Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Assessing Disaster Preparedness Among SRCA Emergency Medical Services Personnel in Saudi Arabia(University of Portsmouth, 2024-11-14) Aldhilan, Ahmed; Solana, CarmenPrehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a critical role in disaster response, particularly in regions prone to various hazards, such as Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the readiness and effectiveness of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) workforce in disaster response, focusing on regional variations, skill competencies response strategies, and identifying potential areas for improvement. The research utilised a mixed-methods approach, including a quantitative questionnaire completed by 259 SRCA personnel and qualitative interviews with key management figures. The findings reveal significant strengths in basic emergency response skills such as First Aid and CPR, especially among more experienced personnel. However, notable gaps were identified in inter-agency coordination and awareness of certain disaster risks, such as earthquakes and terror attacks. Additionally, regional disparities in disaster preparedness were observed, with some areas, like Jazan and Asir, demonstrating higher confidence levels, while others, such as Tabuk and Makkah, indicated lower preparedness. These findings underscore the need for targeted training, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and region-specific disaster management strategies. The study concludes that while experience significantly enhances individual preparedness, comprehensive disaster management requires a broader focus on collaborative efforts and tailored interventions across all regions. Further research is recommended to expand these findings and support the ongoing improvement of disaster preparedness within the SRCA and similar organizations.24 0Item Restricted AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOR AND RETAILERS' BUSINESS MODEL IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA(University of Central Florida, 2023) Alfardan, Bader; O'Neal,ThomasThis study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on consumer buying behavior and shifts in retail business models within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in response to the challenges introduced by the pandemic. The study had several objectives, including examining the global impact of the pandemic on retail consumers, analyzing variations in the effect on luxury and essential products, investigating the strategies employed by physical store retailers to address the consequences of COVID-19, and providing recommendations for retailers to operate sustainably in the future. To achieve these objectives, the study utilized a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative research. Data was collected from 180 consumer respondents via a quantitative survey questionnaire and from eight retailers through one-on-one interviews. Reliability analysis was conducted using Cronbach's Alpha. Subsequently, the data was evaluated through frequency and cross-tabulation methods, while interview transcripts served to corroborate and contrast the quantitative findings. The study revealed that the COVID19 pandemic significantly altered consumer shopping patterns. There was a heightened demand for groceries, essentials, health and hygiene products, while non-essentials and luxury items experienced reduced demand. Consumers showed a preference for online retail platforms over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Based on these findings, Saudi Arabian retailers are advised to exploit a hybrid model, blending online and physical stores in the post-COVID period, and to establish multiple online sales touchpoints. Luxury retailers, in particular, are encouraged to diversify their portfolio range to include value-for-money options, leverage social media marketing to promote their offerings, and improve consumer perceptions around online purchasing, specifically in the areas of delivery and return policies.47 0