in the third year. The company distributed its product through department stores, online outlets, low-cost chains, high-end stores, and trade fairs. Using all available distribution channels allowed the company to reach all the segments, thus boosting Aljohani's market share. Aljohani utilised various channels to communicate with the target market. Considering the broad target and secondary segments as well as the varied preferences of the demographics, the company utilised both digital and traditional communication channels. They included Internet ads, Pictagram, Talkbook, TV and movies, radio, and trade fairs. The company managed to engage different consumers at various levels, increasing brand awareness and sales. Growth in sales and awareness resulted in increased total equity from $769,750 in year 1 to $3,167,369 in year 3. The growth in equity signified Aljohani's effectiveness as a jetpack manufacturer and distributor. However, the changes in market competition, saturation, and product offering resulted in a considerable decline in net income and net profit margin from year 1 to year 3. Net income started at $218,683 and increased in year 2 to $436,653 before a decline to $192,655 in year 3. This decline in profitability and net income occurred despite an increase in sales volume. Nevertheless, Aljohani remained profitable throughout the simulation period, and consistent growth in the number of units produced per year showed the ability of the company to increase its capacity to handle market demand.
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Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

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