Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Embargo From Oil to Identity: Place branding for urban transformation in a top-down society (A case study of Saudi Arabia)(Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2024-12-11) Alsayel, Abdulrhman; Edelenbos, Jurian; De Jong, Martin; Fransen, JanThis dissertation investigates the transformation of Saudi Arabian cities under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, focusing on the role of place branding within a centralized governance system. The research seeks to understand how cultural, institutional, and governance factors influence the effectiveness of place branding strategies in Saudi Arabia, offering a departure from Western-centric models that emphasize participatory and bottom-up approaches. By using Riyadh as a principal case study, the thesis sheds light on the implications of top-down city branding on urban development, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. The research is structured into four interconnected papers. The first paper explores the tension between economic growth and social inclusivity through a comparative analysis involving Dubai, Amsterdam, and Toronto. The findings reveal that while creative city branding can drive innovation and attract investment, it often neglects inclusivity, leading to social exclusion. The second paper examines how various multi-level governance models impact the success of place branding in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that cities directly aligned with central government resources tend to achieve more effective branding, though this can exacerbate regional disparities. The third paper delves into the cultural and institutional factors affecting place branding, emphasizing that while central government involvement can streamline efforts, it may limit local stakeholder engagement. The final paper focuses on the rebranding of Riyadh, drawing comparisons with global cities like Barcelona and Tokyo to reveal both the opportunities and social challenges associated with rapid urban transformation, such as gentrification and cultural homogenization. This thesis concludes that while centralized governance can expedite urban development and enhance city branding, maintaining cultural integrity and fostering social equity are essential to sustainable growth. The research advocates for future studies to employ mixed-method approaches for broader applicability and to explore comparative case studies in other centralized systems, such as China and the UAE, to enrich the understanding of place branding in non-Western contexts.9 0Item Restricted Exploring How Social Media Advertising Shape Cultural Saudi Identity in Saudi Arabia(University of Sheffield, 2024-08-29) Alaydaa, Sarah; Ogunmuyiwa, HakeemInvestigating how social media advertising shapes Saudi cultural identity is the goal of this study. The research reviewed the previous studies that conducted in the last decade to derive its results and conclusions. Social media platforms have fundamentally changed how people interact and communicate. Thus it's important to understand how these virtual social phenomena are affecting our feelings and ideas about ourselves and each other. Finding out how social media advertising affects cultural identity in a good and bad way is the goal of the research. The benefits can be seen in the freedom to engage with others, pick up new information, and deal with the outside world, as well as in the education of other people about their cultures. The negative consequences could manifest as a person adopting Western values, breaking free from the dominant social norms, or acquiring values and customs that are incompatible with Arab culture. Thus, the researcher thinks that the social media has positive effects on cultural identity and on society.3 0Item Restricted Large-System Transformation in Healthcare and the Roles of Senior Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia(University of Manchester, 2024) Bawhab, Omar; Nelson, Adrian; Coleman, Anna; Mahon, AnnThe implementation of large-system transformation in healthcare is complex and multi-faceted, requiring effective leadership at all levels, particularly from senior leaders. However, there is limited conceptual clarity around large-system transformations in healthcare and the roles senior leaders play in driving such transformations, especially in a non-Western context. This thesis addresses these knowledge gaps by exploring senior leaders' perceptions of large-system transformation and their role in its implementation in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative single case study design, this research gathered insights from 22 senior leaders at national and regional levels of the Saudi healthcare system through semi-structured interviews. The study employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Health System Dynamics Framework, sensemaking theory, and systems leadership perspectives. Two conceptual frameworks were developed: one delineating ten key components of large-system transformation in healthcare, and another outlining seven critical roles of senior leaders during such transformations, six categories of enablers, and eight types of challenges. The large-system transformation framework highlights the interconnected nature of contextual triggers, climate for change, vision, leadership, governance, actors, resources, processes, social forces (e.g., resistance to change), and information flow. The senior leaders’ roles, enablers, and challenges framework emphasizes leaders' responsibilities in creating a climate for change, communicating and learning, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, setting strategic direction, managing social dynamics, and developing key leadership attributes. The framework also indicates multiple enablers and challenges relevant to the roles of senior leaders, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare system transformations. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of large-system transformation in healthcare and senior leaders' roles, enablers, and challenges, particularly in a non-Western context. It offers practical implications for healthcare leaders and policymakers engaged in system-wide transformations. Future research directions are suggested to further validate and expand upon these findings.12 0Item Restricted How has Saudi Arabia maintained political stability, monarchical survival and curtailed the traditional patronage system while implementing economic and social reforms under Vision 2030?(The London School of Economics and Political Science, 2024-08) Alenazi, Jenna Hamid; Hertog, SteffenThis dissertation investigates the impact of Saudi Vision 2030's comprehensive socio-economic reforms on the political stability and monarchical survival of Saudi Arabia. By examining specific economic and social reforms, implemented since 2016, it focuses on how these changes have contributed to the monarchy’s resilience. Also, it examines the reforming and curtailment of the traditional patronage system, highlighting how through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has developed an updated social contract. Key economic reforms analysed include the introduction of VAT, deregulation of oil and gas prices and the increase in renewable energy. Social reforms include youth unemployment, female labour force participation and housing subsidies. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilising process-tracing to analyse key data from 2016 to early 2024, including GDP growth, labour force participation, unemployment rates and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), supplemented by government documents, to measure the progress, effectiveness and implementation levels of the reforms. The findings reveal that the economic and social reforms under Vision 2030 have mitigated potential political instability through economic diversification, job creation for women and youth and the strategic balancing of austerity measures with compensatory programs. By aligning social reforms with societal expectations and addressing public concerns, the government has demonstrated its capacity to meet modern demands lessening potential for unrest. Furthermore, this study suggests that these reforms, despite curtailing the traditional patronage system, have reinforced the monarchy’s legitimacy. The concept of monarchical survival is used to demonstrate how Saudi’s monarchy has successfully navigated turbulent political, economic and social challenges, ensuring its continued survival in a rapidly changing landscape.7 0Item Restricted Safe Return to Driving after Sustaining Road Traffic Injuries: Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia(Monash University, 2024) Alhashmi, Doha Hassan; Oxley, Jennie; Fossey, Ellie; Lalor, AislinnBackground: In Saudi Arabia, motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of injury and disability. Rehabilitation is essential to reduce the severity and long-term disabilities resulting from road traffic injuries and to ensure successful reintegration of individuals into society. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in this rehabilitation process. Since the occupational therapy profession is relatively new in Saudi Arabia, this thesis aimed to explore utilising occupational therapy services within post-crash rehabilitation and addressing safe return to driving. It also aimed to identify suitable interventions and policies that could enhance rehabilitation practices in the Saudi context. Methods: This research used a mixed methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, a systematic review of methods to evaluate at-risk drivers was conducted. This was followed by two complementary studies: a quantitative observational retrospective cohort review and a descriptive qualitative study. The quantitative study used existing registry data from a Saudi major trauma centre. Data for 475 trauma registry patients was analysed using descriptive and regression analyses. Then qualitative semi-structured interviews with 13 occupational therapists explored their perspectives on post-crash rehabilitation practices and assessment of at-risk drivers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The systematic review revealed the main approaches used internationally to assess at-risk drivers. Over two-thirds of the reviewed studies used on-road driving performance tests to ii determine driving competence independently or in combination with another method. The quantitative study data revealed that following RTIs, occupational therapy is utilised for several reasons and that the only significant predictor of occupational therapy referral (df=1, p=.049, CI=1.011- 75.27) was combined rehabilitation services use. The qualitative study identified themes highlighting the inaccessibility of post-crash rehabilitation due to multiple factors, including service centralisation and high demand. The rehabilitation pathway was described; there was also a lack of clarity on the occupational therapists’ role among other health professionals. Current limitations of rehabilitation services include insufficient experienced and specialised therapists, the predominance of the biomedical framework and the impairment focus in the current practice. The therapists in this study also reported their lack of knowledge and practical skills for driver assessment and rehabilitation practices, and their need for support and infrastructure to develop this practice area in Saudi Arabia. They also recommended the need for more research and engagement with stakeholders to establish this specialised practice area. Conclusions: This thesis highlighted the current practice challenges for rehabilitation following road traffic injuries in Saudi Arabia and emphasised the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in post-crash care. The thesis advocates a collaborative, participative approach to developing a driver assessment and rehabilitation policy by involving stakeholders, including at-risk drivers, healthcare professionals, and licensing authorities, so as to create a tailored and effective policy for Saudi Arabia. This is a crucial first step toward establishing a safe and sustainable practice framework that can enable therapists to 1) provide needed service to at risk drivers, 2) support at-risk drivers to resume driving safely and have meaningful and fulfilled lives, 3) protect all road users from preventable car crashes, and 4) alleviate the country’s burden from further road traffic injuries.9 0Item Restricted Large-System Transformation in Healthcare and the Roles of Senior Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia(University of Manchester, 2024) Bawhab, Omar; Nelson, Adrian; Coleman, Anna; Mahon, AnnThe implementation of large-system transformation in healthcare is complex and multi-faceted, requiring effective leadership at all levels, particularly from senior leaders. However, there is limited conceptual clarity around large-system transformations in healthcare and the roles senior leaders play in driving such transformations, especially in a non-Western context. This thesis addresses these knowledge gaps by exploring senior leaders' perceptions of large-system transformation and their role in its implementation in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative single case study design, this research gathered insights from 22 senior leaders at national and regional levels of the Saudi healthcare system through semi-structured interviews. The study employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Health System Dynamics Framework, sensemaking theory, and systems leadership perspectives. Two conceptual frameworks were developed: one delineating ten key components of large-system transformation in healthcare, and another outlining seven critical roles of senior leaders during such transformations, six categories of enablers, and eight types of challenges. The large-system transformation framework highlights the interconnected nature of contextual triggers, climate for change, vision, leadership, governance, actors, resources, processes, social forces (e.g., resistance to change), and information flow. The senior leaders’ roles, enablers, and challenges framework emphasizes leaders' responsibilities in creating a climate for change, communicating and learning, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, setting strategic direction, managing social dynamics, and developing key leadership attributes. The framework also indicates multiple enablers and challenges relevant to the roles of senior leaders, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare system transformations. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of large-system transformation in healthcare and senior leaders' roles, enablers, and challenges, particularly in a non-Western context. It offers practical implications for healthcare leaders and policymakers engaged in system-wide transformations. Future research directions are suggested to further validate and expand upon these findings.9 0Item Restricted The Effect of Incremental Rehearsal on Word Recognition of Students with Learning Disabilities in Saudi Arabia(The Ohio State University, 2024) Aljufayr, Mohammed Abdullah; Paul, Peter VWord recognition is a key part of reading development and a fundamental component of elementary reading curricula. However, students with learning disabilities (LD) often encounter difficulties with reading skills and exhibit deficits in word recognition, increasing the need for interventions that enhance their reading achievement. Incremental rehearsal (IR), one of the most commonly used flashcard interventions supported by previous literature, has shown its effectiveness in different skills, such as word recognition. IR offers opportunities for repeated practices to help struggling students improve their outcomes. Despite the growing number of students with LD in Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy of interventions designed to improve reading outcomes, specifically word recognition, in students with LD in elementary schools. Thus, conducting an empirical study to teach Arabic word recognition to elementary students with LD in Saudi Arabia is crucial. Utilizing a single-subject multiple-probe experimental design across word sets, this study aimed to examine the effect of the IR intervention on Arabic word recognition in three fourth-grade male students with LD in Saudi Arabia. Maintenance and generalization of word recognition were also examined to investigate the sustainability of the IR intervention and to provide more precise conclusions regarding its efficacy. Results indicated that the IR intervention was effective for all three participants. All participants showed an increased number of words read correctly, accurate responses on retention measures, and maintenance and generalization of word recognition. Limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.9 0Item Restricted The impact of economic diversification under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 on its GDP(University of Essex, 2024-09) Aleidan, Abdulaziz Ahmed Abdullah; Sefiloglu, OnurThis study explores the impact of economic diversification initiatives under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 aims to reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on oil by diversifying its economic base through the development of non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and services. This research utilizes data from the General Authority for Statistics, spanning from 2011 to 2023, to assess changes in the GDP composition and growth patterns. Additionally, it incorporates comparative data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for other GCC countries to evaluate Saudi Arabia's performance relative to its regional peers. Employing a comprehensive econometric analysis, which includes multiple regression models and this comparative perspective, the study examines the contributions of various sectors to GDP growth and evaluates the effectiveness of the government's strategic policies in facilitating economic diversification. The findings indicate that non-oil sectors have increasingly contributed to GDP, with manufacturing emerging as a key driver, thus highlighting a successful shift towards a more diversified economic structure. This shift has significant implications for other oil-dependent economies considering similar diversification strategies11 0Item Restricted Dissertation Project - Design and deployment of an atmospheric pollutant and Carbon Dioxide capture system(Lancaster University, 2024-08-30) Kutbi, Yahia; Pinkerton, AndrewThis contribution report documents the individual efforts in the Design and Deployment of an atmospheric pollutant and Carbon Dioxide Capture System Project, which focuses on developing a carbon capture system that supports the Electromagnetic Plasma Separator (EMPS). The contributions primarily involved the technical selection of components for the air intake system. Specifically, key components such as the air intake fan, pre-filters, atmospheric sensor, and flow rate sensors, were selected, ensuring that the components met the system requirements. Additionally, analysing pollutant levels and CO2 emissions in Saudi Arabia to justify the region as a strategic location for deployment, based on this analysis, deployment strategies were developed. Furthermore, comprehensive market research was conducted to identify potential investors and buyers in Saudi Arabia as well as esmang the global market size and demand of such technologies. On the project management side, the contributions included the development of the Product Breakdown Structure (PBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the Risk Management Plan, WBS Dictionary, and the ‘Control’ Secon of the group management report that includes key events, actual Gan-chart, updated milestones chart, actual PBS/WBS, and lessons learned. These elements were crucial in organizing the project's tasks, managing potential risks, and ensuring systemac progress. This report provides an in-depth look at the methodologies, findings, and their impact on achieving the project’s objectives, highlighting the significance of the individual contributions in both technical and management group reports.16 0Item Restricted Exploring the Role of Instagram Content in Developing Destination Image(Oxford Brookes University, 2023-09) Alshuaibi, Lama; Clarke, JackieThis project looks into the impact that the social media platform Instagram may have on destination image (DI). To explore this problem, 104 respondents were surveyed using an original tool developed on the basis of DI theory by Gartner et al. (1993). This work’s findings indicate that consistent engagement with Instagram channels and content affects all of the three studied dimensions of DI: cognitive, affective and conative. Performed regression analysis shows a strong relationship between DI and the intention to visit Saudi Arabia (B=0.123, p=0.000, explaining 49.2% of the variance in the intention to visit). Furthermore, findings show that using Instagram as a source of information about Saudi Arabia improves perceptions of the cognitive aspects of DI (B=1.435, p =0.000, 15.2% of the variance in cognitive perceptions explained). There is also a significant relationship between Instagram usage and the affective dimension of DI (B=0.893, p=0.001, 10.1% of the variance in the affective aspect explained). These results indicate that exposure to Instagram content positively affects emotional responses towards Saudi Arabia. Consideration of various demographic characteristics suggests that females and individuals with a higher level of income are more likely to be positively influenced by the images and stories they see on Instagram and take action to travel to Saudi Arabia. The work presents and discusses the implications of using Instagram as a part of the overall strategy to enhance and shape Saudi Arabia’s DI by the local destination management organisations and other important stakeholders.11 0