Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Nexus between Sustainable Development and Economic Dynamics in MENA and SSA Countries.(Western Sydney University, 2023) Alghamdi, Thamer; Gangopadhyay, ParthaThe complex interplay between economic dynamics and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains underexplored. This thesis investigates this nexus, focusing on the roles of corruption, governance, foreign direct investment, and trade in shaping sustainable development outcomes. Additionally, it examines the relationship between energy poverty and education, as well as the hidden barriers to renewable energy transition in SSA. Findings indicate that while good governance and corruption reduction can significantly advance sustainable development in SSA and MENA nations, the region faces substantial challenges in mitigating energy poverty. Employing CS-ARDL approach to assess more robust and reliable results, the findings reveal that – contrary to existing literature – governance has a significant positive effect on sustainable development, indicating that the governance is essential to achieving sustainable development in this region. The findings also reveal that the corruption has a significant positive effect on sustainable development. Furthermore, foreign direct investment and trade were found to have an insignificant relationship with sustainable development. By uncovering the intricate connections between economic factors, energy poverty, and sustainable development, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers hindering progress in these regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for innovative policies that prioritise governance, education, and renewable energy to accelerate sustainable development in SSA and MENA.18 0Item Restricted New Venture Plan (Boulders)(Cardiff University, 2024) Hejazi, Tariq Ziad; Kaleka, AnnaThis report aims to deliver a strategy through which the new Boulders Foundation can be set up. This report covers key areas that must be completed to ensure the basic requirements to create a complete foundation that covers the objectives outlined in the initial brief. The report begins by covering the background of Boulders LTD and reviewing the key objectives of this report. Then the funding strategy, foundation structure, social prescribing, marketing strategy and risk assessment are reviewed in detail. The report ends by covering the key performance indicators and the measurable effects of the foundation. In the sections below this report will deliver in detail explanation, analysis and evaluation of each of the key points.17 0Item Restricted Do the US Federal Reserve System Instruments Still Influence the Global Economy?(Esade Ramon Illul, 2023) Ferak, Rakan Ramiz; Garroum, GabrielThe Federal Reserve System (Fed) of the United States is a strong economic organization that substantially affects economies worldwide. The Federal Reserve has many tools at its disposal, including monetary policy instruments, such as interest rate changes and quantitative easing, and regulatory functions, such as monitoring banks and fostering financial stability. This plays the role of setting the currency exchange rate in the financial market. However, as the interconnectedness and complexity of the global economy have increased, doubts have been raised by economists and policymakers concerning the efficacy of the Fed's tools in tackling the issues faced by the global economy (Fischer, 2015). In this thesis, the geo-economic consequences of the Fed's instruments are analyzed, and an investigation is conducted to determine whether these instruments are still effective in the present state of the global economy. Through a mixed methods literature review, which aims to discern and synthesize existing narratives on this topic, this thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Reserve's role in the global economy and the effectiveness of its instruments by analyzing the historical context of the Fed's instruments, an evaluation of their impact on the economies of the United States and the global economy, and an examination of current economic trends and challenges. This thesis seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions on the role of the Federal Reserve System through its policies, influence on the USD, and its effect on international economies.20 0Item Restricted Energy Transition Policies and Their Impact on Saudi Arabia(University of Oxford, 2024) Awshan, Nawaf; Imsirovic, Adi; Sen, AnupamaThis dissertation answers how Saudi Arabia, an oil-dependent economy, is tackling the energy transition. Given Saudi Arabia’s economy and its position in the global energy markets, it is crucial to analyse its status in the energy transition. Specifically, this research addresses three research sub-questions concerning: the external and internal drivers that have pushed Saudi Arabia to transform, the leading entity driving the energy transition in Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia’s progression in the energy transition relative to other oil-producing economies, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Norway. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used: a Multi-Level Perspective framework is analysed, six interviews with energy stakeholders are conducted, and an Energy Transition Advancement Index (ETAI) is developed, in which two main sub-indexes are created with 39 dimensions. The research results show that eight drivers have pushed Saudi Arabia to transition: oil price volatility, global political and environmental pressure, advancement of renewable energy manufacturing, additional fiscal revenue derived from maximising oil exports, growth of domestic energy demand, the fiscal impact of fossil fuel subsidies, successful pilot renewable energy projects, and extensive minerals exploration. Second, the Saudi Ministry of Energy leads the energy transition. Furthermore, the results reveal that the government adopted a state-led energy transition approach where the government sets the policy instruments and initiatives. Lastly, Saudi Arabia lags behind the UAE and Norway in the ETAI. In 2023, Saudi Arabia scored 49.66 out of 100, while the UAE and Norway scored 64.33 and 70.57, respectively. The ETAI reveals that Saudi Arabia has the competence to transition, as indicated by the continuous improvement in the capability sub-index, which increased from 39.75 in 1990 to 57.33 in 2023. However, not enough steps have been taken to transition, as the performance sub-index declined from 48.84 in 1990 to 38.54 in 2023. The study recommends gradually phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, establishing Public-Private Partnerships in all low-carbon investments, enhancing private sector participation, and extending the value chain of the petrochemical industries.32 0Item Restricted An Examination of COVID-19's Role in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia's Public and Private Sectors(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-01) Ismail, Saleh; Love, ColinThe COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for digital transformation globally, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. This report examines the impact of the pandemic on accelerating digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s public and private sectors, highlighting the pandemic’s role in reshaping the digital landscape of the country. The report explores various digital initiatives and programs launched by the Kingdom’s government in response to the pandemic, and the adoption of digital solutions by businesses and organizations in the private sector as well. These shifts in technology adoption illustrate the importance of digital transformation as a strategic priority for economic resilience and growth during periods of global economic disruption. With continued investments in digital infrastructure, organizations can build upon these digitalization efforts during the pandemic, enhancing efficiency and resilience in their operations for the long-term.32 0Item Restricted The Role of Place Attachment in Shaping Tourist Attitudes and Behavior(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-05-15) Abdulsalam, Marwa; Dahana, Wirawan DonyTourism, recognized as a critical economic cornerstone with extensive ecological ramifications, is primarily swayed by destination allure and the affective or cognitive bond, colloquially referred to as 'place attachment,' that vacationers establish with their destination. This variable plays an instrumental role in molding the Environmentally Responsible Behavior (ERB) demonstrated by visitors. An additional crucial facet in this regard is the tourists' product involvement, which pertains to the portfolio of services, artifacts, and experiences the destination extends. This inclusive research delves into the interaction of these variables by employing an amalgamation of quantitative (structural equation modeling) and qualitative (dialogues with visitors and service providers) investigative techniques. The study highlights how the charm of the destination, perceived as its ability to meet a tourist's requirements and objectives, stimulates ERB. It also underscores place attachment, which stems from a synergy of the destination's attributes and the tourist's encounters, as a crucial intervening variable that incites ERB. This research piece further scrutinizes the effect of place attachment on purchase behavior, illuminating insights regarding the purchase behavior of tourists and how place attachment can encourage them to spend more through the increase in product involvement of those places. In addition to the mediating effect of place attachment, it has been found that having a high attachment with tourists tends to have a high preference for spending. Based on the value-attitude-behavior framework and the theory of reasoned action, the study asserts that the perceived merit of a place informs tourists' environmental attitudes. This perception of merit is considerably influenced by destination appeal and product involvement. In addition, it holds substantial implications for the governance of tourism locations and destination promotion. It also explicates the complex associations between destination appeal, place attachment, product involvement, and ERB. These insights pave the way to encourage ERB among tourists, refine segmentation and target approaches through demographic analysis, and contribute to the grander objective of sustainable tourism evolution. Fundamentally, this knowledge can guide tourism industry tactics and policies, underscoring the obligation of environmental awareness among tourists and suggesting strategic trajectories for the worldwide promotion of sustainable tourism.13 0Item Restricted The Impact of Competition on Bank Performance(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-10-23) Aljumaah, Norah; Piatti, IlariaThis dissertation examines the impact of consolidation and competition status on the performance of the banking sector in Saudi Arabia. The study found that the market is moderately concentrated, with a significant increase in concentration levels in the last two years due to recent mergers and acquisitions as measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). The study concluded that the concentration level has positively impacted both stability and profitability, using the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) framework. This is due to the economies of scale and scope that larger banks can achieve.21 0Item Restricted Impact of Water Prices and Income Level on Demand for Water in China(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-03-15) Alhazmi, Raghad; McGrane, ScottDemand for water has escalated at an exceptional rate lately while water resources are continuously depleting due to various social and environmental factors. In this regards, the present research paper assesses the long run effect and causal relationship of 2 economic indicators on demand for water in China. The macro variables understudy are water prices and households’ level of income. A monthly based vast data set was employed commencing from January 2001 until April 2021 on which Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test, Engel Granger co-integration test, & Granger causality test were applied. Results revealed a strong causal relationship and a significant long run influence water prices on demand for water while household income level formed a minimal negative co-integration in the long run. On the contrary, granger causality test revealed no causal link between income levels and consumption of residential water. The findings of this study are fundamental to government and policy makers as it will help them to comprehend the relationship of income levels & price of water with water consumption. It will increase awareness amongst relevant authorities on how they can exploit these 2 economic factors to enhance water services in their countries and manage water stress.21 0Item Restricted Gulf Cooperation Council Countries’ Stock Market Response to US Federal Reserve Policy Actions(Saudi Digital Library., 2022-04-25) Al Rowaily, Muathe; Bogan, Vicky; Leyden, BenjaminThis study examines the effects of changes in the United States’ (US) monetary policy actions on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ stock markets. Efficient financial markets are unlikely to respond to anticipated policy actions. Therefore, Federal funds futures data are used to categorize the changes in monetary policy actions into anticipated and unanticipated components. The results indicate that equity returns across the GCC are roughly 19 percentage points more volatile on monetary policy event days than non-event days. We find that a surprise change in the Federal funds rate is positive on equity prices and statistically significant across all GCC countries except for Bahrain, where it is negative and statistically significant. On average, a hypothetical unanticipated 25-basis-point hike in the Federal funds rate target is associated with a 1.5% increase in the GCC broad stock indexes. These findings are relevant to both the direction and context of Federal funds rate surprises.19 0