Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

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    The Nexus between Sustainable Development and Economic Dynamics in MENA and SSA Countries.
    (Western Sydney University, 2023) Alghamdi, Thamer; Gangopadhyay, Partha
    The 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.
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    An Urban Management Framework for Crowd Movements in Hajj: A User-Centric Approach
    (University of Leeds, 2024-08) Kadi, Abdulrahman Omar; Selim, Gehan
    This thesis explores the complexities of urban management in the context of crowd movements during mega-events, with a particular focus on the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. The research aims to develop a user-centred management framework that enhances both crowd movement conditions and user experience, addressing the limitations of traditional top-down management approaches. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates theories from event management, crowd dynamics, and user experience, the study offers a novel perspective on managing large-scale gatherings, where the safety and satisfaction of participants are paramount. The research establishes the importance of urban management in facilitating effective crowd movements during mega-events, particularly addressing the unique challenges of Hajj, a religious event in Makkah that annually draws millions of pilgrims. The study identifies critical variables and correlations within urban management, event activities, and user experience, highlighting the need for a user-centric approach. The research examines urban management variables influencing crowd movements and analyses existing literature in order to identify gaps in the current understanding of crowd dynamics, particularly the formation and impact of collective behaviour during mass gatherings. A significant focus is placed on the pivotal role of user experience in shaping innovative crowd management strategies, employing tools such as User Journey Mapping (UJM) to dissect the collective experiences of pilgrims. The thesis further contextualises the study with a historical background of the Islamic pilgrimage, detailing the Holy Sites' rituals, circulation patterns, and significance. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and observational studies, to gather data during Hajj in 2021 and 2022. This data presents an in-depth analysis of crowd movement conditions during Hajj, identifying key challenges and proposing strategies to improve crowd control and user experience. The analysis from the user's perspective identifies touchpoints that influence crowd dynamics and underscores the importance of considering users' needs, expectations, and experiences in designing effective crowd management strategies. Moreover, the research introduces an urban management framework comprising three overarching themes: Event Management, Crowd Movement, and User Experience, each divided into sub-themes that collectively form a comprehensive approach to managing crowd movements during mega-events. The research synthesises these findings, relating them to the initial research questions and theoretical framework. It advocates for a user-centric strategy prioritising inclusivity, safety, and user satisfaction. It introduces the User-Centric Management Canvas (UCMC), a practical tool designed to guide event organisers in adopting this new approach. This framework offers a structured yet flexible method adaptable to various mega-event contexts. In conclusion, this thesis marks a significant contribution to urban management, providing a blueprint for future research and practical applications in crowd management. It sets the stage for a paradigm shift towards more empathetic and effective management of mega-events, potentially enhancing participants' safety and spiritual fulfilment at events like Hajj, with global applicability to other large-scale events.
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    A Comparative Case Study: Exploring Health System Governance in Canada and Saudi Arabia
    (Western University, 2024) Almalki, Fawziah; Oudshoorn, Abe; Tryphonopoulos, Panagiota; Smith, Maxwell; Muntaner, Carles
    Health systems and health system outcomes are incredibly complex. To understand how they function, researchers explore individual components of the system, in the study herein the component is ‘governance’. Research to date has demonstrated a positive relationship between governance and population health outcomes. Governance, therefore, may be a concept that assists in understanding differential health outcomes of seemingly comparable countries. This study aims to explore macro-level governance, particularly the two sub-concepts of ‘government effectiveness’ and ‘perceived corruption’, in two countries: Saudi Arabia and Canada. Government effectiveness reflects the quality of public health policy development and implementation, and how much the government adheres to these policies. These comparator countries are selected as they share similarities on three levels, economy, population size, and free basic healthcare; yet differ significantly in governance models. A case study methodology as described by Stake (1995), guided this study. This study is particularly a comparative case study design with a focus on qualitative data. The data will be used to understand in-depth nuances of governance in health systems. Two overarching questions guided this study, one for each of the sub-concepts: 1) How the government effectiveness process, in terms of health policy development and implementation, unfolds within the health system in Saudi Arabia and Canada. 2) How corruption, as an aspect of governance, is present within health systems. This work is framed within a critical theoretical perspective. Concerns about good governance and corruption that guide this work is to the purpose of seeking the best health outcomes for all people. Governance as a whole, and sub-concepts of government effectiveness and corruption, are all amenable to change and improvement. To engage with system complexity, multiple data sources were utilized within this case study. Primary data consisted of interviewing 32 participants (15 in Canada and 17 in Saudi Arabia) who work in the health system in service provision, research, policy, management, or education. Secondary data included government documents about health system structure and strategies at the macro level. Data collection was conducted through two phases. Phase one of data collection involved in-depth interviews with experts across the health systems. The interviews were conducted in both English and Arabic. Documents for analysis were collected and accessed through official websites of governments or Ministries of health, and healthcare organizations, and scientific databases. These documents were analyzed via Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as outlined by Van Dijk (1993) and Mullet (2018). The findings are divided into three foci as three chapters: 1) a methodological piece on conducting bilingual research; 2) the nature of government effectiveness; and 3) the nature of corruption in health systems. Conducting research in a language not spoken by all the research team members is relatively common, yet addressing the nuanced details of implementing bilingual work has limited guidance within extant literature. This includes consideration of promising practices for concept development, translation, data analysis, and presenting the findings. This chapter is an exploration of the strengths and limitations of doing bilingual research, and recommendations regarding these aforementioned issues from our own experiences. Ultimately, it is proposed that via bilingual research, the accumulation of knowledge pertaining to qualitative research concepts, translation, analysis, and dissemination of comprehensive frameworks can be enacted, ultimately enhancing the rigour of qualitative research and increasing confidence in applying knowledge created in the chosen language of participants. Findings on government effectiveness in health systems in both Canada and Saudi Arabia are presented in four themes. These four themes are: 1) Health is Political, 2) Health System Privatization, 3) An Outdated System vs. A System that is Catching Up, and 4) Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration. Recommendations are provided on how to better identify elements of government effectiveness and integrate them with the SDoH in order to enhance system effectiveness and improve the health of populations. For the chapter on corruption, it is noted that Governance is a complex theoretical concept that includes the sub-concept of ‘corruption’. A very ‘loaded’ term, this study sought to understand how corruption is present in health systems, often in very subtle ways. Findings illustrate how corruption is still a relevant concept in advanced health systems and can include both subtle and even overt forms within Canadian and Saudi health systems. This is explained in three themes: 1) Corruption in Wealthy Nations: Subtle Opportunism; 2) Nepotism and Professional Courtesy; and 3) A Strict System vs A Relaxed System. This analysis uncovers nuanced forms of potential personal gain within Canadian and Saudi health systems that make the concept of corruption still a timely concern. Addressing these risks must be seen as a collective obligation, where healthcare providers identify and report cases of potential corruption, managers prevent and address opportunities for personal gain, and researchers study how to develop policies and processes that are most immune to corruption. Ultimately, this study continues to unpack the complex ways that health systems are actualized, looking particularly at the concept of governance, and selected sub-concepts of government effectiveness and corruption.
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    THE CONTRIBUTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNANCE PROCESS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
    (University of Reading, 2024-07-24) Alnajran, Saqer; Kakabadse, Andrew
    This qualitative research was undertaken through a case study to explore the contribution of council members of King Saud University (KSU) to their institutional strategy. It is the first study to consider the impact of governing body members of higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. The study involved conducting 26 elite interviews with KSU council members and collecting 9 relevant documents. Through thematic analysis, the study elucidated how board members fulfill their responsibilities in alignment with KSU's strategic plan. Firstly, board members were identified as holding official positions that require role-based contribution and accountability. Secondly, the effective contribution of board members was facilitated by the use of technology through the KSU’s board portal Majales. Thirdly, the engagement of KSU council members at various decision-making levels, including the college council or equivalent level, in addition to the university council level, was found to positively influence the institutional strategy. Fourthly, the crucial role of the KSU president in enhancing collaborative efforts between the board and the institution to achieve strategic objectives was highlighted. Lastly, the efforts of KSU council members in developing new regulations and enforcing implementation compliance were essential in reflecting their contribution to realizing the objectives of KSU’s strategic plan. The study concludes by proposing a model that outlines the process through which board members contribute to their institutional strategy. The model emphasizes the importance of employing a distributed system of specialized experts in their respective roles to make an effective contribution. Additionally, it underscores the involvement of board directors in discussions at multiple levels within the institution contributing to the improvement of decision-making processes across the governance system. Furthermore, the model not only advances the understanding of governance and strategic dynamics within KSU but also provides valuable insights with broader applicability to higher education institutions.
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    Managing Investors’ Expectations With Shariah Compliance: An Exploration of Saudi Investment Fund Managers’ Viewpoints
    (RMIT University, 2024) AlDakheel, Asma; Khan, Tehmina
    Shariah-compliant investment as an ethical business strategy requires substantial and adherent practices that can be sustained and viable for people who prefer this investment type. Contractual relationships between investors and public fund managements call for effective and transparent investor engagement to meet the latter’s Shariah compliance expectations. This thesis aims to explore Management of Saudi Shariah Compliant Investments Equity's (MSSCIEF) perceptions of disclosure and governance practices taken to engage investors with their Shariah-compliance expectations. It also seeks to discover their understanding and responses to meet those expectations. This thesis develops a theoretical lens based on combining agency, modern portfolio, and pragmatic legitimacy theories will be used to interpret fund management practices that have sought to engage investors with their expectations. The qualitative comparative analysis will serve as a methodology for exploring the perceptions of Saudi fund managers. A mixed methods approach is employed to gather the data from semi-structured interviews with 20 managers, and analysis of documents covering all MSSCIEF through samples of their funds’ official publications (268 documents). This thesis asserts the importance of SBs in validating what fund managers understand about ISCE. Concerning the issuing Shariah opinions, this thesis revealed that obtaining Shariah accreditation for new and impure investment products in SSCIEF is the most challenging. Responses to issues focus on meeting investors' expectations at the minimum, as stipulated by regulations only. Concerning investor engagement in SSCIEF, this research finds that the impact of investor engagement does not exceed the tokenism level which means that investors do not influence disclosure practices. Referring to governance practices, MSSCIEF perceive that investors trust them when they want to hire the SB for its input. Also, they do not prefer conducting audits being conducted by an SB itself, but by a third or outsourced party. The theoretical framework of this research links those expectations to investors' interests and management engagement practices, and the legitimacy that it would ultimately gain. Comparing findings with the theoretical framework reveals that meeting ISCE has been not satisfactory and MSSCIEF do not gain any moral or consequential legitimacy. However, less satisfactory ISCE results from: 1) understanding of Shariah-compliant investments is still incomplete and there is a need to improve qualifications and experiences to earn cognitive legitimacy; and 2) symbolic engagement is what grants pragmatic legitimacy to MSSCIEF. This research seeks to contribute to updating the Islamic investment literature, especially about what is happening in Saudi Arabia, and help to improve the management of investors’ engagement in managing such expectations.
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    PAVING THE PATH: DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EQUITY CROWDFUNDING IN SAUDI ARABIA UNDER CAPITAL MARKET LAWS. -A COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE-
    (Case Western Reserve University, 2024-04-18) Almajed, Nasser; Rossman, Matthew; Rapp, Robert
    The nascent equity crowdfunding market in Saudi Arabia holds immense potential for fostering innovation and economic growth. However, due to an underdeveloped legal framework and regulatory gaps in Saudi Arabia, this market faces significant challenges that hinder its development and effectiveness. This dissertation dives into these challenges, focusing on areas like the fragmented regulatory landscape, cumbersome company structures, limited shareholder governance tools, investment cap and restrictive offering limits. Drawing from a comparative study of the U.S. Regulation Crowdfunding, the thesis proposes a multifaceted reform plan designed to address these shortcomings and unlock the full potential of equity crowdfunding in Saudi Arabia. Key recommendations include streamlining the regulatory framework into a single, cohesive law, adopting a simplified joint stock company structure for equity crowdfunding ventures, enhancing shareholder governance provisions within the Companies Law, raising the offering limit to allow startups and small and medium-sized companies to raise sufficient capital, clarifying the legal status of crowdfunding platforms, and implementing robust investor protection measures by adopting the US approach to investment caps. By advocating for these reforms, this dissertation aims to contribute to the creation of a vibrant and sustainable equity crowdfunding market in Saudi Arabia, one that can empower entrepreneurs, attract investors, and ultimately drive economic diversification and innovation. Keywords: Equity Crowdfunding, Crowdfunding Platform, Regulation Crowdfunding, Governance, Entrepreneurs, Start-up, Regulatory Gaps, Investor Protection, Investment Cap.
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    The Relationship between Urban Governance and Physical Urban Expansion in Riyadh
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-30) Alotabi, Ahmed; Goodfellow, Tom
    This dissertation explores the complex issue of urban sprawl in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasising the limited efficiency of institutions for governance and planning to rein in this uncontrolled growth. Urban sprawl, frequently associated with unplanned and unsustainable development, has become a significant problem in Riyadh and is creating social, economic, and environmental issues. This study aims to clarify the intricate interactions between variables that contribute to this phenomenon, emphasising the function of legislative frameworks. This paper explores the underlying reasons behind Riyadh's failure to control urban expansion through a thorough analysis of past urban planning techniques, governance frameworks, and legal frameworks. The dissertation intends to shed light on the causes of urban sprawl in Riyadh by using a literature review methodology through archival analysis, scientific paper results, meta-analysis paper reviews, some policy evaluations, and books written by experts on the topic. Due to the paper’s emphasis on the role of governance towards urban sprawl, some essential literature analysis is based on documents that have been concerned with the issue, whether wholly or partially: The National Spatial Strategy 2030 (UN-Development Programme, 2021), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Report on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda 2022 (MoMRAH), Riyadh's strategic plan (MEDSTAR, 2021), Saudi Arabia’s National Report for Habitat III (MoMRA, 2016) and The Saudi Cities Report (MoMRA, 2019). According to the report, prioritising greenfield development and decentralised decision-making procedures has historically unintentionally encouraged suburban growth. Governance institutions have discovered it challenging to address the spatial fragmentation brought on by this strategy because they lack thorough master planning and mixed-use zoning plans. The complexity of urban growth in Riyadh is highlighted in this dissertation, but it also emphasises the essential for a paradigm shift in urban governance and planning. This research provides insights into how legislative structures might be re-calibrated to match sustainable and controlled urban growth by looking at the various legislative motivations that have sustained urban sprawl. The results of this study add to the larger conversation about issues facing urban growth and can guide policy initiatives to promote more cohesive, livable, and resilient communities. The research aims to lay the groundwork for future urban planning initiatives focusing on balanced and sustainable growth, thereby reducing the adverse effects of uncontrolled urban expansion in Riyadh and elsewhere.
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    A Mixed-Methods Study to Investigate the Awareness by Pilgrims and the Saudi Authorities of Health Risks Arising From the Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2023-09-28) Almehmadi, Mater; David, Alexander
    One of the most important factors in developing preventative measures is awareness of health risks among public authorities and the public themselves. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020-2023 has exposed significant weaknesses in public health systems that need to be addressed, although research has so far been limited with respect to studies that have explored the perceptions of both the public and authorities about the uptake of preventative health measures. As it is the host of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia offers a good case study of the health management of one of the biggest mass gatherings in the world. Although the health strategy here usually involves an array of preventative measures, the uptake among pilgrims is extremely low. As a case study exploring the factors that determine uptake, the Hajj pilgrimage is approached in this dissertation using a mixed methodology for the collection of data from the officials of the Hajj and the individuals who participate in it. Some 280 participants were canvassed in the quantitative study. The findings are that 94% considered the Hajj to be safe and limited themselves to taking pre-travel advice on health, while 70% of the respondents reported the diversity of the pilgrims to be the main factor threatening health outcomes. Overall, the study reported a significant shortfall in pilgrims’ perception of the health risks associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. Qualitative research was then utilised to collect data from 17 Hajj officials, using semi-structured interviews followed by thematic analysis. The key themes that emerged in the analysis include, first, the safety of the Hajj as perceived by Saudi officials; secondly, in the face of health risks, how the safety of pilgrims is maintained by Saudi officials; thirdly, avoiding the health risks of the Hajj pilgrimage; fourthly holding training sessions for the Hajj workers; fifthly, the pilgrims’ awareness of health risks; sixthly, the education of pilgrims about health risk in their individual countries; and finally, the use of new technologies to raise the pilgrims’ awareness about health instructions and measure their satisfaction regarding the outcomes.
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    A Comprehensive Case Study on ESG Integration and Analysis for Sustainable Commercial Banks in the United Kingdom
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2023-03-18) Alnabood, Ali; Hayward, Robert
    Commercial banks in the United Kingdom strive to operate sustainably and satisfy the demands of their stakeholders, which has increased the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This comprehensive case study employs a mixed-methods approach that discusses analysing and integrating ESG elements for sustainable commercial banks in the UK. The study commences with a comprehensive examination of current literature on integrating and analysing ESG factors in the banking sector. Subsequently, the literature review outcomes are employed to construct a conceptual framework for integrating and analysing ESG factors customised to the commercial banking industry in the UK. Next, the study uses publicly available data to analyse the ESG performance of the leading five commercial banks in the UK. The analysis includes assessing the banks' implementation of various ESG indicators, including carbon emissions, diversity and inclusion, and governance practices. Finally, the analysis results identify trends and best practices in ESG integration and analysis among UK commercial banks. The study results emphasise the significance of incorporating and evaluating ESG factors for promoting sustainability in commercial banks operating in the UK. The analysis results demonstrate notable disparities in ESG performance among commercial banks in the UK. Certain banks exhibit superior ESG performance compared to others, with statistically significant differences. The study's author has presented a series of suggestions for UK commercial banks seeking to enhance their ESG performance and incorporate ESG factors into their business practices based on the research results. The suggestions encompass the necessity for endorsement from upper-level management, the significance of thorough data gathering and evaluation, and the advantages of involving stakeholders to comprehend their ESG preferences. Overall, this thorough case study offers insightful information on the difficulties and possibilities of ESG integration and analysis for sustainable commercial banks in the UK. The study's mixed-methods methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject. It also gives helpful advice for UK commercial banks aiming to enhance their ESG performance. Finally, the study's conclusions apply to banks and financial institutions worldwide, not only in the UK, as they work to operate sustainably and satisfy changing stakeholder expectations.
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    EXPERIENCES OF NONPROFIT SECTOR LEADERS IN MANAGING AN EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN SAUDI ARABIA
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08) Alanazi, Abdulkarem Radhi; Vaccaro, Christian
    This study explores the collaboration between the nonprofit and public sectors in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of the institutional leadership of nonprofit organizations. Since the nonprofit sector in Saudi Arabia is considered relatively new and growing, it needs to collaborate with the public sector for financial, administrative, technological, and human resource support. The government aims at improving the nonprofits’ contribution to the economy and empowering them to deliver public services. While cross-sector collaboration is necessary for nonprofits, they are keen on keeping their autonomy and independence as they collaborate with other sectors. This research, therefore, investigates the administrative power distribution mechanisms between nonprofits and their partners from the public sector. The researcher used a qualitative case study methodology to examine one of the prominent nonprofits in the healthcare field in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with leaders from different departments and managerial levels within the organization, as well as analyzing the content of related documents. The data analysis revealed that the selected nonprofit has an outstanding performance in governance standards such as transparency and disclosure. The Firm is also managed by experienced leaders in healthcare services and public administration. These strengths resulted in the ability of the Firm to manage balanced and exemplary collaborations with its partners from the public sector. The study also revealed that the Firm complies with the requirement of the public sector partners whose role in public service intersects with the Firm’s role because collaborating with these partners is necessary to achieve its strategic goals. Recommendations for leaders and decision-makers in nonprofits and the public sector were also provided.
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