Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Saudi Arabia: A Crisis Risk Management Perspective(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alanzi, Sami; Ratten, VanessaThe COVID-19 pandemic is a disruptive event that presents both risks and opportunities to enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspectives and practices among companies in the Saudi private sector. Additionally, it may foster positive change in the Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem and change its orientation toward supporting digital entrepreneurship. The logic behind the research is that, based on the concepts of risk and crisis management, an effective response to a disruptive event could include changes in practices and orientation to mitigate the negative implications of the crisis and capitalise on opportunities. This research investigates the implications of the pandemic on CSR and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Saudi Arabia. The main focus is on examining an integrated theoretical perspective that combines Stakeholder Theory, Carroll’s Theory of the CSR Pyramid, and the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship. This theoretical perspective positions changes in CSR and Entrepreneurial Orientation as organisational responses that have been driven by external institutional pressures, stakeholder expectations, and firms’ internal resource configurations. Supporting insights from Resilience and Crisis Management Theories further explain how Saudi firms adapted, reconfigured capabilities, and sought legitimacy during the crisis. The study aimed to assess how this combined theoretical perspective explains pandemic-driven shifts in CSR practices and entrepreneurial behaviour among Saudi corporates, and how these shifts contribute to organisational resilience and effective risk management. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on CSR and entrepreneurship by investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CSR perspectives and practices, as well as entrepreneurial orientation among private-sector corporations in Saudi Arabia from a risk management perspective. Specifically, the study contributes to the CSR theory, which refers to CSR as a voluntary, self-driven organisational practices by emphasising the role of CSR as a risk mitigation tool that could strengthen corporates position in the market and minimise the continuity risk it examines the role of CSR practices in mitigating the pandemic’s adverse impacts on stakeholders and their role in supporting business continuity during crises. Accordingly, the study suggests that CSR has become more essential rather than voluntary organisational practices. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis techniques to collect and analyse primary data related to the research topic and develop an in-depth understanding of the crisis impact on CSR and entrepreneurial orientation in Saudi Arabia. The interview sample included 34 participants (managers and entrepreneurs) from various Saudi business sectors, such as banking, oil and gas, energy, travel and tourism, and retail.The key findings indicate that the repeated lockdowns harmed business financial performance and led to a noticeable decrease in CSR allowance. However, a noticeable change was detected in CSR perspectives and practices, which, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were primarily focused on charitable donations. Corporations became more open to various types of social contributions, utilising available resources and technical capabilities. Moreover, the findings highlighted that Saudi corporations resorted to technology and customised services to meet changes in customer needs and communication channels, creating opportunities for digital entrepreneurship. This transformation to more technology-based business models created opportunities for digital entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the findings highlighted the significant role of the governments, particularly in developing economies, such as Saudi Arabia, in stimulating and supporting CSR practices and directing the entrepreneurship orientation. The Saudi government provided the necessary guidance and technical capabilities to help corporations safely manage their staff and sustain their operations. Interestingly, the pandemic helped in achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 by accelerating digitalisation. The research’s managerial implications encouraged decision-makers in Saudi firms to integrate CSR into the organisation’s core strategies rather than treating it as a philanthropic activity. They should also consider internal stakeholders as critical organisational assets, prioritising employee health, safety, mental wellbeing, and work-life balance in their CSR planning. Moreover, managers are encouraged to leverage the vast transformation to digitisation to improve communication and engagement of different stakeholders and launch digital CSR initiatives, such as online awareness campaigns, which are key to effective CSR practices.10 0Item Restricted The Impact of Wind and Sandstorms on Hydrogen Pipeline Safety in Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom: A Comparative Analysis(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Abdulaziz, AlQahtani; Yajue, WuAbstract Hydrogen is increasingly employed as a clean energy source with the potential to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Facilities for producing and transmitting hydrogen are growing globally as a result of the global push for sustainable energy. High pressure is often used in pipeline operations, and leaks can quickly combine with air to create extremely flammable clouds that, if ignited, can cause devastating fires or explosions. Environmental factors have a significant impact on hydrogen dispersion and related hazards. Hydrogen pipelines in Saudi Arabia face particular difficulties due to the country's arid climate, sandstorms, and strong winds. These include sand abrasion-induced external erosion or corrosion, delayed leak detection, and elevated ignition risk brought on by electrostatic charges. Strong winds, however, also encourage broader horizontal dispersion, which may lessen concentrations in certain areas. On the other hand, the UK has little exposure to sandstorms and mild wind conditions. In the event of a leak, this raises the possibility of a localized buildup of highconcentration flammable clouds even though it lowers the risks of external erosion. This study compares the impact of sandstorms and wind on the safety of hydrogen pipelines in the UK and Saudi Arabia. A risk assessment methodology was used, combining a review of the literature, qualitative risk analysis, and PHAST software-based dispersion modelling in a varying meteorological condition. There is currently little information available on these environmental effects, and current approaches frequently ignore these local risks, which results in erroneous risk assessments19 0Item Restricted To what extent can international CCS policy instruments be applied in Saudi Arabia, given the country’s state-led decarbonization model?(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) almaghrabi, Hadel; McDowall, WillThis study aims to assess the transferability of five international carbon capture and storage (CCS) policy instruments in the Saudi Arabian context, taking into account the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, net- zero target, and state-led decarbonization model. Meanwhile, global CCS policy frameworks, such as performance-based subsidies (45Q), Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs), CCS clusters, state-owned enterprise (SOE)-led models, and carbon crediting mechanisms like the Emissions Trading System (ETS), have accelerated deployment. However, their direct applicability to a hydrocarbon-dependent, centrally governed economy remains under-explored. The dissertation employs a qualitative comparative policy analysis structured through a framework that evaluates five key dimensions: Institutional Compatibility, Market Structure Fit, Economic Feasibility, Technical Readiness, and Proven Effectiveness. The derived insights were based on both secondary data (academic and grey literature) and primary data collected through five expert interviews with stakeholders from government, state-owned enterprises, research institutions, and international organizations. For the Interview data, thematic analysis was used, which identified converging and diverging perspectives on the feasibility of each policy instrument in the Saudi context. The findings of the dissertation indicate that SOE-led models and CCS clusters exhibit the strongest institutional and market alignment with Saudi Arabia’s governance structure and industrial landscape, and provide immediate pathways for CCS scale-up. In contrast, performance-based subsidies and CCfDs exhibit partial adaptability but would require fiscal and regulatory reforms. Whereas crediting mechanisms, such as emissions trading systems and the Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Offsetting Mechanism, remain institutionally premature. The study argues that a phased approach, anchored in SOE- led clusters, followed by targeted incentive mechanisms and eventually market-based tools, can provide the most viable sequencing for CCS deployment in Saudi Arabia. By situating CCS policy within the Kingdom’s broader circular carbon economy and net-zero strategy, this study contributes to the literature on policy transfer in resource-dependent states. It demonstrates how institutional context conditions the adaptation of international climate policy and provides lessons for other hydrocarbon economies pursuing industrial decarbonization.11 0Item Restricted Development of a Safety Management Framework for Hydrogen Transportation in New Gas Distribution Networks(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) AlHalzaa, Mohammed; Wu, YajueThe decarbonization of the UK energy system requires that hydrogen is safely and reliably transported through the existing natural gas transmission infrastructure. The physical properties of hydrogen, with its wide range of flammability, high diffusivity, very low ignition energy, and potential for degradation of materials, pose challenges that are not sufficiently dealt with in existing methane-based standards. This work develops and validates a Safety Management Framework (SMF) for hydrogen transmission using realistic experiments in the Future Grid facility in which hydrogen mixed at 2-100% hydrogen were pumped through decommissioned National Transmission System (NTS) assets. The methodology combines systematic risk assessment methods such as HAZOP, FMEA and Bowtie with calibrated consequence modelling tools such as PHAST and ALOHA, as well as SCADA-integrated digital monitoring systems. Experimental results show a faster pressure decay, reduced weld fatigue life and a rapid ignition related to higher thermal radiation during full-bore releases. The suggested SMF is integrated with engineering controls, predictive monitoring, emergency planning zones (EPZs) and compliance with standard regulations (IGEM/TD/1, IGEM SR/25, ISO/TS 19880- 1). Blends of hydrogen up to 20% have been validated through the use of Future Grid data and can be introduced with little changeover. In contrast, operation using 100% hydrogen requires higher inspection frequencies, improved sealing systems, and improved leak detection systems. The framework provides a practical way of achieving the secure development of hydrogen networks in the UK and around the world.14 0Item Restricted The Effect of Insulin Pen on Reduction of HbA1c and Diabetes Management - A Systematic Review(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Aldukhi, Sarah; Saloniki, Eirini ChristinaAbstract Background: Insulin pens were developed to overcome limitations of traditional vial-and-syringe insulin administration, which may negatively affect glycemic control and adherence. Objective: This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of insulin pen devices in reducing HbA1c levels and improving diabetes management outcomes. Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic review of studies published between 2017 and 2025 was conducted using major electronic databases. Eligible studies compared insulin pen use with conventional insulin delivery in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Results: Across 15 included studies, insulin pen use was consistently associated with improved HbA1c outcomes, particularly among elderly patients and those requiring complex insulin regimens. Enhanced adherence, improved injection technique, greater patient satisfaction, and benefits from smart pen technologies were commonly reported. Conclusion: Insulin pens are effective tools for improving glycemic control and patient-centered outcomes in diabetes management10 0Item Restricted Delafossite Oxide Materials for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alharbi, Mashaer; Healy, Noel; Gibson, ElizabethThis thesis thoroughly examines the development and use of copper and silver delafossite oxide materials as hole transport layers (HTLs) in inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). The study seeks to tackle significant issues related to the efficiency, stability, and scalability of perovskite solar cells by investigating the viability of these inorganic oxides as substitutes for traditional organic HTLs. The research centres on synthesising, characterising, and integrating delafossite oxides into IPSCs to assess their viability for photovoltaic applications. Delafossite oxides, comprising CuMO₂ and AgMO₂ (M = Fe, Co, Mn, Ga, Al, Cu, Cr, Ni, In, Sc), were synthesised by hydrothermal methods at low temperatures (<210 °C) and pressures (<20 atm). The synthesis process was optimised using NaOH as a mineraliser to improve phase purity, regulate crystal size, and guarantee structural stability. A thorough characterisation was conducted utilising X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine structural and morphological attributes, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine thermal stability and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy to assess optical properties, including bandgap energy and light absorption. The findings indicated that Cu-based and Ag-based delafossites exhibit the necessary structural integrity, optical properties, and thermal stability for hole transport layers in inorganic perovskite solar cells. Thin film deposition processes, including spin coating, spray pyrolysis, and doctor blading, were utilised to integrate these materials into devices by fabricating homogenous films on Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrates. The synthesised films were examined for their structural, optical, electrical, and electrochemical characteristics. Traditional HTL, like NiO and CuO, served as reference points for comparison. Photoluminescence (PL) and carrier lifetime assessments revealed effective charge transfer in certain delafossites, notably AgCoO₂ and CuCoO₂. These materials exhibited favourable characteristics for hole extraction and charge conveyance. Nonetheless, device-level integration exposed problems like surface roughness, interface compatibility, and the deterioration of MAPbI₃ perovskite layers. Although certain delafossite-based devices had promise, their performance measures, particularly power conversion efficiency (PCE), fell short of expectations due to these obstacles. The thesis is organised into seven chapters, each focussing on a distinct facet of the topic. Chapter 1 presents the work's introduction, motivation, and objectives, emphasising the potential of delafossite oxides as alternatives to conventional organic hole transport layers (HTLs). Chapter 2 extensively examines perovskite solar cells, detailing their topologies, operational principles, and the function of hole transport layers, emphasising delafossite materials. Chapter 3 delineates the experimental methodologies employed for synthesising and characterising delafossite oxides alongside the fabrication of thin films and solar cell devices. Chapter 4 examines the synthesis, structural characterisation, and performance assessment of Cu-based delafossite oxides. In contrast, Chapter 5 parallels similar investigations for Ag-based delafossite oxides, highlighting its enhanced conductivity and stability relative to the copper-based variants. Chapter 6 details the manufacturing and characterisation of solar cell devices utilising CuMO₂ and AgMO₂ thin films, assessing their photovoltaic performance and pinpointing significant obstacles in device optimisation. Chapter 7 concludes by summarising the principal findings, examining their ramifications, and delineating future research avenues to improve the economic feasibility of delafossite-based HTLs.7 0Item Restricted دور تطوير الخدمات الصحية الأولية في تحسين مستوى رضا المستفيدين: دراسة تطبيقية على المراكز الصحية الأولية بمحافظة القصيم(Saudi Digital Library, 2024-12-20) المزيني , ملاك; أ.د. إيمان سالمان طايع; د. نهال محمد علامAbstract The study aimed to identify The Role of Developing Primary Health Services in Improving the Level of Beneficiary Satisfaction: An applied Study on Primary Health Centers in Qassim Governorate. The study sample consisted of (322) frequent visitors - visiting patients - supervisory management- regular employees- nursing. The study tools were a questionnaire form. The results of the study concluded that primary health services have a significant impact on patient satisfaction at Housing Health Center in Buraidah, There is also a difference in trends regarding the role of developing primary health services in improving the level of patient satisfaction at Housing Health Center in Buraidah according to demographic characteristics (gender, age group, years of experience, academic qualification). The study recommended the need to provide continuous training programs for health cadres to improve communication skills, empathy and response to patients' needs in a way that enhances the quality of human interaction and increases patient satisfaction. The health sector must also enhance the use of modern electronic systems to improve the patient experience with a focus on ease of use and speed of response by improving the infrastructure and developing medical facilities and logistical services to ensure a comfortable treatment environment that meets the expectations of patients of all ages.Keywords: Developing Primary Health Services, Satisfaction of Beneficiaries.30 0Item Restricted Investigating the importance of technological advancements in logistics and supply chain management and how they help meet global sustainability Goals(Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2024) Alharbi, Mohammad; Hwang, Ki-SoonLogistics management and Supply chain management are the terms associated with supply chain management, which involves activities such as planning, sourcing, generating, and delivering goods and services. Logistics, on the other hand, involves emphasising the track of processes so that the right products are at the right place at the right time. Along with these processes, technological advancements play significant roles in terms of productivity, efficiency and attainment of sustainable goals. In this context, this research study aims to explore the investigation of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology (BCT), internet of things (IoT), automation and robotics in supply chain and logistics along with meeting the sustainability goals. Therefore, this research will fill the gap in the prevailing literature on technological advancements and carbon reduction by including a specific study of the automotive manufacturing sectors. In terms of methodology, a questionnaire survey was conducted through structured closed-ended questions including the sixty-four participants as stakeholders of the supply chains and logistics. The key findings or results reveal the information or understanding that, technological advancements optimise inventory management and also help in reducing waste for sectors like manufacturing in the Automotive industries. Along with this, technical development improves the productivity of supply chain management as well as logistics by accomplishing global sustainability objectives and reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing sector. In this research study, the different obstacles to adopting sustainable logistics technology are also explored by promoting the application of renewable energy and green logistics in different sectors. One of the significant limitations of this research study is that it does not involve all aspects of green technology and green technologies can be a good option for future research study. The conclusion as well as recommendations drawn in the present studies, are expected to offer a significant insight for supply chain management and logistics to get a competitive advantage in terms of attaining sustainable execution with the usage of logical advancement.40 0Item Restricted The Role of Governance in Sustainable Water Management A Systematic Review(CARDIFF UNVIERSITY, 2024-09-05) Almutairi, Meshal; loris, AntonioWater is a paramount resource to the support of modern civilisation, including the growing population, urbanisation, and heavy industry. Consequently, optimal water usage is necessary for the support of vital human activities. The concept of optimal management presumes that water resources should be used both sustainably and efficiently, presuming the necessity of implementing current management policies, technological advancements, stakeholder engagement and adaptive practices to the management of water resources. The introduction of the indicated management aspects has a range of environmental, social, and economic issues that should be addressed while developing the respective water policies. The work aims to systematically review the most up-to-date literature on the management of water resources and identify best practices in the area along with research gaps. As a result, it was also intended to outline actionable improvement recommendations to the involved parties. The research methodology involves an analysis of water governance publications, complemented by both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Specifically, relevant literature was reviewed, including surveys, interviews with policymakers, and other water management professionals. Both thematic and qualitative analysis were employed to assess management strategies and outline recommendations for more effective water usage. As a result, it was confirmed that a hybrid governance model that involved a combination of both centralised and decentralised approaches was the most effective in the sustainable management of water resources. It was also confirmed that the key components of successful water governance are heavy use of green infrastructure, engagement of stakeholders, and the implementation of OECD principles. Another critical aspect is the integration of data-driven technologies such as GIS and IoT to improve decision-making in the area. However, the use of such technologies poses challenges to data privacy and costs. Key words: water governance, sustainable water management, hybrid governance, OECD principles, stakeholder engagement, green infrastructure26 0Item Restricted Association between Hypercalcemia and Cardiovascular Disease using Cinacalcet(University of Glasgow, 2024-08) Aljuhani, Nuha Abdulkhaliq; Lindsay, RobertMany scholars have reported that Hypercalcemia increases susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Cinacalcet, a calcimimetic agent, has been revealed to be a promising therapeutic agent for treating hypercalcemia and its cardiovascular consequences. The goal of this paper is to assess the effect of cinacalcet treatment on cardiovascular events in patients with HPT. Nineteen (19) randomised controlled trial studies published over the last 24 years were identified and incorporated into the study. The study demonstrated that cinacalcet lowered serum PTH, and calcium levels, which are primary factors in HPT and the general CVD incidence. The present review indicated that the number of cardiovascular events was significantly less than that of the control group. Regarding other safety issues, cinacalcet is associated with more risk regarding hypocalcemia, nausea, and vomiting. These outcomes bear the possibility of cinacalcet to manage HPT and its cardiovascular risks but also foresee the risk of side effects and the importance of monitoring and dose modification. This study recommends that more studies be conducted to evaluate the impact of cinacalcet, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes and overall mortality in the studied patient group. Keywords: Cinacalcet, Hypercalcemia, Hyperparathyroidism, Cardiovascular disease, Parathyroid hormone71 0