BSpace

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) Digital Repository

Welcome to BSpace, the online institutional repository of the British University in Dubai. BSpace provides access to the Dissertations, Thesis, Research projects, Faculty publications and archives of BUiD.

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Recent Submissions

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    Enhancing Thermal Comfort for the Revitalization of Pedestrian-Friendly Shopping Arcades in Dubai, UAE
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-02) RAJEEV, ANN MARIA; Dr Taleb, Hanan
    The need for globalization in the current world has made it impossible for a slow and steady growth in the world’s population. This rapid growth directly influences the economic, environmental and social aspects within a society. Walkability is the foundation of a sustainable city and can be further improvised with the provision of spaces that promotes walkability among the citizens whilst providing higher comfort level and lower energy consumption. The study centers on City Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping arcade situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where efforts are made to enhance outdoor environmental conditions by simulating strategies to assess their influence on outdoor thermal comfort. The primary aim of this research is to explore the factors contributing to thermal comfort within a shopping complex and how they encourage pedestrian access to specific sites. The study extensively reviews literature on how the urban setting of the built environment influences walkability. Using ENVI-met software, simulations are conducted in three stages: urban materials, building facade materials, and vegetation and landscaping, encompassing thirteen different combinations to examine four key aspects: temperature, humidity, wind speed, and PMV value, which significantly affect outdoor thermal comfort. The most favorable cases are selected from each phase, and the final reduction in temperature and PMV values of the optimized case indicates a substantial decrease of 3.76 degrees Celsius in air temperature post-implementation of passive design strategies. The research highlights the considerable impact of green elements and water features on outdoor air temperature and PMV values compared to other passive strategies. The result from simulation studies indicate the potential to increase the distances pedestrians are willing to walk outdoors by enhancing their thermal sensation and comfort. Guidelines and policies of Built Environment can help shape cities into a walkable and active zone especially in a community where health issues are growing at a rapid rate. This dissertation aims in imparting knowledge on how the built environment can directly affect human activity. It can furthermore help policy makers and urban designers to understand the importance of public spaces incorporated with urban setting and leaves behind an essence that healthy community is the key to a sustainable community. Keywords: walkability, thermal comfort, built environment, urban heat island
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    The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention in American Schools in Sharjah
    (The British University in Dubai, 2024-11) TAIFOUR, MALANDI MOHAMED; Dr Emad, Abu Ayyash
    This study examines the influence of transformational leadership on teacher job satisfaction and retention in American schools in Sharjah by using a mixed-methods research methodology to capture both broad statistical patterns and detailed qualitative insights. A survey examining 29 teachers' opinions of transformational leadership methods, work satisfaction, and retention intentions was conducted in a variety of American schools in Sharjah as part of the quantitative component. Semi-structured interviews with school leaders, namely an academic head, vice-principal, and principal, were used for the qualitative component to learn more about their opinions on transformational leadership techniques and how they affect teachers. Key elements like emotional support, opportunities for professional development, and ethical leadership emerged as significant predictors of retention, and the quantitative data showed a strong positive correlation between transformational leadership practices and teacher job satisfaction. In addition, the qualitative data highlighted particular leadership behaviours that were thought to be crucial for creating a happy work environment and lowering turnover intentions. Collectively, these results highlight how important transformational leadership is in fostering welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring school environments that raise teacher commitment and satisfaction. This study adds to a better understanding of leadership dynamics in various educational settings by placing leadership strategies within the distinctive organisational and cultural context of Sharjah. It also provides useful suggestions for promoting teacher retention and job satisfaction.
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    Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-03) BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE; Prof Gaad, Eman
    This study examines the roles, professional development experiences, and training requirements of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) at private schools in Dubai. LSAs are crucial in aiding students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. However, concerns persist regarding their training, clarity of roles, and integration into the wider school environment. Data was gathered from 54 LSAs via a survey that included both closed and open-ended questions. The research aimed to understand the demographics of LSAs, their roles, the professional development opportunities available, and the barriers they face in obtaining further training. Findings indicate that while LSAs in Dubai are generally well-qualified and trained compared to their international peers, issues with role clarity, collaboration with classroom teachers, and access to structured professional development persist. They reported a need for training in behaviour management, teaching strategies, and facilitating peer interactions but identified significant barriers such as time constraints, financial issues, and lack of institutional support. The study highlights the need for schools and policymakers to define LSAs' roles clearly and provide individualised training programs along with adequate supervision to boost their effectiveness. Recommendations include integrating professional development into school hours, fostering greater collaboration between LSAs and teachers, and further clarifying LSAs' duties to improve their function in inclusive classrooms.
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    What is the impact of implementing problem-based learning (PBL) in school curricula on the development of critical thinking abilities in elementary students?
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-06) SAMAD, JOULIANA ABDEL; Dr Hill, Christopher
    This study examines the effect of implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in elementary school curricula on the development of critical thinking skills among students. As education systems shift toward future-ready learning, critical thinking has become essential for equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex, real-world challenges. Grounded in constructivist theory and Bloom’s Taxonomy, this research adopts a mixed-methods approach to provide both quantitative and qualitative insights. Data were collected through pre- and post-assessments, classroom observations, interviews, and document analysis. The findings demonstrate that PBL significantly enhances students’ analytical reasoning, collaborative problem-solving, and metacognitive skills. Students engaged in PBL exhibited improved abilities to question assumptions, analyze evidence, and apply knowledge across contexts. Teachers also reported increased student engagement and a deeper understanding during PBL sessions. However, successful implementation of PBL requires teacher readiness, ongoing professional development, and curriculum alignment with national standards. This study contributes to the broader discourse on educational reform in the UAE, aligning with the UAE Vision 2031, E33, and KHDA directives to integrate higher-order thinking skills into the classroom. The research provides practical recommendations for policymakers, school leaders, and educators seeking to implement student-centered methodologies that promote critical thinking and lifelong learning. Ultimately, the study supports the transformative potential of PBL in building a more innovative, reflective, and adaptable generation of learners.
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    Optimising the Role of Innovative Technologies in Risk Management Strategies for Extension of Time Disputes Avoidance
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-03) KREIDLI, ISMAIL KHALIL; Dr Kolo, Abba
    Throughout the doldrums of global tensions and economic instability, the construction sector in the UAE has risen to become a vibrant and fast growing one, fuelled by ambitious projects and large investments. The country's strategy vision, economic resilience, and international investors attraction is driving this expansion that is leading to the development of the large infrastructure in the UAE and increasing its reputation as a global business hub. Nevertheless, this sector needs to contend with many difficulties, most notably with disputes that delay the implementation of the project and damaging the relationship between the stakeholders. EOT disputes are one of the critical challenges which affects project schedule and causes the increase cost. These disagreements could be the result of the ambiguous clauses in the contract or poor record keeping; delays in event notification, the complications in dealing with EOT related clauses within the contract and such other similar compelling reasons. In addition, the delay analysis techniques (DAT) and automation available to assess delays and their implications are limited, and the delay submission reports are not industry wide standardized which is becoming a challenge to manage disputes. In this thesis, the factors affecting to EOT disputes and the optimization of innovative technologies especially AI were investigated to develop with risk management strategies to reduce the EOT disputes in UAE construction projects. Ultimately, this research strives to contribute to more resilient construction practices within the UAE. This leads to several important questions: What are the key factors contributing to EOT disputes in UAE construction projects? How can AI and other innovative technologies optimize risk management strategies to prevent these disputes? How can AI be utilized to enhance DAT and effectively resolve EOT disputes in construction projects?