Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted THREE ESSAYS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE: EXPLORING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-DRIVEN METHODS AND EMPIRICAL PATTERNS(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alrubaiaan, Omar; Chari, MuraliThis 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.14 0Item Restricted The Role of AI Tools in Reshaping Barriers to Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alhubaish, Abdullah; Morlacchi, PieraThis dissertation investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in reshaping barriers to entrepreneurship. While earlier research often presents AI as a simple enabler, this study adopts a more nuanced perspective, examining how AI removes, reconfigures, and introduces entrepreneurial constraints. A systematic literature review (SLR) of 79 sources published between 2015 and 2025—including 63 academic articles and 16 grey literature reports—was conducted using a structured coding framework. The review focused on how AI reshapes barriers, which applications drive these changes, its influence on business model innovation and product development, the risks of bias in large language models (LLMs), and the implications of divergent regulatory frameworks, as well as persisting gaps and future research directions. The analysis identifies a threefold dynamic. AI lowers traditional barriers such as high capital requirements, specialist expertise, and labor intensity; reconfigures entrepreneurial challenges by demanding new competencies in digital judgement, orchestration, and AI literacy; and introduces novel barriers, including algorithmic bias, regulatory fragmentation, and psychological pressures. Generative models and predictive analytics emerge as the most transformative applications, enabling ideation, prototyping, storytelling, and evidence-based decision-making. At a strategic level, AI accelerates business model innovation and iterative, data-driven product development, while raising concerns around ethics, intellectual property, and dependence on external infrastructures. This study contributes to knowledge by integrating academic and grey literature, reframing AI as a re-shaper rather than merely a remover of barriers and highlighting capability asymmetry and regulatory divergence as critical issues for research and practice. For entrepreneurs, the findings underscore the importance of AI literacy and responsible adoption as conditions for sustainable advantage. For policymakers, they emphasize the urgency of harmonized regulation and inclusive digital capacity-building. Overall, AI emerges as both an equalizer and a potential new gatekeeper in entrepreneurial ecosystems.26 0Item Restricted ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY IN THE GULF COUNTRIES: AN INSTITUTIONAL APPROACH(Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2024) Barqawi, Omamah; Turró, Andreu; Urbano, DavidOver the contemporary years, multiple nations in the Middle East, notably the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a particular focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), have started significant economic transformations, implementing reforms concentrated on entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. Entrepreneurship is a critical economic catalyst that the KSA government has integrated into its extensive economic planning. Thus, researchers and policymakers have demonstrated particular interest in comprehending this phenomenon. The primary purpose of this research is to explore how the institutional environment affects entrepreneurial activity in Saudi Arabia. The methodology applied uses mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative research is based mainly on Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data. These data are complemented with other sources of information, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Doing Business project database. The statistical technique used in the thesis is logistic regression. The qualitative method involved a systematic literature review and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The articles selected for inclusion in the systematic literature review were identified based on their presence in the Web of Science database's Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). The primary source of information for the interviewees was the Saudi Arabia Chambers of Commerce. Furthermore, this research draws upon two distinct theoretical frameworks: Institutional Theory and Human Capital Theory. This research's main findings illustrate how different institutional factors (formal and informal) influence entrepreneurial activities in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The institutional environment plays a significant role in shaping entrepreneurial activities in this region, which is characterized by heavy dependence on a single source of income. Additionally, these findings underline how these factors restrict or provide entrepreneurs with opportunities. This thesis contributes to the existing literature by investigating understudied factors within the field, potentially advancing Institutional and Human Capital Theory. Examining the interplay between institutional factors and entrepreneurship in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia, provides valuable understanding to enhance existing frameworks and stimulate further academic exploration. The findings guide policymakers and entrepreneurs, informing strategies to boost regional entrepreneurial growth.6 0Item Restricted .Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing in Saudi Arabia: Exploring the Role of Instagram, The Social Media Platform(2024) Aghareed Alodhaibi; Dr. Hyerhim KimIn this study, the focus is on exploring how Instagram contributes to digital marketing and entrepreneurship in the context of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the fashion industry. The main objective is to investigate how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) utilize Instagram to improve brand recognition, interact with customers, and boost sales. The survey helped gather responses to questions relating to Instagram Use, Instagram Features, Customer Engagement, Branding, Marketing Effectiveness and Entrepreneurship. The research utilized a quantitative approach, with Marketing Effectiveness as the independent variable and Instagram Usage and Features as independent variables with Customer Engagement, Branding and Entrepreneurship as moderators. Analysis of the data reveals that consistent use of Instagram, including posts, videos, and paid promotions, significantly improves marketing effectiveness and sales performance for SMEs. The results affirm that visual content and influencer marketing on Instagram play a vital role in enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement. However, not all forms of customer interaction lead to improved marketing outcomes, emphasizing the need for more in-depth engagement strategies. While entrepreneurship alone does not significantly moderate Instagram's marketing impact, the study highlights the crucial role of branding in amplifying the platform's effectiveness. This study provides valuable insights into the increasing significance of Instagram in digital marketing and offers strategies for SMEs in the Saudi fashion sector to optimize their presence on social media.11 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.18 0Item Restricted The Unconventional Pathways of Saudi Arabian Women Entrepreneurs in the Luxury Sector(University of Sussex, 2024) Alrashidi, Sarah; Jaser, ZahiraThis research delves into the transformative journey of Saudi Arabian women entrepreneurs in the luxury sector, propelled by Vision 2030. It critically examines their strategic maneuvers, successes, and challenges in navigating this dynamic market. Key areas of inquiry include the metamorphosis in the luxury sector for these women post Vision 2030, detailing specific changes and their impacts, as well as identifying the strategic blueprints and best practices that have driven their success. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of policy changes on their operational environment, explores mechanisms for sustaining ventures during economic downturns, and examines how trust is built and maintained among discerning clients. Additionally, it aims to understand the unique challenges and achievements characterizing the journey of these women in the Saudi luxury sector. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research provides a critical understanding of the resilience and innovation exhibited by Saudi women in the luxury industry.21 0Item Restricted Developing Dynamic Capability in Entrepreneurial Universities: An Empirical Study on Saudi Arabian Public Universities(Western Sydney University, 2024) Alkhudhayr, Feras; Nakanadala, DilupaAbstract Human capital development has conveniently been the main responsibility of universities. They typically fulfilled this obligation by engaging in research and teaching activities. However, universities have had to create strategies for fostering entrepreneurial development over time to contribute effectively to the local and global economies and respond to changes and emerging trends. Additionally, universities work to foster and support entrepreneurial initiatives to address the financial issues they are facing, primarily resulting from the reduced public funding for higher education in many countries. As a result, some traditional universities have transformed into entrepreneurial universities where dynamic capabilities have enabled them to adapt to rapidly changing environments. This study is informed by the dynamic capability concept (Teece 2007) and the Resource-based View theory (Barney 1991) from the strategic management literature and entrepreneurial university literature. The concept of dynamic capability has been presented to explain the emergence of entrepreneurial orientation in the innovation and entrepreneurship literature. Dynamic capability reflects an organisation’s capacity to sense, seize and reconfigure its potential to create a competitive advantage and to improve performance. This thesis draws on the concept of dynamic capability, where the development of dynamic capability at universities to support their entrepreneurial orientation is at the core of this study. The dynamic capability perspective serves as a link between an organisation's resources and its effective responses to the changing external environment. However, how entrepreneurial universities develop dynamic capability to support their entrepreneurial orientation has not been explicitly investigated in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed at closing this gap by examining how universities apply the entrepreneurial model and develop dynamic capabilities to become entrepreneurial. This is based on the following main research questions; 1. How do universities develop dynamic capabilities to become entrepreneurial? 2. What is the impact of the entrepreneurial orientation of universities’ academic departments on the development of dynamic capabilities? Additionally, innovation culture was identified to promote the attainment of competitive advantage and is an important incubator for creativity and innovation among entrepreneurial universities. Hence, this study also investigated the moderating role of innovation culture on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and dynamic capability. The study focused on public universities in Saudi Arabia considering the strong government focus on entrepreneurial universities and that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education is keen on enhancing entrepreneurship skills among university students. Saudi Arabian universities encourage students to have strategic abilities in order to advance their competence in their primary fields and strive for excellence and innovation and become globally entrepreneurial. The research study included a two-phase, mixed method design. The use of mixed method design was intended to produce results that were thorough and trustworthy. The study selected seven public universities in Saudi Arabia as the case universities based on the degree of application of the EU model. In the first qualitative phase, data was obtained using semi-structured interviews with 16 strategic management professionals from the seven case universities. The collected qualitative data was then transcribed and analysed thematically. In the second quantitative phase, an online survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data which targeted a sample size of 126 heads of academic departments in the case universities. The collected quantitative data was then coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The findings of the study revealed entrepreneurial activities among public universities in Saudi Arabia. Six key themes were identified from thematic analysis, showing how public universities in Saudi Arabia develop dynamic capabilities to become entrepreneurial. Specifically, the findings suggest that the development of dynamic capability is enhanced through entrepreneurship training and infrastructure, commercialisation of university research outputs, improvement of entrepreneurial skills and performance, fostering open innovation, sustaining strategic alignment and policy adjustment for entrepreneurship, and implementation of reform initiatives and effective communication. Theoretically, the study contributes to the literature on strategic management by expanding the knowledge on dynamic capability and entrepreneurial orientations to the university context. The findings contribute to the body of literature by the addition of entrepreneurial activities (third-mission) to the teaching and research activities compared to previous studies. In addition, the findings add to the body of EO research by offering new perspectives on how to think about EO as a composite construct of four components consistent with the ENTRE-U scale adapted to the university context. The research also conceptualised the three-dimensional dynamic capability literature, which includes sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capability, which is consistent with the theoretical perspective put forth by Teece (2007, 2014, and 2018) as the dominant framework in the field of research on dynamic capability. The results of the present study shed new light on the particular micro-foundations of dynamic capability that are relevant in the Saudi Arabia public university setting, including cognitive capability, managerial experience, knowledge transfer and the organisational structures of institutions. The findings of the quantitative phase showed that the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of academic departments has a significant positive impact on sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities. The study did not find evidence for innovation culture moderating the relationship between the EO of academic departments and their dynamic capabilities. The methodological implications add to the body of research on strategic management by showing the extended utility of existing measures for two key constructs which are entrepreneurial orientation of academic departments and dynamic capability. New measures of dynamic capability were developed based on the qualitative research results, which offer more comprehensive measurements for future researchers. The findings also show that university executives should create a managerial vision that considers the significance of entrepreneurial orientation and create distinctive dynamic capability among academic departments in order to obtain and maintain a competitive edge.20 0Item Restricted Investigating the Entrepreneurial Intentions and Action Gap in the Saudi Context(University of East Anglia, 2024-08-14) Alkhulayfi, Abdulmohsen Mohammed A; Connolly, Sara; Sayce, SusanBackground: The importance of entrepreneurship for economic development is well-known, and incorporated in reform programs like the Saudi 2030 Vision. However, despite efforts to encourage entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), many individuals struggle to take actual entrepreneurial actions (EAs) and start businesses. This gap between EI and entrepreneurial behaviours, has led researchers to seek explanations for why potential entrepreneurs do not act. Purpose: This research aims to uncover why there is a gap between EI and EA among young people, by identifying the obstacles preventing them from turning their intentions into actions. It seeks to validate the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model in the Saudi context and to follow up with recent graduates to see if they have taken any entrepreneurial actions after completing their studies. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative data was collected from 301 Saudi students in 2020, followed by a survey six months after graduation to assess their EA. Interviews were then conducted to explore barriers. Another survey was sent to 231 students in 2021, with a follow-up after graduation. This allowed testing of EI during and after COVID-19 restrictions. Findings: The results provided evidence that the TPB model is valid in the Saudi context suggesting a strong association between EI and the TPB antecedents. A mediation analysis indicated that the three TPB antecedents were mediators between the social and societal factors (SAS) and EI. Analysis of the qualitative data pointed towards certain barriers preventing the participants from taking EA, these included the lack of financing, communication, training, and experience alongside bureaucracy and anxiety about expensive penalties. Originality: The findings represent an original and novel empirical test of the TPB model in the context of Saudi Arabia. This thesis represents a groundbreaking exploration of the dynamics of entrepreneurial intention and action in the specific socioeconomic context of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on this unique context, this study fills a significant gap in the entrepreneurship literature, particularly in the Gulf region. This study provides new insights into the complexity of entrepreneurial behaviour in a rapidly evolving economy by providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence the gap between entrepreneurial intention and subsequent action. This study employed a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the entrepreneurial decision-making process among Saudi Arabian individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs. By incorporating a culturally sensitive framework and contextual factors, this study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to the Saudi business environment. The findings of this paper will not only enhance the academic understanding of Saudi entrepreneurship but also aid policymakers and educators who aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship development, which also has practical implications for business leaders. By identifying barriers to entrepreneurial activity and proposing targeted interventions, this study aims to facilitate further research and promote the emergence of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This dissertation makes a significant contribution to the field of entrepreneurship by providing new perspectives, methods, and perspectives tailored to the specific sociocultural and economic context of Saudi Arabia. This highlights the importance of contextual research for understanding and promoting entrepreneurship both locally and globally. Research Limitations: This research has several limitations including generalisability of the findings to other populations a little bit, short follow-up intervals, participant distribution, and the absence of implicit measures. The generalisability of a study refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied or generalised beyond the study sample to other settings. When investigating entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours in the Saudi context, applicable to large populations with little bit variations due to COVID-19 but is generalisability may be limited by factors such as specific culture and economic differences in the Saudi context and other areas of the world. Theoretical Implications: The findings of the research confirm the applicability of the TPB model in the Saudi context. Additionally, the study introduces the Social and Societal (SAS) factors as a new antecedent to the TPB model. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing EI and facilitating the transition to EA should consider the influences of attitudes, social norms, perceived control, and broader societal factors. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can create an environment to support entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and development.58 0Item Restricted The Legal Impetus for Entrepreneurship in the Saudi E-commerce Market: A Legal Examination of Enacted Changes in the Saudi Legal System(Wake Forest University, 2024) Alahmari, Abrar Ali A; Virgil, Steven M.This dissertation conducts a legal analysis of short-term legal-regulatory changes in the Saudi legal system between 2016 and 2022, exploring their assumed impact on the decision-making process of Saudi entrepreneurs adopting e-commerce technology and launching startups in the Saudi e-commerce market. These changes are categorized into three types: fundamental, procedural, and substantive changes. Utilizing the normative legal research method and considering the concept of the direct legal cost of doing business, the analysis reveals a consistent removal of identified legal barriers to entrepreneurial adoption of e-commerce technology. The implemented legal-regulatory changes are anticipated to significantly enhance the quality of the Saudi legal system, foster entrepreneurship in the Saudi e-commerce market, and contribute to the development of the Saudi digital economy in alignment with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030. However, the findings of the legal analysis regarding the assumed impact of legal-regulatory changes in motivating entrepreneurial growth in the Saudi e-commerce market are limited due to a set of certain challenges. These challenges are transformed into integrated recommendations to guide Saudi decision-makers, including lawmakers, in enhancing the entrepreneurship environment in the Saudi e-commerce market and creating a conducive atmosphere that motivates Saudi entrepreneurs to enter the e-commerce market.49 0Item Restricted A study of the Genesis, Growth and Sustained Performance of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: An Evolutionary and Systemic Approach in the Case of Saudi Arabia(Queensland University of Technology, 2024-02-01) Haddadi, Essa Ali A; Mohannak, Kavoos; Matthews, JudyThis thesis examines the genesis and growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) systematically and dynamically in the case of a developing country, specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By synthesizing systemic and evolutionary perspectives, the study focuses on assessing the impact, influential evolutionary dynamics and mechanisms, and interrelations of the components of EEs on entrepreneurial ventures. It connects these components to a life cycle model with four phases of the EE and an evolutionary process model that structures generative dynamics, explaining how entrepreneurial ventures can evolve to foster productive entrepreneurship and sustained EEs in developing countries.21 0