BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2023

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A Case Study Exploring ESL Instructors’ Perspectives of Blended Learning in UAE Higher Education
(SpringerLink, 2024) Alawadhi, Azza
Recently, universities and colleges across the United Arab Emirates have been actively incorporating new learning technologies to facilitate blended learning pedagogy mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite its popularity, blended learning is still a relatively new approach to learning across higher education in the UAE. This small-scale qualitative study seeks to gain insights into instructors’ perspectives of blended learning in an ESL program at a federal college in the UAE. Semi-structured interviews were used to identify the benefits and challenges perceived by instructors teaching in this context. The results revealed several key benefits, including increased flexibility, improved accessibility, and timely and continuous learning. However, instructors also reported increased academic workload, technical issues, and a lack of professional development as barriers. The findings offer recommendations, implications, and possible future directions for stakeholders and academics to inform future directives.
A Framework for Developing Information Requirements for Built Asset Management Based on Organisational Sustainability Objectives
(SpringerLink, 2024) Dong, Yujie; Collinge, William; Kirkham, Richard; Rahbarimanesh, Amir
Purpose- In recent years, digital transformation using Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems has reshaped asset management. This process involves systematically maintaining and improving assets throughout an organization's lifecycle, with a focus on sustainability objectives. However, the current asset management process often wastes time and resources searching for asset information. This research aims to create a BIM-based framework, address the disconnection between asset management models and key indicators of sustainability, and help achieve the organisation's sustainability objectives. Methodology- This paper explores the relationship between asset management and sustainability objectives, establishing an integrated framework from existing literature. A seven-step approach to developing information needs is also proposed. Findings- It was found that asset information requirements are often formed without a direct link to the organisational objectives they are intended to achieve or are difficult to detect adequately. Recognising the cyclical nature of asset management and BIM and generating a framework. Implications- The framework will help address the disconnection between design aspirations and key indicators of sustainability. Originality value- The framework aligns asset management with sustainability objectives and integrates with BIM for a unified asset management platform.
A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Currency on Socio-cultural Identity
(SpringerLink, 2024) Al Johani, Ateeq
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between currency and the socio-cultural identity of a people. The research sought to investigate the phenomenon by examining how a particular community considers currency as an important tenet of their identity. The methodology of the research was qualitative in nature considering its ethnographic premise – culture. To this extent, the research developed an interview schedule and used this to collect data from targeted participants on their perceptions regarding the impact of currency on their culture. The findings of the research were that currency is directly related to culture and strongly impacts the cultural identity of a people. The respondents to the interview agreed that the currency they use is a depiction of their culture and strength and they shared a lot of confidence on the currency as a cultural facet. The implications of the research including fostering the deeper understanding of the role of money in the socio-cultural setting as a multiplier of cultural identity and enthusiasm apart from the common attributes of money. The current study is original in nature in the sense that, while there are numerous researches already conducted about money and the society, the impact of the same in the socio-cultural domain remains unstudied. This qualitative research will highlight the gap and seek to cover it in a step to open up a new dimension of study of the subject of money and society.
A Systematic Review of Conversational AI Chatbots in Academic Advising
(SpringerLink, 2024) Assayed, Suha Khalil; Alkhatib, Manar; Shaalan, Khaled
Purpose – This paper aims to review several studies published between 2018 to 2022 about advising chatbots in schools and universities as well as evaluating the state-of-the-art machine learning models that are deployed into these models. Methodology – This paper follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), it demonstrated the main phases of the systematic review, it starts with screening 128 articles and then including 11 articles for systematic review which focused on the current services of the advising chatbots in schools and universities, as well the artificial models that are embedded into the chatbots. Findings – Two main dimensions with other sub-dimensions are extracted from the 11 included studies as it shows the following: 1- Advising chatbots AI Architecture which includes other sub-dimensions on identifying the deep learning based chatbots, hybrid chatbots and other open-resources for customizing chatbots; 2- The goals of the advising chatbot as it includes both the admission advising and academic advising. Conclusion – Most of studies shows that advising chatbots are developed for admission and academic advising. Few researchers who study the chatbots in high schools, there is a lack of studies in developing chatbots for students advising in high schools. Limitations and future work – This study is constrained to review the studies from 2018–2022, and it is not exposed to the chatbots artifacts, even though, the human-chatbot interaction has an essential impact on students’ experiences. Future research should include the impact of chatbots interactive design and students’ experiences.
Addressing the Overheating Crisis and Its Socio-Economic Implications: A Case Study in London’s High-Risk Areas
(SpringerLink, 2024) Maliha, Azra
Purpose- The number of excess deaths in England and Wales during the second heatwave period in 2022 was the greatest it has been since 2018. Greater London is particularly at risk for indoor overheating due to the predicted increase in hot summers from 50–60% by 2050, which can have serious negative effects on the socio-economic state of the city. The purpose of this study is to assess and predict the risk of overheating in a residential apartment building in a high-risk London heatwave location. Methodology-This study uses computer simulation and on-site measurements to create a virtual model for IES VE dynamic thermal modelling and perform overheating assessment simulations in a London apartment complex using the CIBSE TM59 methodology. Findings- The percentage hours with exceeding temperature surpassed 50% above the standard threshold in the 2020s scenario, which increased two folds for the 2050s and 2080s. Moreover, the bedrooms’ operational temperatures are found to be terribly above the safety standard. Implications- The findings implicate examining the economic viability and effectiveness of various solutions in the future to prevent residential building overheating in London. Further investigation can be done by conducting in-depth experiments on the susceptibility of various floors to overheating. Originality/value- The paper offers novel insights into the overheating risk assessment in London, particularly focusing on households in high-risk areas. The study contributes to the conversation on sustainability practices and their socio-economic implications by highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting frameworks to promote sustainable building design and practices.
An Investigation of the Development and Implementation of Teacher's Licensing in Saudi Arabia Based on Local Stakeholders’ Perceptions, Compared with International and Regional Practices
(SpringerLink, 2024) Hameedadin, Amal Abdullah; Hill, Christopher
Saudi Arabia- is moving steadily toward Vision 2030. Accordingly, the Educational & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) has teamed up with the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia to update and raise the ‘Teacher Licensure Programme’ bar. Purpose- The study aimed to investigate the development and implementation of the 2019 teacher licensure program in Saudi Arabia. Methodology- The study adopted the exploratory sequential mixed method. The paper consisted of three stages. Initially, six policies were reviewed to compare international, regional, and local licensures. Second, the study collected quantitative data from 300 teachers from public schools through an online survey. The last stage collected qualitative data through a school leaders’ questionnaire. Findings- Stage one findings were linked to international and regional practices. A comparative study revealed a lack of career development at the college level and during in-service training in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, there is a need for a standardized teacher evaluation system that includes constructive feedback and reflection. Based on stage two findings, teachers expressed negative views regarding the current licensing programme. In addition, stage three findings confirmed stage two results from the perspective of school leaders and policymakers. Implications- Educators should consider building long-life learners by aligning licensing standards with the exam and desired outcomes, ensuring stakeholders’ involvement, create a continuous PD program. Originality/value- This study filled a critical gap in the theoretical field of teacher licensing in the Gulf Region. Additionally, the research suggested a flexible framework based on the best practices and the perceptions and experiences of the stakeholders. The framework asserted that the licensing examination is one of a number of methods for evaluating teachers.
Analysis of Savings and Investments in First Ten Years of Employment in Dubai
(SpringerLink, 2024) Dhoundiyal, Meenakshi; Pareek, Nishtha
It is crucial in the modern world to not only start thinking about savings and investing but also to act on it. For long term financial stability and growth, one needs to start saving and then carefully investing the savings in different investment avenues. Savings and investments are used interchangeably. But the fact is that both have different meanings with one common motive of safeguarding the future in terms of finance. This paper attempts to study the savings and investments outlined in the first ten years of employment in Dubai. Dubai has all possible investment avenues available, just like any other economy may have. The primary data were collected from 118 respondents, with 65 men and 53 women. It is found that most of the employees are aware of the savings and investments. Males are more aware and hence making more savings and investments as compared to females. It is also found that the majority of the employees save 10–20% of their earnings monthly. The purpose of saving is future security followed by safety and tax savings. Further research found a significant relationship between investment awareness and Gender and the relationship between educational qualification and selection of the investment avenues. Purpose: This study focuses on the savings and investment opportunities for the employees; further it will explore various factors that motivate employees to save and invest and factors that affect the investment behaviors of the employees. Methodology: Primary and secondary data sources were used for data collection. Primary data was collected from the targeted population who are in the first ten years of their employment in the UAE by using Google Forms. A probability sampling method was selected for this study. The research instrument was administered to 120 respondents out of which 118 were returned. 2 respondents could not return the form and hence the final sample size was 118, with 65 men and 53 women participating in the survey. Findings: A significant relationship between gender and investment awareness. Men are relatively more aware of the investment and savings avenues as compared to the women. Women are more driven to invest in gold as compared to their male counterparts. There is a positive relationship between level of education and awareness regarding saving and investment. Recommendations: Creating monthly and yearly budget is crucial for the financially safe future. Investments in liquid funds to have more flexibility can be considered in this age group. Consulting a financial advisor to make wise investment choices is recommended. Further research can be conducted on the gender-wise investment choices, investment choices at different age level from the early years of earning till retirement.
Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability Development in Healthcare
(SpringerLink, 2024) Sajwani, Rehab Anwar
Purpose - Digital technology is frequently employed in the healthcare sector to innovate and add value. This study examines AI-based technology implementation in the healthcare industry. The purpose of the study is to provide a review of publications on artificial intelligence (AI) and how it has enabled the healthcare sector to progress toward sustainable development goals (SDG). Methodology - The method is based on a systematic mapping review of 40 papers. It also contained relevant publications to this paper’s research questions for comparison. Findings - The paper emphasizes the significance of AI implementation in healthcare and further facilities’ implementation of SDG and health-related SDG and its evolving contribution to humanity for affordable global healthcare. Implications/limitation - The scope of this paper is limited to the time during submission of this paper and keywords specified in this paper’s research question. Originality/value - The paper will expand knowledge of AI to achieve sustainable development goals and health-related SDGs and further highlight research gaps to be addressed for healthcare improvement.
Chatbots: Can They Satisfy Customers in the Banking Sector?
(SpringerLink, 2024) Qureshi, Omer Aftab; Wilkins, Stephen; Iqbal, Huda
Purpose – The purpose of this research was to investigate and explore the influence of chatbots service quality on customer satisfaction in the banking sector. Methodology – The sample size for this research was determined to be 25, sufficient to achieve data saturation. This research utilised qualitative inductive research approach, exploratory in nature, implementing non-probability, stratified purposeful sampling technique, based on the age category of commercial bank consumers. Findings – Overall, a total of eleven themes and sub-themes emerged from the gathered data, resulting in three aggregate dimensions, which were “perceived chatbot service quality”, “customer satisfaction” and “responses and intentions”. Practical implications – The study could be extended for different target market, creative strategy, other media and more countries. The findings of this research aimed to help banks further understand customer satisfaction, along with their responses and intentions, when it comes to interacting with chatbots. Originality/value – This research added value to customer experience, which mattered the most, when it comes to them being satisfied with their interaction with chatbot. The output of this research developed a conceptual framework which identified the factors causing customer dissatisfaction once they interacted with chatbots.
Critically Describing the Effectiveness of Antibullying Interventions Used at Schools
(SpringerLink, 2024) Salameh, Nahida
Bullying at schools has been among the public concerns that prevailed as it causes many negative consequences, including poor academic performance, poor physical and mental health, in addition to suicidal or criminal acts. Purpose- To critically describe the effectiveness of the antibullying interventions at schools. Methodology- A descriptive qualitative study that was conducted utilizing a critical review of literature. The study has utilized the available electronic database. References were mainly chosen among the ones published in the last five years; special consideration was given to studies conducted in UAE. Findings- Several programs were developed and implemented to manage bullying. Interventions entailed constructing strict anti-bullying school policies, and utilized various involvement levels; being whole school, or one group such as parents, teachers or students. Many interventions were rooted in sociocultural theories to enhance resilience and positive behaviour development among students. Antibullying interventions in the UAE were mostly targeting awareness with compromised measurement of effectiveness. Implications- Identifying the best antibullying interventions may contribute to increasing awareness among stakeholders, and thus facilitate decisions that may inform the policy making pertinent to managing bullying at schools in the UAE. Originality/ value- Limited number of studies were conducted in the UAE.
Developing a Draft Curriculum Framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in UAE Schools Through Analysis of Relevant Literature
(SpringerLink, 2024) Obeid, Anwar Sami
This study is one of the first to investigate Learner with Severe and Multiple Disabilities curriculum frameworks in UAE schools. It will improve inclusive education in formal settings, prepare stakeholders in the region to work with students with disabilities in schools, and accept the UNESCO vision to perform more research in this sector. It aims to develop a draft of the curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in schools in the UAE. To achieve the objectives of the study, the systamtic literature review method was used for data collection. Interestingly, the findings of the study revealed that designing a curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities requires taking into consideration several aspects such as the curriculum itself, whether it is a general or functional curriculum. Other aspects include special teaching techniques, cooperation between stakeholders and the team, curriculum accessibility, efficiency of the assessment process, and the incorporation of technology.
Durability Design Approach and Exposure Conditions in Eurocode, British Standard and ISO 13823 Standards: A Review
(SpringerLink, 2024) Al-Haddad, Diala Basim; Jokhio, Gul Ahmed
Several incidents of early deterioration of reinforced concrete structures have been reported in recent years. Consequently, the critical demand to incorporate durability in the structural design and construction approach has emerged. As a result, durability design provisions in many countries’ standards have gotten increasingly stringent. In the absence of clear standard guidelines for design engineers, insufficient design and failures or an expensive over-design to provide for the worst-case scenario may occur. This paper compares and critically reviews the durability design requirements and provisions in the Eurocode, British standards, and ISO standards and proposes improvements that will contribute to the development of the coming generation of these documents. The review revealed similarities in the durability design approach, exposure conditions, and design requirements in the Eurocode code and British standard, whereas the ISO 13823 approach is different. The studied documents’ durability provisions are comprehensive, detailed, and well-defined. Nevertheless, several provisions require to be revised to avoid misinterpretation by the code practitioners and to ensure an economically conservative durable design.
Enhancing Student Services: Machine Learning Chatbot Intent Recognition for High School Inquiries
(SpringerLink, 2024) Assayed, Suha Khalil; Alkhatib, Manar; Shaalan, Khaled
Purpose - This paper aims to develop a novel chatbot to improve student services in high school by transferring students’ enquiries to a particular agent, based on the enquiry type. In accordance to that, comparison between machine learning and neural network is conducted in order to identify the most accurate model to classify students’ requests. Methodology - In this study we selected the data from high school students, since high school is one of the most essential stages in students’ lives, as in this stage, students have the option to select their academic streams and advanced courses that can shape their careers according to their passions and interests. A new corpus is created with (1004) enquiries. The data is annotated manually based on the type of request. The label high-school-courses is assigned to the requests that are related to elective courses and standardized tests during high school. On the other hand, the label majors & universities is assigned to the questions that are related to applying to universities along with selecting the majors. Two novel classifier chatbots are developed and evaluated, where the first chatbot is developed by using a Naive Bayes Machine Learning Algorithm, while the other is developed by using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN)-LSTM. Findings - Some features and techniques are used in both models in order to improve the performance. However, both models have conveyed a high accuracy score which exceeds (91%). The models have been validated as a pilot testing by using high school students as well as experts in education and six questions and enquiries are presented to the chatbots for the evaluation. Implications and future work - This study can add value to the team of researchers and developers to integrate such classifiers into different applications. As a result, this improves the users’ services, in particular, those implemented in educational institutions. In the future, it is certain that intent recognition will be developed with the addition of a voice recognition feature which can successfully integrated into smartphones.
Establishing a Guideline and Decision-Making Approach for UAE Solar Assets Waste Management by Utilizing PVsyst
(SpringerLink, 2024) Al−Ali, Amel Khalid Ali; Abdul-Ameer, Alaa; Touqan, Basim
This research studies the PV solar panels waste with respect to their end-of-life EOL management for PV assets installed in a solar park in the UAE. The lack of thorough worldwide rules and frameworks that direct decision-making in connection to the disposal of photovoltaic (PV) panel waste, as well as the insufficient research on the management of such waste, are the driving forces behind this study. The study aims to address this gap by identifying the factors affecting the performance and efficiency of PV systems, specifically in UAE, a country known for its extremely hot and dry climate, and establish an evaluation approach and guidelines. PVsyst simulation software was utilized for the purpose of system performance analysis and to provide support in the decision-making process by adhering to specifically designed technical flowcharts. The fundamental performance-related parameters of the PV panels, coupled with meteorological information, were determined as important elements for assessing the general performance. The study also identified the main instruments used to make end-of-life (EOL) decisions. The results reveal that the photovoltaic (PV) system at the UAE solar park completed its end of life coupled with an 80% PR ratio sooner than anticipated, with 22 years as compared to the manufacturer's expected 25 years. This leads to the conclusion that installing photovoltaic (PV) panels in hot climates regions accelerates the degradation of the PV panels. The study provides a clear understanding of the circumstances that cause PV systems to fail earlier than expected and consequently introduce more waste to the environment.
Estimating the Reliability of the Inspection System Employed for Detecting Defects in Rail Track Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves
(SpringerLink, 2024) Khalil, Abdelgalil; Masurkar, Faeez; Abdul-Ameer, A.
This work focuses on the implementation of a data-based method to determine the inspection system reliability in terms of detecting different types of damages in rail tracks using ultrasonic-guided Rayleigh waves and a probability of detection (POD) technique. In this study, the reliability is tested against a surface crack (SC) and sub-surface damage – a through-side thickness hole (TSTH). The guided Rayleigh waves are generated using a custom-designed sensor that excites Rayleigh surface waves in the specimen and the propagating waves are sensed on the rail track surface. The wedge shape design of the sensor helps to excite a specific ultrasonic mode in the sample thereby hindering the ultrasonic energy of other coupled guided waves that can propagate simultaneously and the wedge angle is determined according to Snell’s law relying on the wave velocity of Rayleigh wave and bulk longitudinal wave. The guided wave responses as a function of varying severity of defects are obtained through a simulation study after the verification of the obtained guided wave responses with the help of an experimental study. A damage index (DI) is defined depending on defect size that gives the trend of damage severity from the captured ultrasonic responses and for monitoring defects in the rail track. This DI is eventually fed into the POD model to determine the probability of defect detection which in turn helps determine the inspection system reliability. The POD method also helps to study the critical design parameters that could affect or improve crack detection results. Purpose – To determine the reliability of inspection system deployed for interrogating health status of rail track. Methodology – Employing the Probability of detection technique for determining how reliable the inspection system is in detecting the health status of the rail track specimen using the ultrasonic guided waves. Findings – It has been found that the proposed inspection system is >90% reliable in detecting defects. Implications – This methodology can help maintenance engineers to make an informed decision on their developed technique for investigating the health status of the rail track sample. Originality/ value – 13%.
Facade Retrofits: Sustainable Living Architectural Facades. The Case Study of “Baynunah Hilton Tower” in Abu Dhabi
(SpringerLink, 2024) Eid, Bana; Mounajjed, Nadia
Over the last few years, the concept of a more sustainable/eco-responsive skin featured as alternative envelopes for buildings (sometimes termed “Living Architecture”), designed to achieve low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and user comfort. Until today, architects in the UAE tend to design projects with double skin façades more than providing living architecture façade to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability in an extremely hot climate. Since the 1990s buildings in Gulf cities were dressed in cladding, which ignores the importance of building orientation, passive design ideas, and implementation. Purpose – This paper examines the concept of living architecture in the context of the UAE and proposes a framework to retrofit existing unsustainable designs with more eco-responsive ones. Methodology – Energy analysis will be applied to the façade of Baynunah Hilton Tower in Abu Dhabi before and after providing a living architectural façade technique in order to test the energy efficiency of the facade between the two scenarios. The analysis will be applied using FormIt software. Findings – The new proposed façade design “Light-weight Aluminium with Arabesque pattern” have affected positively the energy performance of the building. The energy consumption has been reduced by almost 38% after applying the retrofitting design to the façade. Implications – Façade retrofit is important as it helps in providing sustainable design solutions for the building’s facade that plays an important role in achieving energy efficiency and saving the environment. Originality/value – All the scenarios and simulations were done by the authors using FormIt software.
Highlighting the Impacts of Parents’ Beliefs on Students’ Education
(SpringerLink, 2024) Alahmad, Alaaeddin; Hussin, Mohamad; Sapar, Ahmad Arifin
Purpose- To highlight the impacts of parents’ beliefs on students’ education due to the dearth of such studies in the field of education. Methodology- A sequential mixed-method approach was utilised, where quantitative data were collected and analysed, and then triangulated with qualitative data. The study employed a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews completed by 51 and nine parents, respectively. Convenience sampling was used. Findings- The obtained data showed that parents’ beliefs play a key role in students’ education, as these beliefs are associated with parents’ expectations regarding their children. Moreover, parents’ beliefs function as a guide for their children’s efforts and endeavours. Implications- This study recommends that increasing parental awareness regarding their role in their children’s education would be an effective strategy that would provide students with an enhanced learning environment. Originality/value- This study is considered of great value as it urges policy makers and leaders to increase investment in the parents’ role in students’ education.
Impact of Innovative Lighting Strategies on the Performance of Workplace Environment
(SpringerLink, 2024) Tobeishat, Reema A.; Sheta, Wael
Innovative lighting layouts ILS is crucial in the office environment, with a significant impact on occupants’ well-being, visual quality, and saving energy consumption. A technical understanding of light sources and performance is vital in lighting design. Open office lighting settings varies from small areas based on light quantity, fixed approach (recessed/suspended), and layout, affecting illuminance lx-level and visual quality. This study evaluates minimalist lighting conditions and identifies the most efficient solution for uniformity in a workspace. It focuses on specific zones (accent light seating zone, task area, and circulation zones). Considering many factors, such as luminaire type, layout distribution, and quantity, influence illuminance levels and visual quality. The aim is to establish various innovative lighting layouts for multiple tasks in an open office, and identify key factors enhancing illuminance levels, distribution uniformity, and energy efficiency. This work utilizes Dialux-evo 10 simulation software to develop various strategies using different minimalist luminaires shapes, quantities, and layout distributions within an existing office in Masdar City, UAE to improve visual workspace performance. Two-strategies have created, analyzing current conditions and evaluating proposed lighting concepts by installing various artificial lighting types and designing different layouts for each workspace independently. The results emphasize the importance of different factors such-as light efficacy and fixed lighting approach in achieving required illuminance levels. The visual impact of each workspace is influenced by lighting uniformity, color, and distribution, a CRI of 80 or higher is preferred for accurate color representation. The type, quantity, and arrangement of luminaires play a crucial role in the overall visual outcome. The linear arrangement with batwing-shaped distribution Scenario-C achieves an acceptable illuminance level of 565lx, resulting in a reduction of approximately 10.9% compared to the regular arrangement of the base case.
Investigating the Food Waste Status in the Hospitality Sector of the Emirate of Dubai-UAE
(SpringerLink, 2024) Sadeh, Reham Zeyad; Abu Hijleh, Bassam
Saving natural resources to sustain a better future for the generations requires focusing mainly on the three pillars of a sustainable society; the social, economic and environmental. In 2015, the world was united to set international goals to reduce the recent, global problems affecting these pillars; the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal number 12 focuses on making consumption and production reasonable to lower the use of natural resources and decrease the waste generated consequently. The food loss and waste problem has been the focus of individuals and governments in the last few years as it affects the sustainable vision of the countries. Tackling this issue needs the united efforts of the private and public sectors and is considered under goal SDG 12.3. Food loss is defined as the decrease in food amounts before consumption, mostly in developing countries. While food waste focuses on food thrown out after consumption, left intentionally or thrown away, and mostly in developed countries. The UAE has one of the highest per capita amounts of food waste yearly, around 224 kg. Thus, efforts to tackle the problem have to start, this is in alignment with achieving international targets like SDG 12.3 and national ones such as “Zero Hunger” by 2051. Huge efforts and initiatives in the country are established, mainly focusing on recovering food waste through banks, composting and animal feeds. However, source reduction is considered the top priority in solving the food waste problem. This paper suggests topics to fill the theoretical gap, which was confirmed to be lacking in the country, in finding the causes and drivers of food waste in the hospitality sector of Dubai.
Jordanian Expatriates’ Family Language Policy in Dubai
(SpringerLink, 2024) Razem, Reem J.; Abu-Ayyash, Emad A. S.
This pilot study explores the Family Language Policy (FLP) of two Jordanian expatriate families in Dubai and is underpinned by Spolsky’s FLP theoretical framework which has tripartite components of ideology, practice, and management. A qualitative constructivist approach and case study are adopted as the main methodology. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the parents and observation of the natural utterances of children. The purpose of the study is to refine the data collection instruments regarding both the procedures and the content of the gathered data to glean initial themes. Key findings identified contextual and cultural challenges while piloting the instruments which resulted in necessary methodological modifications to the data collection procedures. Implications include highlighting the benefits of pilot studies, modifying interview questions and observation procedures in response to challenges that face emerging researchers when conducting similar studies, and sharing the value of developing reflexive, culturally competent, and ethically responsive research practices in the field of Arabic sociolinguistics.

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