Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Exploring the factors contributing to high anxiety during recast in an online environment: insights from Saudi EFL learners’ experiences(University College London (UCL), 2025) ِِAlrefaie, Asma; Solano, VictorAbstract The study explores the factors contributing to anxiety during recasting in an online environment, as well as the attitudes and opinions of Saudi EFL learners. A total of 33 students completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). The EFL students were divided into high and low anxiety groups, and 6 students, both male and female, were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used. The study identified classroom environment and recast feedback, as key contributors to anxiety. Furthermore, students' attitudes and opinions towards recast feedback in an online environment are explored. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed at the end of the study. This study contributes to the understanding of how recasting impacts anxiety in online EFL settings and provides insights into effective teaching practices. Key words: Recast, Anxiety, online, EFL, learners, Saudi, Oral corrective feedback23 0Item Restricted Impact of Continuous Auditing and Centralising the Purchasing Functions for Higher Internal Audit Effectiveness: A Study of Saudi Arabia Companies(Victoria University, 2024-08) Altowaijri, Hamad; Everett, Sophia; DeSilva, ChitraAbstract This research examines internal audit effectiveness and the factors influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, employing the resource-based theory, this study explores the effects of continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions on the effectiveness of internal audit. Additionally, utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, this research investigates how performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and social influence affect internal auditors’ intentions to adopt continuous auditing. The data for this research were gathered utilising a questionnaire method. Questionnaires were distributed to internal auditors in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia, resulting in 152 completed and useable questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. This study employed two multiple regression analyses, estimated using ordinary least squares methods. The findings from the first multiple regression model indicated that both continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions were significant factors influencing internal audit effectiveness in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, in the first regression model, continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions accounted for 20.2% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness. Moreover, continuous auditing was the most important factor affecting the effectiveness of internal audit. The findings from the second multiple regression model revealed that performance expectancy was the sole significant factor influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. In the second regression model, performance expectancy accounted for 33% of the variance in the internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. According to the resource-based theory, non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia enhance their internal audit effectiveness and gain a competitive advantage by implementing continuous auditing and centralising purchasing functions. These functions are important for ensuring more efficient and effective audit processes, which can lead to better decision-making and overall organisational performance. Moreover, with respect to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, there is a need for non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia to develop training programs to enhance their internal auditors’ understanding of the benefits of continuous auditing and its potential for improving internal auditors’ performance. These training courses should focus on demonstrating to internal auditors how implementing continuous auditing can increase their performance efficiency and effectiveness.19 0Item Restricted Influence of Culture and Stigma on Help-Seeking for Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Saudi University Students in the US(Kent State University, 2024-09) Alshehri, Amer Ali; Ding, Kelemental health help-seeking intentions and acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, and self-efficacy among Saudi international students in the United States. Additionally, it sought to explore the impact of anxiety, depression, and the COVID-19 experience on the intention. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect data from Saudi students enrolled in American universities. A sample size of 377 was pursued based on sample size estimation for a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. A total of 198 respondents completed the survey covering demographic variables, acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, intent, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression assessment, and COVID-19 impact and experience. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)Statistical significance was set at p≤.05. The findings highlighted the importance of considering cultural and individual factors in understanding mental health help-seeking behaviors among Saudi international students. The Theory of Planned Behavior provides a valuable framework for conceptualizing these behaviors. Implications of the findings for mental health interventions and support services for Saudi students in the United States are discussed.12 0Item Restricted Exploring Saudi Arabia's Appeal for Foreign Direct Investm(University of Edinburgh, 2024-08-28) Gedair, Suliman; Liu, LingThis capstone project investigates the factors that make Saudi Arabia an appealing destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the framework of Vision 2030. The research evaluates the Kingdom’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, favorable regulatory reforms, and sector-specific initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. Through a comprehensive analysis of economic, infrastructural, and policy-based factors, the study highlights Saudi Arabia’s potential to attract and sustain global investments. By examining the incentives and structural advantages provided to foreign investors, this project offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a competitive and sustainable player in the global market.27 0Item Restricted Wearing the Abaya: Changes in Generation preferences in relation to Colour and Style(university of the arts london, 2024-09-18) Alghamdi, Ghaida; Jin Hur, YoungThe Abaya is considered an important part of all women in Saudi Arabia. In previous research, there is limited knowledge of the preferences of wearing an Abaya’s specific deigns. Regarding the new changes in Saudi. This research examines the Preferences of Generation Z and Millennials in wearing the Abaya relating to style and color. A quantitative research was conducted targeting a population women of the age 18- 43 years old. The survey measured Abaya preferences depending on style and color. Based on a local research, three styles were chosen in two different colors related to their wearing intentions. The groups were divided into two generations for a comparative analysis within and between groups. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (Age, Style, and color). This study showed that Generation Z is more likely to wear the color black more than blue. Even though they showed that minimal preferences to the presented styles. On the other hand, Millennials preferred the formal style of the Abaya more than the other styles. The results of this study are expected to be used as an experimental information in various fields, such as fashion and social psychology, to expand the research area based on the fashion evolvement in relation to culture in Saudi Arabia.16 0Item Restricted How can takeover regulation aid Saudi Arabia to achieve its Saudi Vision 2030? A comparative analysis between Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority Merger and Acquisition Regulation with UK’s Takeover Code(University College London, 2024-06-05) Alsebyani, Mohammed; De La Pena, FranciscoThis research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards. This research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards.25 0Item Restricted FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION ADOPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA: THE CASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.(Aston University, 2024) Almalki, Saad; Uren, Victoria; Hull, MatthewThe current study aimed to further understand attitudes toward source credibility by studying it in the context of social media use as a health information source among social media users in Saudi Arabia. During COVID-19 outbreak, the social isolation that people experienced led to social media being widely used as a medium for disseminating health information, and this has now become increasingly prevalent. Specifically, this study set out to identify which factors influenced the positive adoption of health information from social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a mixed methods design through using an online questionnaire, incorporating a novel vignette design, to gather quantitative data, and follow- up interviews for collecting qualitative data. The designed vignettes were a set of verified and unverified profiles on social media belonging to medical and non-medical experts. Based on collecting data from 397 participants to the questionnaire and 23 interviews, interesting findings were revealed. The study provides empirical support for the influence of source characteristics as heuristics to guide information adoption. Characteristics including sources’ knowledge, qualifications, verification mark and similarity between receiver and sender influence people’s attitudes towards source credibility. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that characteristics of information/content have a significant influence on participants' use of social media platforms as a health information sources. Timeliness, completeness, relevance and accuracy, are confirmed to influence people's attitudes toward adopting health information from social media platforms. It is believed that the current study is one of the few empirical studies to have examined the factors influencing the adoption of social media information by implementing a novel vignette design within a questionnaire. Hence, this study might make a methodological contribution with regard to using vignette design within quantitative methods. Furthermore, there also practical contributions can be made to policy makers with regard to employing social media to convey health and other types of information to the Saudi population..28 0Item Restricted PERSPECTIVES OF INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES IN SAUDI ARABIA ABOUT THE CURRENT MODEL TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES(Washington State University, 2024) Alwadei, Hassan Mesfer; Dunn, MichaelInstructional coaches support teachers in referring and evaluating students through the learning disability (LD) identification process in Saudi Arabia. The instructional coaches also help students as they do day-to-day learning and assessment tasks. This study explored instructional coaches’ perspectives about the current model for identifying students with LD, its effectiveness, and the potential implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as an alternative model. This study used semi-structured interviews with 12 instructional coaches to evaluate Saudi Arabia’s current identification methods. The results highlighted significant concerns about accuracy of identification and the risks of misidentifying students with LD. The findings suggest that MTSS, although it is not currently employed in Saudi schools, could provide a more reliable and comprehensive approach to addressing students’ academic and behavioral needs. Emphasizing the need for culturally- and linguistically-appropriate Special Education practices, the study advocates for MTSS’s gradual implementation with teacher training. This study contributes to the understanding about LD identification in Saudi schools and positions MTSS as an alternative solution for more effective support and identification. This study includes practical implications and recommendations for future research.48 0Item Restricted The Level of Intercultural Communicative Competence of Saudi Postgraduates in the UK and KSA (Comparative Study)(Newcastle University, 2024-02-12) Almeshal, Amjad; Schartner, AlinaThis doctoral thesis presents a longitudinal, comparative and mixed methods investigation of the level of intercultural communicative competence (ICC hereafter) of a Saudi sample of postgraduate students undertaking one-year taught MA degrees in English Language and Linguistics at universities in the UK and the KSA (N = 82). It also considered whether students’ study abroad motivations (SAM hereafter) influenced their ICC. Despite a considerable body of empirical research assessing students’ ICC abroad and at home, comparative mixed methods studies are rare. Furthermore, the association between SAM and ICC is seldom discussed. Therefore, the current study combined a quantitative questionnaire-based approach with a qualitative interview-based approach. The quantitative element explored the associations between a set of contributory factors (gender, prior overseas experience, occupational status, motivations to study abroad). The qualitative element was designed to monitor students’ self-reported level of ICC relative to their intercultural experiences. Data-collection took place over 8 months in three stages: Stage one (September-October) was a self-report survey to elucidate the students’ ICC and SAM; after which interviews (N = 16 volunteer participants) followed. Stage two (February) involved a second wave of interviews with the same participants. Stage three had been intended to take place at the end of the taught component (July), however, due to the potential impact of Covid-19 social restrictions on the participants’ ICC this was put forward to April/early May. For this third stage, the participants were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire to assess their ICC at the end of the academic year; they were then interviewed. The study revealed the malleability and dynamic nature of ICC, and revealed how the participants’ ICC had evolved in their 9 months in the UK, contrasting it with the cohort who studied at home. An association between the participants’ SAM and their ICC was found.36 0Item Restricted Development and Evaluation of a Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Common Mental Health Problems Within Muslim Communities(University of Exeter, 2023-12-12) Alharbi, Hind Saleh M; Farrand, PaulBackground: Muslims experience the lowest recovery rate from mental health difficulties across all religious groups. However, there are many barriers at the level of Islam, Culture, systematic and provider, that prevent Muslims from access mental health treatment. Culturally adapting Low-intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LI CBT) may represent an acceptable solution. Methods: Informed by the MRC Complex Intervention framework (Skivington et al., 2021) alongside supplementary guidelines informing intervention development a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention for the treatment of depression in Sunni Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Kingdom (UK) was developed. Stages I & II: Problem identification & Identification of evidence: A systematic review with a thematic synthesis was conducted to help understand the barriers that prevent adult Muslims residents in different countries from accessing psychological services and appreciate the acceptability of CBT in Muslim communities. Stage III: Determination of needs: A qualitative study (23 participants, 13 from KSA and 10 from UK) undertaken to explore suitable adaptations to CBT for Sunni Muslims in the UK and KSA. Stage IV: Modelling process and outcomes: Using the findings from Stages I – III, with input from an Islamic expert, and proof-reader helped to co-develop a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention. A qualitative study (20 participants, 9 Adult Saudi group, 3 Imams group, 8 Service related group) was also completed to refine the Problem Solving intervention to further enhance the acceptability of the intervention and inform implementation plans. Stage V: Intervention design: All results collected were used to inform final refinement of the intervention and inform the design undertaken by a professional design company with the intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines (Hoffman et al., 2014). Results: Stage I: Four levels of barriers were identified as preventing Muslims from accessing Mental health services (Individual, Cultural, Provider, Management). Stage II: Recognised the importance of cultural adaptation to accommodate Muslim beliefs. Stage III: three groups based on acceptance of CBT and its integration with Islamic treatment appeared within Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, four levels of barriers (Islamic, Cultural, Individual, and Provider) were identified, in addition, LI CBT emerged as a potential solution. Stage IV: Developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention in Arabic for Sunni Muslims in KSA, and in English for Sunni Muslims in the UK, A qualitative study yielded three themes (Islamic, cultural, and implementation) identifying a general acceptance towards the problem solving intervention. Stage V: Described the Problem Solving LI CBT intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines. Conclusions: This PhD developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention based on a deep understanding of Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, and highlighted the important of understanding differences between Muslim communities based on the different culture and Islamic sects.15 0