BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2024

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A Comprehensive Study on Empowering High School Students for Career Success in a Government School in Sharjah
(Springer Cham, 2025) Mona Abumady
This qualitative research examines the factors that influence career empowerment among high school students in a government institution in Sharjah, UAE. It evaluates the efficacy of existing career guidance programs, the extent of students’ awareness of career pathways, and the influence of educational institutions on their aspirations. The study proposes strategies to improve students’ career readiness by identifying challenges in current guidance practices and conducting document analysis, interviews, and focus groups. The significance of career counseling, skill development, and informed decision-making in enabling students to select suitable universities and prospective professions is underscored by the results. The research endeavors to offer policymakers, educators, and stakeholders actionable insights to enhance career guidance programs, thereby promoting more informed career choices and self-efficacy among students.
A Critical Analysis for the Assessments and Moderation Policy of a UAE Higher Education Institution
(Springer Cham, 2025) Abdulai Abukari; Razan Ashour
This paper represents a critical analysis of Assessment and Moderation Policy implemented in a UAE higher education institution. This critical analysis of the policy followed the SWOT analysis approach. It aimed to determine the effectiveness of the mentioned policy by analysing the policy horizontally. The paper employs a critical thinking discussion of the components, rational and strength areas of the policy to identify the key weaknesses and threats associated with it, drawing on the prior work experience and pertinent literature review. The policy shows the availability of strong components such as the alignment with accreditation standards, rubric implementation and documenting a blind marking process. However, an absence of clarity in selecting the moderation samples, and in formulating the rubrics results in inconsistent implementation across departments, compromise its reliability, and affects the uniformity of student evaluations. To enhance policy effectiveness, the paper recommends the development of comprehensive workshops on rubric creation, the adoption of stratified sampling for moderation, and the engagement of students in understanding assessment criteria. It emphasizes the importance of regular policy evaluation and adaptation based on faculty and student feedback. This critique aims to contribute to the discourse on educational policy evaluation by providing insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing assessment and moderation policies in higher education.
Advancing Interpretability in Sequential Models Through Generative AI Rationalization Using GPT-4
(Springer Cham, 2025) Mohammed Rasol Al Saidat; Khaled Shaalan; Suliman Yemria
In this study, we investigate the role of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) in enhancing interpretability of sequential predictions in Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our study introduces a hybrid model that integrates traditional sequential prediction models with GPT-4, aiming to generate detailed, context-sensitive explanations for model outputs. This approach is rooted in the use of advanced transformer architectures and a specialized tokenization method that maintains semantic coherence, allowing for deep contextual analysis by GPT-4. Additionally, we devise a rationale generation algorithm that achieves a balance between succinctness and informativeness. Our experimental validation spans across various high-dimensional datasets, including financial time-series and multilingual texts, employing both qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the model’s performance. These metrics focus on the plausibility and consistency of the rationales, as well as the model’s predictive accuracy. Preliminary results demonstrate that our approach not only enhances the accuracy of sequential predictions but also significantly improves their interpretability. This finding highlights the potential of generative AI to bridge the gap between complex AI decision-making processes. This research underscores the viability of employing generative AI to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sequential prediction models, paving the way for more transparent AI systems.
AI-Powered Banking Assistants: Enhancing Customer Service with Technology
(Springer Cham, 2025) Omer Aftab Qureshi; Stephen Wilkins; Huda Iqbal
This research aimed to examine how the quality of chatbot services affects customer satisfaction in the banking sector. The research determined a sample size of twenty-five, which was deemed adequate to attain data saturation within a longitudinal time frame. This research used an exploratory, qualitative inductive approach and a non-probability, stratified purposeful sampling method based on age categories. From the collected data, twenty-seven themes and sub-themes were identified, leading to 7 overall dimensions. The research could be expanded to encompass diverse target markets, innovative strategies, alternative media channels, and additional countries. This research added value by extending TAM 2 model in terms of customer satisfaction and customer experience. The output of this research resulted in the creation of a conceptual framework that addressed present constraints while proposing opportunities for future research.
Analysing the State of Inclusive Education in China: Challenges and Perspectives
(Springer Cham, 2025) Zainab Merchant; Eman Gaad
The global focus on inclusive education has intensified, with countries working to ensure equal school access for all, including those with disabilities. China has made significant legislative advancements to support inclusive education in line with international standards. However, challenges remain in implementing inclusive practices and delivering quality education to children with special needs. This study analyses China’s inclusive education system, examining its policy framework, social and cultural context, historical evolution, and implementation challenges. It highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to address gaps and foster true inclusion. Key recommendations include ongoing monitoring, clear policy directives, increased family involvement, and enhanced teacher training. The study calls for a holistic approach to ensure social inclusion and equity, aiming to build a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities in China.
Beyond Taste: Investigating Indoor Air Quality in Sharjah’s Restaurants
(Springer Cham, 2025) Zinah Aldoori; Wael Sheta
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is crucial for customer satisfaction and well-being in restaurants but is often overlooked. As Sharjah becomes a global gastronomic hub, it is essential to address the complex issues of IAQ, which are linked to health, environmental, and climatic issues. International organizations like ASHRAE and WHO have enacted strict regulations and policies in order for improvement and maintenance of IAQ within the criteria of health and comfort. This study examines toxic air pollutants in a café setting to determine if they meet global requirements and standards. The majority of customers were satisfied with the staff’s service and saw no difference in their work rate, indicating a high standard of indoor air quality which satisfies the United Arab Emirates’ Indoor Air Quality standard.
Big Data Analytical Capability’s Role in Talent Management: Dynamic Capabilities’ Mediation in the Public Sector
(Springer Cham, 2025) Mansour Ahmed Helal Aldhaheri; Abdelmounaim Lahrech
This article explores the crucial role of big data analytical capabilities (BDAC) in enhancing competitive talent acquisition. It underscores big data as a vital resource akin to an organisation’s workforce, emphasising the necessity for skilled personnel to utilise big data effectively for quality benefits, distinguishing organisations both locally and globally. The study aims to clarify the relationship between BDAC and TA, investigating this through a framework that includes practical and scientific evidence to demonstrate how BDAC contributes to business value. A key concern addressed is the existing gap in how organisations harness big data to generate real value, with the study highlighting the ongoing challenges in optimising big data’s potential in business research. The article leverages environmental heterogeneity as a moderating variable, providing diverse perspectives on the relationship between big data and talent acquisition (Elia et al., Ind Mark Manag 1–16, 2020; Wamba et al., How ‘big data’ can make big impact: findings from a systematic review and a longitudinal case study Samuel Fosso Wamba, 2015). The research was conducted in Abu Dhabi, targeting government entities, and employs a quantitative survey design with 351 respondents to ensure valid results. The aim was to extract valuable insights through academic and experimental contributions, addressing the identified literature gaps and enhancing strategic decision-making concerning talent and dynamic capabilities in organisations (Chen et al., Manag Decis 57:5–18, 2019; Akter, Int J Prod Econ 182:113–131, 2016; Raguseo and Vitari, Int J Prod Res 2018).
BIM-Based Asset Management for Sustainability: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
(Springer Cham, 2025) Yujie Dong; Amir Rahbarimanesh; Saeed Reza Mohandes; Richard Kirkham
This study presents a systematic literature review on adding sustainability elements into Building Information Modelling (BIM) to enhance sustainability in the asset management stage of a built asset’s life cycle. Focusing on environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions, the review uses bibliometric analysis and systematic content review to identify key advancements and research gaps. The findings reveal that while BIM effectively integrates environmental and economic factors, its application to social sustainability remains underdeveloped. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive framework encompassing all three sustainability dimensions. Additionally, it highlights opportunities to enhance BIM’s functionality by integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and big data, which could enable predictive modelling and real-time sustainability analysis. However, their adoption within BIM practices is still limited. Key recommendations for future research include developing integrated sustainability models, improving stakeholder engagement, and establishing policy frameworks to encourage sustainable BIM practices. This review emphasizes BIM’s transformative role in sustainable asset management while identifying crucial areas for further development.
Building Dynamic Capabilities for Enhanced Organisational Performance
(Springer Cham, 2025) Adnan Al Zoukani; Abubakr Suliman; Farzana Asad Mir
This study investigates absorptive capacity in tourism organisations, focusing on their ability to gain and maintain a competitive edge through agility and value creation from external knowledge. The aim is to improve organisational performance and competitiveness amidst changing environments. The research examines how absorptive capacity affects strategic agility, value creation, and overall performance, emphasizing the importance of acquiring external knowledge for resilience and competitiveness. Past literature highlights strategic agility as a mediator between absorptive capacity and performance, and the role of value creation, especially in service value and customer satisfaction, in enhancing organisational outcomes. The study adopts a holistic view of organisational performance, integrating innovation and operational metrics through Dynamic Capability theory. Using a quantitative, deductive approach with 347 respondents from the UAE’s tourism sector, the research employs PLS-SEM and SmartPLS for analysis. Theoretical contributions include clarifying the significance of external knowledge absorption for tourism organisations and guiding managerial strategies for competitive advantage and market survival. Practical implications stress the need for effective employee training and development to ensure customer satisfaction and organisational resilience.
Determinants of Adoption of Integrated Reporting in an Emerging Market: The Case of UAE
(Springer Cham, 2025) Dania M. Kurdy; Husam-Aldin N. Al-Malkawi
The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of the voluntary adoption of integrated reporting in the UAE context. The study employs a sample of 34 non-financial companies listed on Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. Initially, content analysis is used to assess the quality of integrated reporting and constructing an index to measure integrated reporting quality (IRQ). Then regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between IRQ and selected variables. The results show that there is a positive association between IRQ and firm size, board size, gender diversity and growth opportunity. While the IRQ is negatively related with financial leverage and profitability. The findings of the paper offer important implications for large companies with large board, gender diversity and growth opportunity to utilize integrated reporting to reduce agency problems and signal its prospects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to construct IR index for UAE companies and to examine the determinants of voluntary adoption of IR within the UAE context.
Digital Transformation in Construction Sector; Assessing the Impact on Projects Performance & Productivity
(Springer Cham, 2025) Seham Ahmed Alblooshi; Edward Ochieng
Digital transformation is a mega trend around the globe and considered to be as a critical success factor for countries, business, and organizations. This study intended to explore the impact of digital transformation on project performance productivity in the construction sector. A secondary data approach was executed to gather the data to address the research question and accomplish its objectives. Thae main finding of this research that there is a positive correlation between digital transformation and projects performance and productivity its construction sector. Moreover, the research presented a statistical findings on the digital transformation impact in the terms of cost, time, quality, and error in construction projects.
Digitalization for Innovative Knowledge Management in Healthcare
(Springer Cham, 2025) Rehab Sajwani; Farzana Asad Mir
This paper explores the relationship between knowledge management and innovation, specifically focusing on their impact on the healthcare sector. It also examines the interplay of knowledge management, digitalization, and management skills to foster effective innovation. Further, it employs a systematic mapping approach to reviewing and analyzing existing literature to identify key themes in comprehending the impact of knowledge management on innovation within healthcare organizations. The paper emphasizes the significance of a systematic mapping analysis of the role of knowledge management, management skills, and digitalization in achieving successful innovation in healthcare. The insights gained from this study have the potential to empower healthcare professionals, legislators, and researchers, guiding them in developing solutions and strategies to leverage knowledge management, digitalization, and managerial competencies to drive innovation and enhance healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, this study ventures into uncharted territory, exploring the efficacy of a unique combination of knowledge management, digitalization, and management skills. This novel approach holds the potential to revolutionize innovation within healthcare organizations.
Due Process and the Judiciary: Navigating Due Process Paranoia
(Springer Cham, 2025) Binisaro; Abba Kolo
This paper delves into the intricate relationship between due process, due process paranoia, and the role of the judiciary in arbitration proceedings. Due process, a fundamental principle of law, ensures fairness, equity, and procedural justice in legal contexts, including arbitration. However, due process paranoia, characterized by an exaggerated fear or concern about procedural irregularities, can lead to excessive formalism, unnecessary delays, and challenges in arbitration efficiency. This study aims to explore the nuances of due process and due process paranoia in arbitration settings and to examine the judiciary's role in mitigating the adverse effects of due process paranoia while upholding the principles of fairness and efficiency in dispute resolution.
Energy Efficiency Based on Passive Design Solutions in UAE
(Springer Cham, 2025) Itemat Sauria; Shaikha Alblooki; Sima Zakzak; Muna Salameh
Energy consumption in the building sector accounts for over 30% of global final energy consumption. This figure is much higher in developed countries like the UAE, where energy consumption by the built sector can reach up to 80%. Thus, developing appropriate future energy and climate change strategies requires alternative methods for the reduction of energy consumption in buildings. Passive design techniques, such as shading devices and courtyards, are used in sustainable architecture to create structures that harness sunlight and wind for lighting and ventilation while keeping away heat gain and glare. This research aims to investigate and create a comparison between the effects of two passive design solutions on a villa housing project in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, through the use of Revit software. The study concluded that courtyards significantly outperformed shading devices in reducing energy costs, providing a greater overall impact on energy consumption. In this research, a comparative study was done between three building types in the same area: a villa without any passive design solution, a villa with the introduction of shading devices, and a villa with a courtyard. The research shows that courtyards, by enhancing natural ventilation and air circulation, lowered HVAC costs to approximately 14.69 AED/m2 per year, compared to 33.06 AED/m2 per year for louvers. While louvers improved lighting efficiency and reduced lighting needs, they led to slightly higher costs for window shades. Overall, courtyards achieved a cost reduction of 24.24 AED/m2 per year versus 6.61 AED/m2 per year for shading devices, emphasizing the importance of integrating passive design strategies for sustainable building practices and climate change mitigation.
Enhancing the Incident Response Capabilities of the UAE Critical Infrastructure Against Phishing Cyber Security Threat: An AI-Based Approach
(Springer Cham, 2025) Bushra Rwashdeh; Ahmed Awad; Usman Butt
Phishing attacks pose a significant threat to critical infrastructure in the UAE. This study proposes an AI-driven approach to enhance incident response capabilities against such threats. The research adapts the Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT) to an organizational context and develops a machine learning model for phishing detection and response. This research contributes to both theory and practice by extending TTAT and creating an AI prototype tailored to the UAE's critical infrastructure needs. The study employs a design science approach, incorporating qualitative evaluations from UAE experts to refine the model. This research aims to strengthen organizational resilience and contribute to the UAE's national cybersecurity objectives.
Examining Customer’s Behavioral Intention Towards Chatbots Adoption—The United Arab Emirates Context
(Springer Cham, 2025) Heba Alkhoja
Exploring AI Conversational Chatbot UX Design: Insights from High School
(Springer Cham, 2025) Suha Khalil Assayed; Daniel Woods; Manar Alkahtib; Khaled Shaalan
Advancements in state-of-the-art models and algorithms for chatbots have significantly driven the growth and evolution of human–computer interaction (HCI) in recent years. As a result, numerous authors are inspired to study the most effective interactive chatbot design that can maximize students’ experiences. Despite the fact that high school is one of the most critical stage in a student’s life, there is a lack of studies that focused on developing effective interactive high school advising chatbots. To address this current gap, this study aims to elicit the main effective features for high school advising chatbot. The authors in this study conducted a semi-structured qualitative interview with six high school students in UAE and the MAXQDA Analytics software—ver. 22.6.0 is implemented by processing the thematic analysis to study the findings. The results revealed that high school students recommended the same general interaction design characteristics that was derived from the previous systematic review with emphasizing more into accurate, reliable, and trustworthy short answers with having minimal conversational issues. In addition to that, emotions and empathic factors are less important for high school students.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Different Learning Methods: A Comparative Analysis
(Springer Cham, 2025) Mai Idrees Zaghab
This theoretical paper scrutinises the evolution of language teaching methods across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, emphasising the continuous effort to enhance learning environments and outcomes. It investigates the Total-Physical Response (TPR), The Eclectic Approach, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and Suggestopedia. through a comparative analysis, the study aims to identify effective strategies for different learners, considering their styles and subject areas, each method is scrutinized based on its principles, techniques, strengths, and weaknesses, highlighting the need for adaptable methodologies that promote engagement and meaningful language acquisition. The findings and discussion offer insights into effective teaching methods, emphasizing personalized approaches to improve learning outcomes.
Exploring the Efficacy of Adopting English as the Medium of Instruction in Moral Education: A Study of an American Curriculum School in Sharjah, UAE
(Springer Cham, 2025) Abdelhamid A. Khalil
Moral Education (ME) is a newly added subject to all schools’ curricula in the UAE to promote tolerance and foster global principles, morals, and values shared by the overall community. Although schools are eligible to choose between English and Arabic as the language of instruction to teach ME, many schools which include mainly Arab students have opted for English as the medium of instruction (EMI) to teach ME. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the policy of adopting EMI to teach ME at an American curriculum school in Sharjah, UAE. Moreover, eight English teachers and four members of the Senior Leadership Team were interviewed through three sets of semi-structured interviews. The study findings showed English language teachers’ disagreement with the policy. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that teachers’ voices were fully disregarded while establishing the policy by the Senior Leadership Team.
Impact of Innovative Lighting Strategies on the Performance of Workplace Environments: Evaluation of Solar Tubes
(Springer Cham, 2025) Bana Eid; Wael Sheta
Most buildings in UAE rely on the daylighting as a sustainable source to provide good indoor lighting quality. This natural source will allow to save energy, improve the indoor ambiance, enhance the work productivity, provide good visual comfort as well as providing the physiological and psychological needs of humans. This paper covered the various techniques that are needed to promote daylighting in buildings, this includes literature review, present one international case study, and applying the learned concepts to the offices at The Abu Dhabi University campus. The different applied solutions of daylighting on the selected building were simulated using Dialux EVO software to study and analyse the improvements of lighting quality and the impact on energy consumption. The simulation phase has covered 4 strategies, strategy 1 is for solar tubes ×1, size 10 in., strategy 2 is for solar tubes ×2, size 24 in., strategy 3 is for solar tubes ×3, size 24 in., and strategy 4 is for solar tubes ×4, size 24 in. The results showed that the offices in strategy 3 received 3 solar tubes with 24 in. each, and this have helped to enhance the amount of lux and achieve the requirements. The simulation results using solar tubes strategies have achieved the desired lux needed for indoor space with zero energy consumption as all artificial lights were switched off.

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