Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Investigating the Implementation of Governance Through the Adoption of the Universities Law in Saudi Higher Education(ASTON UNIVERSITY, 2025) Alowaid, Othman; Hall, MatthewThis research investigates the implementation of the new Universities Law in Saudi Arabia and its implications for higher education governance. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive governance framework tailored to Saudi universities' unique sociocultural, political, and economic context. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation for understanding governance dynamics within Saudi higher education by synthesising agency, stewardship, and stakeholder theories. There has previously been an in-depth exploration of adapting governance in Saudi higher education through the new Universities Law; hence, this research examines the two universities that first implemented the new law. The study explores the governance framework of Saudi higher education, the adaptation processes, and the challenges encountered. A qualitative case study approach allowed participants to describe their experiences. Data collection involved two main methods: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The key documents analysed were the previous Higher Education and Universities Council Law and the new Universities Law. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the two universities and the Universities Affairs Council, considered the body supervising universities. This study contributes to the theoretical discourse on higher education governance by demonstrating the novel combination of agency, stewardship, and stakeholder theories and revealing the limitations of existing governance frameworks when applied in isolation. This study addresses practical challenges universities face during the transition, providing insights crucial for successfully implementing governance reforms. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this research supports ongoing efforts to improve governance in Saudi higher education, aligning with the broader goals of the Vision 2030 initiative. Additionally, it addresses practical challenges universities face during the transition, providing insights crucial for successfully implementing governance reforms. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this research supports ongoing efforts to improve governance in Saudi higher education, aligning with the broader goals of the Vision 2030 initiative.17 0Item Restricted Large-System Transformation in Healthcare and the Roles of Senior Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia(University of Manchester, 2024) Bawhab, Omar; Nelson, Adrian; Coleman, Anna; Mahon, AnnThe implementation of large-system transformation in healthcare is complex and multi-faceted, requiring effective leadership at all levels, particularly from senior leaders. However, there is limited conceptual clarity around large-system transformations in healthcare and the roles senior leaders play in driving such transformations, especially in a non-Western context. This thesis addresses these knowledge gaps by exploring senior leaders' perceptions of large-system transformation and their role in its implementation in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative single case study design, this research gathered insights from 22 senior leaders at national and regional levels of the Saudi healthcare system through semi-structured interviews. The study employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Health System Dynamics Framework, sensemaking theory, and systems leadership perspectives. Two conceptual frameworks were developed: one delineating ten key components of large-system transformation in healthcare, and another outlining seven critical roles of senior leaders during such transformations, six categories of enablers, and eight types of challenges. The large-system transformation framework highlights the interconnected nature of contextual triggers, climate for change, vision, leadership, governance, actors, resources, processes, social forces (e.g., resistance to change), and information flow. The senior leaders’ roles, enablers, and challenges framework emphasizes leaders' responsibilities in creating a climate for change, communicating and learning, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, setting strategic direction, managing social dynamics, and developing key leadership attributes. The framework also indicates multiple enablers and challenges relevant to the roles of senior leaders, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare system transformations. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of large-system transformation in healthcare and senior leaders' roles, enablers, and challenges, particularly in a non-Western context. It offers practical implications for healthcare leaders and policymakers engaged in system-wide transformations. Future research directions are suggested to further validate and expand upon these findings.20 0Item Restricted Large-System Transformation in Healthcare and the Roles of Senior Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia(University of Manchester, 2024) Bawhab, Omar; Nelson, Adrian; Coleman, Anna; Mahon, AnnThe implementation of large-system transformation in healthcare is complex and multi-faceted, requiring effective leadership at all levels, particularly from senior leaders. However, there is limited conceptual clarity around large-system transformations in healthcare and the roles senior leaders play in driving such transformations, especially in a non-Western context. This thesis addresses these knowledge gaps by exploring senior leaders' perceptions of large-system transformation and their role in its implementation in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative single case study design, this research gathered insights from 22 senior leaders at national and regional levels of the Saudi healthcare system through semi-structured interviews. The study employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Health System Dynamics Framework, sensemaking theory, and systems leadership perspectives. Two conceptual frameworks were developed: one delineating ten key components of large-system transformation in healthcare, and another outlining seven critical roles of senior leaders during such transformations, six categories of enablers, and eight types of challenges. The large-system transformation framework highlights the interconnected nature of contextual triggers, climate for change, vision, leadership, governance, actors, resources, processes, social forces (e.g., resistance to change), and information flow. The senior leaders’ roles, enablers, and challenges framework emphasizes leaders' responsibilities in creating a climate for change, communicating and learning, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, setting strategic direction, managing social dynamics, and developing key leadership attributes. The framework also indicates multiple enablers and challenges relevant to the roles of senior leaders, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare system transformations. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of large-system transformation in healthcare and senior leaders' roles, enablers, and challenges, particularly in a non-Western context. It offers practical implications for healthcare leaders and policymakers engaged in system-wide transformations. Future research directions are suggested to further validate and expand upon these findings.20 0Item Restricted Exploring Saudi Arabian Teachers' Perceptions of Smartboard Instruction for Students with Communication Disorders(University of South Florida, 2024-09-23) Alqahtani, Mohammed; Cranston-Gingras, AnnUsing smartboards with students with communication needs in the classroom is one way to apply technology in educational settings. Research has shown the benefits of using the smartboard with students with disabilities (SWDs) and second-language learners. There is still a need to understand further teachers’ perceptions towards using the smartboard in their classrooms with students with communication needs. Therefore, I conducted an exploratory qualitative study to explore Saudi teachers' perceptions regarding the use of smartboards with students with communication needs in the classroom. I collected data via in-depth interviews, smartboard screen recordings, and audio recordings of teachers’ lessons taught using the smartboard. I analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis. My discoveries were: 1) Teachers' extensive use of smartboards, 2) Teachers' positive perceptions about the benefits of smartboards, 3) Teachers' perceptions regarding practical and technical issues using smartboards, and 4) Teachers' perceptions about the need for training and professional development in smartboard use. The implications of my study include a need for further research to better understand teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of the smartboard in the classroom with students with particular communication needs, as well as a need to provide more training for preservice and in-service teachers to use smartboards in their classrooms with students with communication needs.19 0Item Restricted Exploring the Experience of Arab Mothers Raising Children in South Texas: Maintaining Arabic Heritage Language and Cultural Identity(Texas A&M University - Kingsville, 2024-08-09) Almuhlafi, Amal; Guzman, Norma A.In the United States, language maintenance among minority populations often faced significant challenges, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse environments like South Texas. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Arab mothers in South Texas as they endeavored to maintain the Arabic language and Arab culture within their families. Utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, this research delved into the personal efforts, strategies, and challenges faced by these mothers in transmitting their heritage language and cultural values to their children. Despite the dominance of English and the absence of substantial institutional support, these mothers demonstrated remarkable dedication and ingenuity in fostering an environment conducive to language and cultural retention. The findings highlighted the central role of the home setting and religious practices in language maintenance, and the profound impact of personal commitment and community support in overcoming the multicultural challenges (Fishman, 2001). This study contributed to the understanding of language maintenance in minority communities and underscored the importance of family dynamics and cultural practices in the intergenerational transmission of minority languages.37 0Item Restricted Family Influence, Entrepreneurial Passion and Gender: Multiple Case Studies of Saudi Family Businesses(2023-05-03) Khoja, Basma; Garcia, Rosanna; Hoy, FrancisAlthough there is a growing body of research on passion in the entrepreneurship literature, little is still known about the factors that drive entrepreneurial passion and how different cultural settings affect it. In this study, I look at family influences that could motivate entrepreneurial passion in recognition of the fact that entrepreneurship is socially embedded. The choice to start a new business is among the most crucial ones a person can make. The same strategy can provide different results depending on whether family members were involved or not. A variety of behaviors, attitudes, and approaches could be allowed or prohibited. Building upon past research I examine the effect of the various dimensions of family influence (Power, Experience, and Culture) which may positively or negatively impact entrepreneurial passion (Harmonious, or Obsessive). The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection between the family influence and entrepreneurial passion among business co-owners in Saudi Arabia. This study utilized a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to gather data, which was subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed several themes, including power, experience, and culture dimensions, as well as themes relating to harmonious and obsessive passion. These themes provided insights into the relationships between family influence and entrepreneurial passion. For example, the results showed that centralized power tended to promote obsessive passion, while the experience dimension showed no significant impact on entrepreneurial passion. The culture dimension was found to be complex, affecting passion behavior in different ways. Gender was also found to moderate the relationship between power, culture, and entrepreneurial passion, leading to interesting ancillary findings discussed in the findings chapter. This study has a valuable contribution to the literature on the intersection of family business and entrepreneurship, specifically in the context of Saudi Arabia. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for family businesses and policymakers in the Gulf region, as well as for the broader entrepreneurship and family business literature.20 0