Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Adoption of robots in small and medium sized warehouses(Aston university, 2025) Alanazi, Atheer; Hing Yan, TongWarehouse management has become essential to supply chain management due to recent advancements. Automation has transformed many industries, particularly the supply chain, where giant corporations have reaped significant benefits, but small and medium-sized organisations have faced challenges. This dissertation seeks to identify the challenges encountered by selected organisations when using robots in their warehouses. This study included a comprehensive literature evaluation and data collection from 30 research articles published between 2010 and 2024. The Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework was used, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to examine the factors influencing small and medium-sized firms. The results revealed positive perceptions of robots' benefits in operational efficiency, as they save workers' travel time and safeguard their physical health by doing strenuous tasks, also increasing productivity, while also emphasising employees' hesitance towards security concerns and job loss regarding adoption. The methodology used in the dissertation was appropriate; nonetheless, it primarily consisted of an analysis of current research, indicating a deficiency of primary data stemming from insufficient direct contact with warehouse owners to investigate and assess the causes behind their non-adoption. Furthermore, it relied on previous research, which might introduce bias into the results.15 0Item Restricted The Mediating Role of SME’s Strategic Orientation in Influencing the Relationship between Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Capabilities(University College Dublin, 2025-09) Softah, Ghaida; Hargaden, Vincent; Elafi, OtmanOrganisational knowledge assets are essential for stimulating firm innovation. Research efforts to date have primarily concentrated on the external aspects of innovation processes, overlooking the intricate internal complexities that shape innovation dynamics. However, capability for innovation within a particular company is heavily contingent upon its intellectual assets, organisational knowledge, and proficiency in employing them. This study empirically investigates the role of the absorptive capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a transition economy, their organisational knowledge assets and the connection with their innovation capabilities. Furthermore, this study argues that although absorptive capacity is essential for firms' innovation capabilities, its ultimate influence is contingent upon the entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation of the individual SME. The research in this thesis implements a quantitative research methodology, a deductive approach, and a positivist philosophy. A survey instrument was employed to gather data from SMEs in Saudi Arabia. This study thoroughly examined the existing literature to evaluate SMEs' innovation capability and establish the most suitable criteria for measuring the four dimensions of innovation capabilities: radical product, incremental product, radical process, and incremental process innovation capabilities. The study implemented numerous data analysis procedures prior to testing the hypotheses. These were evaluations of the constructs' reliability and validity and tests of the measurement model. After confirming the reliability and validity of the measurement model, the hypotheses were tested with an actual sample size of 404 SMEs, based on a response rate of 40%. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was employed to analyse the data. A simple linear regression analysis was implemented to identify causal relationships between the four dimensions of innovation capability and absorptive capacity. The mediating function of entrepreneurial and market orientation was validated using the Bootstrap Confidence Method. The findings suggest that all four dimensions of innovation capability are positively influenced by absorptive capacity. The results also indicate that entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between absorptive capacity and innovation capability dimensions, except for radical product and incremental process innovation capabilities. Conversely, the relationship between absorptive capacity and the four dimensions of innovation capability is mediated by market orientation. The significance of absorptive capacity in the improvement of the innovation capabilities of SMEs is unequivocally supported by these findings. Additionally, the conclusions confirm the positive effects of entrepreneurial and market orientations in fostering this relationship. The study presented in this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between absorptive capacity and innovation capabilities, utilising both the Knowledge-based and Resource-based views of the firm as theoretical lenses. Additionally, the study demonstrates the substantial influence that SMEs' strategic orientation has on the development of their innovation capabilities in transition economies. Furthermore, the research indicates that to establish a competitive edge, SMEs must allocate their investments in capabilities and knowledge resources. The empirical findings will be valuable to SME managers and practitioners in transition economies, as they will assist them in effectively utilising resources and capabilities.11 0Item Restricted To Investigate the Supply Chain Management of SMEs based on 4.0 Technologies(Kingston University London, 2024-09-27) Albejad, Mohammad; Kashmoula, Mohammad RThe key motivation to conduct this study is growing popularity of industry 4.0 technologies and their huge potential to enhance supply chain efficiency. Moreover, the research aims to analyse the various challenges faced by SMEs while adopting industry 4.0 technologies in logistics and supply chain management. This project has used qualitative approach to collect primary data from 50 UK based SME owners. To analyse the data thematic analysis has been used in this study. The project has discussed frameworks like digital twin model, block chain based model, AI based model and IoT based model.16 0Item Restricted Sustainable Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Balancing Local Community Benefits with Environmental Challenges.(Newcastle University, 2024) Alkahlani, Sabreen; Liu, Yu-LunSaudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasises sustainable tourism as a key component of an ongoing economic diversification strategy that aims to enhance socioeconomic welfare, address environmental issues, and preserve cultural heritage in both urban and rural areas across the country. While the Kingdom has been traditionally reliant on money from oil extraction, with its tourist trade dominated by religious tourism, its tourism sector is now being transformed and expanded, which requires a focus on sustainable practices. This study thus addresses a gap in the literature by examining the impacts of sustainable tourism on local communities and the environment in several rapidly developing regions such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Quantitative surveys were applied as the primary analytical approach, and the findings highlight significant both social and economic benefits, including job creation and income growth, as well as challenges in terms of balancing economic development with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The conclusion developed is therefore that, while Vision 2030 has improved public understanding of the benefits of tourism, there is a critical need to address various environmental challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. This leads to the development of recommendations focused on equitable economic distribution and the integration of sustainable practices in public transport and SME support.35 0Item Restricted The Intersection of Islamic Values and Ethical Leadership in Saudi Arabian SMEs and Their Influence on Employees’ Behaviour.(University of Reading, 2024-08) Alanazi, Mohammed; Bourne, Dorota; Adewale, AdeyinkaThis study explores ethical leadership and Islamic values in Saudi Arabian SMEs and their impact on employees’ behaviour. Using a qualitative methodological approach, data has been collected from semi-structured interviews with 30 employees and leaders representing five Saudi SMEs. The findings indicated that Saudi SME leaders act in accordance with Islamic principles and values and that in doing so, their behaviour and actions resemble ethical leadership. However, although most Saudi SME leaders exhibit ethical behaviour, others not – despite professing adherence to the Islamic faith. When leaders act ethically, their employees are more likely to do the same. Likewise, when leaders act unethically, their employees are more inclined toward unethical behaviours. Perhaps surprisingly, however, some leaders behave so ethically that they ultimately exert a negative influence on ethical employee behaviour. Furthermore, this study has found that Saudi SME leaders demonstrate four Islamic values – accountability, consultation, justice and trust – at three different levels: excessive, adequate and deficient. The behaviour of the leaders varies across the three levels, which also impacts the ethical behaviour of their employees. Based on the findings, it has been argued that an ‘adequate’ level of the four values is preferable to excessive or deficient levels. This is because at the adequate level, the four leadership values create a positive impact on employees. Contrarily, the impact of values at excessive and deficient levels is negative.26 0Item Restricted THE MEDIATION ROLES OF MARKETING INNOVATION AND MARKET ORIENTATION BETWEEN ENTERPRISE SOCIAL MEDIA UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN SAUDI ARABIA(Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2024-06-27) Alhamami, Ahmed; Hashim, Noor Azuan Binti; Hamid, Roshayati Binti Abdul; Hamid, Siti Ngayesah Ab.The usage of social media (SM) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) received relatively less attention, and the findings in the literature are mixed in terms of the effect of SM on SME performance. This study examines the effect of enterprise SM utilization on SME business performance in Saudi Arabia. SM utilization is operationalized into SM internal utilization and SM external utilization. Based on the resource-based view and contingency theory, this study proposed that SM internal utilization positively affects SME business performance and marketing innovation (MI). The study also proposed that SM external utilization positively affects SME business performance and marketing orientation (MO). MO and MI are expected to affect the SME business performance. MI is proposed as a mediator between SM internal utilization and SME performance, while MO is proposed to mediate the effect of SM external utilization on SME performance. The population of this study is the SMEs in Al-Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. A systematic random sampling is deployed. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated, and a pilot study was conducted to check its reliability. A total of 374 respondents representing SMEs participated in this study. The data examination was conducted, and descriptive statistics of respondents and variables were presented. The finding was derived using Smart PLS version 4. The findings showed that SM internal utilization positively affected SME business performance and MI. SM external utilization affected SME business performance and MO. Both MO and MI positively affected the SME business performance. MI partially mediated the effect of SM internal utilization on SME business performance, while MO also mediated the effect of SM external utilization on SME business performance. The findings were discussed, as well as the theoretical and practical implications. More studies in different locations, populations, and sectors, and using different variables are needed. Decision makers are advised to create a rewarding culture for innovative ideas, be more engaged with customers to understand their needs and wants and create rewarding competition and surveys to assess customers’ demands.10 0Item Restricted The Internationalisation of Saudi SMEs Based on Cultural Differences’ Risk and Opportunity(University of Plymouth, 2024-04-15) Alsaeedi ,Nawaf; Bahareth, AseelPurpose: This research explores the intricate framework of cultural differences and their impact on the internationalisation of Saudi Arabia's small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). The research examines the various cultural dimensions that have an impact on internationalisation. Method: A primary research was conducted using a structured online questionnaire to obtain quantitative data, with 200 Saudi SMEs employees at the managerial and operational levels. 13 thematic questions in the questionnaire were created with Qualtric software. Samples were gathered randomly using the researcher's LinkedIn profile, email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. SPSS version 27 was used to analyse the data. Results: Participants were primarily female (52.5%), with a broad age distribution and balanced distribution of employees (managerial 42.5% and operational 57.5%). The majority of participants claim that they should expand into the countries where Arabic is spoken. Moreover, hierarchical structures are important, as 71.5% of participants said it is easier to expand in countries with well-defined hierarchies. The study also reveals contradictory inclination against risk-taking cultures (75% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing). This research highlights the significance of following rules (73% agreeing or strongly agreeing), building strong relationships at work (68%), and addressing the cultural inclination towards short-term orientation (69%). Conclusion: These findings provide significant strategic implications for Saudi SMEs to expand internationally. Businesses should adapt their expansion plans in accordance with cultural preferences, highlighting the significance of language, organisational frameworks, and an advanced understanding of risk tolerance. The dynamic landscape of SMEs in Saudi Arabia requires a thorough analysis of the relationship of different cultural dimensions in order to expand their business successfully in international markets.28 0Item Restricted Impact of Technology Adoption on the Success of E-Commerce Technologies in Small and Medium Enterprises(The University of Newcastle, 2024-02-17) Almtiri, Ziad Hmwd A; Miah, Shah J; Noman, NasimulThe primary task of this research is to investigate the relationship between the adoption of technology and the success of e-commerce technologies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The study examines how specific technologies affect the overall performance and profitability of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) SMEs. To study the connection between these variables, it is essential to consider e-commerce trends among modern SME businesses. E-commerce technologies become more and more evolving and relevant in different business operations, bringing benefits and convenience to all stakeholders involved. Although e-commerce is developing at a higher speed in the KSA country context compared to other countries, there is still scepticism in existing studies and substantial issues to its full adoption were discussed. Therefore, the aim of this research is therefore of paramount task to reveal the positive effect of e-commerce technology and encourage SMEs to incorporate technology adoption into their business plans. For this, the research uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis, namely, a questionnaire, with a positivist interpretation of the collected data. To analyse the data accurately, the study adopts a Descriptive Statistics approach in SPSS platform. All the participants who are involved in the research is subjected and treated ethically following the University of Newcastle ethical guidelines (Protocol Number: H-2022-0290). The main limiting factors for the adoption of e-commerce technologies in the KSA have to do with the perception of e-commerce amongst the SMEs managers. Business Organisations are eager to use new technologies, realising their benefits for their continuous improvement of practices. E-commerce, on the other hand, is blurry in the minds of SMEs practitioners of the KSA, which makes them distrustful, and hence resistant to the adoption of new technologies that impact in developing e-commerce strategies.51 0Item Restricted Fintech and Entrepreneurship: An Assessment Model to Evaluate Policy Instruments for Fintech Adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)(ProQuest, 2023-11-01) Alassaf, Deemah; Daim, Tugrul U.Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the engines that drive economic development. They are the backbone of the middle class as they provide social stability, innovation, inclusive growth, and poverty alleviation. SMEs contribute significantly to job creation, employment, tax provision and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, they face inferior conditions and challenges when it comes to their financing compared to that of large enterprises, as well as having a high expectancy of failing. Because of these limitations, SMEs tend to grow slowly since building up higher credit is difficult for them, and in addition to this, they lack access to broad financing channels. Hence, Fintech solutions offer promising potential for improving SMEs’ access to finance through extending them more accessible and available services, more efficient credit risk assessments and reduced transaction costs. These tools can offer a valuable opportunity for ventures that are too small in size, and involve a great deal of risk, or serve a social purpose. While researchers and practitioners have been promoting Fintech as a potential financial safeguard for SMEs’ needs, evidence shows an inadequate adoption rate of SMEs to such solutions. Therefore, this research aims to provide a comprehensive examination for Fintech policy instruments and analyze their effectiveness on increasing the adoption of Fintech by SMEs through evaluating the essential policy targets impacting the adoption of Fintech and assessing their weights and priorities in the context of SMEs. The research was built upon an inclusive hierarchical decision model and a comprehensive literature review. Experts’ insights were utilized to identify the most important factors influencing Fintech adoption and policy effectiveness. The Hierarchical Decision Modeling (HDM) methodology was used to identify the relative importance of those factors proposing a policy evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of policy instruments on increasing Fintech adoption. To test the practicality and value the research model adds to the research objective, a case study of the policy instrument effectiveness, the Saudi Arabian regulatory sandbox, was conducted. This research presents the identification of seventeen distinct policy targets that fall within four main perspectives along with their relative weights, as it also integrates the desirability curves methodology that measures the importance of each perspective and criterion. The case study was introduced to illustrate how the model could be used to identify the policy instrument’s actual performance in terms of influencing SMEs adoption of Fintech, identify the instrument’s strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations and guiding principles on how to improve the detected weaknesses to increase the policy instrument’s effectiveness on increasing the adoption of Fintech by SMEs.29 0Item Restricted What are the driving forces behind entrepreneurship and innovation in small and medium-sized Entrepreneurship in the Jazan region?(Saudi Digital Library., 2023-11-29) Alhazmi, Amjad Abdulrahman; Huxtable-Thomas, LouisaThis study aims to investigate the driving forces that motivate entrepreneurship and innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. By exploring the motivations for entrepreneurs, factors that stimulate innovation, government policies and support programs, and barriers to establishing SMEs, this research seeks to shed valuable light on the entrepreneurial and innovative landscape in its region. As it utilizes quantitative methods of investigation, its findings offer insights into the motivations and experiences of entrepreneurs in the area. Data was gathered using the primary research method by distributing around 4200 questionnaires. Perspective purposive sampling was employed, choosing samples relevant to the objectives of this research study (Owners and managers of SMEs). Finally, descriptive statistics was utilized to identify patterns and themes within this data set. The analysis of 104 responses revealed the key drivers behind entrepreneurialism and innovation among SMEs in Jazan. The study determined that financial incentives and support, market opportunities and demand, personal motivation and passion, and networking/collaboration were crucial components in encouraging entrepreneurialism. innovation, technological development, and accessibility. Competitive advantage and survival, customer needs and satisfaction, employee training and empowerment, financial support and incentives, regulatory environment and ease of doing business, and networking and business support organizations were identified as key drivers. This study addressed some of the challenges entrepreneurs encounter when starting SMEs in Jazan, such as accessing capital and funding, market entry barriers and competition, and lack of infrastructure. Limited access to capital and infrastructure poses obstacles to entrepreneurs. Therefore, this study recommends increasing financial support through networking events, investing in infrastructure improvements, and creating entrepreneurship education programs aimed at supporting SMEs further in Jazan. It also addresses any limitations to current research as well as provides suggestions for future research endeavors.26 0