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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    Evaluating Passive and Active Retrofit Strategies to Improve Energy Performance in Existing Federal Buildings in the UAE – Northern Emirates
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2025-07) ALAWADHI, WAFAA YOUSEF; Prof Abu Hijleh, Bassam
    This study evaluates passive and active retrofit strategies to enhance the energy performance of existing federal buildings in the Northern Emirates of the UAE. Using IES-VE simulation, the research quantified the technical, environmental, and financial outcomes of multiple retrofit scenarios. The results showed that glazing and insulation reduced energy consumption by 14.42% and 14.71%, respectively, while VAV-HVAC with heat recovery achieved 15.35% savings. BMS integration and lighting retrofits (LEDs, controls, and sunlight tubes) reduced energy use by up to 25%, and PV/BIPV systems generated 123.63–149.87 MWh annually. The combined retrofit package achieved a 44.79% reduction in total energy use (≈270.51 MWh/year) with a six-year payback and a 16.9% ROI. The findings align directly with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, supporting targets of 40% demand reduction, 40% efficiency improvement, and 50% clean-energy contribution. The study confirms that these retrofit measures are technically feasible and economically viable, bridging regional disparities and advancing the national sustainability goals. Although limited to one case study, the results provide a replicable model for federal buildings across the UAE, transforming them from energy-intensive assets into exemplary sustainable facilities. Keywords: energy efficiency, federal buildings, UAE, Northern Emirates, retrofit, passive & active technologies, IES-VE simulation, BMS, PV, BIPV, sunlight tube, HVAC-VAV
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    Model for Calculating the Estimate-At-Completion (EAC) in Building Construction Projects in U.A.E. (EVM8)
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-12) ABU KHUZAM, SHADI; Prof Al Marri, Khalid
    The building construction sector plays a crucial role in national economic development, yet it often faces cost and time overruns. In the UAE, rapid urbanization and economic growth intensify these challenges, driven by fragmented project structures, frequent design changes, and external market fluctuations. The managers of a construction project always face the risk of exceeding their initially set budgets. This research introduces an enhanced Estimate-At-Completion (EAC) model, EVM8, tailored to the UAE's construction industry but can be applied to other regions with minor customization. Unlike traditional Earned Value Management (EVM) models that rely primarily on cost and schedule indices, EVM8 incorporates additional factors (or indices) such as quality, safety, risk, team dynamics, market conditions, and regional stability. The study employs a comprehensive literature review, a structured survey targeting UAE construction professionals, and case studies of high-rise and low-rise buildings to validate the model. Findings demonstrate that EVM8 provides more accurate EAC predictions by integrating new metrics and reducing project overruns. This research contributes theoretically by expanding EVM to include multifaceted variables and practically by equipping UAE construction professionals with a robust practical tool for precise cost forecasting. The EVM8 model offers a valuable framework for enhancing project management, supporting the successful delivery of construction projects in dynamic environments. Keywords: Earned Value Management, Estimate-At-Completion, Building Construction Projects, Cost Index, Schedule Index, Quality Index, Risk Index, Safety Index, Team Status Index, Market Status Index, Regional Stability Index
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    The Impact of Internship and On-site Feedback on Enhancing Employable Skills: Accounting Stakeholders' Perspectives in UAE Hospitality and Tourism Programmes
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2025) AL KADRI, GHADAH MOHAMMAD HUSSAIN ; Dr David, Solomon
    This PhD thesis investigates the impact of internships and on-site feedback on employable skills in hospitality and tourism programs at selected higher education institutions in the UAE. It addresses the growing need for skilled graduates by exploring how experiential learning, particularly internships and feedback, enhances employability competencies. The study focuses on three objectives: (1) assessing the role of internships in skill development, (2) examining the impact of on-site feedback, and (3) analyzing stakeholder perspectives, including faculty, employers, and students. Using a mixed-methods approach incorporating a literature review, statistical analysis, and qualitative interviews with faculty, coordinators, and industry professionals the findings emphasize that internships significantly foster skill development, career readiness, and alignment with workforce demands. The study highlights the growing integration of internships into curricula, supported by industry partnerships and feedback systems. However, challenges like inconsistent feedback, variable placement quality, and unmet expectations persist. On-site feedback is vital for improving technical and soft skills, including adaptability and communication. Stakeholders emphasize structured roles, effective mentorship, and alignment with trends such as sustainability, Emiratization, and digital transformation. Key recommendations include standardizing internship frameworks, enhancing industry-academic collaboration, and improving feedback systems. Educational institutions should ensure quality placements, while employers provide structured training and mentorship. Policymakers must align programs with industry needs and emerging trends. These strategies aim to optimize internships, bridge academic learning with industry practice, and prepare students for success in the dynamic hospitality and tourism sectors. Keywords: Stakeholders, UAE, Stakeholder Perspectives, Mixed Methods
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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.