Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Quantitative Investigation of AlUla Town’s Destination Image among UK and Gulf Residents: A Comparative Study(University of Strathclyde, 2024-08-14) Alanazi , Yasamiyan; McLean, GraemeAbstract Background This study aims to fill a significant gap in understanding AlUla Town's destination image, which lacks comprehensive research despite its cultural and historical importance. By examining the influence of modern technology and immersive digital content, the study explores how these elements shape perceptions of AlUla among UK and Gulf residents. This research contributes to understanding how technological advancements can enhance destination marketing, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to diversify the economy through tourism and promote AlUla as a key destination. Methods The methodology for this study included a cross-sectional survey design using Qualtrics, an online survey platform, to gather participant data. Two surveys were employed: one featured video content, while the other utilized text descriptions. The study aimed to assess how different media formats impact perceptions of AlUla Town's destination image among UK and Gulf residents. This study utilized quota sampling to ensure a balanced representation of UK and Gulf residents, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of AlUla Town's destination image perceptions across diverse cultural contexts. Data collected through these surveys were analyzed using SPSS version 25, allowing for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to evaluate the research hypotheses and ensure comprehensive insights into participants' intentions and perceptions. Findings Data analysis from 320 participants via an online survey provided insightful findings supporting the research aims. The study revealed that AlUla's attractiveness significantly influences tourists' intention to visit, showing a strong correlation between allure and tourist interest. Additionally, immersive video content was more effective than textual content in boosting visit intentions and capturing potential tourists' attention. Rich media content proved effective across demographics, enhancing AlUla's appeal. Notably, UK consumers demonstrated a higher intention to visit AlUla than Gulf residents when exposed to immersive video content, suggesting regional variations in media consumption influence promotional strategy effectiveness. Conclusion This study suggests that AlUla Town can enhance its tourism appeal among UK and Gulf residents by implementing culturally tailored marketing strategies. Incorporating immersive and interactive content, such as virtual reality tours showcasing AlUla's historical and cultural attractions, could significantly boost engagement for UK residents. Additionally, emphasizing luxury and exclusive experiences may attract Gulf residents. By collaborating with regional influencers and offering promotional incentives, AlUla can enhance its visibility and appeal across these markets, ultimately fostering stronger connections and higher satisfaction rates among international tourists.23 0Item Restricted Privatisation of the Saudi Arabian Healthcare Facilities: An Understanding of the Problem Representations in the Governmental Documents(The University of Edinburgh, 2024) Alhaddab, Shatha; Virk, AmritAmidst rising healthcare costs and fluctuating oil prices, Saudi Vision 2030 incorporates healthcare sector privatization as a strategic approach to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. This research critically analyzed problem representation in healthcare privatization policy proposals in Saudi Arabia, and how they conceptualize healthcare privatisation as a solution to these problems. A textual analysis using Bacchi's 'What’s the Problem Represented to be?' approach was utilized to analyze problem representations in Saudi Arabian governmental documents advocating healthcare privatization. A total of three governmental documents were included in this study. Three problem representations were identified during the analysis: poor quality and inefficient public healthcare services, a growing population with insufficient hospital capacity, and unsustainability funding for healthcare. As a solution, privatization and public-private partnerships are proposed. This includes selling certain government assets and forming partnerships. The study indicates that the KSA healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformations, driven by the Saudi Vision 2030 policy, aiming to enhance efficiency and quality through privatization. However, it raises concerns about increased healthcare costs and patient safety, underlining the need for robust governance to mitigate these risks. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable and high-quality healthcare.19 0Item Restricted Inquiry-Based Teaching of Science in the Saudi Kindergarten Classroom: A Multi-Case Study of Early Childhood Educators’ Attitudes and Practices(University of South Florida, 2024-02) Alawthah, Intisar; Berson, IleneThe aim of this qualitative multiple case study was to understand three Saudi kindergarten teachers ’attitudes toward enacting inquiry to teach science in the kindergarten classroom. This study was guided by two research questions: 1) What attitudes do Saudi kindergarten teachers hold about using inquiry to teach science in their classrooms? 2) How do Saudi kindergarten teachers enact inquiry in their science teaching in the Saudi context? This case study helped to understand Saudi kindergarten teachers’ attitude toward using it in the kindergarten classroom and clarified how Saudi kindergarten teachers enact inquiry to teach young children science in their classroom. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with each Saudi kindergarten teacher and through observations of classroom setting. The theoretical framework utilized in this study is the Rogoff’s Sociocultural Theory (2003; 1995; 2008). Sociocultural theory emphasized the importance of cultural contexts in all educational domains. In this study, I adopted a Stake’s (2006) multi-case analysis method as it allowed me to analyze the data individually, then comprehensively. The data were thematically analyzed manually for all cases. The results show that teachers’ background experience, Saudi Arabian cultural norms, values, and institutional rules shaped the teachers' attitudes and enactment of the inquiry method to teach science in kinder classrooms. In general, the teachers had positive attitudes towards the inquiry method. However, the participants’ believe, though, ideas and understanding of the inquiry method for teaching science revolved around a teacher-centered attitudes. The teachers were occupied a dominant role when using the inquiry method to teach science. The teachers' teaching practices focused on them; hence, they viewed their the role in this method as the knowledgeable person who asks questions and gave guidance throughout the lesson, while the role of the children was to provide answers and participate in the inquiry experiments under supervision. This study contributed to the current research gap pertaining to Saudi kindergarten teachers’ experiences and attitudes towards using inquiry methods in teaching science in the Saudi kindergarten classrooms. This study holds significant implications for Saudi kindergarten education, system, policy, and educators by providing them with professional development, training sessions, and best-practices.68 0