Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Global Financial Crises, Economic and Financial Systems, and Sustainable Development Goals(University of New Orleans, 2025) Aldosari, Hiba Adel; Hassan, Mohammad KThe first essay explores how global financial crises impact both developed and developing countries, using a comparative analytical approach. It covers 30 nations (15 developed, 15 developing) from 1990 to 2022 and employs econometric methods including Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (POLS) and Fixed Effects Panel Least Squares (PLS). The findings reveal that while both groups are affected, developing countries face a more significant impact during crisis periods. Central government debt and trade tend to rise in both groups during crises, while political stability declines. However, developing countries experience sharper declines in lending/borrowing ratios and foreign direct investment (FDI). The study emphasizes the importance of tailored policy responses for different economic groups and highlights the need for better crisis preparedness. It concludes that addressing these disparities is essential for strengthening economic resilience in future financial shocks. The second essay focuses on environmental sustainability and economic growth across 34 OECD countries from 1995 to 2022. It investigates how Environmental Policy Stringency (EPS), Green Energy Transition (GT), and Financial Technology (FT) influence economic growth, especially under the moderating roles of governance quality and transport infrastructure. Using second- generation econometric techniques—such as Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), and co-integration tests—the study confirms that EPS and GT positively affect economic growth when supported by good governance and strong infrastructure. FT also shows a strong positive impact, particularly when governance quality is high. The findings are robust across multiple testing models, reinforcing that combining clean energy policies with effective institutions and infrastructure leads to sustainable development. The study contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing evidence-backed policy recommendations for researchers, investors, and policymakers to strengthen green growth and sustainability.26 0Item Restricted THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 FOR MANUFACTURING IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A CASE STUDY OF SAUDI ARABIA(ScienceDirect, 2022-07-01) Rajab, Sulaiman; Afy-Shararah, Mohamed; Salonitis, KonstantinosObjective of the Research: The purpose of this research is to investigate Industry 4.0 implementation barriers in Small and Medium-Sized enterprises within the manufacturing sector in developing countries. One of the objectives driving this research is the exploration of associations between Industry 4.0 enablers and lean manufacturing. Further, the research aims to construct a framework guiding stakeholders in implementing Industry 4.0 by overcoming common barriers cited by experts in the field. Research Problems: The main problem driving this research is the dearth of information on Industry 4.0 implementation in developing countries. Simultaneously, little research has been conducted to identify the barriers of industry 4.0 in SMEs within manufacturing realms in emerging economies. Inadequate research investigated the associations between lean manufacturing and industry 4.0 implementation. Methodology: This is a mixed methods research study. On the qualitative side, focus groups are used to collect open-ended responses to questions related to barriers facing the adoption of Industry 4.0. Quantitatively, Interpretive Structural Modelling is used to construct the framework driving stakeholders’ decisions to adopt and implement industry 4.0. Further, survey research is used to validate experts' opinions on the utility of the ISM based model. In sum, three distinct data collection techniques were used: (a) focus groups, (b) descriptive data for interpretive structural modeling, and (c) survey responses. Based on the quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, a series of data analysis strategies were followed. Key Findings: The current study reported strong associations linking Industry 4.0 enablers and lean manufacturing outcomes. On the one hand, the use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) improved customers’ connectivity and engagement in each stage of the sustainable manufacturing process. Thereby, improving customer satisfaction, a key element in measuring lean manufacturing. Additionally, the deployment of cyber security as well as cloud computing technology facilitates the transfer and storage of information minimizing the wasteful utilization of physical and technical infrastructure, and manifestation of lean manufacturing practices. By the same token, the increasing use of simulation and analytics technology minimizes the reliance on manning thereby reducing further waste, the purpose of lean manufacturing. Implications of the Research: Results of the ISM model were validated by using a questionnaire showing the reliability and validity of the ISM constructed model that has been adopted as the accepted framework guiding Industry 4.0 implementation. The proposed framework in this study departs from existing models in significant ways. First, it does not prescribe sequential steps since Industry 4.0 implementation is a complex process requiring simultaneous work from various divisions across the organization. Second, the framework is scalable and flexible, allowing it to fit many applications regardless of the size or nature of the industry. Third, the model originated from contexts in developing countries, making it appropriate for implementation in markets like Saudi Arabia. Conclusion of the Research: This research concluded that the implementation of Industry 4.0 is neither straightforward nor linear. Experts voiced concern regarding the technical and management infrastructures facing developing countries' manufacturing sectors. The research suggested that the adoption of Industry 4.0 is a multi-step simultaneous process involving more than a single practice overcoming several barriers at the same time.19 0