Dissertations for Engineering Management (EM)

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Investigating the Quality Combined Effect of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in Quality Management in Manufacturing Firms
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-11) ALBLOOSHI, ROUDHA KHALID ABDULLA; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
The escalating demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions has propelled LED High Bay lights to the forefront of the lighting industry. However, ensuring product quality and reliability remains a critical challenge. This research delves into the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma DMAIC methodologies to optimise the manufacturing process of LED High Bay lights within a Golf Country-based factory. The study aimed to identify and address the root causes of product defects, primarily focusing on electrical surge protection issues. Data were collected from various departments to analyse failure rates, customer complaints, and process inefficiencies. By employing tools such as flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, and statistical analysis, the research pinpointed the inadequate 4KV surge protection as a primary defect contributor. Implementing a 6KV surge protector for higher-wattage lights significantly reduced defect rates by 0.5%. This improvement led to decreased warranty claims, cost reductions, and enhanced product longevity, ultimately reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering high-quality products that exceed the customer's expectations. Such products need to be manufactured more often if companies want to survive in the Middle East as consumers will not settle for anything less. Refined production line layouts and automated key assembly stages alongside lean production principles are crucial to eliminate non-value activities. This can enhance the production of desired products in the companies. The findings underscore the efficacy of TQM and Six Sigma in driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction within the lighting industry.
How Dynamic Capabilities in Maintenance Enable Metal Plants in the UAE Via Big Data Analytic Capabilities Towards Digital Twins Adoption? A Mediation and Moderation Analysis
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-06) SA’ADEH, AREEJ; Dr Sa’Ed Salhiah
The research employed a standardised survey to explore how Dynamic Capabilities (DCs) are influencing the adoption of Digital Twins (DTs) through Big Data Analytics Capabilities (BDAC) as a mediator variable. Furthermore, it also inspects the influence of Digital Leadership (DL) as a moderator variable in above relationship in terms of maintenance in metal plants in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research reveals a correlation between above indicated variables based on practical responses from maintenance. Results will definitely support the improvement of maintenance performance in metal plants. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using SmartPLS4 to test four hypotheses based on data collected from 183 respondents, comprising managers, engineers and technicians from maintenance departments in various metal plants in UAE. As hypothesised, research findings suggest that BDAC plays a mediating role in relationship between DCs including seizing (SEZ) and transforming (TRF) and adoption of DTs. However, sensing (SEN) has neither a direct nor an indirect relationship with DTs. Additionally, low DL significantly strengthens moderation effect in terms of positive relationship between BDAC and adoption of DTs. These findings confirm need of this research's key predictor variable - DCs, BDAC and moderator variable DL - in driving organisational readiness toward digital transformation. The research is limited and should not be generalised given that it has only focused on analysing collected data from one sector - metal plants industry in the UAE. Future research should focus on analysing how applicable this framework is across other industries while investigating factors for adoption of DTs.
Revealing the Adoption Factors of Electric Vehicles in Dubai
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-06) BIN HUMAID, HUDA; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained interest in the last decades, as a significant amount of people in Dubai depend on private vehicles. Hence, it is critical to consider public views regarding environmental concerns in the transportation industry. There were many factors related to the adoption of EVs, and this study specifically investigates the impact of economic factors, performance, and charging infrastructure on the willingness to adopt EVs. The study utilises a quantitative approach by conducting survey, and the structure of the questionnaire included three main components: the provision of background information on the participants, their perspectives on the factors influencing the purchase of EVs, and their general level of knowledge and awareness. The main objective is to identify the factors influencing consumer behaviour towards EV adoption in Dubai. By using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, our findings indicate a significant association between the willingness to adopt EVs and several factors, including the performance characteristics and economic cost. Surprisingly, the research fails to provide enough evidence to prove the claim that the sufficient availability of charging infrastructure has a positive impact on the willingness to adopt EVs. This research provides significant insights into the dynamics of EV adoption in Dubai. It also offers strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise their focus on efforts that lead to encourage sustainable transportation practices and decrease carbon emissions in urban areas.
Barriers to Using Shared Mobility Electric-Scooters in Dubai: The DEMATEL Approach
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-03) ALMARRI, HESSA MARWAN; Dr Sa'Ed Salhieh
This study investigates barriers to the widespread adoption of shared mobility electric scooters (e-scooters) in Dubai. Using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, the research identifies key obstacles such as weather conditions, safety concerns, limited availability, and service coverage. Expert opinions validate the findings, emphasising the need to address these barriers to enhance e-scooter acceptance and usage in the city. Keywords: electronic-scooter, barriers, shared mobility, DEMATEL
Impact of Ethical Decisions on Sustainable Development Related to Social Issues in the UAE
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-05) KARIMI, KHALIL EBRAHIM; Professor Alaa Ameer
Understanding the role of leaders in projects is as important as the success expected to be achieved in the end. As a result, leadership styles, leadership commitment, ethical decision-making and ethical leadership principles have an important role to play when handling engineering projects with the aim of attaining sustainable development and handling social issues surrounding the project. Regression analysis done with the beta is 0.319, and its p-value is 0.002, which is less than the 0.05 cutoff p-value, leading to the conclusion that ethical decision-making has a significant effect on sustainable development and related social issues in the UAE. On considering whether leadership styles have any significant effect on sustainable development and related social issues in the UAE, the results indicated that truly, leadership styles do impact sustainable development and related social issues. Regression analysis yields a beta of 0.452 and a p-value of 0.004, below the cutoff p-value of 0.05, leading to the conclusion that leadership styles do affect sustainable development. At the same time, regression analysis with the beta is -0.14, and its p-value is 0.023, less than the 0.05 criterion, leading to the conclusion that leadership commitment has a significant effect on sustainable development and related social issues. On the same note, regression analysis yields a beta of 0.24 and a p-value of 0.001, below the cutoff p-value of 0.05, indicating that ethical leadership principles have a significant effect on sustainable development and related social issues.
Barriers of Additive Manufacturing Adoption in United Arab Emirates Automotive Supply Chain
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-11) ALI, ASMA ALI ABDULLA; Dr Sa'Ed Salheih
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the leading countries, in the Middle East, for Additive Manufacturing (AM). The UAE government is strongly focusing on fostering innovation within the automotive supply chain of the country. AM offers a tremendous opportunity by improving adaptability and efficiency of the supply chain such as reducing lead times, decreasing the dependence on foreign suppliers, and promoting sustainability in manufacturing processes. The study used a mixed method approach to determine the interrelationship between the barriers and to prioritize them with respect to one another. 11 critical barriers were identified through comprehensive literature review analysis and were modeled using ISM-MICMAC and ANP analysis with opinions gathered from industry experts. The study represents that Lack of standardization, skilled labor shortage, and limited availability of raw materials are the important barriers in the AM adoption. The ISM analysis represented the qualitative classification of barriers levels depending on their influence and interdependence, whereas the ANP analysis provided a quantitative validation for the findings. The results of this study are beneficial in providing insights of AM adoption and the unique obstacles encountered in the UAE automotive supply chain. It also assists the decision makers and automotive industry professionals to strategically implement additive manufacturing initiatives to overcome these barriers.
Implementation of Reliability Maintenance (RCM) for Extending Life of Compressors in Ship Repair Yard
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-11) ALAWADHI, HAROON ABDULRAZZAQ MOHAMMED; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
This study aims to investigate the implementation of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) for extending the life of critical aging assets using in the case study on the compressor used for compressed air supply in the shipyard. RCM is the systematic and proactive technique to optimize the maintenance strategy of assets or systems based on the function, failure, and consequences. RCM helped to prevent and mitigate the potential failure and its effects on the system performance, safety, economy, and the environment, and it extended the asset's life. This study has followed a seven-step RCM methodology to implement the study. This study also used tools like failure mode, failure mode effect, and critical analysis through FMECA and the Risk priority number (RPN) to consider the failure mode and select the most suitable maintenance task. This study also proposed the reliability cycle for the continuous improvement process in RCM. This study found that RCM also helped to determine critical equipment or elements that eliminate failures, keep the equipment healthy for a longer period, and extend assets' life. Moreover, this study also determined some of the challenges and limitations of the RCM implementation, such as budget and resource constraints, management support and commitment, data quality, and the availability of empirical evidence. This study concluded with some recommendations for overcoming these challenges and their limitations, like constructing the cost of benefit analysis that obtains stakeholder involvement and feedback, developing a clear and consistent procedure for the implementation, and conducting more research to provide with further evidence for the RCM's ability to extend asset life.
Electrical Power Transformer Health Condition Assessment Using Health Index Model
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) ALASHI, LUBNA; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
Power Transformer is the principal to preserve Transmission network operation and is required to ensure the stability of the power grid. Over time, Power Transformer is degrading, and it is essential to assess its condition to avoid system interruptions and breakdowns. Moreover, condition evaluation may help to regularly revise and adjust the maintenance strategy to effectively optimize the recourses used with respect to the desired quality. Health Index formulation is one of the effective models to evaluate the asset condition. It comprises a series of evaluation parameters combined into a single value to indicate the health index from different aspects for the best asset management planning. This study aims to develop a Health Index model for Power Transformers based on the most suitable parameters. Furthermore, the research will propose a decision-making Flow Chart for the maintenance requirements and determining the remaining life. The major parameters selected in this research are electrical and laboratory tests, location, age, and site observations. Basically, the existing methods of Health Index are usually a combination of experts’ knowledge and data-driven. Therefore, the method used in this research is the scoring and weighting method to evaluate the parameters using experts’ experience, international standards, and previous studies. The data is collected based on a real case study of Three Power Transformers in the Middle East region. Further, a Flow Chart diagram is established to make a decision on the most appropriate maintenance requirement needed for each Power Transformer. After that, the remaining expected life is also determined. The findings of the Three Power Transformers states are Good, close to Fair, and close to Poor. Accordingly, further enhancement is required for the two Power Transformers by adjusting the maintenance plan and continuously monitoring their condition. A replacement plan should also be prepared as both Power Transformers' end of life are less than Ten years. In conclusion, the key factor in establishing a successful Health Index model is selecting realistic and suitable parameters, scores and weight.
Challenges and Motivators associated with treated wastewater reuse in the United Arab Emirates
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) ALSHAMSI, FATMA; Dr Sa’Ed Salhieh
Fresh water resources are very limited in the United Arab Emirates, due to natural factors such as non-availability of fresh surface water streams, rare rainfall and climate change in addition to human related factors including extreme withdrawal of groundwater, high consumption rate and economic and industrial development. During the past decades, UAE suffered from depletion of freshwater resources, increase in groundwater salt content and deterioration in ground water quality. As a result, the conversion towards nonconventional water resources was necessary, where UAE mainly depends on desalination. Wastewater is considered a valuable non-conventional source of interest in the United Arab Emirates. The aim of this paper is to identify the most important challenges and motivators associated with treated wastewater reuse in the context of UAE. The study also aims to categorize the identified factors into cause and effect group, the understanding of relation among set of factors in important for better solution approach, such the focus on because group will improve both causes and effects factors. The Methodology followed to analyze the data is DEMATEL method. Where literature review was first done to identify the list of challenges and motivators of treated wastewater reuse. The identified factors were presented to experts in wastewater management in UAE for their evaluation. The evaluations were arranged in a matrix and the DEMATEL analysis finding was as follows: For challenges: The limited commercial development of reclaimed water was found to be the most important factor and Citizen’s reluctance to pay for wastewater systems is the least important challenge. For motivators: Political dimension and leadership support was found to be the most important driver of wastewater reuse in UAE, and considering treated wastewater as Precautionary measure during emergency cases is the least important factor among motivators. The recommendations focused on the top five factors of each group and the five most important factors in the cause category. The identification and grouping of these challenges and motivators is expected to add valuable information to literature relative to the subject of the study.
Failures Root Cause Analysis for Sewer Pipeline Network System
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) JAROOR, SAADI; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
Wastewater System is one of the most critical infrastructure systems. It is known that there are several types of Wastewater, and this dissertation is concerned with the Sewer type of Wastewater in particular. In addition, there are several systems of Sewer Wastewater as the dissertation is centered around Sewer Wastewater Pipeline Systems. Furthermore, there are two types of Sewer Wastewater Pipeline Systems: the gravity and pressure systems, and both systems will be discussed in this dissertation. The Sewer Wastewater Pipeline System was chosen for several reasons, the most important of which is finding Sewer Wastewater Pipeline System failures that affect the Sewer Wastewater as a whole System. In addition, to the danger effects of Sewer Wastewater Pipeline System failures. These effects may reach the residents of the area where the Sewer Wastewater Pipeline System failures occur. Furthermore, there are very harmful environmental effects. This dissertation aims to study the Sewer Pipelines system failures in an infrastructure organization in one of the Middle East countries. The period of data collected from 2014-2022. For studying and analyzing this topic, some techniques will be used Failure Rate, Pareto Chart, FMEA, and Fishbone Diagram. The research findings are summarized as the failure rate of the Gravity Pipeline system is higher than the Pressure Pipeline system. Also, the most frequent system failures are Pipeline broken, joint dislocation, connection broken, and damage. In addition, the most important consequences of the sewage pipeline system effects are the health, environmental impact, and road collapse in some failure cases. Furthermore, the most critical root cause is Third Party, Water Hammer, and Groundwater movement.
The impact of leadership on employees’ performance while working remotely, a case study of DEWA in Dubai
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-12) ALFARDAN, AMEER JASSIM ZAINAB; Dr Gul Ahmed
The current investigation sets out to discover the impact of varying leadership approaches on staff performance at DEWA amidst the “COVID-19” pandemic, a time marked by an upsurge in “remote work”. We focused our attention on four distinctive leadership styles: “transformational”, “transactional”, “autocratic”, and “laissez-faire”. Moreover, we considered the potential moderating effects of “intrinsic motivation” and the equilibrium between work and personal life. Our findings reveal that “transformational leadership” played a substantial role in boosting “employee performance” and promoting a healthy “work-life balance”. “Transactional leadership” displayed a marginal influence on “employee performance”, while autocratic and “laissez-faire leadership” styles demonstrated no noteworthy effects. A fascinating finding was the positive moderating role of “intrinsic motivation”, which intensified the correlation between “transformational leadership” and “employee performance”. The implications of this study underscore the need to embrace “transformational leadership” practices at DEWA in order to cultivate a more efficient “remote working” atmosphere in the post-COVID landscape. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of fostering “intrinsic motivation” within the workforce to achieve improved performance results. Future research endeavors are encouraged to delve into other leadership styles and potential moderating factors within similar contexts of “remote work”.
Analysis of Synergy of Information Technology and Engineering Departments in a Telecommunication Company in United Arab Emirates and Middle East
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ALMUHIRI, RASHID; Professor Alaa Ameer
The following research is an investigation of the dynamic interplay between Information Technology (IT) and Engineering departments of a well-known telecommunication company from the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. The main focus of this study is on increasing organizational efficiency, employee motivation, and cost-effectiveness, and thus the study delves into the consequences of integrating these departments. The objective of this study is to reveal the links between the synergy between IT and Engineering departments and important organizational factors, comprising of approval processes, employee motivation, and outdated interfaces costs. It aims to deliver actionable insights for telecommunication companies targeting optimization of their operations. Quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. The findings support that merging of the two departments significantly enhances efficiency of approval processes, streamlines workflows, reduces delays, and improves overall coordination. Positive link between departmental merger and heightened employee motivation is observed. It furthermore reveals mitigation of costs linked with outdated interfaces through proactive technology adoption. The study can help guide organizations to gain a competitive edge, optimize operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. This study informs a path that leads to organizational efficiency, competitiveness, and strategic integration.
Reducing Delays in the Construction of Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Applying Agile Methodology Best Practices in Railway Project in the UAE
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) ALNAQBI, NOUF MOHAMMED; Dr Gul Jokhio Ahmed
The infrastructure project sector in The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most advanced and developed in the region. Infrastructure projects have a massive impact on the country's economic development and growth. Usually, these projects are costly, take many years to construct, and effects millions of people. The successful completion of infrastructure projects is essential, as it can improve economic growth and quality of life in the UAE. However, 50% of the construction projects in the UAE face delay due to the complex and dynamic environment of these projects. Infrastructure projects require a more fixable framework than the Traditional Project Management framework commonly utilized in this sector. This research paper explores the Agile Project Management (APM) framework practices and tools to identify the best APM practices that can be adopted in a Traditional infrastructure project in the United Arab Emirates to develop a Hybrid project management framework. Also, the factors causing the delay and the Agile enables projects can implement to help the adoption of APM practices in infrastructure projects. All of this is explored using a survey conducted on a Railway project in the UAE. The survey finding shows that all the proposed APM practices can assist in reducing the time overrun, and a Hybrid framework is developed according to the research findings; this framework focuses on applying the agile practice in the execution phase, where most of the delay factors occur, and applying traditional project management practices in the initial phases of the project is more effective in establishing a well-detailed project schedule. Using the hybrid framework in infrastructure projects can help improve performance, communication, and adaptability to changing requirements. The developed Hybrid Framework model is suggested for infrastructure projects in the United Arab Emirates.
Link between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Efficiency & Employee Performance
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ALALI, ABDULLA HASSAN; Dr Sa'Ed Mohammad Issa Salhieh
The study investigated the impact of transformational leadership on efficiency and employee performance in engineering organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the last two decades, transformational leadership (TL) has gained much importance and a conspicuous place in leadership philosophies. Therefore, it is not surprising that the current evolution in leadership theory and practice has increased a lot of attention from researchers and practitioners in the context of organizational efficiency. The problems in all organizations are present, and moving on with them is necessary. The issues addressed in this proposal and solved are related to efficiencies and completing tasks and projects on time. The study’s specific objectives were to analyse the impact of transformational leadership on the efficiency of organizations, to identify the impact of transformational leadership on employee performance, and to recommend way through which the efficiency of organizations can be improved using the TL approach by the end of 2024. Therefore, this investigation will explain the best approach to managing the followers and improving the overall efficiency of business operations without negatively influencing followers’ motivation. The specific problem addressed in this study is finding inspiration among followers through the TL approach and completing all the tasks in time without losing motivation. For this purpose, the companies operating in the construction engineering sector will be presented with recommendations for improving efficiency. The primary methodologies adopted in the study included a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach that influenced the selection of subsequent techniques. Purposive sampling was used in selecting participants from whom the data was collected using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire adapted from past studies and modified to suit the current investigation’s aims. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic data while inferential statistics, including linear regression analysis and correlation analysis to determine and test the nature of relationships between independent and dependent variables. The findings demonstrated that transformational leadership significantly influences organizational efficiency, a determination which aligns with previous studies. Besides, it was found that TL further significantly influences employee performance in the UAE’s engineering and construction sector. Based on the findings, it was recommended that leaders should set clear and challenging goals, create a supportive and collaborative work environment, and provide opportunities for employee development and growth. Besides, they should foster an environment of innovation and creativity and ensure that communication and feedback channels are open and effective. Hence, organizations can nurture a culture that supports transformational leadership to foster creativity and innovation, critical in strengthening internal competitiveness.
A Research Study on the Effect of eLearning Platforms on Employee: Employee Participation, Job Satisfaction, Employee Commitment and Employee Productivity in UAE
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) ALHANAEE, AWAD JUMA; Dr Sa'ed Salhieh
Purpose The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of eLearning over employee engagement, job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee productivity in medium and large firms in UAE. This study's proposed questionnaire underwent pilot tests to ensure the questionnaire's validity, terms, relevance, and suitability for the target group. A final sample of 97 participants was studied after excluding cases with unsuitable responses. Results prove a significant positive relationship between eLearning and job satisfaction, employee engagement, employee commitment and employee productivity. Therefore, it is quantitatively and theoretically proven that eLearning has a positive effect on above mentioned dependent variables. Using correlation and regression analysis via SPSS to understand the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results have been validated using Cronbach Alpha and existing literature review. The information obtained from this paper will help organizations obtain the best eLearning practices and employ the best eLearning platform and module for their employees. Also, it would add additional value to existing literature and close the current gaps related to eLearning and how it would affect professional development. Design/methodology/approach/Findings This paper aims to examine possible relationship between eLearning and employee participation, job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee productivity in medium and large size firms throughout qualitative research (a survey) using statistical analyzing method SPSS. The findings of the research prove a positive relationship between eLearning and employee participation, job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee productivity, where implementing eLearning programs at workplace increases employee participation, job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee productivity. The information obtained from survey can be used to improve the quality of existing eLearning modules or to prove the importance of eLearning and its effect on professional development. Research limitations/ implication Since employee requires continual learning and improvement in a variety of areas, this research will aid in understanding how an eLearning platform would affect employees in general organizations. Additionally, management and other stakeholders would benefit from an understanding of current practices and how it would benefit their staff members professionally. Originality/ value There is a non - availability of research in this area, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, according to a review of various literature on eLearning platforms and employee engagement, job satisfaction, employee commitment, and employee productivity. Understanding current practices and how it would help their staff members professionally will benefit management and other stakeholders in UAE. Keywords: eLearning, Employee Engagement, Job satisfaction, Job Commitment, Employee performance, United Arab Emirates
Establishing A Guideline and Decision-Making Approach For UAE Solar Assets Waste Management By Utilising PVsyst
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) AL-ALI, AMEL; Professor Alaa A-Ameer
As the number of solar panel installations increases, the amount of discarded panels is also expected to escalate to an estimated 60 million tons by 2050, assuming a lifespan of 20-30 years for the panels. It is a newly declared global concern for the need to manage this new technology waste. End-of-life solar panels contain valuable components, but there currently needs to be globally documented guidelines in place to manage this type of waste efficiently. This paper studies solar PV waste in relation to EOL end-of-life management of PV assets installed in a solar park in the United Arab Emirates. Given the specific research limitations in implementing the proposed methodologies, the researcher conducted a comparative analysis by studying four different climatic regions: the UAE, Canada, India, and Norway, to bridge the gap and reinforce the validity of the results. The lack of comprehensive global guidelines and frameworks that guide decision-making regarding photovoltaic (PV) panel waste disposal and insufficient research on managing such waste are the driving forces behind this study. The study aims to address this gap by identifying the factors that affect the performance and efficiency of photovoltaic energy systems, specifically in the United Arab Emirates, a country known for its extremely hot and dry climate, and to develop assessment approaches and guidelines. PVsyst simulation software has been used for system performance analysis and to support decision-making by examining specially designed technical flow charts. The PV panels' basic performance-related parameters and meteorological information were identified as essential elements for evaluating the overall performance. The study also identified the primary tools for making end-of-life (EOL) decisions. The results revealed that the photovoltaic system in the UAE solar park completed its end-of-life with a PR ratio of 80% sooner than expected, with 22 years compared to the 25 years predicted by the manufacturer. This leads to the conclusion that installing PV panels in hot climate regions accelerates the deterioration of PV panels. India, a country with very hot and rainy weather, also backed up these assumptions by reaching an 80.8% PR in 22 years. The study provides a clear understanding of the factors that must be considered when deciding where to install solar panels due to their impact on the efficiency and health of the panels, and the conditions that cause PV systems to fail earlier than expected, thus introducing more waste to the environment.
The Benefits of Using Blockchain for Freight and Logistics
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ALHAMMADI, RASHED; Dr Sa'Ed Mohammad
The following paper strives to investigate the potential impacts of blockchain technology on the efficiency and operations of the freight & logistics industry. The research addresses two critical research questions that are: (a) How can blockchain technology enhance the efficiency of freight and logistics processes? (b) What are the most suitable applications of blockchain in the freight and logistics industry? The study adopts a descriptive research design with a quantitative research approach, utilizing a deductive approach to test research hypotheses. The research focuses on the population of Emirati stakeholders, preferably managers working in the freight and logistics industry, such as logistics companies, service providers, shippers, and carriers. Data will be collected through applying purposive sampling technique. The data instrument is a structured survey questionnaire. The research will apply statistical analysis including descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. Furthermore, SPSS and R analysis will be applied. Major findings will uncover potential advantages of blockchain integration within UAE along with the considerations and challenges for adoption. The implications will provide invaluable guidance to blockchain experts and professionals. This will also lead to further expansion of the field.
The Impact of Transformational Verses Strategic Leadership Styles in the Success of Engineering Teams
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-09) SAEED, AHMAD MOHAMMAD; Dr Sa'Ed Mohammad
Engineering teams' success is based on their ability to work effectively and use their skills, experience, and knowledge to achieve results. To achieve this, the team needs robust and effective leadership. The research seeks to identify the elements of each style that can contribute to the success of engineering teams and to investigate the potential effects of each on the team's overall performance. Furthermore, this research will seek to understand the dynamics of the team that are impacted by the leadership style and its effectiveness on the team's performance. Additionally, this research will analyze the relationship between the Transformational and Strategic leadership styles and the team's success and how the two kinds interact to achieve the desired results. Finally, this research will provide recommendations for engineering teams on effectively implementing the leadership style that best suits their goals and objectives. The investigation utilized a quantitative research approach that collected and analyzed numerical data. The research will include workers from several fields. The sample will be selected randomly to generalize the study's results. The minimum required sample size for the analysis will be 100 participants to ensure sufficient statistical power. Data was collected using web-based survey websites. The strategy entailed uploading the questionnaire on the platform and generating a link randomly sent to potential respondents. The instrument contained elimination questions to ensure that only individuals in the UAE engineering sector were allowed to participate. Descriptive statistics were performed to provide a starting point for the research and determine the participant distribution within the target sample. Pearson Moment correlation analysis was performance to evaluate the strength of the relationship between employee engagement and transformational leadership on employee outcomes. The study conducted a linear regression analysis to estimate the impact of the predictor variable on the dependent variable. Besides, ANOVA was performed to determine whether there were significant differences in the participants' demographic characteristics, including work experience, gender, age, and highest educational attainment, concerning the study variables. The findings demonstrated that transformational and strategic leadership significantly influenced organizational performance. Besides, employee engagement was a significant moderator between the independent and dependent variables. Nonetheless, transformational leadership was more appropriate in strengthening the engineering team’s internal competitiveness than strategic leadership. The phenomenon signifies that engineering teams could experience advantages from having a leader who can encourage and stimulate team members to collaborate toward common objectives. The results of this study additionally enhance the expanding knowledge base regarding the influence of various leadership approaches on team productivity.
Barriers of Adopting Artificial Intelligence Tools in Engineering Construction Projects
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ALKAABI, ABDULLA; Dr Gul Ahmed
Engineering construction projects using AI technologies create obstacles. Barriers prevent AI integration in construction. Insufficient knowledge and understanding of AI, data management and integration issues, legal and regulatory hurdles, financial considerations, reluctance to change, and interoperability issues all hinder AI system adoption and implementation. First, many engineering and construction specialists may not understand or use artificial intelligence. The situation may cause concern and trepidation about integrating AI technologies and lack understanding of their optimal deployment and operation. Construction data management and integration are difficult. AI algorithms depend on data for training and analysis. AI technologies often struggle with construction data's fragmentation, inconsistency, and confidentiality. AI technologies may also face regulatory and legal hurdles related to data confidentiality, protection, and property rights. These issues may limit AI tool use or increase legal liability, hindering adoption. Integrating AI technology may be costly, especially for smaller companies with limited funds. Hardware, software, and training costs may prevent certain construction businesses from using AI solutions. Industry culture and change aversion may slow AI tool adoption. Conventional attitudes, fear of termination, and reluctance to change processes may hinder AI adoption in construction workflows. Finally, interoperability and integration issues may hinder AI adoption. Incorporating AI into pre-existing software, systems, and processes may require significant effort and tailoring, and compatibility issues may hinder the easy integration of AI utilities into building projects.
The Mediating Role of Empowerment on the Impact of Servant Leadership on Safety Culture Maturity: A Case Study in UAE Petrochemical Plant
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-06) ALHAMMADI, MAJID YOUSIF KHATIR; Dr Sa'Ed Mohammad Issa Salhieh
This study explores the relationship between servant leadership and safety culture maturity in a UAE petrochemical plant. It investigates how employee empowerment can mediate this connection. Effective leadership is essential for creating a mature safety culture in high-risk industries like petrochemicals. Servant leaders prioritize employees' needs and focus on their development; these traits are conducive to fostering an advanced safety environment. This research seeks to understand how empowering workers influence the impact of servant leadership on mature safety culture. This study proposes employee empowerment as a key mediator. Thus, servant leaders can foster a safe working environment that promotes trust and respect by enabling their staff through empowerment strategies such as entrusting responsibility and providing support when needed. The research employs a case study to explore the relationship between leadership and safety culture in a UAE petrochemical plant. It aims to contribute to the existing literature on this topic and provide practical guidance for organizations looking to improve their safety culture. In this study, mediation was conducted by using Hayes’ Process Macro through IBM SPSS. Findings identify the positive impact of servant leadership on safety culture maturity through full mediation of empowerment. This suggests that servant leadership and employee empowerment are key factors in promoting mature safety cultures, highlighting the vital role of human elements in occupational health. The research offers insight into how leaders can influence workplace safety within the petrochemical industry.

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